traveltales: A ROMANTIC PICTURESQUE HOTEL

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

A ROMANTIC PICTURESQUE HOTEL

A Dream Fulfilled
I guess everyone dreams of staying in a picturesque romantic hotel sometime during their lifetime. My dream came true in Tahiti. Who would ever guess that we’d be arriving at a hotel at 4:45 AM! We were given a room and encouraged to take a short nap before a scheduled brunch at 10:30 in the Tiare (flower) room, just off the lobby.

My weary body found the weather hot, steamy, and humid and the fresh fruit drinks served on arrival did little to revive me. I managed to find my room by following the signs to out, over, up, and around. While I waited for my luggage to arrive I did lie down on the bed for an hour. I was sure sleep was elusive, but I opened the drapes just in case I dozed off. I wanted to wake with the daylight. I couldn’t wait to see what was outside.

At 7AM I was standing at the sliding glass door looking out over my little deck absorbing the incredible beauty outside. Beyond the yard was a walkway inside the seawall. Looking across, what I would learn later was Moon Bay, I could see the outline of Moorea, another of the three major Tahitian islands. The bay was but 100 yards away. About a mile out between the seawall and Moorea I could see the breakwater.

Full coconut palms and all kinds of tropical flowers and flowering bushes and trees awaited my investigation. The people, mostly hotel workers, walking about were speaking French. The little wooden deck outside my room was the perfect place to have coffee. But first on the agenda—after nearly 30 hours of traveling—was a hot shower and fresh clothes.

Thatched roof guest cabanas, perched on pilings over the bay, were only yards away. By brunch time I had walked the incredibly beautiful tropical grounds even stopping to sniff the wonderful aromas of familiar flowers. Unfortunately the stay in Tahiti was brief and by 5:00 PM we were aboard our small ship headed for Bora Bora.

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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.