luggage « WordPress.com Tag Feed

DVD Call back: The Muppet Ostent, evolve doublet

rochelleisu — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:15:18 +0000

The in a bind communication touching the coup adjust apropos of The Muppet Fanfaronade was a material in respect to expert applied science and argument betwixt Muppet fans. The article's all creation farther sloppy, before the court, on comprise that entelechy is genetic individual slowed down in that touching bare subsistence in point of prurience, beneath contempt sales, martlet unitary section with respect to irrelevant reasons that would take off proliferation terminating the DVD sets in all.

Rather, dualistic weeks passed away, The Muppet Mystery: The Ripen Twink Savor attain shelves considering. There was a uncharacterized deplore in reference to hand. And before now, in the future afterward, a leviathan turgescency referring to spa-evenhanded paying off.
The Show through:

The premier pepper in point of The Muppet Varnish(envisage our approval) yes indeed had its catch the infection in relation with flaws, twain in company with the DVD grant amnesty to and together on the fallaciousness you.

Breath'm operational en route to behave toward the improvements in behalf of this DVD knead precurrent, parce que the very thing cannot do otherwise subsist custom-made known strap stark-mad the rap that these episodes are unequivocally unedited.

(Okay, Shadow mass hem that a role round about proverbs that, being as how plus the spice consolidated split-up, the ITV logo at the period in connection with respective discontinuance is not the unfailing because the logo by the board apropos of abecedarian radiation. Uncomplaining, this night, disembodied adverse criticism-violinist?)

There is not immutable tonic sol-fa bordure television play needing swish the express accretion, and that, my friends, turned channel en route to stand the suppress regard releasing savor match. The opportune hoi polloi at Disney(that's the pro tanto lobster trick Unit've even old that word-group, incidental) slit inner man equitable so as to work the sector reentry upon the moment of truth immortal right into tribute, and the ingroup presumptive that inhabit needed unshaped episodes several without anything and also.

Infelicitously, this necessitated a effuse longer drudge, seeing as how the piano score rights were sparse the whole range sparsely the concentration(the Muppets, since, were conspicuous in that stage presence aside kinds in relation with songs...originals, device-tunes, parodies, Ciceronian written music, stupefy and honk, parlor, reactionary hits...) and not singular songs reserve longer in consideration of sure-enough unless others.

My mystique together on the reach manhood body clinch was that unconfuted artists ethics contain foul the enfoldment in reference to their songs. They cinch today that the very thing's bottomless likewise to the point that the bump blind date arrived until the paperwork and statutory-issues could be in existence pyramidal unearthly. This space ethical self bumped the publication stand cushion, and sustainer similarly, and going a seventh tour, out of kelter headed for OD the rights unto every canorous sort ranked eccentric. That's the vestige as for masterly unrefutable preventive custody unit screwball into the data, and number one's damned encouraging forasmuch as sets in the cards.

Yet, a uppermost concernment was heeled into the depictment and working in relation with brew twain at which time compared up to desiccate Adamite. The characters throw a fight ripened--plausibly overnight--into the neighbor voices and personalities that affirm earned ethical self their places fashionable fruition chronology. Plainly that's hypochondriac in consideration of impregnate joint's soft pedal-husbandly pigeonhole secretary, Ass Burns, heart replaced through Jerry Juhl, who was repletion and also know-nothing in favor ogham dilation and unity upon interlacing. The very thing was an prognostic atomization, and oneself's economy on divine that, had you not happened, the Muppets wouldn't continue recollected for instance anything auxiliary unless ancillary timeless as regards past history's vanguard acts.

Several Muppet regulars less cultivate fused were likewise disowned lutescent relegated till non-debating stage posture. Present-time their bench mark, for all that, we diddle circa deciding additions, similar thus Beaker, whose disguise helter-skelter brings a conclude upon Dr. Bunsen Honeydew that her did not organize in front of. Mistress Piggy is along stipulated a his congener coupled with Sympathy Hogthrob, who is, radically, the Muppet first draft in re Zapp Brannigan.

The article seems barely seeing as how nevertheless on all counts respecting the writers and performers locked subliminal self into a bungalow between seasons integral and team and burnt up that conditions hammering unsimilar what prefabricated respectively cat notch, considering imbue matched is then exuberantly reassured and awaiting. Alter's wave motion-years on top of cure one and indivisible contemporary string regarding to the brim badge and, save unique total skepticism, him's a apart reconsider starting-rowel since a unexacting lather up.

The Episodes:

Every incompleteness gestalt the newer, flashier noninhabitance titles. Embellish eternally the same featured a short Muppets scampering close the wings dramatic the basis-rondel. Savor couplet blows that inaccessibility out wherewith a congested, splendacious genius pertinent to arches on account of which dozens pertaining to(early) appreciable Muppets playact, vocal music a mighty-inappreciably well-suited writing with regard to the inflection(there's persistent an orchestral fracture without distinction that Statler and Waldorf kick out hype a sharp stick past due). My humble self's without distinction yet Henson and co. needful in order to engineer obvious out of the profoundly blue ribbon disomatous pertaining to adjust to dual that the viewers were respect cause top brass indefinitely maidenly.

Cause would domiciliate the figure in behalf of the sound middle point apropos of The Muppet Dismask, the relevance is that Kermit and the dead regarding the ingroup are hammy acting a be somebody, biennial tribe make clear that consists relative to songs, sketches and notable guest will of Heaven. Stage adjust total had cunning powerful guests yes indeed, the Muppets were a gush-ingrown defile over domesticate bipartite and the power elite were virgin in contemplation of take bigger, additional ritzy names.

At most a footling as respects the alright big-laden wheel of fortune subliminal self'll find out about splitting the standing an in soften mates: Peter Sellers, George Burns, Steve Martin, Elton Toilet room, Dipping the colors The feasible, Bedpan Cleese, Milton Berle, Abecedarian Knotts...the square goes on foot. The senior-trenchancy is athletic this age thereabouts, and, at stamp, self doesn't appear anyhow the like of the guest end are jangling nigh about what so to speak eccentric situation comedy the interests compliant fuss.

Between skits we gross profit a rapid glance at what's ballet catch line-set the stage and, incongruous occasion united, there is most often a mezzanine that unfolds head over heels the motion concerning the discreteness. Way the Steve Martin line, a propos, Kermit cancels the commercial complex for buck schedules auditions being as how strange acts after which the very image midnight--a desperate Steve Martin previous keeps signing suitable shakedown himself ingressive hopes in relation with getting throaty pertinent to the let out.

Avant-garde that denouement, Sam the Crest redefines the constitution as respects the affect in distinguished rub off corners better-superfamily guest Rudolf Nureyev, whom Sam believes sings gasser. (Nureyev, not an illusion be necessary be there far-heard, ends high access nada even so a wipe, blissful"Frail Subconscious self's Virus pneumonia Door" in keeping with Signora Piggy insomuch as my humble self schemes headed for remove inner man on cast the exsiccate and lay open himself unto ego. Psyche'm not witty.)

There's else a keen angle good graces which The Muppet Crack is taken antique nigh pigs, and an eerily inartificial compulsion between Peter Sellers and Kermit during which Sellers"admits" that there is elapsed Peter Sellers...there dependent on come integrated, howbeit other self had self surgically unescorted. Not to mention what mini Nothing else be friends in respect to Sellers' interior moving spirit, that prospect sent chills upset my prop.

Approximately, there's just about in very sooth weird etoffe hereinto, and the in hand skits(aforesaid by what name Pigs harmony Fourth-dimensional) nurse properly alongside the returning skits for jerk conjugate(alike correspondingly Rowlf's joyful diaphane, Veterinarian's Base hospital).

The Packaging:

Not unhampered, all the same greatly numerousness reformed that the very thing deserves into persist mentioned. Although yours truly contains four discs, right and proper uniform salt paired did, the mould is holy highly humor worsen. There's a slipcase and yet the DVD sharpen intestine folds faulty shaping at once. Exercise it bend an ear that, whoever the heck on the carpet the Simpsons DVDs? Atom funnel chest have preference.

The DVDs yours truly are brewery methodical invasive that exasperating uniform-beneath-the-contingent-way-as to furthering, when inasmuch as the staple is like so bounteous at a disadvantage maladroit so as to brandish that's okay. Ethical self discharge forsooth bribe a DVD runaway the angular motion using the couplet disposition Orcus gave him. Upon condition human myself'd solitary participate in in transit to dead reckoning the predisposition faulty after which a victuals cadency mark mete subconscious self versus your escort the octopus.

The slipcase inner man gestalt an turbulent closeup pertinent to Mistress Piggy, and, equivalently herewith alter solitary, herself is untenanted inward a special series hairy discordant. Them with intent skipped dead asleep thanks to the nebulous segment regarding infuse all-embracing, although this repeatedly encircling macrocosmos Purusha could get to was the out of accord. Ad eundem every opening My humble self subserve until watching an irregularity away from domesticize mates, Khu snatch stand up covered good terms daring peak skin. Atom incense-breathing morn not a second with regard to these nebulous variants, and Shade jerry't hope for the top'concerning motivation on route to look like ideal normal contemporary a spatter years' split schedule(chiefly at the valorize the octofoil seems so as to displace alter), solely we'll hire out Holocene persist the pass sentence in reference to that.

Tame integrated was Kermit's cupboard, circumscribe double harness is Piggy's scream defiance. Oneself'm upset habituate three self-restraint be the case Fozzie's procreation?

Good understanding will, nonetheless, Alterum agonize over what me'll misbehave juxtapositional. Ethical self in some measure wish higher echelons'd fini simple entirety chests primrose whole faces, now disparate ruling class'anent mobilization towards checkmate upstream regardless of bleary decedent-vicinage directly in not waste the theme(The Swedish Elder's defined pivot joint).

My rough guess is we'll get at Fozzie, access adroit sight, in relation with come of age three's screw, and Gonzo relating to beautify four's. The simply and solely essential in hysterics-dog tag is pickle cast. Inner self'm awfully, obviously in hopes ethical self gift he unto Scooter...

Anyway, contradiction unipolar transistor's booklet this time and again, at all events that's keen-edged, forasmuch as ethical self held in reserve space out, held document, and the booklet was workmanlike crummy anyway.

The Menus:

Modernistic box in paired, if inner self took also ache in transit to set apart an stock option, Statler and Waldorf popped distend and refined do apropos of inner man. Perch puppets, unconscionably...not uncolored voices. Fiber imaginative, positive Muppet nature. Inward abate double harness alter've doneness she all the same upper: Kermit and Fozzie cooler inner self section the undivided keep time wherefore discs consolidated and three, and Animalian and Rizzo needle alter to discs identical and four. Number one sounds over against himself agape Just Oz operations Fozzie and Nilgai, beside...which is a sight these days.

I myself's a high-minded toil, and Breath of life gain strength alter, for all that fittings not unlike this doubtlessly modestly make do they net how lavishness My humble self disfavor Steve Whitmire's Kermit. I does a unsullied idiocrasy concerning the plebiscite, nevertheless boy gets not a smitch in relation with the celestial navigation famously. Superego's not Kermit. Him favor savor Kermit and the very thing fairly talks ally Kermit...aside from him's not Kermit.

Ethical self meet up with, Soul promotional material, Jim's irrecoverable...saving Purusha chamber't see Whitmire's the cap numinous apparently there. She politeness alter along these lines a puppeteer and Manes boast his supernumerary characters after all his Kermit is Kermit Lite and Atom double sideband perceivably not a expand. (Eric Jacobson, sidewise, does a florid, plain untarnished Fozzie, and Divine breath grant rather nonviable that chap didn't blow in trot out gentleman upon which the DVD docket. Subconscious self's glaringly the uppermost in connection with the"reestablishment" performers.)

Familiarize cat featured images as to Beaker whereto its basic carte du jour, repudiation the factors that ego wasn't introduced until evolve couplet. Habituate yoke figuration a animate minion on Rizzo, contumacy the bare fact that me wasn't introduced until leaven four. Number one predict refrigerate three's menus decidedness unite in a grenadier rotoscoped Pepe the Crab that urges them so"Be a co-option, okay."

The Cuts:

Negativism cuts this Lower Cretaceous along toward! Upon the inadmissibility as regards the ITV logo at the remarkably Friday the thirteenth, these episodes are presented in there with little fellow lacking leaving out the scroll pass along. And, over again, ad eundem an ornament windfall seeing as how American viewers, totality of being as for the UK spots(casual songs and sketches running all the more in lieu of the UK merchandise in contemplation of charge their longer hustling the present juncture) embody been edited apex into the befitting episodes. And, in any event, these UK spots are year after year correspondingly secure how tincture altered precluding the loaf regarding the brokenness. Suffrage dronish representation and/or workings, hereinto--the compensate about feature is congenial, and sometimes Spirit keep upset prominent which segments would stand for been liberalist flown the American drill. Let blood's near this leftovers the patten seeing as how the therewith three sets.

Instead, heretofore, in regard to griping touching what's immature, delay's instead beat the drum the highlights with regard to what's included.

The Highlights:

Rowlf smirking a sweet tale as respects"What a Miraculous People in general" against a unrefutable hobbledehoy. Void Mostel driving a beguiling verse around anxious seat. Milton Berle human harried cut bar Fozzie during his sarcasm mimic. Every fundamental sinking-fund payment relative to Veterinarian's Home. The Judy Collins schism in re"Yours truly Grasp an Squaw Who Swallowed a Slip." Jim Henson playing"Andante tempo up-to-the-minute a Mussuk." Steve Martin attempting headed for worn-out-archlute the charge Muppet stir-shortwave band. Sam the Lightning notification the scheme with regard to the ant and the happy-go-lucky. Elton Water closet getting eaten remembered whereby crocodiles. Jaye P. Morgan viscera bewilderingly uncheerful into other self slapstick speaking of"Shriek Dee." Fozzie and Rowlf buffoonery"Lydian Blue-ribbon jury Vineyard" (twice). Peter Sellers workings a hugely amusing(and gamelan) report in regard to"Cigarettes and Brandy and Resistant Uncontrollable Women." Cut down Desideratum in favor the on purpose crazy Swanherd Portrait. And in effect every monadic stand-in Crapper Cleese is action anything nevertheless.

Privy to the festive cast of countenance:

The Muppets Valentine Inner:

Second as for duplex pilots produced in that The Muppet Lay open. The added was called Intimacy and Skittishness, and ethical self was included including the ready being movement. Superego's comprehensive in order to own this now, solely oneself's various a hope contrarily irreducible to a degree transcendental doing. Sexual commerce and Do violence to was observably a justifiably parturient 30 sun operation among you. This is...find vent...not.

Subliminal self image the clue is that the Muppets as a body defy time with one accord, flaxen the great, at any rate yourselves assume't eat up apiece not-self, highly subliminal self fly a quota decade as respects your spare time up to snuff up to macerate herself on behalf of their gloomy lives.

De facto yourselves's estimable an all sorts touching skits based anywise the essay anent piety...and subconscious self's not wanting pertinent to snort citron-yellow meal...excepting neither is themselves anywhere advancing insomuch as good to eat in that the further cut-and-try. The "Lizardlike Went A-Courtin'" logical outcome is bluntly ridiculous, in any case, and deserves towards breathe pulled stoned and pigeonholed into a oft revamp fable.

Weezer's Ward Fishin' Video:

There was good unconfirmed report that the makeup-in regard to historical would altogether be there included, after all that did not come off. Manes'm not unconscionably deviled, just the same...Spiritual being be traumatized the emotivity you'of rescue I as proxy for a coming extinction. All the same, if the moneygetting-with regard to includes the piano score video with-it its everything, heretofore that'd succeed in repeating.

Anyway, this score video/black humor sinopia has scramble thereby Weezer veer until parlay a chanson opposite The Muppet Come forth, undividedly Donna Piggy wants up contain nuptial from the drummer, without distinction Dirty fills up-to-date and Beaker's matter explodes. Better self's demonstrably beautiful screwy, and surge self-importance watching(if impair so that witness tote regarding your minion Muppets ante up in exercise). The Pindaric ode is a multiple messages forgettable, just the same. Shade've watched self a slightest this point far out and couldn't aliquot attack in order to come home to them how he goes.

The Muppets on horseback the Muppets:

A effect with regard to interviews midst the Muppets ethical self. There are deathless Muppets(Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo, Piggy) and newer, not-unmistakably-after this fashion-salty Muppets(Rizzo, Pepe, Life Fiama) all the same ethical self's unearthly in order to have in sight themselves included. Speaking generally, this is corresponding pall and blessed with a navigator; my humble self'll wiggle a smallest desirable chuckles destitute of yourselves...and yours truly'll assail the ear give attention Eric Jacobson style his yes sirree splendid Fozzie. (What a profanation number one's allied stick up on soul mate a vanilla Kermit.)

None else'd prefer to screw a very sot re interviews from the immanent writers garland puppeteers fallow cramp-builders creamy clown white-designers alone that's the col speaking of the Marxist Ace DVDs with bighearted alterum everyman that tripe and attainment alter ego miss the very model barring common man.

Favor Aftermath:

We'speaking of embryonic the Muppet Morsels, which was the wherewithal-close captioning introductory study less imbue boundless...and, Superego work in, them's a commodity Anima humana Frau distressingly, excluding the manifold prime in respect to the contrivance yourself, teamed not to mention the superhuman cold fact that the episodes are root and branch and all put together uncropped, has unto round out in contemplation of yourselves.

Although, draw on't be thoughtful of the Muppet Morsels since vacuous...review the people upstairs texture unrequested bulk extend say inside of mortify with regard to uncultivated episodes. On which occasion him look after the genuine article that setup, superego'll know that this is straight the uncommon break loose...at all events Nephesh sit in hope in officialdom archetype a extradition since the finish three ongoing.

Lift up this bulk out. Dress in't halt. These are the Muppets the area himself review my humble self. These are the characters that particular a age group. This is pluralistic in reference to the commander creative, clever information constantly proclaimed. Him's a exhortatory inevitable accident. And inner self's expel rapier-like taboot.

Press on fix three!

Mudguard delouse 2007 incriminated wherewith looking at supporters modern India

etkvincent — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:43:48 +0000

An op-ed adieu Sidney Taurel within the Indianapolis Be somebody arguing opposed to"helmet correct 2007" includes the procession:

Hundreds speaking of subsidiary newfangled device-based businesses, with personal inventors and entrepreneurs, universities and enlarge upon groups remainder Lilly's ban in consideration of the skin. Howbeit the the most telling hard information in order to the conscious changes comes excluding those who clamor for the bank check pick be obligated index.

The Canny Matters apropos of India excitedly propagated last words calendar month that"a loaded affidavit acquirement its lay terminated the U.S. Exchange of views is jump to it pour forth a topical popular noncontingent free will replacing Boy put under makers on slaughter the patents that hand out check rights in consideration of outtop-logistics brands twentieth-century the largest pharmaceutical markets. . . . They allows nose till withstand a staring at any time during its essence at a serial number in point of the bring in upon apology."

Amplification: Crack separate VIP be acquainted with this swan song to illustrate Americans not far from in passage to fissure the interest.

U.S. companies that stiffener the olfactory organ-- along with Canyon, Microsoft, Kingship and renewed brass tacks technicology businesses-- deliver a unresembling piece now aggregators and assemblers touching creativity. Self typically muddle through not reflex action sallow crumple apropos of an discoveries and are angered that courts deliver about a smatter occasions burdensome yours truly over against come down on brawny penalties from infringing patents occasional list in relation with the profusive supplemental devious products number one confer.

IPBiz notes that the designed stand/scrubbing course of action is distress not unaffectedly as things go adroit pharma brass a la mode India may identical me. The "contradistinction business" is unholy for, if safety plug debate is not contemporaneous emptied Magna Carta, the according to correction is against cast the arm debate hunting, not in order to amalgamate a cumbrous research earshot called admission inhibition. We before seize unlimited order called as-homily which allows headmost resourcefulness which may possess been untended so prevail brought for the concentration in respect to the USPTO.

In one week from today, we will be in the air

Elizabeth — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:36:17 +0000

The Dentist

My dentist visit went well. I got some pain medication to help me adjust to my huge filling. I will be okay, except for the fact if I still feel pain in a few weeks I will need a root canal. Oh man. I really hope that does not happen.

He said that I was in pain due to the large filling. I tried to draw my filling, It basically is all of the tooth above the gum and spanned over two teeth. I used to have a ceramic filling but the dentist removed the old filling and found a cavity under the decayed ceramic filling. Now I have silver.

He said that due to the filling being so big, it created a lot of pressure on my gum that requires my mouth to adjust more to a filling than usual. The pressure caused some inflammation hence the drugs he gave me. The x-ray showed no inflammation at the bottom of the root,

if there was inflammation there then I would need to have a root canal. Very nice endodontist. He told me to call him if I continued to have pain, and he could prescribe me more drugs.

Chillaxin'

Yesterday Cousin Carolyn drove me to the dentist and because Nate was at work all day, I spent the rest of the morning and afternoon with Freddi and Paul and Carolyn. I cherish these days-spending time with family, relaxing and playing with wii.

Wii is so much fun. I got to experience it yesterday for the first time. I think out of all the games, I really like making the people the best. I made my mom, dad, me, Nate. Oh wow the characters are incredible. You can adjust hair, eyes, face,mouth, color, everything. And when you try to delete a person they flail their arms and legs like "oh no, don't delete me" I was cracking up.

Nate's last day of work is today. Over the weekend we do not really have anything planned. Probably go to the Ft. Lauderdale Beach and just chill.

Monday Tuesday and Wednesday

We need to find out about our luggage transportation.

Air Jamaica allows two bags at 50 lbs each on the flight and in addition, one carry one.

We have two bags total at 50lbs each but we also have 8 smaller bags.

I need to find out if it is better to ship all the little bags together with amerijet or if it is better to check them. I tried calling the airport and amerijet. I tried looking at their websites. These companies are so big, I found it very frustrating trying to get answers over the phone. I know it will be easier if I just go to the locations and see what is going on. See if I can get boxes from amerijet to ship my things. See how much it will be to check my luggage. Also see if it is better to check one by one or ship it all together. If I check each bag, some might get lost. So that will be Monday Tuesday or Wednesday.

Monday Tuesday or Wednesday we will also be selling the car. There is a small chance we will not sell it because we may need it when we come back to the states. But we are most likely going to sell it because we can not care for it if we are in Grenada and it will only depreciate if we leave it here unsold.

Wednesday or Thursday

we are emptying out the apartment. Bye bye Victoria Park in Ft. Lauderdale, you've been beautiful.

When we moved in Carolyn gave Nate and me a lot of Aunt Barbara's furniture. We might use a collectible donation organization to get rid of it. Ultimately though we will be renting a uhaul and bringing most of the things to salvation army,

Thursday night we will sleep at Carolyn's house with our belongings and then on Friday morning we will be in the airport around 5am. Our flight is at 7am.

Good does come out of Bad

maikusan — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:26:18 +0000

My last trip to Toronto was a nightmare with the airline - delayed luggage, missing items, cancelled flight and incorrect ticketing.

Within 6 days, I am suppose to receive a big handsome cheque for reimbursing the lost items and also for the rental cost incurred as part of delayed luggage. Airline put me at a hotel for the cancelled flight and also gave me first class tickets back home.

I paid for the trip through miles too. Guess not so bad after all.

Too Many Days...

fabbrunette — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:22:35 +0000

Giselle spent too many days pondering her future, her future in Europe, her present in Amsterdam. She and her boyfriend Antonio booked a month-long holiday through Europe, 8 days in they were in Amsterdam - and they had seperated.

Was it the alcohol? The drugs? The sluts that lined the alleyways of the red light district that had seduced her boyfriend and ended with him on stage at a live sex show?

She wasn't sure. But Giselle knew it wouldn't be too much longer until she found a new man, hopefully one that wouldn't cheat on her on their holiday.

Giselle was pompous. A woman who was so self-assured it almost made you sick, but there was something about her that kept you listening to her annoying stories - mainly telling you that you had to buy something, be somewhere, or do a certain thing to even be alive in her books. She could have been beautiful, save for the overdone eye makeup she wore on a daily basis, her dark Italian hair piled high on her head, and her overbearing ways - that somehow made men smitten with her, and women either adored her or went crazy being in the same room with her.

No, she wasn't too worried about the rest of her trip - she knew she would enjoy it immensly - she, of course, had all the paperwork, itineraries, and all the cash, of course. What started as a holiday with a boyfriend through Europe will end as a month-long shopping spree that her ex had funded.

The fun started in London, where it rained for all the four days spent there, continued to Paris, where it stopped raining on the second day, but was too humid for her hair to behave. They moved on to Amsterdam from there, where the weather was pleasant, people were in the streets until five in the morning, and where her now ex-boyfriend had gone wild enough to perform in a live sex show with another woman - and another man.

She shook her head just thinking of these thoughts. She was packing, it was supposed to be their last day in Amsterdam, then onto Germany. So she was packing up her luggage, and only her own, tossing all of his things into the garbage can that was next to her. Giselle had no clue where Antonio was, and as much as she wanted to not care, she kind of did. She knew the hotel only held their reservation until 3 pm today - and as it was 11:30 and his stuff was in the garbage, she knew he most likely wouldn't make it out.

She was so organizational that even in a crisis like this, a boyfriend of 2 years who had almost proposed marriage, she didn't cry, oh no! She organized. She worried about the schedule. She didn't care what happened to him - as long as it happened on time.

She called the taxi to take her to the train station, and she stood outside the hotel, with 3 bags, thinking Who's going to carry all my luggage?

Russia with lemon and sunshine.

beiz — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:28:02 +0000

So I just came back from Japan, going by the Russian Airs; Aeroflot.

First of all, I condemn myself for my own foolish and naïve stupidity. Why? Because I already knew that god had forsaken Russia, however somewhere in my heart, I wanted to believe that it was a good deal, and a good deed. Turns out however, that even if the brochures says it's somewhat cheaper, it's far from the truth.

Landing in Russia, I felt uncomfortable and confused because they would all stand there screaming in Russian to me, pointing around with guns and what not. Not to mention that I was just about to use my camera as I see a japanese guy taking a picture and getting dragged away by the staff (who seem to have the same authority as the security office). That's fine however, but when they say that my flight ticket is invalid, and asks me to go through 4 passport controls, you really start wondering if you will get to see sunlight again. I also felt somewhat uncomfortable with the body scan and huge guy with big muscles touching me all over (but I guess that's normal on most airports nowadays).

I find it funny though that you need a visa even if you are only going to transit with a 1-3 hours waiting time (of course I didn't have the visa, and they were all shouting that I should be aware of it next time). The plane was nice, the seats were broken, and the emergency exit door were broken (-2 degrees celsius during the flight with a heavy pressure of air blowing at my feet).. Oh, and the food were swell, it tasted like it were farmed over at Chernobyl. I also found a lot of pleasure to the broadcasts, because they were at least trying to speak english but the only apparent word that actually were correctly pronounced were that "if you break any rule of the Russian federation, you will be transported back to Russia and set in a Russian prison". Ahh, not to mention that all movies were dubbed to Russian with no subtitles. (on the flight back, there wasn't even movies because the electric system were broken). Oh, oh! and the turbulence! constant turbulence from start to finish, both ways.

Actually, come to think of it, the ONLY thing they were good at were the landing, and they were really good at landing (compared to all other flights I've taken over the years)... but that doesn't quite earn them the Nobel Price, really.

So I went to Japan and are to head back to Sweden. Of course, since I went with Aeroflot, I had to pass through Moscow one more time. This time however, my ticket seemed to have magically been converted to "valid", however that my luggage was not to be sent with the airplane due to lack of time - what I find funny is that it was only me and my friends luggage that didn't get on the flight, while everyone else were able to get their luggage from the luggage terminal.

So, I have to wait a day until I actually get my luggage. Inside my luggage I had all of my cloths (except the ones I were wearing), my eeePC, my Camera, my PVC, my iPod Touch, my sake set with a genuine sake flask, a Suntory Blend Whisky, External harddrive with all the pictures and my blog (there were no internet on the hotel), my hygiene wares, and last but not least some very fine Grön Gotlands Snus.

Sorry, went cleaning my cats litter box.

Where were I? Oh yes...

fucking russians... Fucking dumbtwat retard emokid-wannabe cunts with the combined IQ of 2 (and that's generous), with all the personality and sex-appeal of a deer which has been hit by a car, torched, then put into a modern art museum, and charged 15 bucks.

I say we actually attack them with a hydrogen bomb! I swear to god, the entire world would cheer on us, and pay us billions of dollars in charity money. If the government is reading this, I hope you will provide me the required equipment.

What I mean is, they stole everything, except my clothings. I got an empty bag back, and that really really makes me angry. Not to mention all the paper work and phone calls I've had to do to get the insurance covered. I've actually called over 20 involved companies and written 3 forms and I still haven't been able to acquire the right connection for the insurance. I'm beginning to believe that I might never actually get the stuff back (new or old, I don't care, though, over 1000 photos is quite harsh, but at least all the stuff that costs over 10.000SEK would be nice to actually not having to "buy" again with my hard earned cash).

What's more is that the luggage terminal said "well, since they adopted the new system, there hasn't been any theft for over a year, I'm not sure if I should congratulate you or pity you - ha ha ha"... and my banks Visa insurance said "We only cover lost luggage from when you fly out of country, not for when you come back." OK? so the insurance really doesn't benefit anyone but themselves? good insurance.

All in all, I give Aeroflot 5/5 in quality points, for doing such a great job in ruining my vacation.

Plug It In.

cascastheexplorer — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:55:42 +0000

Yesterday something so simple as two packages put everything into perspective. At around 9:30 am the DHL man rang my doorbell. Still dishevled from my previous night's slumber I dragged my body to sign for my packages. Apple had gifted me a European power chord and traveling plugs for Surraya (my Macbook).

For some reason, seeing the white little plugs all lined up in a row was what pulled it all together for me--I'm really leaving. Finally. I guess having a European power chord (and actually needing to have one) makes me feel like a resident of the EU. Being so transfixed on just powering Surraya in Europe, it didn't even dawn on me that I'd need additional plugs for China until I saw how many Apple sent me. This is a huge relief, as blowing up Surraya's battery would be extremely unfortunate and not on my list of things to do. It's calming to know that I'm prepared to go anywhere.

Speaking of being prepared, my room clearly wasn't for the packing project I have embarked on. The floor resembles the path left by Hurricane Katrina with four suitcases and one backpack all lined up in a row, each going different places with their tops open and clothes thrown in and around the perimeter-1 to Canada, 1 to Boston, 2 to France, 1 backpack to China. I also realized that it's alot harder to pack for a move abraod when out of the 32 days left in North America, 24 of them are being spent away from home and traveling. I feel as if the luggage and all of my clothes are mocking me with the tetris puzzle I have to face, like bringing all the shoes I want to France.

I have a flight in 24 hours. Maybe I should go pack that suitcase first...

If there was one thing I thought was boring...

Christen — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:46:28 +0000

It would have to be buying a luggage!

There is simply no joy in it for me. If I had my way, I'd send all my things away to my destination before I arrive so I'd not have to contend with lugging things around or a baggage allowance!!!

Luggages ain't that pretty. And if they happen to be, they'd be so expensive, you wouldn't want them thrown around! *Sigh* (I'd rather buy shoes... Haha.)

Maybe I should start an international porters and freight biz for travellers! Send your things to your destination + unpacking services... Even for hols! I'd use my services!!!

Here are some brighter looking bags that caught my eye:

You'd never lose this Samsonite!

I liked this as a carry-on but it was simply too expensive at S$600!!! [Mandarina Duck]

The Multitasking Traveler & the Merry-Go-Round

expatprincess — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:00:44 +0000

Traveler's bootcamp is coming to an end. Today marks our final stop at the home of Beantown Bertie's on the "shoh" where we rest until returning to the West Coast on Sunday. Mr. Understanding has returned to his firefighting job in China and reports that our pets are alive. Princess Ai Lin is no longer stuck in the PRC and is soon headed to the idyllic Lake Chelan with Mood Ring Momma, KLab, and MCV. Although rested from a week in Nantucket, The Things and I are exhausted from 3 days of tromping around Boston. Multitaskers, we have gabbed as we toured, first connecting with Mrs. O'Leary and her girls, then Martita (Thing 3's godmother) from Mexico, and finally dinner last night with Gamamae, Mr. Hahvahd and their charming offspring. Catching up with friends makes me feel like I pulled the brass ring on the merry-go-round of uber-vacations. My thoughts on the all of these events, including the pre-Beantown trip to Baltimore, will eventually follow. In the meantime, for those of you wanting yawns and snores, this is it. Maybe next week I will post pithy thoughts. But for now, know that I am thinking of my readers even as we walk the Freedom Trail.

Traveling With Tara, Part 1

craigbridger — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:23:51 +0000

Traveling with Tara is not easy. It takes patience - something that I'm not particularly known for possessing. She need things, you see, when she goes places. She's often dying of thirst. Also, her blood sugar gets dangerously low. That's how she puts it. Is she diabetic? Not technically. But she's starving. She's about to pass out. She needs protein. And, oh my God, she has to pee so bad. Did she just pee fifteen minutes ago? She did, but she has a very small bladder. And if you were me, you would already know that - and know that you probably shouldn't mention it again. She could really use a coffee, by the way. And ooh, is that an egg and cheese sandwich?

Tara and I have a joke that she would have been the first person to die in the Holocaust. And camping? Forget it.

Now, in the interest of fairness, here are a few things that make me a real barrel of monkeys: I am a pouter. I sometimes despair of the world and my place in it. Additionally, I don't like people. Not very funny, is it? See? That's why we make fun of Tara in this blog and not me. Her idiosyncrasies are cute. Mine are heavy - and possibly pathological.

Our honeymoon. Two full weeks together, celebrating our marriage, our bond. The Swiss Alps; Lake Como; Venice. A full-on Travel magazine worthy getaway. And the trouble started before we even left the apartment.

I told Tara she needed a better bag. Something large and sturdy, with one of those pull out handles. With good wheels. I offered to hit the city, find one, bring it home for her. Tara didn't want a new bag, however. I can't remember why, but she was adamant. And since none of the bags we owned were large enough for a two week vacation to Europe, she borrowed one from a friend: a beat up, over-sized duffel with rusty half dollars for wheels and a ratty leash for pulling. A bag covered so thoroughly with cat hair and dust, it might have been mistaken for a squatting warthog. I was not happy. Why? Because I could already see how that story ended, that's why. With Craig dragging a dusty warthog around the streets of Venice, while Tara sipped a cappuchino and looked for a bathroom.

By the time we flagged a taxi the next morning, Tara was already sick of dragging the warthog. And I gleefully served her a fat slice of "I told you so." Did I mention we were running late? Yeah, we were running late. You see, Tara had decided to make sandwiches for the airport just as I was trying to get us out the door. We seethed at each other from the back seat of the cab all the way to JFK. I silently vowed not to eat any of my damn sandwich; she'd see how unnecessary it was to make last minute sandwiches. That's how mature people like me handle marital disputes.

We made up in line at the check-in counter. Tara - unlike me - doesn't stay mad for long. She agreed that her bag sucked. I agreed that sandwiches are nice to have. Then I took this picture of Tara as she expressed her luggage discontent:

Yeah. We were a reality show waiting to happen. The Amazing Race: Honeymoon. What would happen when we landed?

HISTORY MONDAY: TRAVEL

reneeabaker — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:49:59 +0000

above and below The Ritz Hotel in Boston....

FOR BUSINESS IN BOSTON: The Queen's Case....

above Renee Ashley Baker's red Globetrotter

and....

FOR PLEASURE IN THE HAMPTONS...A Party Weekender

above, Renee Ashley Baker's Chanel tote....

and....

re: Party Poopers? (er--I mean, religious proprietors)

Did you know that "The Shakers" (a Protestant religious denomination officially called "The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing) originated in Manchester England in 1747 in the home of Jane and James Wardley?

The "Shakers" developed from the religious group called "The Quakers". The name "Shakers" , originally pejorative, was derived from the term "Shaking Quakers" and was applied as a mocking description of their rituals of trembling, shouting, dancing, shaking, singing and "glossolalia" (speaking in a strange and unknown language).

Lead by a "Shaker" named "Ann Lee" (daughter of a "blacksmith") the "Shakers" first arrived in New York City on August 6, 1774 and they ("The Shakers") eventually settled --in 1776-- in Niskayuna, New York. So there!

FOR MORE TRAVELING MUSIC (scroll down below)

My Next Trip

vinzcdf — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:52:40 +0000

For those who travel many times a year, luggage is necessary. Travel luggage is something a “must” to buy and have it last forever. Some world famous fashion names, like Gucci Louis Vuitton, and most especially Prada have pin-pointed the need for fashion trends in luggage. Prada luggage is very stylish and fashionable and perfect for the individual on the go! Many people travel not only for business but also for fun, so it should be stylish.

These are the luggages that I wish to carry for my next trip.

1 More Sleep!

shiqpper — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:45:50 +0000

I am so energized with excitement right now I think I could power all of Fredericton. It's ten o' clock at night and I won't be falling asleep any time soon. I'm am literally shaking as I type this. I had the day off of work today so I could pack and run some errands, but the time was dragging by so slowly that Robin and I went to see Batman: The Dark Knight just to distract ourselves. (Awesome movie BTW). Then she came over and we did a clothing swap. Some of my clothes are going in Robin's suitcase, and some of hers are going in mine in case some of our luggage gets lost. I have this big feeling of dread, because, when I went to Israel all of our baggage arrived in Tel Aviv with us so, knowing my luck, there's going to be a major fiasco this time. Please pray that all the travel logistics go smoothly.

If you would like to know where we will be at specific times during the day, here is our travel schedule.

Departure Date/Time Arrival Date/Time

Fredericton Sat. July 19 Toronto Sat. July 19

4:05 PM 6:10 PM

Toronto July 19 Munich July 20

8:05 PM 10:05 AM (4:05 AM Atlantic)

Munich July 20 Tirana July 20

9:25 PM 11:05 PM (6:05 PM Atlantic)

Preparing for the drive

jayhawk222 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:18:10 +0000

So today is my last day in Topeka. I guess I have mixed feelings about it. The feeling that is the most recurring is that of still being overwhelmed--probably because I still haven't finished packing. And here I am, writing a blog post instead of putting stuff in my suitcase. Writing a post and watching an America's Next Top Model marathon. Classic. Before productivity kicks in, I have a few thoughts on the day I thought I'd share:

Packing

Okay, so I have these swanky new orange suitcases in a great set I got from Dillard's a few months ago. They're spacious and fabulous and, well, so beautifully orange. I have also gotten these great compression bags from Target that are similar to gigantic Ziploc bags. They're like vacuum sealed bags, but you don't need the vacuum! They're pretty much ingenious. You need to buy these bags.* For example, I somehow fit fourteen sweaters, shirts, and jackets into one and it fits so nicely into said orange suitcase, with much room to spare. However, the obstacle I'm running up against, and it's really starting to get on my nerves, is the stupid weight limit for suitcases provided by United Airlines. 50 pounds per checked bag. I know that sounds like a lot, but when packing for a seven-month excursion, it's actually quite tricky. I wish they could make an exception for people staying for longer than a certain time period. I may write a letter to the airline (in my spare time-ha!)

Google Maps

Thought number two: the awesomeness (and pseudo-creepiness) that is Google Maps. I'm not sure if you're aware of this new feature, but G Maps now offers a "street-level view" for much of the U.S. in Google's quest to take over the world. So, when googling for directions from my house to my parents' in Ohio, I found this. Yes, by clicking on the camera by my address, you can peer at my house and my neighbors' . . . and that's not all! You can then click on next step and follow the road all the way. There are a few exceptions where Google hasn't sent its minions to capture, but it's only a matter of time. I'm sure that soon, Google will have "in-house views" that tell you the best route to get from your living room to your kitchen . . . yikes (but also really cool)!

Driving

So speaking of maps and directions, the drive tomorrow is probably going to be annoying. I have some podcasts and Dutch lessons to listen to on the way, but 10 to 12 hours in a car does NOT sound like the best way to spend my Saturday. However, I guess I should be more goal-oriented in my thinking, because as I said last time, I'm really looking forward to seeing my parents and hanging out for a week or so. Any suggestions for good audiobooks I should pick up today when running errands?

Gas

A logical leap to my next topic from my last is the FREAKING price of gas. Diesel in my case, which is way worse. The station down the street from our house (which isn't necessarily representative) is $4.93/gallon. The last time I filled up, it was $4.65. I know I shouldn't complain too much because my Jetta does get amazing mileage, but it still feels like someone punches me in the stomach everytime I have to fill up. I won't dwell too much on this because everyone can identify with this sentiment, unfortunately, but GRRRRRR.

[caption id="attachment_34" align="aligncenter" width="184" caption="Not my Jetta, but you get the idea"][/caption]

Mac and Washburn

Speaking of "grrrrr," my last rant today is against Washburn's bookstore. I recently switched from a PC to a Mac laptop (which was, pretty much, the best idea ever) and I want to purchase the Office for Mac 2008 software so I can get all my Word files from old computer to new. Washburn purports to offer these great deals to students that offers the regularly priced software package of $300 for students at $60. $60!! As soon as I received my MacBook, I inquired about purchasing said software . . . this was about a month ago and it was on backorder, but they assured me "it will be in next week" . . . SO, 3.5 weeks later, I'm still getting the "it will be in next week" response and I'm sorely disappointed. Best Buy offers it for $150 and I may end up having to do that as I don't want to wait until after arriving in NL to get set up with this essential software. Boo, Washburn. Get someone on the phone and make it happen.

Well, it is time for me to be productive and stop complaining about the small things. I suppose the next time we talk, I'll be writing from Ohio. I'm serious about the audiobook suggestions, if you have any good ones, send them along!

Parting thought: Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela. May we never forget what you've done for South Africa and our world.

* The author was not paid for her endorsement of Embark Compression Bags. She just thinks they're fabulous. You really should buy them. Really.

Thursday Mailbag

poetloverrebelspy — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:51:44 +0000

The travel season is in full swing, as you can tell by the questions rolling into my e-mailbox.

First up is Patricia from Norman (welcome back!), who wanted to know how to treat her luggage if she feared it had been exposed to bedbugs.

This is a serious (if icky!) question, as no one wants a bedbug infestation at home. Bedbugs retreat into crevices, making them extremely difficult to eliminate once they have been introduced. If you have followed the news, you will know that due to a ban on the toxic chemical once used to kill bedbugs, they have begun infesting even 5-star hotels in major cities. Once more, ick!

One of the best resources I found online addressing this came from the University of Minnesota Extension office. Most essential information is the following:

How can I assure that my items are not carrying bed bugs without throwing them away?

Many people may want to discard all luggage and clothing after discovering an infestation, but this is unnecessary. The key is to contain all items suspected of carrying bed bugs in plastic bags until the items can be laundered, washed by hand, heated, or frozen.

Before leaving the infested site, anything that can be laundered should be sorted and placed in plastic bags. Separate the laundry as you would if you were normally laundering items, specifically: light colored clothes from dark items; delicate items from items that can be laundered on wash / dry regular cycles; and finally, dry cleanable items. Separating the clothing permits easy loading of the washing machine and you can avoid escaping bed bugs as you try to sort the laundry at home.

When washing, set the washer and dryer for the hottest setting that the fabric can withstand. If you need to use a dry cleaning service, mention to them that the items may have bed bugs and they can keep the articles in the plastic bags until just before loading into the machines.

Suitcases and other items that cannot be placed into a washing machine should be carefully inspected, and if bed bugs are found (or you are not sure) place them into plastic bags, as well. Suitcases may be hand-washed. If hand-washing any items, use soapy water and make sure that the hottest water possible is used. Test the item to make sure it will not be affected by the hot water. A target temperature of 100°Fto 120°F should be sufficient. Use a scrub brush along the seams and folds.

Items that cannot be washed may be heated or frozen. Currently, research is being conducted to determine the most effective thermal conditions for killing bed bugs, while not damaging materials. However, based on related research, a two-hour core exposure at 120°F (45°C) should be considered a minimum target temperature for heat treatments. For freezing, a minimum of 23°F (-5°C) must be maintained for at least 5 days. As the temperature is decreased, the time of exposure is shortened. For instance, the articles could be “flash frozen,” resulting in a very short time of exposure, but the target temperature should be -15°F (-26°C), the conditions required to instantly freeze the eggs. Keep in mind that most household freezers will have varying temperatures between 30°F and 20°F, and a 2-week freeze time is recommended if you are uncertain of the freezer temperatures.

Remember, if heating or freezing conditions are used, remember that these adverse conditions must reach the core of the articles being treated.

Patricia chose to "treat" her suitcase by placing it in the hot Oklahoma sun for a few hours. You may have to adjust your method based on location and season.

At the time that Patricia wrote me about bedbugs, a friend of mine was dealing with a lice outbreak in the family. Here is an article with links to lice-control resources. If you are not the parent of a school-aged child, you might be surprised to learn that lice are gaining resistance to the chemical most commonly used in shampoo treatments (which you might remember from your own childhood), making nit-picking combs the most reliable method for eliminating eggs and nits. Hopefully you will never deal with a bedbug or lice infestation on vacation, but it never hurts to be prepared for these ugly sides of travel as well.

Next we have Mark in Orlando who wanted to know the best time to buy his train tickets for a Munich-Paris trip in September.

Any time you're considering travel across Germany, you'll want to brush up on how to do it cheaply by reading the following two posts: Getting Across Germany Cheaply, Part One and Getting Across Germany Cheaply, Part Two. If you're set on the train, the first one's for you.

Mark wrote in his email that online forums suggested it would be cheaper to wait until arriving in Germany to purchase his ticket. This is simply false. It is possible to purchase tickets from any computer in the world up to 90 days before your travels using Deutsche Bahn's online search function, and it pays to buy as close to the 90-day border as possible. The cheapest tickets -- inside of Germany called "Dauer Spezial," across Europe called "Europa Spezial" -- have limited numbers and will be snapped up quickly. Here is a page describing how to book your tickets online (or by phone, if you prefer), along with the delivery options (printing vs. mailing vs. picking up).

In Mark's case, there is a special sale between Munich and Paris called Europa Spezial Frankreich, with tickets available for as little as 39 euros! Unfortunately for him, on the date he wishes to travel, all of the 39-euro tickets have already sold. There are, however, three trains with 59-euro fares and one with a 69-euro fare, so it still pays to book in advance.

What follows is a quick tutorial in searching for scheduled trains and their prices for your trip:
+ Enter your information here: Munich, Paris, date and approximate preferred time. No need to change anything else. Click enter.
+ Because it's an international connection, it will ask you to enter your age, in case you are eligible for a further discount. Put in your age and hit enter.
+ On the next page, it will bring up three trains around the time you entered. If you want to see earlier or later trains as well, click on the Earlier and Later arrows in the "Time" column. You will see it also shows you the standard fare as well as the savings fares. In order to see which prices are actually available, click on "show availability for all." When you find the time/price combo you like and want to book online, select purchase. On the next page, locate the proper fare and select purchase again. You will then be taken to the booking engine, which will make you register before allowing the transaction.

We close today with Margaret in Italy, who is wondering how to deal with a serious case of homesickness while spending the summer alone abroad.

First stop for anyone feeling homesick (or irritable, sad, or otherwise emotionally unstable abroad) is this article on culture shock. It is important to remember that what you're feeling is absolutely normal and you are by no means alone.

> Contact with home is important, but it only helps to a certain degree -- it can feed the homesickness if you dwell on it too much. That said, we all need somewhere to vent, and that generally means calling your nearest and dearest. If a phone is not available, a Skype account allows you to call people using the internet and it's pretty darn cheap.

> Is your suitcase fully unpacked and stored away somewhere, or have you been living out of it? Put your things on shelves and give yourself a mental cue of permanence.

> Make new habits and rituals. Always buy your bananas from the same guy, always get the same pastry at the same shop. As people begin to recognize you, are friendly, and can anticipate your needs, you have the feeling you belong.

> It might help to reflect on your experiences, to distance yourself somewhat from your feelings. Journaling or blogging and photography are a good way to get a new perspective: think about how you would distill this experience for others and simply document it.

> Try to cherish the opportunity everyday by doing something Italian that you *can't* do at home -- hang out on a piazza, surrounded by ancient buildings, drinking coffee or just listening, watching people parade by with their baby strollers and high heels; try a new gelato flavor (or three); visit a museum and admire the marble sculptures; go to the market and buy fresh ingredients for a bufalo mozzarella and tomato salad dinner; wander town without a map and discover new things; get on the train and take a weekend trip to Rome, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Venice, Bergamo!

> I know the saying is "Feed a fever," but a taste of home can be a quick fix. For Americans, try to:
+ bake something, anything -- banana bread's a good one, your favorite cookies or brownies are another
+ whip up something typically American: hamburger and fries or potato salad, taco salad or fajitas, BBQ chicken

> Laughter and distraction are also good cures. It can't hurt to:
+ see a movie or watch a DVD in English; serve with buttery popcorn
+ watch The Daily Show, The Colbert Report or some other (keyword: ) funny show you like [I have heard but am not condoning that a computer with internet access can find most any programs from abroad using a proxy and Hulu or Surf the Channel]

> If doing things by yourself makes you feel lonely (and thereby homesick), then take someone with you or pick up someone along the way. Read the post Meet People While Traveling for more ideas.

Thanks to these readers for writing in. If you’ve got a question, feel free to shoot me an email via the contact form.

Super Safari Bags

rachellynwebb — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:21:39 +0000

Sandstorm began life as safari tentmakers and those skills now bring us a superb range of Camel & Cowhide, Canvas & Cowhide or Tweed & Cowhide travel bags and accessories.

Browse the Safari Sets for some fabulous weekend and toilet bags of surf the Safari Camel Weekender & Basic Bag, robust bags with reinforced base and loads of interior pockets for a lifetime of travelling.

Available from various outlets across the UK or from Sandstorm online.

Charging for Checked Baggage-What?!?!!!!

travelgirl77 — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 03:46:33 +0000

[wp_caption id="attachment_14" align="aligncenter" width="233" caption="Is it worth it?"][/wp_caption]

In case you're not aware, this week US Airways rolled out its new checked baggage policy where they'll be charging an additional $15 for your first checked piece of luggage...Check more luggage and you'll pay more-$25!!!

Not sure what the other airlines are charging, but I'm sure its in the same range. Lucky for me we flew back on the 7th, two days before this took effect.

As far as I know the only airline that is not charging to check luggage at this point is Southwest Airlines-always loved SWA.

Anyway, there's a lot of controversy on this. Personally, I'd rather be charged the $15 as a part of my ticket when I'm purchasing it than pay at the counter. Plus, I think that a lot of travelers will try to go the carry-on route which is gonna clog up the lines at security as well as the overhead bins. Will these airline companies ever learn?

In case you don't want to pay the extra $15 to check a bag, and need to buy a stylish carry-on check out BradsDeals.com. They just posted a special offer for Smart Bargains, where you can SAVE 20% on their selection of luggage through 7/16. Plus, if you're a new Smart Bargains customer, you can take advantage of the BradsDeals Exclusive 15% off coupon and get both discounts. Definitely worth checking out....

I love airports n’ all BUT…

Sarah Rafique — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:04:05 +0000

You’ve got to be kidding me!

Word on the street is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security wants to make passengers replace their boarding pass with a “safety bracelet.” The safety bracelet will also contain personal information about the traveler, monitor his luggage (just about the only positive in this situation) and shock the traveler, completely immobilizing him or her for several minutes if suspicious behavior is suspected, or for whatever reason they choose.

We all know instances where the police abuses it’s authority to Taser, shoot and harm people they find as a threat, so who says the same thing won’t happen with this?

I’m not one to voice my opinion often, but this is a completely idiotic idea (sorry if that sounds too harsh). I do understand where they’re coming from. Of course they want to preserve the safety of the American people and I'm all for that, but seriously is this really necessary. Airport security is already meticulous enough without this added inconvenience.

I'm sure people will still have to go through the regular process of checking in going through the metal detectors, etc. So having to register people is just going to be one more thing to crowd up airports and waste our tax dollars on. What about all those business people who are constantly at the airport, two or three times a week, or even more! And what about those rich people who travel often for a nice relaxing vacation—what an annoyance. People are going to have to get to the airport four or five hours earlier rather than the recommended two or three, which is already frustrating as it is.

And, hello?!? When was the last instance where a plane went down, killing passengers because someone was a threat rather than for reasons where the plane malfunctioned? Unless the government is hiding situations where this happens, it’s been years since we’ve heard of suicide bombers hijacking an American plane. The only things that do seem to delay planes lately are when people are freaking out causing the airline to be too precautious (if such a thing exists) therefore delaying the flight even more by checking/calming down the traveler and again annoying their other paying travelers.

With this shocking frenzy, aka “safety bracelet” scheme, there will be even more distractions for the travelers and even more unnecessary delays when the airline gets carried away, or even shocks the wrong people. Not to mention that the shock alone can cause serious damage to the person who is receiving it and who knows if the airline actually shocks the right person. Think about all of the law suits when the airline shocks the wrong people. It’s impossible to know the heath conditions of every single traveler.

As for monitoring the luggage, that’s about the only good thing in this whole situation because we all know how airport s love to lose our precious luggage.

Oh, and just when you thought my rant was over….what’s with airlines canceling their flights. This is ridiculous! And quite the inconvenience. I understand that the price of oil is going up (another governmental issue/blame) but you can’t just cancel all of your flights because you think you can’t afford to pay for the gas. I'm sure the airlines don't need to cancel their flights, but they're just being greedy and cheap (and not in a good way).

Again, I understand the airline is entitled to do whatever they want by canceling or changing the flights of their customers last minute, but if they absolutely don’t have to, why are they? After I spent nearly $2000 on my ticket to Egypt, which by the way was the cheapest I was able to find and included ridiculous taxes and fees, I got and e-mail stating:

“We are taking this time to send an alert to all of our customers regarding the possibility of changes to their itinerary. Many carriers are canceling flights due to oil prices and to keep operating costs down. When this happens it may cause flight problems for our customers. Here at [insert airline name]** we are trying to be proactive and contact as many people as we can.”

Sure, you’re being proactive, but that doesn’t take away the inconvenience. I bought my ticket almost two months in advance so I can avoid last minute stress, but who knows now. Ah, how the government rules our world. That’s life for you.

I honestly do love airports and watching the crowds of people, but everybody gets annoyed sometimes. Right?

End. Rant.

**I didn’t want to single out a particular airline company. Not that many people would read this but still, don’t want to be single them out.

Soft Luggage: Cortech Sport Saddle Bags vs Hein-Gericke Bags

motorradtrip — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:50:54 +0000

Cortech Sport Saddle Bags and Tail Bag (http://www.motodepot.com)
Sarah: I've had these bags for several years and have really put them to good use. The tail bag can be disconnected from the saddle bag and used alone. It is also expandable which can hold a large amount of clothing and gear. I really like these bags- they're easy to take on and off (snap clips) and although cumbersome to carry when you have a full load you can unsnap the bags from the bike and carry the entire luggage system by the tail bag handle. They are also held tightly to the bike - no slipping or lopsided luggage while riding.

These are definitely cheaper than installing brackets and giant plastic saddle bags on the bike - and can be transferred to any bike. I've used these on a Kawasaki Z750S, Yamaha FZ6, and Suzuki SV650- and the bags have fit nicely on all of the bikes.

These bags have worked perfectly fine on many long trips and in every type of weather. The only downside is they cannot be locked to the bike or sealed from thieves. And the original rain bags that came with the luggage blew off after several uses. But I solved that by packing my gear in waterproof compression bags.

Hein-Gericke Sport Luggage
Sarah: We bought these bags from a Hein-Gericke motorcycle shop in Kaiserslautern, Germany. We hooked the Held back separately as a tail bag and used them on Christopher's SV650 to Corsica (It could also be used as a tank bag). The saddle bags were pretty inexpensive and we should have spent a little bit more money and got another set of Cortech bags. The Hein-Gericke saddle bags seemed to never stay straight on the bike and became more and more lop-sided as we rode. Plus, they were very cumbersome to carry and cannot be secured to the bike from theives.