Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
A Trip to Arkansas
My kids and I went on a trip to Murfreesboro, Arkansas. We started out early in the morning before sunrise since we live in Northeast Mississippi. I chose to take Highway 82 West since it goes all the way across Mississippi, and into Arkansas. We also dropped off some computers at a friend's house in Winona, MS to be fixed while we were on our trip. What's fun about going on a trip like this is finding your way on a map, and seeing places you have never been. Not the Interstates...just regular State highways.
By Juanell Hopper9 years ago in Wander
Creepiest Abandoned Amusement Parks in America
Amusement parks are fun!... right? While some look at the actual amusement that comes from the parks, others find it difficult to look past the creepy aspects of that come along when entering these parks. They are designed for a fun and thrilling time, but how can one focus on that if they are filled with clowns, mascots with who knows what kind of person underneath those masks, dirty toothless men running the rides, and thousands of strangers that you have never met before. And if you did not think that amusement parks could get any creepier than that, imagine walking into an abandoned one. A whole amusement park all on your own that has been rundown and rusting for years. Well, unfortunately for those who are not fans of creepy places, and fortunately enough for those who get a thrill out of visiting places like this, then do I have some destinations for you. Here are some of the creepiest amusement parts in America, after the fun ended.
By Corey Gittleman9 years ago in Wander
Unfriendly Skies
One thing that I can’t stand is how we seem to have lost even the illusion of “customer service” with such an important industry as Air Travel. Over the years the process became more miserable, and the space became more crowded. Somewhere along the way, we became cattle that could pay their own way. I recently traveled from San Diego to North Carolina with my girlfriend, Gigi and the Wee Lad. As things fell apart en route, Southwest Airlines made no moves to help the passengers with contingencies. Our trip ended with me keeping watch over a sleeping nine-year-old and his mother, in a strange airport.
By Mickey Finn9 years ago in Wander
Re-Entry
I'd be lying if I told you that when I arrived in Narita Airport in July of 2009 that it was a new experience. The summer of 2009 marked the third time I had ventured to Japan. The first time was when I was bridging the gap between middle school and high school and the second time was as a Sophomore in college. The experience is always new though, and that is precisely why it always feels new. Ten hours on a plane renders most vegetables less than fresh and humans in this way are very much like vegetables. There was lots of soon to be teachers at the airport that day and we all were filed into a group where we awaited our introduction to life in the JET Program. It was maybe afternoon when we landed in Tokyo and usually, a flight of that length puts everyone into a philosophical state. It was all quite a surreal experience realizing that I would be living in Japan for at least one year, compounded by the reality that I was certain that teaching in this way was as new as new could be. We all were loaded onto buses and then were transported to a nice Tokyo hotel where orientation would take place.
By Sound And The Messenger9 years ago in Wander
10 Things To Do This Summer
1. Read Lots Of Books Summer is the perfect time to sit outside and tuck into a good book. You can also get a nice suntan at the same time which is an extra bonus. Get warped into another world as you turn the pages. If you have an e-reader like a Kindle, take advantage of all of the cheap and free books available. If you walk past a shop selling books, have a browse. Take your mind on vacation with some great poems and stories.
By Chloe Gilholy9 years ago in Wander
Canes and Cane Travel For the Blind or Visually Impaired
The next step in the process of learning how to travel independently while blind is learning how to use canes and practicing cane technique. Depending on the city you live in, your physical limitations, how much and how far you travel and other individual needs, cane usage will vary slightly. Your cane instructor will show you specific tricks and techniques that work best for you and suit your travel needs.
By Jared Rimer9 years ago in Wander
Me First
I have always loved travel, although I haven't done it nearly as much as I want to. In high school, I traveled to Italy and Greece and fell in love. The architecture was so beautiful, the culture so rich, and it was all around so different from America, a place I often felt lacked a strong cultural connection. This was the true beginning of my travel bug.
By J.C. Marie9 years ago in Wander
The Flow
Once I was in the flow everything happened fast. I still remember rising early in the morning in Cairns and saying goodbye at a corner to Jen and then walking to the airport. A few hours later I was in Cairns and a couple days later I was looking at the Pacific Ocean en route to California and then Colorado. The wheels were turning for Japan though. I had applied for The JET Program from Australia. At that time though I had no clue what would happen. So often my life has plopped me right back down on Main Street in Aspen, Colorado and told me to be patient and start over and so there I was. The musical ringing from Australia hadn't subsided and soon I met up with an old friend and we formed a makeshift band. I got a regular gig for apre ski and met quite a few music connections. The glitter was still pouring out that year from Australia and everything was in movement.
By Sound And The Messenger9 years ago in Wander
