Q&A: Why Is Mexico So Freakin' Awesome?

Tulum, Mexico

Hey you -- yeah, you -- stop hogging the party punch and get over here. We want you to meet a friend of ours, and they just so happen to be freakin' awesome. Some notes before you go. Yes, we are aware: staggeringly gorgeous, but try not to trip over yourself. They're the modest type, so stare silently in awe and just soak in every last corner. From the old-world beauty and turquoise waters of its Mayan Riviera to the magnificent mountains of Monterrey, you could get lost for decades just trying to record every inch of greatness in its vast landscape. And speaking of old-world, we can't think of anyone who balances that charming tradition (see: monolithic step pyramids in Chichen Itza) with such sharp modern sensibilities (see: vibrance of modern Mexico City), retaining its heart and character despite having been through countless struggles over thousands of years. What's that? You're shy? Don't speak Spanish? Poor excuses, muchachos and muchachas. If you need any more convincing, we've got plenty of more reasons why you should meet Mexico -- we've rounded up the Web's top experts and travelers to give us the inside scoop on what makes this dazzling nation one of the world's most fulfilling trips. Now andale!

Our esteemed roundtable features Mexico experts from many backgrounds:

Bruce Poon Tip is the CEO of Gap Adventures, a massively successful travel company that serves more than 90,000 thrill-seekers each year with an emphasis on sustainable and authentic experiences. Check out his site here and follow him on Twitter @brucepoontip.

Stephanie Diehl is the owner of Travel Designed by Stephanie, which specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons, group trips and solo adventures. Follow her on Twitter @traveldesigned.

Jessica Lomelin was born in Cancun to a Mexican-American family and has traveled the country far and wide. She blogs here and tweets here.

JoAnn Miller has lived in Mexico for forty years and is a specialist in English as a second language. Follow her on Twitter @jabbusch.

1. Mexico has spectacular ancient ruins. Which ancient historical site awed you the most and why?

I think I have to say Tulum. First of all the first time I went to Tulum was 15 years ago and the area surrounding was very different back then. Playa del Carmen was a hidden gem and there was yet to be something called the Mayan Riviera! The spectacular thing about Tulum for me is its location. Overlooking the warm blue seas. The contract between the bright turquoise water with the ancient stone grey is spectacular. I also like to imagine the ancient Mayan people roaming the grounds and bathing in the warm waters. Kind of like a Mayan summer beach house!

-- Bruce Poon Tip

Being from the Yucatan, I'm going to have to say Tulum. It's an amazing area with such history, culture and breathtaking scenery. You can feel a spiritual presence and learn a tremendous amount of information. For the soul seekers, I recommend visiting during the solstice and equinox. Locals venture out to Tulum to celebrate the turning of the seasons and celebrate with the Mayan gods.

-- Jessica Lomelin

I think the smaller sites are often the best. Teotihuacan is too touristic now. It is nice to go once, but I'd really recommend: Monte Alban in Oaxaca (on a foggy day you feel like you are in a magical floating city), Cacaxtla in Puebla (for the murals, but it has been closed for the last few years for restauration) and Xochicalco in Morelos (the site of a prehispanic "astronomical convention" to regulate the calendar--it also has an observatory).

-- JoAnn Miller

2. We've heard there are beaches outside of Cancun. What beachside community do you consider the best in the country and why?

I have to say I am partial to Mazatlan. Not necessarily because of the water but more because of the community. It is a great place to roam the streets and very easy to get around. It is still very inexpensive and harks back to the days when Mexico really appealed to the original snow birders. It is just the right size with a enough tourist to give it a bit of structure but not too many that it loses its charm.

-- Bruce Poon Tip

The Riviera Maya has so many spectacular beaches. The beach at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita is fantastic. It is part of a protected area near Puerto Morelos. The beaches of Tulum and Akumal are incredible as well. But the best beach in the entire Riviera Maya, in my opinion is Playa Maroma. The color of the water and the depth of the beach is like none other I have EVER seen.

-- Stephanie Diehl, Travel Designed

It's hard for me to share my secret gem, but I am in love with a small, bohemian beach town outside of Cancun called Akumal (pictured right). It's a small, small area that has one villa, one small grocery store and a handful of locally-owned restaurants. It's the type of place where you sit with your toes in the sand, enjoy the locals and a few families strolling around and indulge in your fish and ceviche that was just hand-picked from the ocean moments ago. They also have a lagoon that offers one of the most serene, picturesque snorkeling areas. While it's small, the quality of untouched terrain and schools of fish and natural sea life is hard to come by. You'll find the gate owner, who is around 75+ yrs old, and has been there for decades and decades. The village is very simple, untouched and serene. It's one of the few areas outside of Cancun that you can escape to and feel like you're in a whole other world.

-- Jessica Lomelin

3. What is the most treasured possession that you've purchased from Mexico, where did you get it? Is there a good story behind it?

I have so many souvenirs from Mexico, my husband says I could open a gift shop of my own!! Mexico is a country full of amazing artists and their works are in so many different mediums. There are works of art available in every price range.

I LOVE Oaxacan art the best. The fine details of the painted alebrijes (pictured left) and animals are really nice. I also love the black pottery, especially pieces that have cut out patterns so I can put a candle in them.

I have recently been turned on by Pineda Colvina silk designs and have started a new collection of those. I have a huichol pattern I am extremely fond of as well as a Diego Riviera and a Frida Kahlo. Those two I intend to frame.

Huichol art is fascinating as I cant imagine the patience it takes to place all those tiny beads in such intricate patterns.

There is also Talavera -- painted pottery. It can be found in two typical varieties. One in the traditional blue on white designs or brightly colored paints. The brightly colored are often of fruit or jalapeno designs. In Los Cabos I visited a gallery that featured something new to me, black on white designs, which were striking.

I also enjoy, but unfortunately don't own, Sergio Bustamante works. REALLY cool works of art.

Don't forget the silver, silver jewelry and table ware, silver trays, frames and boxes, silver EVERYTHING!! Pewter is also very affordable in Mexico as well and many fine pieces to be had.

On a more affordable level, I like nicely hand painted or handcrafted magnets. In Puerto Vallarta, near the Malecon there is a jewelry shop I love to visit that features miniature paintings that I adore.

-- Stephanie Diehl

4. I want to impress a friend with an expert-recommended, delicious dish. What menu item do you consider essential to a Mexico visit, and if possible, where would you buy it from?

I love the cream soups of Mexico. But something new to me is sangrita -- a sort of bloody mary mix that is a non alcoholic side drink to a glass of tequila. Each bartender in Mexico has their own special recipe.

-- Stephanie Diehl

Mexico's cuisine is too vast to cover in a few sentences. It really depends on the part of the country and the time of the year. Most dishes can be found in Mexico City, but they are better in their homeland: Puebla: mole poblano and chiles en nogada (Fonda de Santa Clara), Oaxaca: mole negro, rojo and amarillo, Michoacan: carnitas and pozole, Yucatan: queso relleno, cochinita.

-- JoAnn Miller

I would say a classic meal that you must order when on the coast is Ceviche (pictured right). It's a cocktail of fresh seafood topped with lime and salsa. It is unbelievably fresh and to die for! To eat like a local, you must eat at the taco stands and order the specialty's, whether its tacos al pastor or quesadillas con queso oaxaca. Finally, top it off with a glass of Jamaica or Horchata.

-- Jessica Lomelin

5. What Mexican city do you feel deserves far more tourism fanfare than it's been given? Why?

One of my favorite cities is 160 miles northwest of Mexico City, called Queretaro. It's very colonial and contains a beautiful mountainous landscape. You can visit the iglesias and stroll through the markets on cobble stone streets. The history and preserved culture makes you realize why Mexico is such a fascinating country.

-- Jessica Lomelin

Well to be honest the city I think that deserves more tourism fanfare is Mexico City. Too many people see it as a crowded unsafe place to visit. But Mexico City is fantastic and while you must be careful like any capital city in the world, it has so much to offer. So much culture, heritage and endless entertainment. There is fine food, wine, museums and outstanding nightlife. I think it is one of the most and underrated cities.

- Bruce Poon Tip


Many, many thanks to our experts, and let's hope their words inspire you to get to this wonderful country.

Strange Love: Weird Romantic Getaways Across The Globe

(source: Flickr)

If we've learned anything from Bonnie and Clyde or the annual Kate Hudson romantic vehicle, love makes people do funny, inexplicable things. But some types of love isn't fit for mainstream audiences. To loosely quote the immortal Meat Loaf: "I would do anything for love... but I won't do that." Today, as you're surely aware, Meat Loaf's vague idea of "that" can be more readily obtained than one ever might have imagined -- all the evidence you might need can be found within the Craigslist's "casual encounters" section, and it's not just a bunch of people proclaiming they will walk 500 miles (or 500 more). These star-crossed, alternative lovers need romantic vacations like everyone else, but they need something more -- something particularly special -- to kindle that spark we were talking about. We're here to explore these idiosyncracies of the human heart for all the couples and potential couples who need a travel destination to explore their feelings. If your idea of a romantic retreat might involve ironing a shirt while hang-gliding at 10,000 feet or a conference of leather and motorcycles, then you might wish to read on. If not, it's still wise to get educated -- you never know till you try.

STAR TREK CRUISE
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, through St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Grand Turk

(source: startrekcruise.com)

Sometimes conventions just aren't enough to bring out your inner Klingon. The folks behind the official Star Trek Cruise know this, and they've equipped their event to ensure love can be found at nearly every corner of their ship. Proud sci-fi couples and bachelors have the opportunity to meet actors behind the characters from all editions of the TV and movie franchises, catch screenings of old episodes and flicks and carouse with like-minded fans. The Caribbean Sea isn't the final frontier and the boat isn't exactly the S.S. Enterprise, but this seems like the closest thing to a proper on-board meat market that a Trekkie can attain.

EXTREME IRONING
Recommended actions: Hang gliding in California, mountain-climbing in Colorado, water skiing in Florida

By design, the word "getaway" means leaving behind the unending, soulless routine of domestic responsibilities. Then there's extreme ironing. Yes, it's a real "sport," and it's helping ho-hum old couples fight their wrinkles in countless ways. Your hubby's Oxford shirt or wife's blouse may not achieve that ideal level of crispness when you're whipping in the wind as you lay your makeshift board upon the arched back of a lover, but that's not exactly the point. For one, your shirts and blouses need a reason to shine at your next dinner party, and extreme ironing is the only way to make plaids patterns appear 3-D. Secondly, it's sort of beautiful in its symbolism for long-term lovers -- it says sure, we're gonna take out the trash and do the dishes for the next fifty years, but you and me, we're gonna make it sexy and extreme every single time.

FANTASYLAND HOTEL
West Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

So much fetish, so little time. Or so say the folks behind the grab-bag themed hotel Fantasyland, who literally bet the house that they can provide any unique fantasy a couple might desire. But we're not talking the sleazy-depraved-type fantasy -- they leave those for the love motels (or the folks listed below this entry). These fantasies err more along the cuddly, historical, and dorky, transplanting you via wallpaper and decor to create your most colorful love scenes. 120 of 355 rooms are equipped with themes. Ever wanted to get cozy in an igloo but can't stand the cold? Thought so. There's even a Jacuzzi! Want love like the Polynesians but can't make the flight overseas (or get a time machine)? "Drift off on a warrior catamaran boat under full sail" or "slip into a giant Jacuzzi surrounded by lava rock, being filled by a gentle waterfall," just like the movies (or Polynesia?). Or you could pick the room with the truck in it. Restrictions: Zilch. Except that they aren't real. There's that.

(photo: West Edmonton Mall, via Flickr)

CARIBBEAN KINKINESS: LEATHER IN ALL WEATHER
Jamaica

Ah, leather. What can't it do? Despite what you might have seen at the Bass Pro Shop, it's practical apparel for a deep-sea fishing trip. In fact, the folks at "Kink in the Caribbean" (linking to their site brings up all sorts of non-work-safe wonderment, so Google at your own risk), the world's island vacation scene for the obscene, high-heeled and pain-loving, would prefer that you wear leather for all types of island activities. Or wear nothing at all, if that's your bag -- clothes are optional pretty much everywhere you go. Whatever happens, couples or singles who attend the seven-night Kink in Jamaica must be more than confident in their own kinkiness or they'll leave with a host of unwanted welts and bruises. The island literally a becomes a wink-wink nudge-nudge "playground," with every dank dark dream encouraged as long as you play "safe." Just make sure you plan your pain threshold accordingly -- this from their site: "Sand can be extremely abrasive on the skin…Jamaican palms are quite often the home of nasty red ants…the sun can get excruciatingly hot." Not just trip advice: Life advice. (photo source: kinkinthecaribbean)

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Motorcycle Resort
Western North Carolina

When a travel agent describes something as "thigh-tingling" and "tire-burning," make sure you know what you're getting into. Leather lovers the world over can trek through the Great Smokie Mountains at Mountain Brook Resort for a Harley honeymoon.

Psychic Cruise
Barcelona

If you felt some strong energies that we'd list this, then this might be the cruise for you: ESP, clairvoyance, spirituality from other dimensions, Miss Cleo -- if you feel you maintain a level of consciousness that needs a seven-day reprieve from the "normies" of this planet, you'll find the Sea Angels Cruise through Europe to be quite rewarding to find the swami of your dreams. Take classes to up your craft, have mind-conversations with fellow riders, talk smack about how the world's not ending in 2012 but actually 2034 -- this is romance, people.

Translators and language specialists: We need your help!

Where I've Been, in case you haven't noticed, is only equipped for English. We want to change that, and we can. Using Facebook's Translations application, you can help us.

If you think you can comfortably translate English into any of the languages listed below, Where I've Been needs your assistance! We want to spread the international reach of Where I've Been by translating the buttons, phrases and links in the navigation throughout our site. E-mail me, Eddie (eddie@whereivebeen.com) if you think you can help strengthen the community.

We will compensate you for total work done. Strikethru indicates we have acquired this translator.

Italian
Polish
Portuguese
Spanish
Mandarin Chinese
Arabic
Russian
Indonesian
Japanese
Swedish
French

If you speak a language not on this list that you'd like represented on Where I've Been, let us know -- we'd love to make it happen with your help.

Ice Breaker: Winter's Best Bets For Snow Sports

"I do not participate in any sport with ambulances at the bottom of the hill," so said noted humorist Erma Bombeck. "There are really only three things to learn in skiing: how to put on your skis, how to slide downhill, and how to walk along the hospital corridor," said Lord Mancroft of Britain. Ski fanatics appreciate quips like these; if it means their lift lines will be less crowded, then they're more than content to let the haters keep hatin'. There's no denying that attaching plastic boards to your feet and whipping down an icy hill for sport could eventually require medical attention, but that's kinda the point. The raccoon mask tan left by the goggles isn't attractive, either: People do pretty messed-up things to achieve those few seconds of endorphins, and as mountains and lifts expand become cheaper and more plentiful, it's a risk more and more people are taking. They're spraying powder all over, from the classic purple mountains majesty in Colorado to the glistening Alps of Switzerland to the daring peaks of... Wisconsin? (Yes, Wisconsin.) Leave the fearful humorists behind to find out the best places to get your ski on, whether you're pizza / french-frying on the bunny slopes or cutting black diamonds.

COLORADO: STILL THE ONE

Vail, Colorado
Opening: Nov. 20

Vail has been touted as the finest skiing in North America since the 1970s, and there's no reason to stop touting-- the mountains never left, after all, and Vail happens to host the highest ski mountain in North America. It's also seen its share of substantial development in that timeframe, fashioning a European-style village centre with eclectic restaurants and family activities accessible by the city's free public shuttle service. Even if you can't get enough of Vail's charm, fanatics have been buzzing ever since the introduction of the Epic Pass, which grants unlimited access to a half-dozen ski resorts (Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly [in Lake Tahoe], Arapahoe Basin).

Vail saw a dip in tourism due to the economic downturn last year, but it has reportedly already seen a 13 percent increase of business in anticipation of the upcoming season. Perhaps it was in part due to the fact that Colorado has already seen a nasty fit of snow in October, which undoubtedly gave some natives cabin fever, waxing up their boards and skis weeks in advance. Colorado is also amping up interest by running their "Snow At First Sight" video contest, where poor souls who have never seen snow can win a chance for a three-month adventure.

THE GREAT WHITE NORTH

Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

When you're focusing on not hitting a tree, it can sometimes be difficult to stop for a moment to understand that you're over a mile above sea-level and standing upon snow-draped monoliths. Many of the finest resorts carry gondolas to rein in that extra thrill. The mercifully slow, enclosed vehicles are a major reason why Whistler Blackcomb reigns as the best skiing in Canada, as their gondola rides between two mountains stretch a full 2.75 miles.

But it's not just that gimmick that makes Whistler one of the perennial stars of the ski world. The area has over 100 restaurants and dozens of shops, its far-reaching diversity pleasing tourists from all continents. They've put in millions of dollars over decades to make Whistler the best, and it very well may be.

Whistler will see a serious uptick in traffic due to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, but it will be where the serious action happens.


CLASSIC SPLENDOR

Grindelwald / Zermatt, Switzerland

It's only natural that the birthplace of traditional skiing as we know it today, the Alps, still houses some of the absolute best sites in the world for winter sports. Grindelwald, roughly an hour outside the Swiss capital Bern, hosts an old-fashioned European ski town complete with smoking-chimney chalets, with mostly mom-and-pop hotel joints that provide an authentic immersion experience. Its centerpiece glacier has seen serious effects from increasing temperatures over the years, but it remains a landmark reputed for decades and featured in various films. Make sure to book your trip to the charming small town in advance, as its popularity has increased exponentially over time.


Zermatt remains one of the premier sites in all the world, as its long seasons, lengthy runs and presence on the stunning, jagged summit of Matterhorn mountain have amplified its presence among the ski world at large. Like so many Swiss ski towns, the village is passenger car-free to reduce emissions and instead served by electric shuttles. This is another site to book early, but if you might want to avoid holiday crowds and opt for early- or late-season tours.

BEST OF THE MIDWEST

Granite Peak Resort
Wausau, Wisconsin
Early season opening: November 21

To some Midwesterners, the Rockie Mountains are but a distant, expensive pipe dream, the stuff of postcards -- winter sports in the Great Plains revolve around ice hockey. But the Plains are less flat than they're given credit for, enough for more than just saucer sledding. Charles Skinner sure thinks so -- he invested $15 million to open Granite Peak in 2000, opening the floodgates for a new breed of slopes ideal for the crowd less inclined to lease a timeshare out West year after year but who still want a similar quality experience. Skinner's resort features a 710-foot drop with 75 available ski runs equipped with some of the fastest ski lifts around, jetting you back to the top in just three minutes. That can make for an exhausting day, but you can rest easy by the fireplaces at the two homey chalet lodges. 710 feet up doesn't exactly mean snow at all times, but 500 snow guns ensure the powder is fresh year round. In all, Granite Peak is an impressive attempt to mimic the best aspects of America's best resorts. Read more about it and book tickets here.

Touting Time: GoBackpacking

You can sense the fierce passion before you visit the site: Its domain name immediately commands you, beseeches you. The most irreversibly devoted know no other response to what they've experienced in independent travel than to preach what they've learned in earnest hope that they'll convert someone otherwise unfamiliar with the art.

But Dave, the head priest of GoBackpacking.com, doesn't have a lick of condescension in his voice, assured that if he can give someone a small push, they can ably make their own treasured discoveries. "I traveled around the world, visiting 22 countries over 20 months," Dave says. "I was robbed. I got sick. I met amazing people. I felt lonely. I felt inspired. I felt frustrated. I felt free. It was perfect. This blog is dedicated to inspiring and motivating others to make their travel dreams come true."

Dave documents his past backpacking experiences with skilled insight, but his contributions don't end with slice-of-life journal-style entries. GoBackpacking carries helpful articles and interviews with experienced backpackers and commentary on important news from the travel realm. The GoBackpacking Twitter account is also one of the more active of the travelsphere, a hyperactive and helpful extension of the excellent GoBackpacking main landing site.

Though it has existed for more than a decade, GoBackpacking got a shiny revitalization in September, and the site's aesthetic often operates like the most astute backpacker should. Its front page is packed lightly with just the essentials, and his self-described editorial style is as follows: "Write about whatever gets you excited, and don’t forget to use spell check." It's this freewheeling, friendly attitude that makes GoBackpacking an excellent read for both the veteran and the uninitiated. Check it out here.

The fringes of total destruction

That guy yelling into the megaphone on the street corner – he can’t wait to prove he was right about 2012 all along. But most of us? We’re not gonna be ready. Existence itself -- whatever your beliefs -- doesn't necessarily have to CC us on a memo when it decides the party has ended. Sometimes, whether by forces natural or human, things just happen. Can't seem to find the time to map out that family road trip? Second honeymoon? As far as we can see, the impending doom of all we know and hold dear is as good of a reason as any to take that getaway you always feel you've deserved. It's an easy sell on your loved ones: "Honey, can you hop on Orbitz and check airfares to London? The world's supposed to end in a few years, and I would hate to watch Big Ben collapse on television not having been." Compare notes with us as we mark off Earth's essential visits before they all come a-crashing down.

Place: Ancient Mayan Ruins at Uxmal / Chichen Itza
Where: Yucatan Peninsula
Why: One stone, two birds?

Its often tough to avoid mixing business with pleasure. Nicolas Cage in National Treasure knows what we're talking about: Sometimes you're just sightseeing in colonial America and on the way realize that you need to steal the Declaration of Independence so you can extract a clue from the back to continue your pursuit of obscene wealth as a career treasure hunter. Your Mayan mission will be a slight variation on this: You get to explore one of the most awe-inspiring ancient civilizations, its gorgeous stone step pyramids still retaining their majesty and painstaking attention to detail. At the same time, it will be your task to further decipher the Mayans' knowledge of astronomy to prevent the upcoming destruction of our planet so as to preserve humanity and all lifeforms that call this place home. Give us a call if you've got any issues with booking. Good luck!

Place: Great Barrier Reef
Where: Queensland, Australia
Why: With or without the apocalypse, it still might disappear in 20 years.

The Great Barrier Reef is, in short, a gem of our natural world -- an interconnected web of thousands of reefs that stretches over 100,000 square feet and brims with countless species and colors. It's so massive that it's visible from space; perhaps that's the feat that will deter our alien overlords from destroying us when pressed to make a decision. Unfortunately, it's not much of a laughing matter: Scientists fear the worst for the Reef regardless of armageddon, saying that in as soon as 20 years, warming waters may kill off every coral lifeform and thus most of the biodiversity and greatness. It's a morbid, depressing situation, but the least we can do is pay our respects before it disappears.

Place: Ancient Rome
Where: Rome, Italy
Why: Western civilization did a pretty decent job.

If the world effectively ends and humans aren't necessarily to blame -- asteroid, rapture, alien war, that kind of thing -- Western civilization can praise these Ancient Romans for holding the line pretty well. They didn't last forever and they weren't perfect, but they gave us some principles to build upon (thank the Greeks too), some mistakes to learn from and some pretty sweet buildings. It's the relative preservation of these buildings that make Rome a glorious visit; structures like the Pantheon, with its all-seeing eye on the ceiling (the Oculus), or the open-air Colosseum could be fine sites to watch the sky fall, if only for the nostalgic pride you'd like to share with ancestors.

Place: Tokyo
Where: Japan
Why: Get your dose of modernity before it's obliterated for eternity.

It'll be tough to see Tokyo ushered into oblivion, as it has exemplified the exponential possibilities of commerce and technology. The billions of flickering lights, the unerring hustle, and the remains of traditions past render the old fishing town a beacon of human prosperity in the 21st century and beyond. It's a testament to our tolerance that millions of people willingly jam themselves into skyscrapers and subways and still operate with some peace. But will anyone be upset to see Hello Kitty merchandise leave?

Place: Freedom Worship Baptist Church
Where: Blanchester, Ohio
Why: The world's largest horseshoe crab!

Let me just write that again: Yes, the world's largest horseshoe crab! Now exhale. It's 68 feet long, sits in a church parking lot and accommodates up to 65 people inside its shell. Some faithless fool once told Pastor Jim Rankin it was neither feasible nor advisable to build the world's largest horseshoe crab inside a church parking lot. But Rankin, bootstraps firmly in hand, channeled the passion and will of the pioneers to prove that structures of giant sea creatures are what the people of Blanchester, Ohio, want, residing some 600 miles from the closest body of salt water. And he celebrated the anniversary of the massive structure the only way we know how: Hiring Evel Knievel's brother to jump the crab on a motorcycle. A country that truly knows no bounds.
(Honorable mention: New York City)

Weird Eats: Bizarre Concept Restaurants Around the World

You know how T.V. dinners got their name? You have to be completely distracted by the television to actually eat the microwaved meal without a gag. When we eat just to survive, it goes with the territory that your meals won't stray far from the norm too often. But you and I both know that the norm can become mind-numbingly boring. To many menu maniacs, food is not just a means to an end but a means for bizarre worship. These obsessive culinary artists make the plate their canvas and go absurd lengths to create the proper sanctuary and ambiance, where their concepts and vision can find the proper space to attach an experience to the mundane act of eating. Such artists have attracted the eyes of curious consumers worldwide, who will often go to lengths as great as the artists themselves to try something exotic. So strap in and have a taste -- the Cowboy Burger at Applebee's will still be there when you get back.

7. Felony Franks
Chicago, IL
(Get served by ex-cons!)

Hot dogs sell themselves, especially in a city that reveres them as much as Chicago. But only the boldest wiener entrepreneurs take risks to stick out in the crowd. A classic example is the Wiener Circle, where traditional service by day becomes raucous and insulting at night -- their greasy dishes are served with a side of nasty from the person handling your food. A sunnier version of this risk-taking spirit is embodied in Felony Franks, where nearly all of the cooks and prep staff are former criminals who have cleaned up their acts and become master chefs of the famous Red Hot. The owners' goal is to promote second chances and humanize individuals who have made mistakes and paid their dues. Its concept has caused controversy, but the food hasn't: Instant classics like the Misdemeanor Wiener and Freedom Fries have already created return customers.

6. Absolut Ice Bar
Stockholm, Sweden
(Everything is made out of ice.)

Some things sound really spectacular and brilliant on paper but become less spectacular upon their execution. Draw me up some blueprints for a building made completely out of ice, and in turn I'll probably try to think of some way to make a pun about that idea being "cool" (thanks, Arnold). Which is exactly what Absolut Vodka has accomplished: furnishings, walls, bars all looking like they were hit with an ice sceptre. Ask me to hang here every weekend -- even in VIP -- and I still might balk at the chance to be freezing cold while indoors. Regardless, tourists have come decked in thick coats and ordered vodkas on the rocks with enough frequency that the owners have seized the opportunity to open another location in London.

5. Mars 2112
New York City, NY, USA

Your neighborhood cosmic mini-golf and cosmic bowling make their best effort in pouring on the spacey kitsch, but is that enough? Owners of Mars 2112 sure don't think so. They're going to infinity and quite possibly beyond in their devotion to their concept, having built their futuristic station on 35,000 square feet on two different levels. Its big budget gives it the authentic appearance of a film set (as authentic as a Mars station could be), with servers in flashy garb and alien costumes. Unfortunately, the restaurant's menu has been criticized for being just above space food in terms of quality. But it's a nifty visit for a restless touring family or sci-fi nerd.

4. Vampire Cafe
Tokyo, Japan
(Bloodsucking never goes out of style, apparently.)

From Dracula to Buffy and now Twilight and True Blood, vampires have oddly captivated one generation to the next in an almost exponential way. What will be the final nail in the coffin? Vampire Cafe has remained undead since 2001 and could see a spike in tourism with the recent craze. The place is decked in red velvet and black and illuminated by candles and certainly looks like a joint where a respectable bloodsucker might entertain a few victims (or tease them endlessly with will-they-or-won't-they vampire/human lust). There is a fixed menu of food in miniature coffins and decked out with blood-red whenever possible. Just don't expect too much garlic.

3. Ogori Cafe
Kashiwa, Japan
(Hope that the person in front of you in line is kind.)

Many goofy concepts revolve around a gaudy decor that fits some themed vision. But Ogori Cafe is almost cafeteria-boring in its design; it's their philosophy that makes them unique. Unsuspecting eaters walk in, order what looks good and then receive something entirely different -- the meal that the person in front of them ordered. Each person is at the mercy of another, and if someone tries to cheat the system they will be promptly accosted by the staff. So would you be polite or a pest? It's a brilliant social experiment that forces you to trust (or not trust) complete strangers.

2. Opaque Restaurant
Los Angeles, CA
(Make sure you trust your reflexes.)

Remember how we talked about the necessity of a T.V. distracting you from nasty microwaveable dinners, forcing you to trust that every bite is something savory and healthy? Luxury restaurants in California, Europe and China are taking that a step further by forcing diners to eat in pitch black. After you order drinks in the dimly-lit waiting area, you're escorted to the depths below and served by a legally blind wait staff, while undefined "security and safety measures" are taken to ensure an enjoyable experience. The belief is that shutting down one sense heightens the others, creating an aromatic and intense dining experience. Just make sure you don't wear white.

1. Lucky's Graveyard Restaurant
Ahmadabad, India
(Yeah, that's literal.)

Lucky's Graveyard Restaurant (hope that's the real name) sits directly among a real-life Indian burial ground. It's kind of like Weekend at Bernie's -- except that it's every day of the week! The owner believes the corpses to be good luck, and that the patrons aren't as scared by graveyards -- in Hinduism, he reminds, death is seen as "an opportunity for rebirth." Yeah, I'd still be a little terrified.