Welcome to RodneyDodig.com. This site contains articles on my travels, photos and my newsletter, “The Hot Rod Gazette”, for those friends and family who want to know what’s happening with everyone. On this site I will also include what I hope to be helpful hints to the international and local traveler. I have traveled to many places in the USA and the world and hope to visit many more before calling it a day. The “Bucket List” just keeps getting bigger. I cannot pick out a favorite destination. They have all been amazing in their own individual ways. Seeing Egypt, cruising the Nile and visiting all the archaeological wonders there was almost overwhelming. Seeing Machu Pichu and experiencing the ruins as well as the breath taking views was an almost religious experience. Spain with it’s magnificent cities and lively culture was fun and exciting. Italy with it’s Roman ruins, the vatican and wonderful Italian food was a cultural delight. Istanbul with it’s carpet salesmen and Mosques was the crossroads of multiple cultures. Thailand with its amazing temples and Peru with its ancient culture enthralled me to no end. Every place I have visited has touched me in a different and powerful way. The people, the cultures, the cuisine, the art, the architecture were all unique to each destination and everywhere I have been the people have always been at the center of what made the trip the best for me.
OFFICIALLY RETIRED 2/19/2009 and now a citizen of the world!
Tip #1
In many places, especially if you are traveling alone or with a few friends or family it is cheaper to rent a condo, villa or home than staying in a hotel. Cook some of your own meals. Going to the grocery store in another country can be a delightful adventure in itself.
Tip #2
Don’t be afraid to be friendly with the locals. Many times they are a great source of information for off the beaten track things to do.
Tip # 3
Travel by yourself if no one will go with you! Even if you do not speak the language. You would be surprised how far just a few words in another language will get you.
Tip # 4
Forget renting a car in some countries. Number one it just isn’t safe to drive. Secondly, often you can rent a taxi for an entire day for less than the car rental price. Also, public transportation is definitely an adventure not to be missed in some countries.
Tip # 5
Always make sure you have plenty of time to catch that connecting flight. I recommend a minimum of two hours between flights, three for International. Nothing is more frustrating than having your luggage beat you to your end destination.
Tip # 6
Try learning a few words in the language of the country you are visiting. They really appreciate your effort and it’s good for your brain.
Hey Rod. Just found out about your site today from an email from Rita.
Glad to see you are enjoying life! Always wanted to do a lot of traveling myself. Mostly looking forward to more travels on my Harley in the future.
Take care and I look forward to seeing you again someday.
Your cuz, Carl
Wonderful advice Rod! I can’t wait until I too retire and am able to put some of this sound advice to good use!!! Hey have you considered making your adventures postings into an RSS feed? that would be AWESOME because then I can add your website to my RSS feed in notes and be instantly alerted when you add a posting!!! Take care and I hope you didn’t have to resort to playing solitare on your computer to keep entertained!!! I’m going to have to send you some computer games, what are you into? take care mi amigo!!
Hey Rod,
Setting at home on Sunday night doing work. I sure you miss this. Hey can you dial in Openlink is down. Ha Ha just kidding. Look forward in keeping up with your travels
Hi Rod! We survived our first week without you, but you’ve been on vacation before… Yes, that’s the sound of de Nile you hear in the background. But it looks like you’re well on your way to settlling into a whole new way of life. Or maybe several new ways of life – what a range, from flying first class to wedging yourself into a tiny bus seat! I’m staying tuned for more. Party On!
I really like the pictures you post of local street art. I keep wishing SJMH would commission an art class from the high school to put a mural on that big outbuilding. There’s something very appealing about a city with the confidence to let its artists display their work.
It’s good to hear you’re relaxing into the retirement groove! Keep telling us about it – there’s hope for the rest of us some day!
Hey Rod,
it seems like you guys are having a blast. Say hello to everyone. Great details of your trip by the way.
Hey, Rodney, great stuff from Thailand. I am envious. Where are you now? What is your e-mail address (I had it, forgot what I did with it)? Let me know at sfurtwengler@gmail.com.
Safe travels,
Scott
Rodney!!! Had to stop in the lab yesterday for preop stuff…gonna suck out my gallbladder on tuesday. Willie told me about your site! Its awesome to see what you’re up to!!! Hey….I’m finally gonna be a daddy!!! Due 12/23/09!
hi Ronnie, I would love to catch up and talk i moved to Barranco and love to exchanged thought ideas, 980-190 939 cel from here
Many thanks Rodney, is exaggerates your paginates, thus same I have seen that I appear in some of the outlines, you take care of a lot my mail is the following one. jose_manuel_lainez_lozada_valverde@hotmail.es
Your site has me most interested in the Lima bike tours. Thank you for all the
great information.Planning late for this trip and hoping to select a good hotel,hostel for 6 3 young adults, 1 teen and 2 parents for Dec 27 – 30 in
Miraflores. Any advice or where to search? Have been on tripadvisor for hours looking in Cusco before Christmas and now getting worried. Sorry to bother you,
recent family illness/death took precedent over trip planning..Thanks for any help you can give.
I was trying to find photos for my sons project on PERU & we would like to see if you can help.. akonismommy@hotmail.com thanks so much!