Sunday Spontaneity Flight 9:26:21
Volcano eruption in Spain, pizza vending machine, and an "underwater" cabin
True life: planning an international trip right now, even as a vaccinated traveler, is freaking hard. From Europe to the Caribbean and the UK, it seems like every day, restrictions change. Take the Netherlands, for example, which announced a 10-day quarantine requirement for vaccinated individuals from the US at the beginning of Sept., then reversed it a little more than two weeks later. The answer might simply be, just don’t do the big trip right now. We’ve already waited 1.5 years, why not wait a little while longer to take the trip of your dreams?
But on the flip side, for those celebrating moments that only come once in a lifetime (honeymoon, big anniversary, milestone birthday, etc.), waiting might mean the time comes and goes and the trip just never happens. I’ve had a few friends who waited to take their honeymoon, even before the pandemic, and 3+ years later still haven’t checked it off their list. At this point, it’s more of a regular vacation than a “yay, we got married!” trip. And that’s fine, of course, but it’s all about what matters to you in the end.
I have spent the last two days weighing options for the honeymoon that my partner and I are planning for the beginning of Nov. Part of me wants to wait a little while longer, part of me wants to book something all-inclusive, and part of me just wants someone else to do it all (any takers?). But in all seriousness, if you have any suggestions, please do let me know!
Anyway, end rant. Let’s jump into this week’s news, trends, and things to do next weekend:
Travel News
Los Angeles amusement parks require proof of vaccine or COVID test: You’ll have to be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test to ride this roller coaster. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced that starting Oct. 7, all amusements parks within the county will require park-goers to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving. This includes Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain, among others.
A volcano erupts on La Palma Island in Spain: Last Sunday, the Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted on La Palm Island and the lava flow hasn’t stopped since, forcing thousands to evacuate and destroying hundreds of buildings so far. As of Friday, huge bursts of lava were seen in the air as new vents opened up west of the initial one, causing more concern and a massive accumulation of ash that forced La Palma airport to pause all flights.
Fun and/or Bizarre Trends
Rome has a pizza vending machine: A vending machine in Rome is taking “to-go pizza” to a whole new level. Massimo Bucolo, a Sicilian living in Rome, has come up with the concept called “Mr. Go” that spits out Roman pizza at the click of a button. The machine makes the pizza from scratch right then and there, and lets you pick from four options: a classic margherita, quattro formaggi (four types of cheese), spicy salami, and pancetta. I’m skeptical, but of course curious and would try.
A new airplane concept has an “underwater” cabin: In an effort to create a more positive in-flight experience, aircraft overhaul and maintenance specialist Lufthansa Technik is working on the “Explorer” cabin concept. The idea is that by using a projection system that covers every corner of the interior, the plane can turn into, say, an “underwater” cabin (see here for visual proof) and help you discover new places while en route. Or, you know, just calm your flying nerves. While this idea has yet to come to fruition, there is a strong interest and timeline in place.
Things to do Next Weekend
New York
Sat., Oct. 2: 2nd Annual Brooklyn BagelFest (Brooklyn): What’s better than an NYC bagel on the weekend? An event that has over 20 vendors selling them — hello, bagel shop hopping. The second annual BagelFest celebrates many of the bagel shops the city has to offer, plus other foods, beverages, and bagel-themed events (like voting for the “Best Bagel”).
Cost: Tickets start at $35
Sat., Oct. 2: Maze by Moonlight inspired by Andy Warhol's Cow (Queens): Advertised as the only corn maze in NYC, head to the Queens County Farm Museum for a 3-acre adventure that celebrates Andy Warhol’s pop art. Find clues and solve challenging puzzles to find your way out of the corn maze.
Cost: Tickets start at $35
Connecticut
Sat., Oct. 2: Floral Design: Fall Everlasting Grape Vine Wreath Class (Stamford): Get into fall mode with this fall wreath-making class. Led by former Director of the New York Botanical Garden Trish O’Sullivan, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks on how to make your own wreath for this year and beyond. Nothing is as warm and cozy as one of these babies hanging on your door!
Cost: $170
Sat., Oct. 2: Smoke in the Valley 2021 Craft Beer and Home Brew Festival (Derby): Come enjoy unlimited samples of beer and liquor from 30 vendors — whether it’s a local brewery or an international manufacturer. In addition to all-you-can-sample drinks, there will also be a lineup of food trucks, entertainment, and artisan shops.
Cost: Tickets start at $35
New Jersey
Friday, Oct 1. - Sun., Oct. 3: Forever Forest 2021 Halloween Experience: A Nightmare Before Christmas (Egg Harbor City): This event will throw you right into spooky season. Halloween-themed activities include a walking trail of horror, horrified dunk tank, and — the star of the show — A Nightmare Before Christmas Fright Trolley, complete with festive decorations and live actors. Additional fall activities such as pumpkin decorating, S’mores making, and hayrides also are available. This event runs every weekend in Oct.
Cost: $18
Sat., Oct. 2: Yoga with Goats 2021 (Red Bank): While yoga with goats has been a trending activity for some time now, it’s never too late to jump on the bandwagon. All you have to do is bring your yoga mat, and the goats will take care of the entertainment.
Cost: $30
Pennsylvania
Sat., Oct. 2: Pittsburgh Hard Cider & Doughnut Fest (Pittsburgh): Cheers to the perfect combination of hard cider (sugar) and (doughnuts (sugar). A ticket will get you two free donuts, plus access to drink specials around the event. Several bars and restaurants will be serving up sweet treats, and make sure to drink lots of water to avoid a sugar hangover.
Cost: Tickets start at $25.99
Sat., Oct. 2: Carside Cinema: “Hocus, Pocus” (Philadelphia): Sure, you can watch Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” at home, but what’s not to love about watching the iconic film drive-in style? Better yet, the viewing is free, although you do have to make a parking reservation in advance.
Cost: Free
Virtual
Sat., Oct. 2: PINK Yoga with Bloomingdale's On Screen: Bloomingdale’s is kicking off their annual PINK campaign for breast cancer awareness with a free yoga class taught by breast cancer survivor Sarrah Strimel of Damn Good Yoga.
Cost: Free
Sat., Oct. 2: Saturday Craft Series: For the rest of the year, Langston Hughes Library is hosting a crafting class every Saturday. This particular session is going to be focused on making a Cuban snail. All you need is one big paper plate, markers, crayons, or paint, glue, scissors, one black marker, one pencil, and decorations.
Cost: Free
A final thought:
It’s officially OCTOBER aka the first full month of fall!!!! What is your favorite way to celebrate? Apple picking, pumpkin patches, hot apple cider, sweaters, scarves, Halloween decorations, ankle boots, candles, scary movies, overall coziness… nope I don’t like autumn. Not one bit. Hope this week brings you warmth and happiness (like… fall)!
Travel boldly (& Safely), friends x