traveltales: AND STING RAYS TOO

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

AND STING RAYS TOO

Swimming With Sting Rays

When I first mentioned swimming with the sting rays in the Bahamas, my granddaughter wrinkled up her nose---until she saw the slick colored brochure in the hotel travel office. She questioned, “Wasn’t it a sting ray that killed Steve Irwin?”

The agent responded, “Oh that was such a terrible freak accident. But as you can read here for safety all these rays have had their stinging barb removed.”

Feeding the rays

A couple of days later we took the local jitney (small bus) down town. After enjoying a delightful lunch on the waterfront restaurant, we wandered over to the catamaran docked behind the straw market which would take us to Blackbeard Island.

It was about a half hour ride on a gorgeous warm sunny day. Sandals Resorts own half of this island, but the other half is the ray sanctuary. This lagoon contained some flat rocks and when you stepped off you suddenly sank another 6-8 inches.

There were about 30 rays and some of them were huge. They swam all around often brushing my legs. Rays generally are gentle creatures. When it came time to feed and hold them, I told my granddaughter, “I’m going to get out of the water and go up on the deck to take pictures. I do not trust my footing in the water with a camera.”

For the feeding those in the water formed two rows so the rays had a path to swim through. Those who wanted to feed were given several pieces of squid.

My granddaughter exclaimed, “Grandma, they just sucked the squid out of my hand. It was such fun!”

Afterward a few people wanted to hold an animal. Some were more successful than others, and my granddaughter was one of those who managed to grasp one but it was really big to lift far out of the water.

Bordering the sanctuary is a gorgeous powdery white sandy beach for swimming. It was a delightful afternoon.

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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.