traveltales: 5/2/10

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

A FUN EVENING

A MEDIEVAL BANQUET

Sometimes when visiting a place there are just certain things that one must do---even if they are touristy. In County Clare, Ireland costumed knights greeted us as we entered Bunratty Castle.The main hall was decorated with large elk horns and 15-16^th century tapestries. In days of old, large chests would have stated the bride’s birth date and displayed the groom’s or lord’s crest.

A handsome charming knight handed us a glass of mead as he explained, “Mead is a honey wine that has been popular since the 15^h century. Made from honey it was thought to be a bit of an aphrodisiac. The bridal couple would drink a glass every evening for one moon, or one month, thus the term honeymoon.”

I liked the drink and securing a refill was no problem. (However, after returning home and buying some mead at the local liquor store, it was a disappointment. It was nowhere as delicious as the fresh mead we’d imbibed in Ireland.)

We were given only a knife as a eating utensil. Of course it didn’t take us long to realize that this would have been the only eating utensil in medieval times. And this evening this is where we were.

Dinner started with a delicious potato-leek soup. That was easy to eat! All we had to do was pick up the bowl and drink the soup. Spare ribs followed the soup and of course ribs are considered finger food. After devouring the yummy ribs we made good use of the finger bowls on the table.

The half chicken that followed was accompanied with potatoes, carrots and broccoli, all manageable with a knife. It reminded me of using chop sticks making eating a slower pace than what most Americans are used to. The pace allowed for wonderful conversation and funny comments with our dinner partners.

Come dessert time and they took pity on us and served us a spoon to eat the strawberry mousse. A perfect ending to a great meal. The food was excellent, but the wine served with dinner left a lot to be desired.

The after dinner entertainment was exceptional. The singers had marvelous voices and both the harpist and fiddle player were outstanding. It was a fun evening and a great way to bring our stay in County Clare to an end.

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.

traveltales

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

A FUN EVENING

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