I know last week I said I would continue the list of travel alternatives theme today but I forgot all about the blog carnival! We’ll pick back up next Sunday. Wow, the carnival continues to be quite popular with more and more interesting posts every month. I never cease to wonder how these different themes emerge. This month is the “off the beaten path” edition. I’m sure you’ll see why. O our first post is from Shannon who regales us with her efforts to find nirvana during an inte