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Spring Break |
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As professionals and students alike look to book their spring vacations, the Paper Bag Review sent yours truly to investigate two of North America's premier party spots during the annual spring rite of passage. Now, partying for two weeks
straight while corporate America suffers through the winter dulldrums may seem like a cush assignment, but recognize that my mind was focused on work from the first to the last hour. Up first, the comfortable, exotic beaches and hills of Puerto Vallarta. Nestled gently against the Pacific Ocean, PV gave me sun, cervezas and relaxation. Batting second, bee-u-tiful Indianapolis, Indiana, which of course, speaks for itself. Lets compare. Accomodations When travelling without regard for fiscal responsibility, as I often do, its best not to skimp in lodging choice. Sparing no expense, I compared two of the areas' finest resorts and was pleasantly surprised at their similarities. The Emperador Suites in Puerto Vallarta and the Days Inn in Indianapolis both offer luxuries including beds, electricity and close proximity to soda machines. Sure, the temperatures in Puerto Vallarta were approaching 90 degrees, while the weather in Indianapolis was quite winter-esque, but I think that when you put these two hotels side-by-side, the results are uncanny. Just look at these pictures taken from the windows of my respective suites:  
I bet you can't tell them apart.
Dining Nothing makes my mouth water quite like the delicacies of the sea. From sushi to chilean sea bass to a fine, ripe ceviche, I enjoy tasting the fine line between fish-flavor and fresh-flavor. Luckily for me, both of these vacationing meccas feature a wide array of crustaceans and fixings to tantalize even the most critical palette. Just look at these sources for tasty, fresh water treats, both within minutes of my lodging choices:  
Note the ample parking surrounding the Red Lobster. Convenience people, its all about convenience.
Scenery At every turn, it seemed like I was viewing yet another picturesque landscape worthy of a postcard - or perhaps a puzzle. Immediately upon stepping off the plane in Mexico, I saw championship caliber golf courses, beaches with waves striking new heights, and gorgeous, scantilly clad local women. Immediately off the plane in Indiana, I could see my breath as I waited for the rental car shuttle.  
Give the slight nod to PV for the lush green mountains on the horizon, but note who's hanging there right on the RCA Dome. Why, its none other than Syracuse Alum, Marvin Harrison! Deuce.
Cost At this point you must be asking yourself, "Does this review really apply to me? How can I travel on the budget of world reknown internet author?" Simple kids, just listen up: Although these pictures may exhibit the lap of luxury, you can still make do with lavish accessories at a low cost. Take for instance, these shots:  
On the left, you see the Feliz Hormigita taco stand that offers the absolute tastiest carne asada tacos in the world for under $.50 a taco. On the right, you see 30 packs of quality Pabst Blue Ribbon and amazingly rare 30 packs of fire brewed Stroh's for only $10.49
at the local Indianapolis CVS. Factor in that my hotel choices were both under $70 and its clear that you too can afford to go to the vacation hot spot of your choice.
Overall Most people overlook the natural charm of a city and skip to ancillary features, such as weather, popularity and desirability, in judging their vacations. Not this bagger. For me, Indianapolis held every bit as much 'character' as Puerto Vallarta, and I wouldn't be surprised one bit if, come March, thousands of screaming coeds book their trips to the heartland of America to get some sun and fun. The next step for me is to try and convince the Paper Bag Review staff to fund another spring break excursion...to beautiful Aruba and Cleveland! Cheers, Salazar |
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