traveltales: NO RELIEF FROM THE HEAT

Sunday, May 1, 2011

NO RELIEF FROM THE HEAT

RUDESHEIM, GERMANY

While on a European river boat we arrived at Rudesheim mid-afternoon and were told it was 104 degrees in town. We knew it was hot, as it was the year that so many people died in France from the heat! It was very unseasonal weather and I was so glad I packed a couple pair of shorts as I ended up living in them.

It didn’t take long to complete a walking tour of the small town. An enormous 35-foot high stone statue of Germania, the female symbol of the unification of the German Empire in 1871, towers 1000 feet above the town of Rudesheim, but it was just too hot to make the steep hike up to it.

After the walking tour, seeking a cooler place, we visited the music instrument museum. It was much different than expected but interesting. The thick walls of the old building kept it relatively cool inside. There were many player pianos, carnival organs, and gramophones on display.

There was no air conditioning anywhere in town. Other than the usual souvenir shops there were few shops. My traveling buddy was looking pretty hot so we found a sidewalk café to sit awhile to enjoy a chilled soda, I dreamed of ice and something really cold, but Europeans simply do not understand cold.

We were eating in town that evening. After a brief discussion we decided to spend the afternoon in town and meet at the restaurant on the cobbled wine alley Drosselgasse at the designated time. A couple of dozen people made the same decision. The restaurant was very hot with no cross ventilation. Ceiling fans would have been nice, but are not common. We were informed that because it was an historic building, such alterations as adding ceiling fans were prohibited.

After dinner we elected to walk back to the ship instead of taking the tram. As we strolled along the riverfront at 9:00 PM the temperature was a wee bit more comfortable. We found a few small stores open. Everyone was shopping for cooler clothing and a few were successful in this endeavor. Our cool cabin was a welcome relief from a very hot day.

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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.