Wednesday 8 May 2013

Doing Ordinary Things in Extraordinary Places

The greatest fun I have is doing the same old stuff in a new place.  Generally when I go to a new place there are some things I always do
  • visit a pharmacy/chemist - I love see what toothpaste and what makeup is being sold I can spend hours looking a new lipsticks or trying to work out what products are shampoos or conditioners
  • go to a supermarket is always great fun
  • visit houses - usually I go to open houses and pretend that I am going to buy
  • go to the movies
  • try new softdrinks...even I cannot read the label
  • go to the movies - each country has different concession stands 

Over the next few months I am going to write articles about specific experiences....I encourage you to try doing something you like when you visit a new place.  It's often the mundane that tells us most about different cultures.

Cheers
T

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Perfect Packing

I love walking onto a plane with a small carryon suitcase and a shoulder tote. Having all my luggage with me means if we are held up or have to change planes then we don't have to wait or to lose our luggage.  Also in the USA internal flights charge for check-in bags so you save money too.


My shoulder tote is the Lindy;  it has side pockets that are handy to reach in for quick items such as passports and pens.  It fits under the seat and hold heaps.  Hereunder is a list of what I pack for long flights 
  • notebook + power source + adapter
  • phone + charger + earbuds (they work with the plane's audio system too)
  • makeup
  • change of undies
  • puzzle book
  • pens
  • passport etc
  • eye mask 
  • handcream
  • mints (phew breath)
  • perfume
  • small bottle of sanitizer (good for feet)
  • facecloth (mops up spills and can double as hanky if needs be)
  • compression/dvt socks (stop swelling)
  • wallet
  • sunnies and prescript glasses




My carryon suitcase is the smallest size hardshell- it fits a surprising amount.  Below is a list of clothes that I take now - it has taken me years to develop the list.  I have overpacked for years and there's always something I don't wear but now I wear everything.  The biggest difficulty is realising that you do wear what you take and that you can always buy more things.  Don't forget different cultures- sleeves and no shorts  in certain countries.    Below is a general list for most countries but if you are having a skiing or a beach holiday then obviously it varies significantly.
Generally
  1. non-iron best - also washes and dries more quickly than say, denim
  2. one dark colour basics - black/navy/dark grey/dark brown don't show dirt
  3. large colourful scarf/pasmina dresses up an outfit    
  4. keep it simple and classic - the same items will last for years
  5. be realistic - ie high heels are unlikely to be worn as often as walking shoes
My typical wardrobe is all black with white to pop -  I layer everything
    Mimco Cocoon
  • longish stretch skirt (optional - I only take if business trip; and in summer when I can roll it at my waist to make it slightly shorter)
  • long black pants
  • capri or 3/4 pants
  • one light shirt/ top
  • one heavier shirt/top - button up so can double as a cover up
  • white teeshirt 
  • cardigan (lightweight cotton for summer; cashmere for winter)
  • Hermes scarf
  • white cotton nightie
  • black walking shoes - I have  great pair of Sketchers that are elastic and have memory foam bottoms (just bought them in USA)
  • low heels or sandals (dep on city/destination)
  • crossbody small bag (for sightseeing, I have a mimco one)
  • large carryon tote
  • old underwear can be thrown away as you go
Secrets to the Perfect 14-day Vacation Wardrobe
This is a variation on my wardrobe.

 Above is a taken from a great website ... it's like we are travel twins. I will add a picture of my wardrobe for Croatia. I buy leggings and a few things things from Supre.

Toiletries etc
  • makeup - take minimum - buy up in duty free, or visit at local chemist
  • shower gel etc - these days most hotels have all body care products so don't take  unless you need a special brand
  • if you do take shampoo it can double as body gel AND clothes detergent - smallish bottle so you can throw away
  • statement piece of jewellery ... something to make you feel good and dress up an outfit

While on the road
  • stretch clothing dries more quickly and doesn't need ironing (often hotels have a stretch line over the bath)
  • you will wash a couple of times ... hand washing is fine
  • buy things on the run such as gloves, hats etc - local products are often more practical and are souvenirs
  • foldup plastic cover - I bought one in walmart years ago
  • invest in a heavy coat - I have a great boiled wool coat I bought at Maggie T's
Of course the above should be modified for summer holidays or skiiing vacations but the same general principles apply - for instance in summer I tend to take more colourful tees and even include a linen shirt...luckily no one cares if linen crushed.


Monday 6 May 2013

Washington in Cherry Blossom Time



Perhaps everyone’s heard of Japan and cherry blossoms but Washington DC also has a Cherry Blossom season.  It’s the perfect time of year (March-April) to visit the USA’s capital - it's cool and fairly quiet - but be warned, pick the wrong week and you could end up battling with hoards of American school children.  So double check your times before you book. 

Capitol Hill fr the Trolley
When to visit - If you would prefer to visit Washington DC when it's not crowded.  I would suvggest you go during the winter - December, January.  First, snow - I love the snow. Second, the lines are shorter and you won't be competing with schoolkids or have to wait for hours to get into attractions.  And last, but most importantly its CHEAPER.  Most of the hotels are virtually empty so you'll get a cheap room.  Hint 1 : phone the hotel of your choice and ask for a discount rate.  Hint 2: Use Skype - it's free.  

I also suggest avoiding the summer as Washington DC is hot, humid and unpleasant in the hottest months.  

What to do - Museums of course.  The Smithsonian Institute is surely the most famous museum in the world.  As most people know there is more than one (about 16 in fact) and so to maximize your time, I suggest you look at their offerings and select the one that appeals to you most: my favourite is the American History one because it has popular culture items.  Explore the website which in itself has great blogs and items.    Hint 3: Smithsonian is FREE.  Be warned if it's a busy time,  lines form early.  

(The Smithsonian also has a zoo, which was walking distance from my hotel, but I'm spoiled about zoos, I think Taronga Park Sydney is the best in the world.  So I tend to avoid them and thus avoid being disappointed). 

For me, the  "Mint" is a must  visit.  Learn how money is printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (the mint produces coins and isn't avail for tours in Washington DC). Tickets are required March - August - but rest of time you can just rock up.  I love this kind of edutainment.  

If politics is your thing, perhaps you'd like to tour the Capitol?

My other favourite WAS the Spy Museum - there was a James Bond 007 exhibition when I was there.  Lots of interactive stuff for the kids and it's a novelty museum, I found it a bit corny and not always accurate.  But my biggest problem are the crowds - it is getting too popular and they aren't good at crowd control.  It is open every day from 9 until 7 but it has a complicated ticket system ie line up for tickets and then line up to get in.  Only a few people at a time are admitted.  So be warned.  It is NOT free - about $21 per ticket - so I suggest you read the tripadvisor reviews before you put it on your mustdo list. 

Kennedy Center - if performing arts is your bag each night at the Kennedy Center there is a FREE, yes FREE, activity.  So be sure to see what's on.  Of course the center hosts plays, music and all manner of performing arts.  Look at the website and be amazed at how much culture is crammed into one place.  Another mustdo, especially if you have children.  

White House - of course you might wish to visit the White House - a rather unpretentious building but still it's another Washington landmark.  Again be aware that you will have to book well in advance and prepare to be disappointed as tours can be cancelled at any time due to security reasons etc. 

Seeing the City - I like to get an overview of each city so I am oriented from the start.  We originally planned to do an open bus tour but they wouldn't take our booking (we are lazy and like a pick up from the hotel option) so we went with a trolley car and had a great time.   It took about 1.5 hours to do one loop - there are three - pictures of Capitol Hill were taken from inside hence the rather blurry picture - it's NOT my bad photography skills. Really it isn't.  Getting around Washington is very easy with the Metro--an underground/subway system that whizzes you from place to place.  

There are tons of monuments of course and we visited them all - it can get crowded so be up and about early so you can get a shot with just you at the Lincoln Memorial.  Or maybe do a night tour.  

Walking tours are always heaps of fun....



Merlots Art
Best thing to do Hint 4: Of all the things we did in Washington, the thing we enjoyed the best was Merlots Art.  Basically you go to an art studio, they supply a free glass of wine (BYO for more) and all painting supplies;  an instructor takes you through the steps of painting a 'masterpiece'.  There were six people in our session and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves...it was an eclectic crowd:, teacher, web designer, grants writer, record producer, hubby and me.  Book in advance so you can be sure to get a spot - it fill quickly and they are not avail every night of the week.   We spent a delightful couple of hours sipping wine, painting, looking at each other's interpretations and generally laughing and mingling.  I cannot more highly recommend this as an evening activity.  Naturally we brought our canvases back to Oz (oh I forgot to say, they supply everything). 

Other ideas:  Can I suggest that people book a tour of the White House, read Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, and shop Georgetown for great bargains.  How about taking in high tea in one of the fabulous hotels?  Or There are also flea markets and lots of other activities...visit the tourist website for a zillion ideas.  This week is Cocktail Week, there is a yearly Jazz Festival.  Try to keep up with the latest on the local paper The Washington Post.

In DC you would need as month to see everything once so be sure you book things well in advance.  And finally Hint 5 : leave the backpack at home.  Come one folks -- make life easier for yourself and your family and leave backpacks and similar things in the hotel.  I just have a wallet and a phone. You don't need much more.



Next month: New York City.