So now that I can run a mile I have to go do it again.
Uggh.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Running Fool
Back on March 3rd I took my Vipod out for the inaugural test run that became a test walk after about half a block.
Less than two weeks later I was surprised and thrilled to run half a mile. Of course the thrill part came after I had stopped, dropped, and rolled.
Just kidding about the drop and roll part.
Or at least the roll part.
Anyway, at some point mid-April I made it to .75 mile without stopping. And last week, aided by nostalgia and New Order (the Bizarre Love Triangle extended dance mix really goes on and on and on) I painfully pushed through to a mile.
Now I realize this is no biggie for my crazy runnning friends, but it's something I have never done before. Even with Mr. Harris' heckling in junior high P.E. But look at me now.
Ultimately, I'd like to be able to go for a quick run, say 20-25 minutes, and cover a few miles. Which means I'm going to have to increase my pace so I can go farther faster.
You know, to get it over with.
Because don't get me wrong -- I do NOT enjoy this.
Except for brief moments when a song on the Vipod puts a bounce in my step. This actually happened twice today. And there I was, cruising along like a runner.
It quickly passed.
Less than two weeks later I was surprised and thrilled to run half a mile. Of course the thrill part came after I had stopped, dropped, and rolled.
Just kidding about the drop and roll part.
Or at least the roll part.
Anyway, at some point mid-April I made it to .75 mile without stopping. And last week, aided by nostalgia and New Order (the Bizarre Love Triangle extended dance mix really goes on and on and on) I painfully pushed through to a mile.
Now I realize this is no biggie for my crazy runnning friends, but it's something I have never done before. Even with Mr. Harris' heckling in junior high P.E. But look at me now.
Ultimately, I'd like to be able to go for a quick run, say 20-25 minutes, and cover a few miles. Which means I'm going to have to increase my pace so I can go farther faster.
You know, to get it over with.
Because don't get me wrong -- I do NOT enjoy this.
Except for brief moments when a song on the Vipod puts a bounce in my step. This actually happened twice today. And there I was, cruising along like a runner.
It quickly passed.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Brief and Dignified
I recently made the switch from serving in Young Women's at church to serving in the Relief Society presidency. So now each week I sit, briefly, in front of a group of smart, wonderful, talented, well-mannered ladies of our congregation and try to comport myself with appropriate decorum. Because the pre-lesson opening is supposed to be brief and dignified.
I think you know where I'm going with this.
I only bring this up because of a recent post on my friend Pmom's blog where she describes a situation in which she could have jumped into a conversation between strangers and offered advice yet refrained. Then she wondered why:
I have a friend who reads this blog, S., and I was thinking about it later: What would S. do? And I reflected that no way would she have said nothing. S. would have said something, and she would have said it in a way that made the other person laugh–possibly thinking she was a tiny bit overbearing, yet funny, but more likely so grateful for the helpful information.
What would S do?! I can't be sure, but my guess is that the mysterious S would probably have jumped right in and drenched the ladies with an outpouring of opinion. Perhaps they would have found her well-intentioned attempt at helpfulness charming. Or quirky. Harmless?
Sigh.
Here's part of my reaction to Pmom's post:
Choosing silence is something I frequently resolve to do more often. A few years back I participated in one of those personality inventory sessions and was horrified when a casual friend said she would have pegged me first as dominant. I found out that it’s not an uncommon perception of an “expressive expressive” personality.
So while you question your reticence, I worry about being perceived as overbearing, pushy, or generally obnoxious. I admire the soft-spoken, the gracious, the ones who measure their words.
But then again, I’ve always wanted straight hair — and I bet you like curls.
I don't really think I am overbearing, pushy, or obnoxious. Or that people who know me think I am those things.
Most of the time.
But what about the people who don't know me well enough to see past the quirks? (And just so you know, thoughts like this did not weigh so heavily upon me when I spent time with a group of teen-aged girls.) But now that I'm with the grown-ups I have wondered... what will they think of me? Am I going to be a bull in the Relief Society china shop? What kind of effect will I have?
As I watched the many different men and women speak during the most recent General Conference of the Church, sat in stake training meetings, and enjoyed attending my first two Relief Society lessons in five years, I tried not to compare myself to others or dwell on my shortcomings.
But I was concerned. Then as I sat in the temple last week I was impressed with the thought that a range of behavior is acceptable to the Lord. I may be way on the far side of dignified, but I like to think I stay within acceptable boundaries.
And just this morning as I spoke with a friend's daughter, one of the darling young women I have served with over the past five years, I found words to describe -- with appropriate brevity and dignity -- what I can bring to service in Relief Society.
An added measure of joyfulness.
Whaddyathink?
I think you know where I'm going with this.
I only bring this up because of a recent post on my friend Pmom's blog where she describes a situation in which she could have jumped into a conversation between strangers and offered advice yet refrained. Then she wondered why:
I have a friend who reads this blog, S., and I was thinking about it later: What would S. do? And I reflected that no way would she have said nothing. S. would have said something, and she would have said it in a way that made the other person laugh–possibly thinking she was a tiny bit overbearing, yet funny, but more likely so grateful for the helpful information.
What would S do?! I can't be sure, but my guess is that the mysterious S would probably have jumped right in and drenched the ladies with an outpouring of opinion. Perhaps they would have found her well-intentioned attempt at helpfulness charming. Or quirky. Harmless?
Sigh.
Here's part of my reaction to Pmom's post:
Choosing silence is something I frequently resolve to do more often. A few years back I participated in one of those personality inventory sessions and was horrified when a casual friend said she would have pegged me first as dominant. I found out that it’s not an uncommon perception of an “expressive expressive” personality.
So while you question your reticence, I worry about being perceived as overbearing, pushy, or generally obnoxious. I admire the soft-spoken, the gracious, the ones who measure their words.
But then again, I’ve always wanted straight hair — and I bet you like curls.
I don't really think I am overbearing, pushy, or obnoxious. Or that people who know me think I am those things.
Most of the time.
But what about the people who don't know me well enough to see past the quirks? (And just so you know, thoughts like this did not weigh so heavily upon me when I spent time with a group of teen-aged girls.) But now that I'm with the grown-ups I have wondered... what will they think of me? Am I going to be a bull in the Relief Society china shop? What kind of effect will I have?
As I watched the many different men and women speak during the most recent General Conference of the Church, sat in stake training meetings, and enjoyed attending my first two Relief Society lessons in five years, I tried not to compare myself to others or dwell on my shortcomings.
But I was concerned. Then as I sat in the temple last week I was impressed with the thought that a range of behavior is acceptable to the Lord. I may be way on the far side of dignified, but I like to think I stay within acceptable boundaries.
And just this morning as I spoke with a friend's daughter, one of the darling young women I have served with over the past five years, I found words to describe -- with appropriate brevity and dignity -- what I can bring to service in Relief Society.
An added measure of joyfulness.
Whaddyathink?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Buona Pasqua!
This morning the girls had the traditional Cliff egg hunt -- in the living-dining room, and a good thing, since it rain rain rained all night -- and we talked about what Easter is really about.
We talked about springtime, new life, and how the Savior rising from the tomb after three days means everyone, everywhere, will live again.
As an aside I mentioned that Easter and Christmas are such a big deal that even people who don't normally go to church attend services.
Throughout the week I noticed signs announcing that a lot of places that are usually open on Sunday will be closed today, too. So people can worship and spend time with their families.
And that makes me happy.
This morning after the hunt Katie shared a marshmallow bunny with me. But first she bit the ears off, which I surmised was her twist on a plotline from the comics page. This comic features a more-put-together-than-the-parents sassy daughter that I thought was so funny when I was a teen but now not so much.
I referenced the comic as she handed the earless bunny to me and we shared a moment. Then I picked up my Dove dark chocolate bunny and bit off its ears.
I'm off to paint my toenails pink for church...
Happy Easter!
We talked about springtime, new life, and how the Savior rising from the tomb after three days means everyone, everywhere, will live again.
As an aside I mentioned that Easter and Christmas are such a big deal that even people who don't normally go to church attend services.
Throughout the week I noticed signs announcing that a lot of places that are usually open on Sunday will be closed today, too. So people can worship and spend time with their families.
And that makes me happy.
This morning after the hunt Katie shared a marshmallow bunny with me. But first she bit the ears off, which I surmised was her twist on a plotline from the comics page. This comic features a more-put-together-than-the-parents sassy daughter that I thought was so funny when I was a teen but now not so much.
I referenced the comic as she handed the earless bunny to me and we shared a moment. Then I picked up my Dove dark chocolate bunny and bit off its ears.
I'm off to paint my toenails pink for church...
Happy Easter!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Planning to Travel Part III: Disneyland
We've gone a few times with the girls. I am not a theme park lover. But I love Disneyland. We have great family memories. I haven't gone in the summer since I was a teen, but the crowds are greater then and the planning will be more important. I would say crucial. Even if you hate to plan. Of course, if you go for a week the plan won't be as important. But because I am neither made of money nor a theme park lover I can do Disneyland for about two days. Then the magic is gone.
We always fly into John Wayne/Orange County airport, which is smaller than LAX but much closer and the tickets usually cost the same or less. We take a taxi to Disneyland because it is the cheapest for the four of us (versus a shuttle or several days of rental car) and then we don't have to figure out traffic. Sometimes you can find limo services for the same price as a taxi and be whisked away in leather towncar fabulousness. If you plan on continuing to the beach or other destinations you can always get a car later. Why pay to have it parked?
The first time we went I got the book The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland and read/devoured it for tips. We used one of the touring plans in the back of the book. It helped. The book also gives you the scoop on things like early entry, rides and shows, and restaurants and hotels that are nearby.
But then I found a little thing called Ridemax.
Ridemax is true.
It is software some enterprising person devised that creates personalized touring plans of the Disney parks. They make the plan for you, better than you can do it yourself. Beautiful.
I guess they study traffic flow, popularity of rides, wait times, etc., and put it all together with some complicated wizardry to analyze the patterns within the Disneyland parks so you can take the road less traveled. You can Google it to find the site. They'll describe it better than I can.
So you put your information into the system: the day you'll be in the park-- Disneyland or California Adventure, although they also have Ridemax for Disneyworld -- and your estimated arrival time and departure, which attractions you want to do that day, how long your afternoon break will be -- and trust me, you'll want to do that to cope with sensory overload for you and the kiddoes -- if you move fast or slow (choose slow) and whether you can send a runner for fastpasses. I'm the runne. And BTW, it helps if the runner is familiar with the basic park layout. So unless you grew up in the OC or spent every summer of your life visiting Disneyland, get a map and study it before you arrive.
Once you've put in all your preferences, Ridemax whirrs away and spits out an itinerary with the order in which you go to each attraction, complete with times so you know if you are staying on schedule. If you don't like it for whatever reason you can re-run the program for an alternate plan. I do that when I don't like the afternoon break schedule or I don't like the ordered mix of rides. But I print out the first option first so I can compare. You can do that as little or as much as you like. Guess which category I fall into?
Ridemax also estimates how much time you'll stand in line with the itinerary plan v. doing it yourself. On busy days you can save hours. Hours, people! Spontanaeity is not all it's cracked up to be. Gimme the plan. Last trip we got ahead of schedule and rode the Matterhorn twice with no wait.
You can print out several Ridemax versions for each day with15 min. arrival intervals if you think you may run late in the morning. Better safe than sorry, I say. I guess if you bring a laptop with you on vacation, something I discourage, you can do it each morning before you leave your hotel. But I don't recommend that plan. What if the WiFi is down? What if you sleep late and there is no time to work your plan? What if the hotel's printer is out of paper? Make the plan. Take the plan. Be the plan. : )
Again, this is not spontaneous theme park behavior. Your kids have to be prepared so they know you'll be walking past certain rides but coming back later. Our girls were fine with it. They were excited to be there, we'd explained the schedule to them, and miraculously they suspended their usual need to question my actions in the thrall of vacation extraordinariness. I heart Ridemax. It is right up my alley. Check out the Europe post: I am Ridemax.
If you are big autograph seekers you would have to skip parts of your itinerary to stand in line for them and still stay on track. We don't do autograph lines. But we always go to Goofy's Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel for an early character dinner the day we arrive. This is the night before we enter the parks. The kids get to see several characters and get their fix and it introduces the Disney fun without adding an extra day on the ticket. Which is good, because Goofy's aint cheap. Then we go to the hotel, swim if we haven't been to the pool already, and get to bed at a reasonable time so everyone is fresh in the morning.
One benefit of going to CA is that with the two-hour time difference we can sleep normally and still be up early for park entrance the first day. How old are your kids? We used the big park strollers part of the time. They are big enough for most grade-schoolers and great for stowing drinks and stuff -- the kids love being tooled around and they also get to relax in the shade while we push them around the park and are therefore happier. We got one for our first grader last year and our fifth grader wanted one by the afternoon. Not much excessive vanity at our house.
We've stayed all over the place. The first time we stayed at the Embassy Suites one. John loves the big FREE made to order breakfast, as do the kids, and I like putting the kids on the pullout and having my own room. Another time we stayed at the Howard Johnson's because of its great reviews; it is nothing fancy but we had a nice-sized quad room with a balcony and park view, two blocks down across from the main entrance. Last trip we were at the Hilton adjacent to the convention center. It's reviews were mixed, but we had a very nice stay there.
Each hotel had it's perks. We walked from HoJo's and took the resort transport for a small fee for the other two. I think I like the Embassy Suites the least -- but mabe because it was the first trip and we were farthest away on the transport route and breakfast was a huge atrium affair. When we stayed at HoJos we had breakfast in the room (cereal and fruit) or at the Mimi's next door.
I've never stayed on Disneyland property, but Karen and I are going to do that this December as our birthday celebration. Because you should celebrate getting older by acting like a kid.
We've already started to plan.
We always fly into John Wayne/Orange County airport, which is smaller than LAX but much closer and the tickets usually cost the same or less. We take a taxi to Disneyland because it is the cheapest for the four of us (versus a shuttle or several days of rental car) and then we don't have to figure out traffic. Sometimes you can find limo services for the same price as a taxi and be whisked away in leather towncar fabulousness. If you plan on continuing to the beach or other destinations you can always get a car later. Why pay to have it parked?
The first time we went I got the book The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland and read/devoured it for tips. We used one of the touring plans in the back of the book. It helped. The book also gives you the scoop on things like early entry, rides and shows, and restaurants and hotels that are nearby.
But then I found a little thing called Ridemax.
Ridemax is true.
It is software some enterprising person devised that creates personalized touring plans of the Disney parks. They make the plan for you, better than you can do it yourself. Beautiful.
I guess they study traffic flow, popularity of rides, wait times, etc., and put it all together with some complicated wizardry to analyze the patterns within the Disneyland parks so you can take the road less traveled. You can Google it to find the site. They'll describe it better than I can.
So you put your information into the system: the day you'll be in the park-- Disneyland or California Adventure, although they also have Ridemax for Disneyworld -- and your estimated arrival time and departure, which attractions you want to do that day, how long your afternoon break will be -- and trust me, you'll want to do that to cope with sensory overload for you and the kiddoes -- if you move fast or slow (choose slow) and whether you can send a runner for fastpasses. I'm the runne. And BTW, it helps if the runner is familiar with the basic park layout. So unless you grew up in the OC or spent every summer of your life visiting Disneyland, get a map and study it before you arrive.
Once you've put in all your preferences, Ridemax whirrs away and spits out an itinerary with the order in which you go to each attraction, complete with times so you know if you are staying on schedule. If you don't like it for whatever reason you can re-run the program for an alternate plan. I do that when I don't like the afternoon break schedule or I don't like the ordered mix of rides. But I print out the first option first so I can compare. You can do that as little or as much as you like. Guess which category I fall into?
Ridemax also estimates how much time you'll stand in line with the itinerary plan v. doing it yourself. On busy days you can save hours. Hours, people! Spontanaeity is not all it's cracked up to be. Gimme the plan. Last trip we got ahead of schedule and rode the Matterhorn twice with no wait.
You can print out several Ridemax versions for each day with15 min. arrival intervals if you think you may run late in the morning. Better safe than sorry, I say. I guess if you bring a laptop with you on vacation, something I discourage, you can do it each morning before you leave your hotel. But I don't recommend that plan. What if the WiFi is down? What if you sleep late and there is no time to work your plan? What if the hotel's printer is out of paper? Make the plan. Take the plan. Be the plan. : )
Again, this is not spontaneous theme park behavior. Your kids have to be prepared so they know you'll be walking past certain rides but coming back later. Our girls were fine with it. They were excited to be there, we'd explained the schedule to them, and miraculously they suspended their usual need to question my actions in the thrall of vacation extraordinariness. I heart Ridemax. It is right up my alley. Check out the Europe post: I am Ridemax.
If you are big autograph seekers you would have to skip parts of your itinerary to stand in line for them and still stay on track. We don't do autograph lines. But we always go to Goofy's Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel for an early character dinner the day we arrive. This is the night before we enter the parks. The kids get to see several characters and get their fix and it introduces the Disney fun without adding an extra day on the ticket. Which is good, because Goofy's aint cheap. Then we go to the hotel, swim if we haven't been to the pool already, and get to bed at a reasonable time so everyone is fresh in the morning.
One benefit of going to CA is that with the two-hour time difference we can sleep normally and still be up early for park entrance the first day. How old are your kids? We used the big park strollers part of the time. They are big enough for most grade-schoolers and great for stowing drinks and stuff -- the kids love being tooled around and they also get to relax in the shade while we push them around the park and are therefore happier. We got one for our first grader last year and our fifth grader wanted one by the afternoon. Not much excessive vanity at our house.
We've stayed all over the place. The first time we stayed at the Embassy Suites one. John loves the big FREE made to order breakfast, as do the kids, and I like putting the kids on the pullout and having my own room. Another time we stayed at the Howard Johnson's because of its great reviews; it is nothing fancy but we had a nice-sized quad room with a balcony and park view, two blocks down across from the main entrance. Last trip we were at the Hilton adjacent to the convention center. It's reviews were mixed, but we had a very nice stay there.
Each hotel had it's perks. We walked from HoJo's and took the resort transport for a small fee for the other two. I think I like the Embassy Suites the least -- but mabe because it was the first trip and we were farthest away on the transport route and breakfast was a huge atrium affair. When we stayed at HoJos we had breakfast in the room (cereal and fruit) or at the Mimi's next door.
I've never stayed on Disneyland property, but Karen and I are going to do that this December as our birthday celebration. Because you should celebrate getting older by acting like a kid.
We've already started to plan.
Planning to Travel Part II: Europe
Are you going to Europe? Lucky you! I have only gone once in summer, and it was a different experience. If you can, go off-season. If you can't, then the planning will be even that more important. Regardless, it will be amazing. Let's make a plan:
First, check out the general location info for each city you will visit (what to do/basic tips/weather). Because you might not know what is there... okay, so you may know that Milan has the Last Supper. But do you know you can walk from the Duomo (cathedral) through the Galleria (glass arcaded shopping street) to La Scala, the famous opera house? But did you know you have to stop at the bull halfway through to spin a few times on his, uh, parts? Do you know that when you're there the cheapest yummy is the panzerotti at Luini? You would if you checked out the city online. Google it. Use Rick Steves. Frommers. Slow Travel. Check out the guidebooks at Barnes & Noble -- if you find one you like, buy it. You can tear out the sections you like and bring them with you.
Next, look at what there is to do and make a list of what you want to do, in order of greatest importance. Then make a sample itinerary based on the time you have -- basically, what stuff can you feasible do with the time you have? Factor in travel time, amount of time at each site, waiting time if there will be lines. I try to get a map of the city online so I can coordinate activities by zone. It saves time and cab fare if you can cluster activities. Go ahead and factor in pit stops at this time. You'll need a plan for finding restrooms. Museums are always good. Most restaurants will not have them, but the American ones often do.
Then, when you know what you'll be doing, double check the opening/closing times and holiday/festival dates to make sure what you want to do will be open when you get there. Don't forget that in many countries things will close mid-afternoon. It's not as prevalent as it used to be, but you need to check it out. Churches don't stay open all day and night. Holidays exist that we don't know about, especially in Italy, where there are a billion feast days we don't celebrate. If something is closed the day you have planned, rework the plan and see if you can fit it in the next day. Also note that there is often a free day for museums. Note that it will be especially crowded on that day. And having been to the Vatican museums on a normal day, I don't think I'd want to be there on a "busy" day.
Put the dates and times on your itinerary. I often have two pages: one is a calendar type with the day's schedule and basic information such as what time we'll do each activity and how to get there. The second has more complete information such as full schedules/addresses/restaurant specialties for referance. This helps me know the consequences when I want to deviate from the plan. For example, when John and I were in New York last year it was raining so we nixed plans for Bryant Park and went to the Metropolitan museum. However, I neglected to check the full day/time information for the museum and we had only been there for about 1/2 and hour when they announced the regular, early, closing time in 15 minutes. (Oh, so that's why I planned this activity the next day).
Having complete contact information also helps if you've deviated from the plan and are now going to be finding a place from a different location than originally planned. (Because I plan the route from place to place). If I don't have the address to my little economical hotel with me, only instructions to take so and so bus from outside the Forum, I won't be able to find the hotel from anywhere else. Well, I could probably do it. Because I'm not afraid to ask. And since I speak Italian. But you'd be in a spot of trouble. I'm sure some nice person would get you there eventually. My seventh grade German was enough to find the church I wanted in Zurich... the one we'd passed twice. Old people are nice.
Speaking of hotels, you need to get your reservations ASAP, if you haven't already. I have had mixed success with Rick Steves' hotel recommendations, and if you follow them, aim high. The good places book up fast in high season. I don't know if there are good "deals" in Rome... or London. Everyone wants to go there and so it costs a bit more. I'm not very particular. I've stayed in everything from five star hotel(lifestyles of the rich and famous, thanks to traveling husband's points) to hostel. And a hotel run by nuns. They were all clean and safe, and that's what counts. But European bathrooms are foreign and often smaller than some people are used to. And your bath may be yours alone, but it may be across the hall from you. Doesn't bother me so much, but my Dad didn't like it. Bigger hotels that cater to business people are usually more comparable to an American hotel room. But rooms for four can be hard to come by. Book early.
Two years ago when Katie and I met my parents in Rome we rented an apartment. It was fantastic, although the location was not as central as I would recommend. With the difficulty in finding larger rooms in Europe I highly recommend checking out apartment rentals. And the cost may be comparable to what two rooms would be in a hotel. There are many websites devoted to them with pictures and sometimes reviews, too. Katie loved having her own room. I liked being able to shop and have breakfast make pasta with local ingredients. But even if you don't cook, the quiet and space to spread out after traveling together is wonderful. I would do it again.
Once I have my plan of activities by day I go back and research transportation options (train/subway/cab/bus) and whether several day passes or individual tickets will be better. In Europe kids of a certain age often travel free with adults on public transportation. I used the metro a bit in Rome, but it isn't as helpful as some other cities I've visited. London's tube system is fantastic -- clear signs, and of course all in English. And it is the fastest way to get across trafficky London. For Rome, for our location near the Vatican, the buses were very helpful. But you have to know where you are going and stay very alert. Pickpockets dress like businessmen these days. Or so I've heard. I don't know that I'd recommend buses to the uninitiated. But for adventurous travelers, especially those who use public transportation in their city at home, they can be faster and more convenient than other transportation options. And sometimes the unusual options are the most fun. I have very fond memories of me and my sister-in-law hopping into a pedicab after the theatre and zooming through London at night.
Taxis are not too hard to come by in Rome... and depending on who you are traveling with, the convenience and foot resting is worth the extra money. (But if you are in Florence, unless you are going across the entire city or to/from the train station, just walk.) If you are driving to a city in Italy, something I've never done, you would want to check out where you can park your car legally and long-term. I think parking it somewhere safe on the edge of the city and using public transportation is what I'd do in most of Europe. Even if you are used to driving there. Because it is a hassle to figure out little streets, and finding parking can be impossible. And then what if you come back to the car and find a boot on the tire? Nightmare. We have friends who love a hotel in Rome that has an interior courtyard for cars. Check out your options.
Oh, and check to see if your cell phone will work in Europe. Get it set so you can use it and your trip could be so much easier. If you have more than one in your group, you'll be able to separate and meet up easily. Find the numbers for cabs in the cities you will visit in case you need to call one. Sometimes they are hard to find. But also know that in some cities if one is called, they start charging on the route to you as well as once you are picked up. I didn't realize this. I think maybe this misunderstanding is why people think cabbies are scamming them. And don't get into unauthorized cabs. They will scam you.
I'm a bit crazed about the transportation scheuling -- I print out maps and familiarize myself with them, I look up the site I will be, where I am going next, and how to get there. I put the correct bus/subway line, number, and direction in my itinerary. One reason is so I don't waste time figuring it out while I am there. Because that is a crime. The second reason is so I don't stand around in all my tourist glory asking to be pickpocketed. It has never happened to me, but a swarm of paper-wielding gypsies in Florence almost got my Dad's wallet (I alerted him to not just pay attention but to get his hand on his wallet -- they already know where it is, so it's not like you are tipping them off -- they won't take it blatantly from you) and my father-in-law got his lifted in Paris last week. Be vigilant! They are good. Don't make yourself more of a target standing around with a map looking confused.
I wear a dorky moneybelt under my clothes when I am in Europe. It's true. It has a zipper at the top so I can actually get into it as easily as it is to tuck a shirt into jeans. I carry only my local transport tickets and a day's worth (or half a day) of money in my wallet or pocket. My passport, credit cards, ATM card and a sheet I photocopied with the images of my cards, front and back with contact information, are tucked away. It's just easier not to worry. If I am going to pay at a restaurant or hotel or whatever with a card I discreetly get the card out and tuck it back away safely before re-entering the street/station/etc. Better safe than sorry. Once an Italian caught me tucking my Amex into the belt under my skirtband, smiled, and said they do the same when they are traveling. I am not too proud to do it. And I never worry.
I always get some local cash before I go from my bank (order it ahead of time unless you are close to a big city branch) and use the ATM wherever you travel for more. I use cash more there than here so I also plan for ATM use throughout the trip. Be careful about the locations you use, and be discreet.
One thing I'm not good about is checking for consulate info. I just read in the paper and it's a good idea to register with them so they know you are in the city, in case you need to be contacted, but also have the adress and phone number in your itinerary should you need assistance. Because you never know...
I pack light. Really light. Because I have never driven, and always use public transportation, I have to lug my stuff. I use a carry-on sized bag and a large purse or tote bag over my shoulder. I take 1 pair of jeans and 1-2 pairs black pants in the winter; at least one pair of slacks and some skirts in the summer and several tops and a light jacket or sweater to layer that can be wrapped around my waist. I was unprepared for the cold we found in London in June, and have photos of me and Katie bundled in the warmest clothes we had -- pants, light jackets and the pashminas I always carry for cold planes and to add color to my basic wardrobe. Glad I had two scarves with me. But in sandals our toes were freezing. I'd try to bring at least a ballet flat next time. I try to find the most comfortable shoes that are not sneakers -- boots in winter and one other, sandals and one other in summer. And I tuck in flip flops because I have shower issues. It's coordinated so it all goes together. Don't wear shorts in Italy. Capri pants are fine, but skirts are cooler for summer, and you'll look nicer and be treated better. I take A-line skirts with stretch (more comfy and reduced wrinkling) or skirts meant to look crinkly. Because I cram my little case as full as I can.
I always travel with a purse or tote bag with strap big enough to put over my shoulder. It has to be big enough for a water bottle, my itinerary, map, travel umbrella if necessary, and room for small purchases. My girls have little bags with long straps to wear across their body that they keep paper and pens in, little snacks, and water. The strap has to be that long so they can wear it and forget about it rather than forget it somewhere. Katie wore hers all over London, Florence, and Rome. She was a champion traveler. I don't know when I've ever been so proud.
Make the plan. Work the plan. Be the plan.
And have fun.
First, check out the general location info for each city you will visit (what to do/basic tips/weather). Because you might not know what is there... okay, so you may know that Milan has the Last Supper. But do you know you can walk from the Duomo (cathedral) through the Galleria (glass arcaded shopping street) to La Scala, the famous opera house? But did you know you have to stop at the bull halfway through to spin a few times on his, uh, parts? Do you know that when you're there the cheapest yummy is the panzerotti at Luini? You would if you checked out the city online. Google it. Use Rick Steves. Frommers. Slow Travel. Check out the guidebooks at Barnes & Noble -- if you find one you like, buy it. You can tear out the sections you like and bring them with you.
Next, look at what there is to do and make a list of what you want to do, in order of greatest importance. Then make a sample itinerary based on the time you have -- basically, what stuff can you feasible do with the time you have? Factor in travel time, amount of time at each site, waiting time if there will be lines. I try to get a map of the city online so I can coordinate activities by zone. It saves time and cab fare if you can cluster activities. Go ahead and factor in pit stops at this time. You'll need a plan for finding restrooms. Museums are always good. Most restaurants will not have them, but the American ones often do.
Then, when you know what you'll be doing, double check the opening/closing times and holiday/festival dates to make sure what you want to do will be open when you get there. Don't forget that in many countries things will close mid-afternoon. It's not as prevalent as it used to be, but you need to check it out. Churches don't stay open all day and night. Holidays exist that we don't know about, especially in Italy, where there are a billion feast days we don't celebrate. If something is closed the day you have planned, rework the plan and see if you can fit it in the next day. Also note that there is often a free day for museums. Note that it will be especially crowded on that day. And having been to the Vatican museums on a normal day, I don't think I'd want to be there on a "busy" day.
Put the dates and times on your itinerary. I often have two pages: one is a calendar type with the day's schedule and basic information such as what time we'll do each activity and how to get there. The second has more complete information such as full schedules/addresses/restaurant specialties for referance. This helps me know the consequences when I want to deviate from the plan. For example, when John and I were in New York last year it was raining so we nixed plans for Bryant Park and went to the Metropolitan museum. However, I neglected to check the full day/time information for the museum and we had only been there for about 1/2 and hour when they announced the regular, early, closing time in 15 minutes. (Oh, so that's why I planned this activity the next day).
Having complete contact information also helps if you've deviated from the plan and are now going to be finding a place from a different location than originally planned. (Because I plan the route from place to place). If I don't have the address to my little economical hotel with me, only instructions to take so and so bus from outside the Forum, I won't be able to find the hotel from anywhere else. Well, I could probably do it. Because I'm not afraid to ask. And since I speak Italian. But you'd be in a spot of trouble. I'm sure some nice person would get you there eventually. My seventh grade German was enough to find the church I wanted in Zurich... the one we'd passed twice. Old people are nice.
Speaking of hotels, you need to get your reservations ASAP, if you haven't already. I have had mixed success with Rick Steves' hotel recommendations, and if you follow them, aim high. The good places book up fast in high season. I don't know if there are good "deals" in Rome... or London. Everyone wants to go there and so it costs a bit more. I'm not very particular. I've stayed in everything from five star hotel(lifestyles of the rich and famous, thanks to traveling husband's points) to hostel. And a hotel run by nuns. They were all clean and safe, and that's what counts. But European bathrooms are foreign and often smaller than some people are used to. And your bath may be yours alone, but it may be across the hall from you. Doesn't bother me so much, but my Dad didn't like it. Bigger hotels that cater to business people are usually more comparable to an American hotel room. But rooms for four can be hard to come by. Book early.
Two years ago when Katie and I met my parents in Rome we rented an apartment. It was fantastic, although the location was not as central as I would recommend. With the difficulty in finding larger rooms in Europe I highly recommend checking out apartment rentals. And the cost may be comparable to what two rooms would be in a hotel. There are many websites devoted to them with pictures and sometimes reviews, too. Katie loved having her own room. I liked being able to shop and have breakfast make pasta with local ingredients. But even if you don't cook, the quiet and space to spread out after traveling together is wonderful. I would do it again.
Once I have my plan of activities by day I go back and research transportation options (train/subway/cab/bus) and whether several day passes or individual tickets will be better. In Europe kids of a certain age often travel free with adults on public transportation. I used the metro a bit in Rome, but it isn't as helpful as some other cities I've visited. London's tube system is fantastic -- clear signs, and of course all in English. And it is the fastest way to get across trafficky London. For Rome, for our location near the Vatican, the buses were very helpful. But you have to know where you are going and stay very alert. Pickpockets dress like businessmen these days. Or so I've heard. I don't know that I'd recommend buses to the uninitiated. But for adventurous travelers, especially those who use public transportation in their city at home, they can be faster and more convenient than other transportation options. And sometimes the unusual options are the most fun. I have very fond memories of me and my sister-in-law hopping into a pedicab after the theatre and zooming through London at night.
Taxis are not too hard to come by in Rome... and depending on who you are traveling with, the convenience and foot resting is worth the extra money. (But if you are in Florence, unless you are going across the entire city or to/from the train station, just walk.) If you are driving to a city in Italy, something I've never done, you would want to check out where you can park your car legally and long-term. I think parking it somewhere safe on the edge of the city and using public transportation is what I'd do in most of Europe. Even if you are used to driving there. Because it is a hassle to figure out little streets, and finding parking can be impossible. And then what if you come back to the car and find a boot on the tire? Nightmare. We have friends who love a hotel in Rome that has an interior courtyard for cars. Check out your options.
Oh, and check to see if your cell phone will work in Europe. Get it set so you can use it and your trip could be so much easier. If you have more than one in your group, you'll be able to separate and meet up easily. Find the numbers for cabs in the cities you will visit in case you need to call one. Sometimes they are hard to find. But also know that in some cities if one is called, they start charging on the route to you as well as once you are picked up. I didn't realize this. I think maybe this misunderstanding is why people think cabbies are scamming them. And don't get into unauthorized cabs. They will scam you.
I'm a bit crazed about the transportation scheuling -- I print out maps and familiarize myself with them, I look up the site I will be, where I am going next, and how to get there. I put the correct bus/subway line, number, and direction in my itinerary. One reason is so I don't waste time figuring it out while I am there. Because that is a crime. The second reason is so I don't stand around in all my tourist glory asking to be pickpocketed. It has never happened to me, but a swarm of paper-wielding gypsies in Florence almost got my Dad's wallet (I alerted him to not just pay attention but to get his hand on his wallet -- they already know where it is, so it's not like you are tipping them off -- they won't take it blatantly from you) and my father-in-law got his lifted in Paris last week. Be vigilant! They are good. Don't make yourself more of a target standing around with a map looking confused.
I wear a dorky moneybelt under my clothes when I am in Europe. It's true. It has a zipper at the top so I can actually get into it as easily as it is to tuck a shirt into jeans. I carry only my local transport tickets and a day's worth (or half a day) of money in my wallet or pocket. My passport, credit cards, ATM card and a sheet I photocopied with the images of my cards, front and back with contact information, are tucked away. It's just easier not to worry. If I am going to pay at a restaurant or hotel or whatever with a card I discreetly get the card out and tuck it back away safely before re-entering the street/station/etc. Better safe than sorry. Once an Italian caught me tucking my Amex into the belt under my skirtband, smiled, and said they do the same when they are traveling. I am not too proud to do it. And I never worry.
I always get some local cash before I go from my bank (order it ahead of time unless you are close to a big city branch) and use the ATM wherever you travel for more. I use cash more there than here so I also plan for ATM use throughout the trip. Be careful about the locations you use, and be discreet.
One thing I'm not good about is checking for consulate info. I just read in the paper and it's a good idea to register with them so they know you are in the city, in case you need to be contacted, but also have the adress and phone number in your itinerary should you need assistance. Because you never know...
I pack light. Really light. Because I have never driven, and always use public transportation, I have to lug my stuff. I use a carry-on sized bag and a large purse or tote bag over my shoulder. I take 1 pair of jeans and 1-2 pairs black pants in the winter; at least one pair of slacks and some skirts in the summer and several tops and a light jacket or sweater to layer that can be wrapped around my waist. I was unprepared for the cold we found in London in June, and have photos of me and Katie bundled in the warmest clothes we had -- pants, light jackets and the pashminas I always carry for cold planes and to add color to my basic wardrobe. Glad I had two scarves with me. But in sandals our toes were freezing. I'd try to bring at least a ballet flat next time. I try to find the most comfortable shoes that are not sneakers -- boots in winter and one other, sandals and one other in summer. And I tuck in flip flops because I have shower issues. It's coordinated so it all goes together. Don't wear shorts in Italy. Capri pants are fine, but skirts are cooler for summer, and you'll look nicer and be treated better. I take A-line skirts with stretch (more comfy and reduced wrinkling) or skirts meant to look crinkly. Because I cram my little case as full as I can.
I always travel with a purse or tote bag with strap big enough to put over my shoulder. It has to be big enough for a water bottle, my itinerary, map, travel umbrella if necessary, and room for small purchases. My girls have little bags with long straps to wear across their body that they keep paper and pens in, little snacks, and water. The strap has to be that long so they can wear it and forget about it rather than forget it somewhere. Katie wore hers all over London, Florence, and Rome. She was a champion traveler. I don't know when I've ever been so proud.
Make the plan. Work the plan. Be the plan.
And have fun.
Planning to Travel? Part I
No, I'm not going anywhere. For now. But in a recent email response to friends who will be traveling I regurgitated all the ugly details about my pre-travel research routine. And it is more than a normal person would want to attempt. But there's good stuff in there, people! So I'm putting it out there. My own little travel tips and techniques. But not so little. You've been warned.
Here's my travel philosophy -- I am crazy researcher before I leave so I can pack a lot in and/or not worry about things while there. I have gone to Europe a few times, and plan to go back again and again, but I always travel with the theory that it could be my last trip -- you never know! So I do plan to an insane degree in order to hit more of my highest priority experiences. It is not slow travel. Someday I will rent a place for a month and do that. But I've never had a month. So I pack things in, but build into the itinerary things like stopping for hot chocolate at Cafe Rivoire to rest and people watch. I also try to balance activities so one day is not all museums and churches. Or at the very least there is a gelato stop between the museum and church. I do this for travel in the States, too, but to a lesser degree. Sort of.
Some people dislike being scheduled and think that too much planning is a killjoy. But it is not fun for me to spend valuable vacation time figuring out what to do today, or, perhaps, missing the Michelangelo statue because we got there as the priests are chaining the gates to the church shut or not seeing the Sistine Chapel because it is St. Joseph's day. Yup, both happened my first time in Rome -- and we only had the one day. Figuring out how to get somewhere is not fun. Doing one thing a day when you could do two or three is not fun. Planning can be frustrating, but it is fun. The anticipation is part of the thrill. And the security you feel when you get to your destination and sort of know what you are doing is really nice.
So if you don't like following a plan, this post is not for you. Because it's all about the planning, baby. One crucial step is knowing who you are traveling with. If you've never traveled with your group before, ask some questions. When do they anticipate being ready for the day? How long before they turn into a pumpkin? What are their views on public transportation? Eating picnics from local markets? Try to figure this stuff out before you go. Because the length of your day, the pace you set, the money you will spend, and even the time you start for breakfast will be determined by the members of your group.
You have to know who you are dealing with to make realistic plans. Traveling with my parents is different than traveling with my sister. Or just my daughter. Or my mother in law. Or Team Cliff. I know who prefers walking to a cab (and vice versa), how fast they are going to walk, and what they are racing toward. Factor these things into your plan. I love it when a plan comes together!
But maybe it's not your trip? If you aren't in charge, just let it go. It's better that way. And sometimes you have to do that.
But if you are the trip guru, go to town! If you do it right, your family will be grateful. My sister has traveled to NYC and Europe with me and my crazy itineraries. She recently visited a friend in Manhattan but admitted she preferred our visit. Now she may be just saying that, but I think I've ruined her for all other travel companions.
I think it's because of the plan. And because I am fun. You can have a plan and be fun... you can even plan for fun. But usually the fun comes in unexpected places when you are not worrying about the details. The fun comes when you deviate from the plan... and you're informed enough to know the consequences. Work the plan. Be the plan. Your family will thank you.
Here's my travel philosophy -- I am crazy researcher before I leave so I can pack a lot in and/or not worry about things while there. I have gone to Europe a few times, and plan to go back again and again, but I always travel with the theory that it could be my last trip -- you never know! So I do plan to an insane degree in order to hit more of my highest priority experiences. It is not slow travel. Someday I will rent a place for a month and do that. But I've never had a month. So I pack things in, but build into the itinerary things like stopping for hot chocolate at Cafe Rivoire to rest and people watch. I also try to balance activities so one day is not all museums and churches. Or at the very least there is a gelato stop between the museum and church. I do this for travel in the States, too, but to a lesser degree. Sort of.
Some people dislike being scheduled and think that too much planning is a killjoy. But it is not fun for me to spend valuable vacation time figuring out what to do today, or, perhaps, missing the Michelangelo statue because we got there as the priests are chaining the gates to the church shut or not seeing the Sistine Chapel because it is St. Joseph's day. Yup, both happened my first time in Rome -- and we only had the one day. Figuring out how to get somewhere is not fun. Doing one thing a day when you could do two or three is not fun. Planning can be frustrating, but it is fun. The anticipation is part of the thrill. And the security you feel when you get to your destination and sort of know what you are doing is really nice.
So if you don't like following a plan, this post is not for you. Because it's all about the planning, baby. One crucial step is knowing who you are traveling with. If you've never traveled with your group before, ask some questions. When do they anticipate being ready for the day? How long before they turn into a pumpkin? What are their views on public transportation? Eating picnics from local markets? Try to figure this stuff out before you go. Because the length of your day, the pace you set, the money you will spend, and even the time you start for breakfast will be determined by the members of your group.
You have to know who you are dealing with to make realistic plans. Traveling with my parents is different than traveling with my sister. Or just my daughter. Or my mother in law. Or Team Cliff. I know who prefers walking to a cab (and vice versa), how fast they are going to walk, and what they are racing toward. Factor these things into your plan. I love it when a plan comes together!
But maybe it's not your trip? If you aren't in charge, just let it go. It's better that way. And sometimes you have to do that.
But if you are the trip guru, go to town! If you do it right, your family will be grateful. My sister has traveled to NYC and Europe with me and my crazy itineraries. She recently visited a friend in Manhattan but admitted she preferred our visit. Now she may be just saying that, but I think I've ruined her for all other travel companions.
I think it's because of the plan. And because I am fun. You can have a plan and be fun... you can even plan for fun. But usually the fun comes in unexpected places when you are not worrying about the details. The fun comes when you deviate from the plan... and you're informed enough to know the consequences. Work the plan. Be the plan. Your family will thank you.
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