Exciting New Update!

Last month I finally did something that I had been wanting to do for a long time. I bought the domain name: Samuelworldwide.com!

This is an exciting step for me as I continue to peruse expanding my travel blog. I have lots of ideas to expand on, tips to share, and travel stories to write. But don't worry, this site will still remain active, though some of the stories and articles that I have written will be copied over.

So hop on over to http://samuelworldwide.com to keep on traveling with me.

God bless!

~Samuel S.

Becoming a Known Traveler

Last week I had a appointment to interview for my "Known Traveler" number; I was applying for TSA Pre-Check. However, the lady made known to me that this was not good for international travel, and upon further inquiry, I decided to apply for Global Entry instead, which included TSA Pre-Check, and is only $15 more. My application is still in review... more updates when they become available.

Getting an International Driving Permit - Updated

Originally I was just going to link my last post about getting new International Driving Permits (IDPs); However, I realized that some of the info in the old post is no longer valid, so I decided to create a new post about how to obtain an IDP; I applied though the American Automobile Association (AAA).

(Asheville Branch)

While you can apply for a IDP from AAA via-mail by printing, and mailing in a form (mail-in AAA application found here), I have never taken this route. Both times I just went into a local AAA branch as I needed 2 matching passport sized photos for the application. For me, even if I was a good distance from an AAA branch, I would have made a special trip to go and apply in person; there is no waiting period to receive your IDP, the staff can answer questions if you have any, and you can pay with a credit card.

(friendly staff)

As of this writing, the fee for the IDP itself is $20. AAA will take the passport photos for free if you are a AAA Plus member or higher. However, there is a fee, varying by location, if you have a lower membership tier, or don't have a AAA membership at all. I recommend that you call ahead to the AAA branch that you plan to visit to make sure that you have all current information.

The IDP will good for one year from date of issuance. However, you can ask them to date it to a future date as I did, but is cannot be more than 6 months in advance.

Though I got my permit through AAA, you can also get one through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). These are the only two entities listed on travel.state.gov as authorized issuers of IDPs to holders of US driver's licenses. If you see another entity offering IDPs, it is probably a scam. For more up to date information on IDPs, please visit: travel.state.gov.

Note: While I do try to make sure all the information I provide is accurate, I will make no guarantees. Please do your own research. Also, I am NOT affiliate with AAA, NAC or USDOS. The links provided here will take you to other websites, click responsibly.

It's Official!

WE ARE GOING TO SWEDEN!

(Right to left: Kellyn, Monica, Me) :D

This is actually an announcement that I have wanted to go "public" with for a while, but the time never seemed to be right. However, yesterday we, Kellyn and Monica (my friends who will be joining me on this adventure to Sweden), and I, made an appoint to go get our International Driving Permits (IDPs) from AAA together. It was a fun experience to share with them, and we are more than excited for this trip!

Exploring Asheville #1

This afternoon I got to go back into Asheville for a few hours, as a friend who had a function to attend let me accompany then into town. Now obviously there is way more to see in Asheville than what a few hours could afford, but on the drive into town I decided to Google some food venues within walking distance of where my friend would my friend would be.

So today, I made up my mind to visit Vortex Doughnuts and Noble Kava Bar.

First I went to Vortext Doughnuts. This is a really trendy little coffee house type place that, as the name suggests, specializes in doughnuts. Not being familiar with their offerings, I was hoping to get my usually jelly filled doughnut. However, as they were in their last hour of business for the day, they were out of the filled kind. So with some guidance from a very friendly staff member, I picked ... and ... I ended up getting two of each because as the guy behind the counter explained they don't use any preservatives, so all doughnut are BOGO during the last hour of business to limit what has to be thrown out; I really appreciated this, as wasting food was a top level sin in my family.

Over all, I highly recommend this place. The prices are reasonable, the dining area is clean, the atmosphere is great, and the staff is really friendly. It is also worth noting that they have a selection of vegan doughnut offerings equal to the regular non-vegan selections.

My second venue for the day was Noble Kava Bar. I had heard of this place before, but was unaware of its location, but as someone who has spend a few months in Vanuatu, the word "kava" got my attention. However, despite my time in Vanuatu, I had never tried kava... for multiple reasons this posting is not meant to discuss. So I was actually pretty excited to see what they had to offer, and to see if I could get my first taste of kava.

Now for those of you who are unfamiliar with kava, it is the root of a plant native to the South Pacific, and it is used by native peoples to make a drink. Please note that this is a non-alcoholic drink. However, the drink contains a compound from the root known as kavain which can have a numbing effect on tissues it makes direct contact with.

If it wasn't for the brightly colored sign, I might have just walked right past the place. As it is a very "hole in the wall" type venue. The atmosphere was quiet, and the lighting reduced, but inviting overall. After looking over the menu, I asked the cashier his recommendation for a first time Kava drinker. He said just try a regular double shot (again non-alcoholic) which is the price of a single for first timers. He ladled kava into a glass and garnished it with a slice of pineapple.

I took a seat off to the side and prepared to have my first taste of kava. The color looks a lot like ice coffee. However, know that this drink will not be sweet or chocolaty like a McCafe. Kava has a very unique taste that I can't quite describe other than to say it is kind of mineral-y. The place is trendy looking hangout, and I would encourage you to stop by if for nothing else other than for the cultural experience of saying that you have drank kava.