Scooters in Italy Source Of Concern For American Tourist

I love traveling in Italy, but I’m generally on the cautious side when it comes to getting around. My preferred mode of transportation is my own two feet, closely followed by public transit like buses and subways. I typically try to avoid taxis, though rideshares like Uber have made hailing a ride a bit more predictable.

On a trip to Italy last year, I was traveling with a group of first-time visitors who were hell-bent on renting scooters. We were in Naples—a city I had visited several times before. 

Now, scooters are undeniably part of the romanticized Italian aesthetic, woven into the cultural fabric of the country right alongside espresso and historic piazzas.

However, I genuinely despise scooters. They are inherently risky, and renting one in an unfamiliar, high-traffic European metropolis is a recipe for disaster. Naples is not some laid-back, slow-paced island destination where you casually coast down quiet coastal roads. It’s a dense, pulsating urban maze where local riders aggressively dart into any gap wide enough for a front wheel.

Road rage and impossibly tight squeezes are standard operating procedure on Neapolitan streets. Even if you have years of riding experience back home, put your pride aside and explore Naples on foot or by metro. 

And if you’ve never driven a scooter in your life and plan on using the chaotic streets of Naples as your proving ground—give yourself a swift reality check before you step onto the pavement.

Italy with Scooter 2 Inch Square Magnet

Helsinki to St. Petersburg: Exploring the Historic Cross-Border Connection

Helsinki, Finland, and St. Petersburg, Russia, have long maintained a complex and uneasy dynamic as neighboring powers. However, following the fall of the Soviet Union, the relationship began to warm substantially as cross-border trade, tourism, and mutual investment rapidly expanded.

Despite recurring diplomatic friction between Western Europe and Moscow, the physical journey between the two cities remained remarkably accessible and popular among citizens of both nations. 

While the nearly five-hour drive across the border was a staple for motorists, the introduction of the high-speed Allegro train revolutionized travel, cutting the trip to a comfortable three and a half hours.

At the ground level, macro-economic disputes often took a backseat to daily practicalities. Everyday Finns regularly crossed the border to stock up on cheaper consumer goods and fuel, while Russians frequently traveled into Helsinki to access specialized Finnish medical care, high-end shopping, and European transit hubs. For years, this pragmatic cross-border flow bridged the divide between two very different worlds.

Leningrad, CCCP, St. Petersburg, Russia Trucker Hat

I Thought Killington Was Just for Skiing—Until I Saw This Golf Course

When it comes to East Coast skiing, Killington isn’t afraid to throw its weight around. Much of the resort’s advertising and promotional literature relentlessly leans into its long-held nickname: "The Beast of the East."

Until recently, I’d only ever visited Killington in its natural state—blanketed in thick winter snow. Heading up to Killington, Vermont, for a mid-July vacation felt about as natural as sipping frozen margaritas on a sub-zero January night.

Then, one day, everything changed. While scrolling through my feed, a friend’s photo of Green Mountain National Golf Course caught my eye. The lush, fairways looked less like a standard golf course and more like a slice of mountain paradise.

It was stunning, expansive, and surprisingly uncrowded. Without boring you with all the fine print: Killington is in serious contention for the ultimate New England summer golf trip. The mountain offers incredible amenities, pristine course conditions, and an unbeatable value compared to traditional golf resorts.

While taking in the view of Killington Peak without its signature snowpack will always feel a bit surreal, trading in ski poles for golf clubs—and topping off a round with a cold craft beer—has officially become my new summer tradition.

East Coast - Vermont Ski Town - Killington, VT

Relics, Trams, and Cheap Rent: Why Leipzig Is My Favorite East German Escape

People call me crazy, but I’ve always wished I could have visited the Soviet Union before it collapsed. Don't get me wrong—I didn't admire the oppressive system or wish to live under communist rule; I just think experiencing life behind the Iron Curtain firsthand would have been fascinating.

Fortunately, my travel and work have allowed me to explore several former Soviet Republics and Eastern Bloc satellite states. In particular, business frequently takes me to Leipzig, Germany—a key historic hub of the former German Democratic Republic (DDR).

While the economy of former East Germany has largely caught up with its western counterparts, physical remnants of its communist past still peak through the modern landscape. Looking out the window of a Leipzig tram, scenes of urban industrial grit are common. 

Weathered facades and abandoned, graffiti-strewn factories bear a striking resemblance to the Rust Belt cities of the American Midwest.

Yet, time has marched steadily forward. Over the last decade, Leipzig has reinvented itself—earning a widespread reputation as one of Europe's premier havens for artists, musicians, and creatives drawn by affordable rent and expansive studio spaces.

Beyond its artistic revival, Leipzig's best operational feature is its sheer walkability. Paired with a comprehensive tram network and a deeply embedded cycling culture, owning a car here feels like an unnecessary burden rather than a convenience. 

Vibrant local dining, lively bars, and a legendary classical and contemporary music scene offer endless reasons to visit. (And for those seeking familiar comforts, there's even a Starbucks in the central square).

For me, exploring Leipzig feels like stepping through layers of history. It's a privilege to wander the streets and learn about the storied past of an intellectual and creative powerhouse—a city whose thinkers, composers, and citizens have made enduring cultural contributions to the world.

Stasi, Ministry for State Security, East Germany Shirt

Forget the Hamptons: The Secret Croatian Island That Time Forgot

Older New Yorkers often regale me with stories of a bygone era in the Hamptons, back when the East End of Long Island was untouched, quiet, and delightfully unpretentious. It was pretty much the exact opposite of the Wall Street, hyper-exclusive, celebrity-studded scene that dominates the area today.

I’ve always longed for a place like that—and I finally found one. It is a secret, untouched, and blissful island paradise where you can truly unplug without feeling the pressure to keep up with the Joneses. If you decide to read on, I only ask for one promise: keep this between us. Don't kiss and tell.

This sanctuary needs to stay off the mainstream radar. If you happen to spot me sunbathing on a deserted stretch of sand, don't wave, strike up a conversation, or interrupt the peace. Just give a quick wink—I'll know exactly what it means. You're welcome in advance.

The location? Cres, Croatia.

Cres is an island with a population of roughly 3,500 people, spread across a handful of sleepy coastal villages. Fishing and agriculture still form the backbone of the local economy, alongside a community of Croatian pensioners who have quietly claimed the island as their personal haven.

Spend your morning relaxing on the secluded shores of Lubenice Beach, then head up to Porozina for an unhurried, local dinner. If your ideal vacation involves glitzy nightclubs, velvet ropes, fine dining, or mega-resorts, you will absolutely loathe Cres. You won't find any of that here.

Cres is simple, raw, and wonderfully slow-paced. Bring a good book—or sit down and write one. Enjoy Cres, Croatia.

Cres, Croatia with coat of arms Shirt

Trading the Hyatt Hotel Pool for Wool Blankets and Taxidermy in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in the summer can get intense. Hazy, hot, and uncomfortably humid—these are the words that define the Kyrgyz capital during the warmer months.

Eventually, the pool scene at the Hyatt Regency Bishkek was getting a bit stale, so we decided to escape the city heat and head for the famed Tian Shan Mountains.

Back then, the Hyatt Bishkek employed a security guard who was a true jack-of-all-trades. If you wanted to organize any excursion beyond the city limits, he was the man who knew who to call. For a generous tip, he would handle the entire setup—soup to nuts.

Fast forward to our ride out: a passenger van rolling through the sparse Kyrgyz countryside. As we bumped along potholed dirt roads that teetered precariously on the edges of impossibly tall mountain passes, more than a few of us started reminiscing fondly about the safety of those lazy days back at the hotel pool.

The farther we traveled from Bishkek, the more traditional and nomadic the landscape became. Brick houses gave way to white felt yurts, and livestock roamed freely across open fields, completely unbothered by fences.

Finally, we reached our destination: 12 Chimneys (or maybe it was 7 Chimneys, or 5—the exact count didn't really matter once we arrived).

Up in the high altitudes of the Tian Shan range, the mountain air was impossibly crisp, and the rushing streams ran so clear they looked good enough to drink straight from the source. The shift in temperature was dramatic. 

Before long, we were sipping cold local Kyrgyz beers while wrapped in heavy wool blankets to stave off the sudden mountain chill—all while surrounded by an eclectic indoor collection of local taxidermy.

This corner of Central Asia has remained largely unchanged through the centuries. The Kyrgyz people have always been exceptional stewards of their wild, rugged landscapes. If you ever get the chance, pay them a visit—just make sure to head for the mountains.

Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan 2 Inch Square Magnet

From the Steppes to the USSR: Exploring Kyrgyzstan’s Complex History in Bishkek

Below is a video walkthrough of the State Historical Museum in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I shot this footage after touring the collection, an experience I would highly recommend to anyone spending time in the Kyrgyz capital.

Before even stepping inside, I was struck by the monumental scale of the building itself. Completed in 1984, the museum is a textbook example of late Soviet Modernist and Brutalist architecture—a style widely embraced by both the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War era for its raw efficiency and imposing physical presence.

The museum commands a prime position on Ala-Too Square, set amidst white marble, sweeping fountains, and manicured gardens. Honor guards stand watch at the nearby flag post, while a larger-than-life bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin looms behind the building.

Approaching the entrance, the sheer size of the structure makes you feel remarkably small. After heaving open the massive front door, I made my way to the ticket desk. As is common across much of the region, foreign visitors pay a slightly higher admission fee than local citizens, but it remains an absolute bargain for the amount of history packed inside.

A significant portion of the museum’s upper floor is dedicated to the Soviet era, tracing the rise of the USSR, regional revolutionary movements, and the triumphs of the Decembrists. In one room, the flags of the former Soviet Republics still hang side-by-side.

Kyrgyzstan’s integration into the Soviet Union brought swift modernization to this corner of Central Asia. Infrastructure expanded dramatically, establishing direct railway links from Bishkek to Moscow and creating a sizable ethnic Russian community that still calls the country home.

Yet, while the museum pays ample tribute to its 20th-century Soviet past, the much deeper history of the Kyrgyz people takes center stage. The lower levels feature full-scale felt yurts, traditional weaponry, intricate leatherwork, and silver crafts that offer a window into centuries of nomadic life.

As an American, learning about the traditional lifestyle of the nomadic Kyrgyz tribes felt strikingly familiar. Their deep connection to the land, seasonal migrations, and tribal structures share remarkable parallels with the cultures of Native American nations like the Wampanoag and Narragansett back home in New England.

With Kyrgyzstan rapidly growing in popularity among international travelers, the State Historical Museum is bound to see more global traffic. If you don't read Kyrgyz or Russian, hiring a local guide is well worth the investment, as many of the static displays and informational panels lack English translations.

Bishkek State History Museum - Kyrgyzstan Tee Shirt

How the Internet Destroyed the Gatekeeper: Entrepreneurial Inspiration from Seth Godin

I watch a lot of inspirational videos on YouTube, and Seth Godin consistently stands out as one of the most compelling voices. He frequently talks about globalization and the relentless "race to the bottom" happening across so many traditional industries. The premise is simple yet stark: in an interconnected world, there will almost always be someone—often in an emerging market—willing to perform a standard job for a fraction of the pay.

While that reality sounds grim at first glance, Godin points out a massive, highly empowering silver lining: the gatekeeper is dead.

The internet has shattered long-standing legacy business models, and many established corporate moats are rapidly evaporating. With that level of disruption comes unprecedented opportunity for anyone willing to step up and take initiative.

Consider how much the landscape has shifted:

• Authors: No longer need to query dozens of traditional publishing houses or wait months for rejection letters. Self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing have made publishing accessible to anyone with a finished manuscript.

• Musicians: No longer rely on corporate A&R executives to grant them a record deal. Creators can publish directly to platforms like YouTube or Spotify, allowing the public—not a board of executives—to decide who becomes the next breakthrough artist.

As an entrepreneur, navigating setbacks and maintaining momentum can be a constant battle. Whenever I find myself in a creative or professional rut, I go back to Godin's work to recalibrate and find fresh inspiration.

If you're looking for a daily dose of perspective, his long-running blog is worth a bookmark. A quick search for "Seth Godin blog" will take you straight to it.

KEEP CALM CARRY ON MAKER, YOUR TEXT HERE - CUSTOM

Why I’m Not Ashamed to Love Cheap Hotels (and How to Pick a Good One)

I’m not ashamed to say it: I like cheap hotels.

The way I look at it, a hotel is just a launchpad. When I’m on vacation, I’d much rather save money on a place to sleep so I have more cash to explore, eat well, and experience my destination.

That doesn't mean I stay in sketchy, rundown places—there’s a major difference between a budget hotel and a shady one. Over years of traveling, I’ve developed a strict set of criteria to help me land a high value stay every time. Even if I can't hit every point on the list, I aim for as many as possible.

My Value Hotel Criteria

When I’m looking for a great budget stay, I lock in on these essentials:

• Location & Safety: A safe neighborhood within easy walking distance of local markets, convenience stores, bars, and budget-friendly restaurants.
• Easy Logistics: A free airport shuttle or quick access to public transit.
• Included Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and free breakfast to kickstart the day.
• The Basics: A clean, private bathroom (a total non-negotiable) and a straightforward bill with zero surprise add-on fees.

Things I Don't Need (and Actively Avoid)

Part of finding a great cheap hotel is knowing what not to pay for. Premium properties love to bundle useless perks into inflated room rates or sneaky fees. Here’s what I happily skip:

• Unnecessary Service: Bellmen opening doors or carrying bags I can easily roll myself, and overpriced room service.
• Hidden Traps: Resort fees, extra charges for Wi-Fi, and sneaky costs for in-room coffee (looking at you, Sheraton).
• Pricey Convenience: Minibars, in-room snacks, and pay-per-view movies. If it has the word "luxury" attached to it, I'm usually heading the other direction.

Where to Look (and What to Avoid)

It really comes down to location first, with reliable free Wi-Fi as a close second, and free breakfast as a major bonus.

Trusted "tourist class" chains—like Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Days Inn, or Red Roof Inn—are usually solid bets for clean, dependable rooms without the fluff. On the flip side, full-service brands like Renaissance, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham often tack on fees for every little extra.

Do a Little Recon First

Before booking, spend five minutes doing research on review sites or Google Maps. A quick neighborhood check can pay huge dividends—finding a local grocery store or cheap diner right down the block will save you a bundle on daily meals.

Want to see the epitome of a great value hotel in action? Check out my review of the Hampton Inn Tropicana in Las Vegas to see how to land a prime location without paying luxury prices:

Stop Giving Away Free Content: Why I’m Moving Back to Blogger

Hey guys, happy 2016!

A new year means new resolutions, and one of mine directly relates to this blog and my YouTube channel. Now, I know what you might be thinking: Blogger? Really? I know blogger.com is pretty much laughed at by "pro" bloggers, but hear me out before you start laughing.

I love Blogger. It’s free real estate, super easy to use, and seamlessly integrated with the rest of Google's ecosystem. So, without further ado, here is my resolution: Use Blogger more!

Here’s why. I have a Facebook page linked to my Jonathan Browne Menzies YouTube channel where I post new videos and channel updates. While Facebook is a great free platform, there’s no direct way to monetize the content you post there. Whenever you post on Facebook, you're essentially adding cash to Mark Zuckerberg's bank account by handing over free content for them to monetize, not you.

Don't get me wrong—I’m not deleting my Facebook account anytime soon; it's still a useful tool. But I work hard on my creative endeavors. From writing and video production to artwork design, I want to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Even if my Blogger page doesn't get massive traffic yet, it allows me to monetize my work. Sure, affiliates like Zazzle take a cut, but by sharing that revenue, it gives me a strong incentive to host my core content right here.

So expect to see a lot more activity on this dusty old Blogger page soon!

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