traveltales: ICE CUBES AND COLD DRINKS

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

ICE CUBES AND COLD DRINKS

A COUPLE OF EXPERIENCES

It doesn’t take long to realize ice is almost impossible to come by in Europe. However, I have some experience in this area. On a couple of occasions I’ve been able to get a cup full or so of ice from the bar, but not ice in drinks. Large American chain hotels, which I try to stay away from, have small ice machines for the American clientele.

When hiking in England just a few days after coming out of a cast on my foot I explained to the hotel front desk that I’d like to have a small bag of ice each day when we return from hiking.

They were most accommodating and after the first day when they saw me enter they had my bag of ice ready for me. Once out of my boots and on the bed I iced my swollen foot and the next morning all was well and on went the boots for another day of hiking the lovely Lake District.

In Germany eis, pronounced ice, refers to ice cream. When I asked for ice I was handed the ice cream menu. Quickly I understood the message.

I was flabbergasted to watch our Kenyan guide take a cold drink out of the cooler and place it on the hood of the safari vehicle in the sun to warm up.

In Paris at the Moulin Rouge wine was included with our dinner. Since I like my wine really cold I scooped the ice out of my water glass and added it to my wine. When I beckoned our waiter for a refill there was a small ice chip in the bottom on my wine glass. I became the center of all the waiters’ attention when our waiter relayed that the crazy American lady had put ice in her wine. That’s OK, but my refill was drunk with no ice as it had all melted.

One day in Vienna my friend and I stopped at Schronbrunn Palace’s Tiergarten (zoo) for lunch. We were busy conversing and people watching when our lunch and cokes arrived. Simultaneously we noticed the lone ice cube dancing around in each of our glasses. Suddenly we burst out laughing as we watched that lone ice cube melt away and disappear,

Well as the saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do, so I drank chilled drinks when on the continent, but that doesn’t mean I like warm water or tepid sodas. I just accept that Europeans understand chilled, but don’t have any comprehension of cold.

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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.