traveltales: BERRY STORIES

Sunday, December 14, 2014

BERRY STORIES

Sweet Surprises

It is amazing what jogs your memory and even more amazing what the memories are that are remembered.

I just finished eating a bowl of fresh blueberries with cereal. Note the order of blueberries and cereal! Looking at the carton of big lush blueberries, I noted they came from Canada. A sudden flashback had me back on a trip to Nova Scotia eleven years ago. The particular city is a haze, but the amused expression on the waitress’s face as she watched me savor a large cereal bowl full of nothing but fresh blueberries with a bit of milk is as clear as if it were yesterday. I could not resist returning to the buffet table for more savory berries, but limited myself to a half bowlful. Leaving the dining room I smiled at the waitress and muttered a thank you to which she replied, "I’m glad you enjoyed your berries.".

And how one memory leads to another! Another trip, and a couple of years later. I was walking the streets in St. Andrews, Scotland and stopped in one of my favorite haunts—a foreign grocery store. Before long I spied a box of fresh raspberries. It’s a tossup which of these two berries is my favorite.

I bought the berries and headed down the street concentrating on eating one berry after another.

Even unwashed, they tasted wonderful. By the time I reached the corner, I was holding an empty box! Fortunately there was a trash can on the corner. I deposited the empty box, contemplated going back to the store to buy another but continued down the street looking in the golf shops instead. Not being a golfer you can imagine which activity was the most fun!

In both Kinsale, Ireland and somewhere in the Cotswolds while hiking we came upon blackberries growing next to the path. Both times the berries were big, ripe, and juicy. Do I have to tell you that the hiking slowed considerably as I managed to pick and consume probably close to a cup of berries. And as I write this I just remembered another instance in Ireland of finding berries as we walked down a narrow lane to a castle. I do remember that those berries were ripe but not as big as the rainfall in the area was less. However, I still enjoyed the berries.

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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.