traveltales: LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW

Saturday, March 20, 2010

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW

SOMETHING NEW

Everywhere I travel I try to find and learn something new. In Slovenia I was rather fascinated with the roofed hay-drying racks. They are unique to the area and very different from how hay is dried in Texas. The racks are spotted all along the fields. Under the roof are three or four boards of perhaps 2 X 6 or 8 inch and the length of the roof. Hay is simply strung or hung over the boards like a grass skirt to dry. I never could determine what happens to the hay when it is dry, so your guess is as good as mine.

It seems all Adriatic cities have promenades and the one in Zadar, Croatia is tree lined. It was a beastly hot day, but a sea breeze made the walk to the wave organ bearable. The original purpose was to extend the sea wall to accommodate cruise ships. The wave organ was a wonderful and creative bonus. Thirty-five horizontal pipes of various lengths and widths lie in the Zadar channel. Holes in the concrete pier whistle as the waves hit the pipes below. It creates a sound similar to that of blowing across a cola bottle. It was delightful to listen to the unusual concert created by the waves. It is the first wave organ in the world and I’d guess as the news about it spreads it will not be the last. Several rows of steps/seats to the water's edge are available so one can enjoy the tranquility and concert. Many sit here to watch the sun set.

It’s kind of fun to be able to see and learn about the first of something. I saw one of the first water ballets at the Orchid Gardens in Rotarura, New Zealand. Built in 1985 at a cost of 1.3 million dollars, the water organ contains 700 pipes and has 14 pumps. The pipes, made in Germany, cost of $250,000. Water shoots dramatically from the pipes simulating a ballet while the whole performance is set to computerized music. I was so fascinated that I had to sit through the performance a second time.
Today many people call such performances dancing waters and they are pretty common, seen in many places.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.