By the early 17th Century metaphors about maps were so easily recognized that poets such as John Donne and William Shakespeare were quoting them in their works, in their prose and their plays.  North America had been ‘discovered’ and was often times referred to as a female persona throughout Europe.  The world globe had been mapped and many people were carrying around atlas’s in their pockets.

During this time, a road map was more than a map about the physical, it was the beginning of the concept that was used to explore and to make sense of the inner and the outer worlds as well as the world of science.  The people of the seventeenth century had one hundred years of world travel and exploration behind them, and they knew exactly was was meant in the references made by Donne and Shakespeare.

The world map collection known now as the “atlas” was first published by Ortelius, but the name was not coined by him.  Gerard Mercator was the first person to use the term.  He used this term not in reference to the Titan of the same name, mythologically reported to have to support on his head, the heavens, but it was a reference to a King of Libya.  He was the scientist, the astronomer and the philosopher who is reported to have made the first globe representing the world.

His atlas was a piece of work that he had devoted twenty-five of his life to completing, and had not finished it by the time of his death.  There were two sections to the atlas, one that was published in 1585 and the second part in 1589.  His son, Rumold, completed the atlas for him in 1595.  This was a time not only of scientific exploration, but of the surrounding realms as well.  The lower world, the heavens, and the map of the human spirit.  It was a time of wonder and discovery, one that carries through to modern times…when we are still searching for scientific knowledge as well as the knowledge of our human souls.

Mapping the World, Mapping the Human Spirit is a post from: West Coast Lifestyle

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So everyone that has a job right now should be pretty thankful for it, because there are a lot of people struggling to find work in the current economy. However, that does not mean you still do not deserve to take your vacation time. Unless you seriously feel like taking your vacation time will hurt you in your job, you still need to take it. Because, let’s face it everyone needs a break.

Americans are notorious for not taking their vacation time. The only country that has less vacation time than Americans is workers in Mexico.  Vacation time is something that we all need.

However, there is a problem. With the economy, comes less expendable income. But you can still have an amazing vacation without breaking the bank on a backpacking tour of the world map.

Why not take a road trip or just have yourself a little staycation? There are probably many deals in your home town that you don’t even know about, it just takes some research. For example, I live in Phoenix and hotel deals are abound because it’s so freaking hot right now and people are not filling up the rooms like they would have in the past. Being a local here is great in the summer, you get amazing food at deeply discounted prices because businesses are trying to get people to venture outside and go out.

Another idea is to explore some of the local culture your city has to offer. Or grab a road map and do so in the next city or state nearest you.  There are a lot of things to explore in the very state you live in that you could get to on about one tank of gas probably.

Treks across the world globe are so last year. Discover what’s near you and avoid your daily routine for an amazing vacation.

Don’t give up your summer vacation is a post from: West Coast Lifestyle

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