traveltales: FUN TRIVIA

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

FUN TRIVIA

Useful Trivia

Traveling around it is always nice to know where the American Embassy is located. Absolutely the ugliest one has got to be in Warsaw, Poland. One had to wonder who the architect was for that big concrete box. By now I surely hope the stars and stripes are flying in front of a more appropriate building.

The most beautiful American embassy is in Australia’s capitol, Canberra, where major public buildings are built on low knolls around the lake. One exception is the ten acres the US embassy sits on. Australia deeded this land to the US for our help in World War II. The embassy is the largest and sits on the highest knoll. All of the red bricks in the colonial building were imported from the United States.

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England has a creative smart idea of putting clean well supplied restrooms in their carparks. You always know where you’ll find a ‘loo’ as the Brits say. They are stand-alone buildings. Wonderful

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We looked out the airport window on Kangaroo Island in Australia to see several small planes lined up with EMU written on their tails. A gal standing beside me said, “Who would name an airline after a flightless bird?”

We were weighed with our packs and then led out over the tarmac to two small planes. I remarked, “Well I think I’d rather fly back than take that ferry back across that rough channel.”

The pilot took our packs and stuffed them into the end of the wing.

The pilot placed the biggest fellow in the co-pilot seat. We were all seated and bucked up when we watched the pilot crawl up over the wing and through a window into the cockpit.

This seemed like a good alternative to the ferry?. What was I thinking?

A good part of the short flight was above the clouds. When I could looked down on the water, the white caps looked like wiggly little viruses look under a microscope. When over land the sheep in the pasture looked like little golf balls.

It was a smooth flight, but I was happy to have my feet on firm ground again.

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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.