Neil Teplica
1 100 things to AVOID before you die, like this book
This book is the worst. The suggestions of things to do are just plain aweful. It seems to suggest every crowded fair and typical tourist attraction in any city. This would be great if you love crowds and mayhem. The suggestions are useless. New Years Eve in Times square? Mardi Gras? Acadamy Awards? Carnaval? Who's not aware of these events? It could have some redeaming qualities if it had suggestions about where to stay and how to plan these types of trips, but it does not offer any other information than the dates and location. Nobel Prize Ceremonies? Running of the Bulls? Come on!!!! What a waste of paper, money and time.
2 Not For the Faint of Heart...
"100 Things to do Before You Die: Travel Events You Just Can't Miss" by Dave Freeman and Neil Teplica is a travel book for those who like adventure, "living on the edge," and somewhat of an avante garde approach to life. It is NOT for the "faint of heart" or most senior citizens (although it depends on the seniors).
100 Things provides information on such festivals and events as: Academy Awards Ceremony (which is REALLY difficult to get into); World Campionship Punkin' Chunkin' , North American Rainbow Gathering, Mardi Gras, Custer's Last Stand Reenactment, Testicle Festival, Roswell UFO Encounter, etc. As you can tell these events CAN be pretty bizarre (but never dull).
The book's events are divided by both country and, in the back, by month, which is helpful.
Unfortunately, the book only lists their own "whatsgoingon.com" website as internet info on the events. This would have been great, but it hasn't been in service lately. This glitch may be temporary, or the website may no longer cease to exist - but I would make sure that the website was up and running before I purchased the book.
3 Good title, but what about content....
According to my opinion absolutely useless book - seems that authors just "copy -paste" infomation from different sources. Also I disgaree with other reviewers that book is giving some practical information concerning participation in certian events. Having seen some of the events (places) what authors are describing I consider that information sometimes is misleading. Not to mention format and layout of the book - you really do not want to hold in hands such book, especially about travelling.
4 "Unmissability" is in the eye of the beholder
Dave Freeman et al have provided some useful ideas on travel events that you just can't miss in this little book. Some of them are splendid, but some of them slightly cliched or bizarre. I, for one, would be happy never to go to Stoke-on-Trent again, especially since the scampi in the pub was off, no matter what the waiter said. The Barnes wetlands centre is, admittedly, a decent visit for the family, though not necessarily a "must-see". On balance, pretty good.
5 Interesting
It is interesting to know things like these are going on in the world. I definately plan on attending some of the events in the book.
6 unimpressive
The events and activities described in this book are unimportant and without lasting meaning. Doing these things provides water-cooler chit-chat and nothing more. Really, there are more meaningful things you can do with your life than fritter it away on self-indulgent trivia. Of course, most Americans are too ignorant and boorish to understand any of this.
7 Stop sightseeing. Start adventuring.
I rarely leave the house. But when I do, I want wherever I go to be meaningful in some way. "100 Things" is great for planning a trip with talk value. I actually went to the "Custer's Last Stand Reenactment" last summer because of this book. Afterwards, I went to Yellowstone and did some normal sightseeing, (one more good thing about the book. Whatever they've covered, there is a bunch of other stuff you can do there too.) It's very cool that Dave Freeman and Neil Teplica have taken an adventurous view of life, and given housebound people like me some ideas on how to get out.
8 Been there, done that, got the T-shirt
Everyone I know who has seen it says the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajastan is an event not to miss. Author David Freeman includes that event and the Iditarod Sled Race, the World Cow Chip Throwing Championship in Beaver, Oklahoma, and the Carnival in Rio and New Orleans. He picked some of my dream events, and probably some of yours,too.
Of course, some of these events might considerably shorten the time between seeing them and expiring, as in the title; we were in Pamploma the week before the running of the bulls; those walls are NARROW, those cobblestones look mighty hard. Take part in a stampede ahead of irritated bovines? You do get to wear a snazzy white outfit with a red sash. They assure me that only a few people get gored every year (mostly the danger is from being trampled by the other enthusiastic participants.) We passed.
If you decide,however, that you absolutely MUST, once in your life, be chased by bulls and a few thousand of your closest friends, the book provides details on how to get there, restaurants and lodging, and website URL's. This is a very funny book, so even if you are an armchair adventurer, you'll have a blast.
9 A traveller's dream guide!
This book is perfect for the adventurous travellers who think they've been there, done that. Hardly! The range of events and locations in this book will inspire just about anyone. The authors provide a really great amount of detail and give you the info you really need to know -- particularly about some dicey locations and how to stay safe while exploring them. It's also a great book for the armchair traveller. Even if you never get to any of the places -- like the Cooper's Hill Cheese Race in England -- you'll feel like you have after reading this book.
10 Great book for world "connoisseurs"
This book puts your life in perspective, it tells you that there are important things to do in your life before your time is up, important places to see and experience. It shows you another way to plan your holidays around a special event anywhere in the world. Also it tells you not to go if such an event is taking place. The book is a terrific "travel companion" and a sort of incentive to find out what's really going on in the world among the natives. The spirit in which it was written is great and easy to read. Congratulations to Neil and David !
11 2 down, 98 more to go!
Love this book! Very interesting and funny...and it makes me realize how much there is to see and do that isn't for the traditional tourist or found in the traditional guidebook. I recommend this to anyone who's a fan of the unique and off-beat. I've also become addicted to their website, whatsgoingon.com, for a daily dose of this stuff.
12 ZIPPY and FUN! A PERFECT GIFT!
This is the most FUN and upbeat book! Rare because it's INTERESTING on EVERY page! A great gift item to have on hand!Perfect for your rich and well travelled friends for whom it is impossible to buy something under $20. I love this book. . . and these guys are really clever and creative. What's next?
13 100 Things to Do Before You Die
Best travel book I have read. If you want something different to do on vacation, this is the best source possible. Also, if you have already planned a trip, this book is an excellent place to find something unique to enhance your visit. Great gift - I bought it for my entire office staff. Super to read on a plane.
14 100 thing to do before I die
I am the sound designer of the SIMPSONS and an avid outdoorsman. I'm allways looking for new places for adventure and the opportunity to record the unique sounds these places offer. I recieved a copy of "100 things to do before you die" for Xmas, which I immediatly devoured and earmarked death. There were a few events that I recocnized in the book, but these guys made me feel like I've never left my backyard Travis Powers
15 You've never thought about travel like this before
Wow, what a wonderfully unique way to explore the globe. This is perhaps one of the most unusual travel books ever. The book is informative and humorous. Use it as a guide or just read it for entertainment. Freeman and Teplica have scoured the planet to uncover destinations, cultures and happenings that you never knew existed. Fodor's and Lonely Planet can take a hike - - Freeman and Teplica are my heros! Best of all, this book is great for everyone. I've given it to my college-age niece and to my 70-year old mother. They both love it. The only drawback - - you may feel the need to quit your job so you really can do all 100 things. Before you die.
16 The Fun of Travel in a Very Funny Manner
I think my title pretty much sums up my view of this book -- it presents, in a very user-friendly format, an irreverent trip around the globe by people who obviously know how to travel and apparently have a great deal of fun doing it....the way they describe some of the places and events makes you just want to drop your mouse, shut off your PC and go out and explore the craziness that is out there that they describe in such a humorous fashion. Dave and Neil, I feel like I know them & have traveled with them after reading their book, can have me as a travel companion anytime they wish.Order it now and you'll appreciate what I'm saying about this delightful book.
