Costly and Cheap Thrills

Some of the places we visit will either thrill us or chill us. In Baltimore last week, I enjoyed roaming along the Harbor, visiting shops and people-watching. Like any touristy spot featuring food and entertainment, there were a few interesting sights. I was slightly surprised to see the Cat in the Hat holding an umbrella over his head (it wasn’t raining), maneuvering through the crowds like a cat on a mission. But, even more shocking was the man walking a dog—and an alpaca. With no petting zoo in sight, I didn’t expect to see a fluffy alpaca strolling down the city street, looking like a person dressed in a costume. There’s no guessing what we’ll find once we leave home. Check out these urban surprises:

                                     https://youtu.be/LDZBgVnhf-Y  

And I thought it was weird seeing an alpaca on the street. Before you consider visiting this area, be familiar with how to stay safe. Public displays of affection, immodest clothing, swearing, and riding in a car with unrelated members of the opposite gender can cost you jail time. Everything that looks spectacular isn’t always the safest, especially if you enjoy your freedom. What are you considering giving up because the thrill costs too much?

Not Just Monkey Business

I’ll be a monkey’s uncle. Why would anyone say that? It seems the saying became popular in the 1920s when people use it to indicate unexpected surprise, the way we might say, “Amazing, imagine that!” Here’s a better explanation of being a monkey’s uncle.  English is peppered with idioms that make no literal sense. I can imagine the confusion these sayings cause for anyone learning to speak English and seeing this video wouldn’t help. Take a look:

                                          http://youtu.be/X8Ofgy5btNY

 I wonder how railway management came up with that idea. Did you catch the seriousness of the gentleman surrounding Mr. Miyan?  I love the way no one seemed shocked by him. It reminded me of New York City where you can witness all sorts of interesting sights.  The scene may look odd, but Mr. Miyan claims his method works. What’s the most unbelievable thing you‘ve heard, and realized later that it made perfect sense?     

Cage-free Living

Ostrich on the loose! If you follow the news, you’ve probably heard the story about the ostrich that escaped and ran amok through the traffic-filled streets of China. Unfortunately, the big bird was hit twice and caused several additional vehicular accidents. Every few months we hear stories about wild animals escaping from zoos, pens and cages.  When the door opens, why do they run? The obvious answer: animals prefer freedom. What would it mean if the doors opened and creatures stayed put? In some situations, it’s scarier to be outside of a cage than inside. Take a look:

                                          http://youtu.be/74O8TA3x9r8            

The guys in the video had a choice—swim or stay. When we feel trapped in difficult work, school or family circumstances, we have choices, too. We try to minimize problems with vacations, mood and mind-altering substances, hobbies or exercise, but those choices are usually symptom band-aids instead of a long-term solutions for the primary problem. What helps keep you stress-free regardless of your situation?