MJ's profile

I am a female living in AZ.

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Melanie Born and raised in Flagstaff Arizona. I do have a quirky sence of humor that most people don't get. So don't worry if I leave you scratching your head. I watch and read a lot of sci-fi. Mostly Stargate future/fantasy type stuff not the horror and gore stuff. I scuba dive when I can afford to. And I'm also into biblical archaeology. Mostly as a study though. I am a certified archaeologist and archaeology lab tech and volunteer at digs in different places in the spring and summer. I was born and raised in Arizona and have traveled and worked in many of the national parks including the Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone NP, Jackson Wy, Waterton in Canada, Mesa verde NP, Co; Durango and countless ski resorts in Colorado. I have also travel to Australia for a month in Nov 2005, on my own not Contiki. And more recently to Italy (rome and sorrento) and Athens Greece with Contiki. And many scuba dive trips to Mexico. I also enjoy planning my family and friends vacations for them. In my spare time. I love hockey (I really don't care who's playing) and am a huge Phoenix Suns fan. I recently did my first Contiki trip to Southern Italy and Athens. The Rome, Sorrento Athens Getaway. I am trying to decide if I want to go to Egypt next which is a huge must for me or Prague. And hope to be able to do more travel each year.

My Website: http://www.pbase.com/dragonflylady

My Recent Comments

If you are looking for your tour mates look in the MEETING PLACE in the main forum. Theres one for every tour.

MJ on Europe 145 posted on Feb. 26, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate
Don’t forget to look at the new open and close hours for the vatican museum ect that took effect this year. The winter hours are also much shorter as well. Also if you are into history there is a special tour calld the Scavi tour which is only offered to about 200 people a day and takes you to the ruins under St Peters Basillica. The Vatican itself also offers tours of the museum as well. Its best if you fax or you can try to email them but do it in advance its hard to get them last minute.

MJ on Vatican City 7 posted on Nov. 13, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate
Knotts Berry farm is well known for its awesome fried chicken, boisenberry pies, jellies and my favorite juice.

MJ on Anaheim 4 posted on Oct. 29, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate
One of the main misconceptions reguarding the state of Arizona is that its all desert. It’s not. Mainly the southern part of the state including Phoenix and Tucson are desert. The Northern half of the state where I-40 runs through and up is mostly mountains or high desert. Flagstaff ,which sits at 7300 feet in elevation and the Grand Canyon are known for getting snow in the winter. While Phoenix in more recent years has been known for reaching 120 durring the hot summer days. Bullhead City is normally the hottest spot in North America on any given day.

MJ on Arizona 2 posted on Oct. 29, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate
Make sure you are at the QVB on the hour. There is a very interesting clock that plays music and shows different sceens for about 10-15 minutes best viewed from the top floor. Durring Christmas time the entire building is decorated to the max. You will also find unusual museum pieces inside the building as well. Its a defiante must see!

MJ on Queen Victoria Building 4 posted on Oct. 24, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate
Also with “Liquor” you will hear it called “booze” or “hooch” in some parts of the states. Also make sure you aren’t in a “dry” location. Just east of Flagstaff,Az in the Navajo Reservation is a “dry” location meaning no alochol/liquor can be sold or in your posession though many do. If cought its a federal offence. Some states are also not able to sell liquor on Sundays like Colorado.

MJ on American language 5 posted on Oct. 18, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate
If you are unsure as to what you can and cant carry on this is the official site for mainly the US though many countries have adopted these rules. http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/311/index.shtm
Also put your medications in original containers in your carry on. I also recommend earplugs and an eye mask for the flight.

MJ on Carry on luggage 8 posted on Oct. 15, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate
If you are worried about pick pocketers go to www.pacsafe.com they have slash proof bags and purses as well as camera straps. Great for guys and gals. I used the citysafe 200 and its great.

MJ on Rome 5 posted on Oct. 13, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate
If you want a good tour of the Pantheon for cheap meet www.angeltoursrome.com outside on the steps at 7pm each day. They do a free tour of the Pantheon. The guides carry an umbrella with angels on it.

MJ on Pantheon, Rome 1 posted on Oct. 12, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate
Be wary of gladiators outside the colosseum. They don’t take photos for free and can be quite agressive about their payment. Also don’t be fooled into taking an unlicensed guided tour of the Colosseum either. The lines move relatively fast. Rick Steve’s Rome book has a great tour and loads of information.

MJ on Colosseum 4 posted on Oct. 12, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate