Weekly Wednesday Pickmeup

This week we are focusing on being positive, happy people. This list should turn your frown upside down on the double! And if you are already feeling happy then it will just help keep you on top of the world today! Come on get happy!

Travel Guide: Venice

 Venice is one of the most unique cities I have visited. How many cities float on log pillars after all? A major city that does not have a single car or street is just hard to fathom for those who have never been to this Italian locale.

(Canal view taken from a gondola)

I have spent more time completely lost in Venice than I wish to admit. Upon my first visit I spent over an hour looking for my hotel which ended up being just a block away from where I had first started out. I must have asked at least 10 locals to point me in the right direction. I'm not sure if they honestly did not know or if they got a kick out of sending me on a wild goose chase but, each of them pointed me in a different direction.  I challenge you to be prepared when you arrive and come with detailed directions to your accommodations.

As there are only narrow cobble stone passageways for streets, I highly recommend that you leave large rolling luggage at home. You will have a great deal of trouble rolling that luggage to your hotel. Then, once at the hotel you will be hard pressed to find an elevator. If they do have one, it will likely be the type of thing that is only large enough for you OR your bag, not both.

 (View from Rialto Bridge)

The first hour or so in Venice is a bit of a headache. You are overwhelmed by the beauty and the distinctive character of the city. However, you will have a bit of a fish out of water feeling as you have never had to navigate in a place such as this before. Every time I have been in Venice I have noticed this feeling amongst my travel companions. Once you find your hotel,  leave your bags and get out and start exploring, the anxiety is over and you will find yourself on cloud 9!

DIY Tour Guide:  

I am famous for traveling with a guide book. Yes I stick out like a sore thumb as a tourist but I am a well informed one! There is no need to guess at the age of a statue or wonder where the best coffee shop is located; all of the most important information is in your hand and has been vetted by travel pros! You will not need to pay for the audio guides in museums or guided tours of historical monuments - you have the book and it has all of the information you would get from a guide. I spend the first day or so in a new place exploring the must see, most visited, obvious places as listed in the guide book.

 

(Reading the gondolier a bit of shocking information about some famous Venetians from the guidebook)

Fodors, Rick Steve's, Lonely Planet, Eyewitness Travel - all are great and will do the trick. I usually check out everything the library has on the city I am visiting. I then scan over them and take just one or two on the actual trip. Once I hit the highlights from the book I have likely also found my bearings and will be able to get around the city more easily.  At that point I ditch the book and can spend the remainder of my time getting lost in shops, museums, side streets and restaurants I happen upon.

In Venice these books are indispensable. The maps in the books will save you time as you figure out how to navigate the maze of corridors and canals that is Venice. They will also save you money as you will not need to hire a guide.

While you are at the library (or book store) pick up a pocket Italian language guide. Make sure it includes information about food and wine. Everyone can order spaghetti and pizza but Italy has SO much more to offer! To get a real flavor for the local cuisine you may need to understand a little Italiano!

Getting Around:

The single most important thing to understand about Venice before you arrive is the Vaporetto system. The Vaporetto are public transportation boats that can move you around the city for a minimal cost. The Vaporetto is the equivalent of the subway or bus system in any other major city. Venice is a city of eighteen islands connected by 354 bridges and, again, they have no streets so no buses. You can buy a 1 day, 3 day or week pass for the Vaporetto. These are good for infinite rides within the time frame you have paid for. I was able to explore the main islands of Venice as well as outliers like Lido and Murano with my Vaporetto pass. Check out prices, schedules and routes online before you travel.

(A vaporetto boat docked at a stop near the Rialto Bridge)

Most any way you travel to Venice you will need to get from the main land into the city. The trains drop you off across the open water from the main part of the city. If you drive you will need to park your vehicle in a lot (I recommend the Tronchetto Parking area) and find water transportation into the city.

You can take the extremely pricy water taxis but I would suggest the public transportation.  You will most likely be approached by boat owners who want to offer to be your guide. That is always an option but, you never know who you are getting on a boat with and how much it will end up costing. The city is relatively easy to navigate by vaporetto especially if you have a good map and a travel guide book with you.

When traveling on public transportation in any part of Italy it is imperative that you validate your ticket before you ride. You will see small yellow or red boxes by the subway, vaporetto, train or bus stops. Slide your ticket into that box and it will time stamp your ticket. If you neglect to do this and you are stopped by authorities you will be subject to a steep fine! If you're confused, just watch the locals and do what they do (unless they jump off a bridge... I would not recommend doing that :) ).

Must See: 

• Piazza San Marco - This is the main square in town and is one of the vaporetto stops. There is a massive church with all sorts of historical relics and significance. Your guide book will be able to fill you in on all of the details.  Make sure to inquire about the large horses outside and inside! 

(Views of San Marco)

• Rialto Bridge - You can not miss it. Again, check the guide book for historical information. I highly recommend taking the vaporetto down the grand canal in both directions at various times during the day (sunrise, sunset, mid day, after dark...) as the light changes  on the Rialto Bridge and makes for unforgettable views and photo ops.
• Glass Blowing on the Island of Murano - Venice is famous for its blown glass figurines. The island of Murano is where all of this originated. Go early in the day and you will be able to see Venetian artisans blowing the glass. Be aware that they stop working around 3pm. While you can still visit the shops on this island, after 3pm you will not be able to view the artists at work.
• Lido island - Have you ever been on a cruise and joined in on a conga line on the lido deck? Well, this island is to blame for the famously named pool deck. It is the family friendly beach/party island. If you have a spare day, go out to Lido and enjoy the beach. Grab a cone of gelato and have a fantastic and relaxing day on the beach!
• Fish Market - Each morning there is a fish market starting around sunrise. Get up early, get an Itallian coffee and pastry before heading out to the fish market. You will peruse the days catch with local restauranteurs.  Ask the fishermen what is in season and order it later that night for dinner!
• Drinks - Venice is located in the Veneto wine region. The crown jewel of this region is Amarone. It can be expensive but it is an amazing wine and must be tasted while you are in the area. Another alcoholic beverage that can not be missed is the Belini. This blend of prosecco (sparkling white wine/Italian champagne)  and peach puree is a Venetian tradition!
• Gondola ride - You kind of have to... The cost of a 45 minute ride starts around 90 euros in the off season and goes up from there and you have to pay extra to get the gondolier to sing.  If you are trying to save some money, pair up with another couple or family and share a ride. The gondolas can hold 6 to 8 people and you can just divide the cost amongst yourselves. Also, I suggest taking a bottle of wine with you and enjoying it on your ride (I do turn into a bit of a lush as soon as I hit the Italian border so, you can disregard that suggestion if you do not share my love of Italian wines #PurpleTeeth).

(Canal view from the bow of a gondola)

There is so much to be written about this fantastic destination. However, the best advice I can give you is to get out and explore it on your own. You will find some little cafe or resturant that will make your trip memorable and uniquely yours.  My friends and I wound up at a James Taylor concert in the middle of a public piazza in the pouring rain. "Oh I've seen fire and I've seen rain..." has never been more moving! We then stopped in for a drink at a random bar near our hotel and found that it was the after work hang out for the gondoliers. We were the only ones in there not in striped shirts and straw hats. I hope your time in Venice is just as exciting and memorable!

Credit vs. Debit: The Hotel Edition

As a relatively experienced traveler and hospitality industry pro, I feel it is my duty to make sure everyone is on the same page about the use of debit cards.  You may have noticed the debit card policy at a hotel where you have recently stayed. Most places post their policy and others just assume you know because it is the industry standard.  However, as common as it is, many people seem very confused about these policies.

(Image via LifeHacker)

When checking into a hotel you will be expected to put a credit card on file. Each day the computer system used by that hotel will place a pending charge on your credit card account for the amount you owe for that day. If your card is declined, they immediately know you do not have enough funds available. If the card is not declined, the hotel can rest assured that they will be paid at the end of your stay. The funds are then held aside for that hotel for 5-7 days. The funds are not able to be accessed by the card holder because the hotel has, more or less, asked the bank to reserve that money for them. Conversely, the hotel has not been paid. When you go to check-out at the end of your stay, the front desk clerk will finalize your payment and close out the pending charges. At this point the funds that had been set aside by the credit card company are then transferred to the hotel. Easy.

Most credit cards come with a fairly high limit. Let's say the credit limit is $8,000. If you are staying 3 nights in a hotel that costs $125/night you will receive a pending charge of $125 each night of your stay. So, now your credit card company is holding $375 from your account to pay Hilton or Marriott or Holiday Inn or wherever you are. Let's say at checkout you decide to pay in cash instead of closing out the final amount on your credit card (you must have won big in the casino last night and have cash on hand - go you!). In this case, you will still have a $375 pending charge on your credit card statement even though you have paid up in cash. At some point in the next 5-7 days the credit card company will release this pending charge. You don't care though because you have this fairly high, $8,000 credit limit and didn't even notice that some of that money had been set aside and was therefore untouchable for a week or so. With a credit card, there is rarely an issue but if you are using a debit card, it can get a little more difficult.

First, you must know that the way a bank treats a debit card is exactly the same as the way they treat a credit card. However credit card and debit card accounts do not react the same way. Yes both types of cards look the same, can be swiped by a customer service representative and will transfer your money to someone else electronically however, that is where the similarities stop.  With credit cards you are dealing with credit - imaginary money that the credit card company assumes you are able to pay back to them. You are borrowing money; you don't already have it.  With a debit card, you are strictly using the funding that is currently in the account the card is tied to. If you only have $500 in your account and we run though the above mentioned scenario, you might run into some financial problems. With the debit account when the $375 is being held in a pending charge you cannot access it meaning you now only have $225 available in your account.  Let's pretend that you had held your room stay on your debit card, at check out you paid cash. You leave the hotel and walk next door to the rental car company and try to rent a car to drive home. The cost of the car is going to be $250. You try to put that car rental on your debit card. It is declined. You only have $225 available because you currently have $375 in pending charges that will not be released for at least 5 days. You call the hotel to explain the situation and they offer you no help - they can honestly do nothing about it at this point. It is up to the financial institution to release the charges.

The moral of the story is that it is important to understand how your different accounts work. You may get lucky and have a front desk agent who points out the policy for you but do not count on it.  Many people do not have credit cards - this is one instance when it may be very helpful to have one! The hotel will allow you to pay up front but you still have to have a credit or debit card on file for incidentals and may still end up with pending charges. Be sure to clarify first thing! 

The Weekly Wednesday Pickmeup

This week is a bit of a marathon for me and I totally neglected to put together a playlist. I could use a bit of musical encouragement to push through and maybe you can too. This week I am sharing my gym/workout/running playlist. This is a bit of a cop-out but, as I mentioned, it is a marathon of a week. And though I am not literally running a marathon this week, if I were this is what I would listen to in order to keep going.

Admittedly, I am a bit of a slacker in the cardio department. I am known to find plenty of excuses to slow it down, take a break, change machines and generally fail to commit to the task at hand.  Just about the only thing that keeps me going is a solid series of tunes with surging rhythms, motivating lyrics and a ridiculous number of beats per minute.  This playlist is a massive compilation of songs to be listened to on random. Some tracks you will recognize, some you have not heard in years, some might make your ears bleed (sorry I'm not sorry) and others will be totally new to you. Have fun and let's make it to the finish line this week, whadda ya say?

#CraftySaturday

I spent my Saturday afternoon completing a few projects I've had on my mind for a while. I re-covered the seat of my desk chair by changing the fabric from an overly floral pattern to a new minimal cream on cream geometric pattern. I successfully attempted to make the tassels out of tissue paper that have achieved fame on Pinterest as of late (details on those at the bottom of this post). And, the project I'm most proud of, I strung up some handmade stars to fill the empty wall space over my bed (and added the tassels for now).

The stars themselves actually have a pretty interesting story. A family friend had made a couple of these stars as a gift for my mother. Mom thought they were very cute but did not look too closely at them. She had mentioned them to me before but I had not seen them until recently. When I took a look I noticed that Mrs. Wanda (the family friend) had carefully chosen maps of locations my parents had previously lived to make the stars from. How thoughtful!! The one pictured here is Washington D.C. where my parents lived for a stint and, by chance, one of my favorite US cities!

I immediately thought of the maps I have been collecting from my travels and wondered if they too could be used to make these cute 3D stars. Mrs. Wanda so kindly turned my travel treasures into displayable art! Maps from Turkey, Russia, the Czech Republic and the USA now adorn my wall. I used two cup hooks, craft wire and some of the wire used on the back of large picture frames or mirrors to finish the project. A few simple snips and wire twists and the project was complete. Now, as I sleep beneath the stars I am reminded of some of my favorite adventures! Plus, they look pretty stinking cute and make a great conversation piece.

Interested in making tassels for whatever project you have on your plate? I used the instructions found on on this blog, "Visual Vocabulary". I modified the project by being much less precise and extremely lazy. They do not take nearly as much time as suggested if you are not being particularly detailed - it is arts and crafts, have fun with it!

 

Weekly Wednesday Pickmeup

The midweek playlist is ready for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

Why Do We Rush Off of Planes?

Your flight just landed and you're taxing to the gate. Finally, the captain turns off the fasten seat belt sign and in half a second everyone on the plane is standing in the aisle, jammed in like sardines trying to get their carry on luggage out of the overhead bins. The flight crew has not even opened the door yet; What is this? The entire flight process has been this practiced dance of line after line where you wait your turn.  Then all of a sudden you have landed and it is a shameless free for all to get out of there. I don't know when I first observed this phenomenon but since noticing it, I can't seem to let it go.

Some of the people on your flight have about 15 minutes to make their connection. I think they should be allowed to get off of the flight first. You may have been in this situation yourself before and maybe you have even missed a connecting flight completely. You know it is not something you want to inflict upon your worst enemy! So, let's let these people get off first and get a running start to their next gate! They still may not make it but at least we gave them a fighting chance!

Some of your fellow travelers are returning home from some epic journey that is impossible to even fathom.  Perhaps they received the unfortunate call last night that a loved one is deathly ill. Maybe they are military members returning from down-range. Whatever the nature may be of their dire situation,  they should go next!

Then there are the screaming, restless children  - get them out of there!!  Mom is probably traveling with so much stuff that she had to spread it out amongst several overhead bins. It's going to take her a  moment to get it all gathered as she wrangles her herd of rambunctious children. Give them some space. Mom is ready to get home, kids are ready to get off of the plane and all other passengers are ready to be out of earshot of those little punks angels. It's a win/win situation to let them disembark next.

Then the majority of us, the people who are in no particular rush other than the fact that we would appreciate more than 2 square feet of personal space,  maybe then we should get off of the plane.

I believe this rushed debarkation has something to do with "group think"( that psychological phenomenon where people do what everyone else is doing simply because it is what everyone else is doing)! It is mindless following and we are all culprits.   We all stand up hastily after landing because that's what everyone else is doing so surely that's what we should do too.

I vote we reverse the tide! When one or two people calmly stay seated on the plane and wait, more and more people start following suit. Let's be the change we wish to see in the world people! If you don't have to be out of there in a hurry, hold on a minute! I'm not saying stay around all day;  everyone wants out of there and I'm sure the flight crew wants us gone too, but we should all slow down and be mindful of the situations going on around us!

Weekly Wednesday Pickmeup

The mid week has once again crept up on us and that means it's time for a playlist! As you may have noticed by now, I am a sucker for female singer songwriters, key changes,  building percussion and strange chord progressions. This week you'll hear a few more male vocalists as I'm trying to branch out here; Please excuse my progress! Give this playlist a listen - it will be worth your time!

 

(Clockwise from Top: Fitz and The Tantrums, LP, Japandroids, Quadron)

Pushing Through Hot Yoga

I made my very first attempt at hot yoga today.  It was challenging in ways I hadn't expected. The yoga practice itself was not different at all from your average vinyasa flow class but the heat! Oh my the heat! I found it hard to simply breathe. Even in a relaxing posture like child's pose, I was straining to fill my lungs with oxygen. The simplest task became difficult.

 

(Childs pose image via Kristin McGee on HuffPost Healthy Living)

There is something strange about the way the mind works against you in a steamy 109 degree room. At the 10 minute mark I began thinking about quitting. I was unable to focus on the task at hand. I was shiftily looking around at other class participants to gauge if they were thinking the same thing.

5 more minutes pass,  I'm just standing there holding my arms up.  I am fatigued and I decide to take an unscheduled water break.

 

(Image via Katie Paul of Head.Heart.Health)

A few more minutes pass, others in the class begin working at their own pace, taking frequent breaks and resting from time to time. Great! I can get on board with this. Or maybe I could just roll up my mat and go...

Then we enter into a Downward facing dog. The go-to yoga posture. The most frequently used pose in yoga: hands on the ground, feet on the ground, bum toward the sky. Simple. Or wait, no, what? The instructor had come over to correct me. Excuse me? This is basic - I can't possibly need assistance here...  but I guess I did. What just happened?

(Downward Facing Dog image via Kristin McGee on HuffPost Healthy Living)

In the middle of this self inflicted torture I came to a realization. It was one of those "ah-ha" moments that comes along every once and a while. I was dwelling on the heat. I was infatuated with the temperature, my labored breathing and sweaty limbs. I had forgotten to pay attention to the simple movement I have practiced countless times in the past.  I needed to calm my mind and simply focus on my practice.

Calming the mind is a basic directive of Yoga.  I often experience difficulty in purging my mental flow of rampant thoughts in a yoga sesh. "What will I have for dinner tonight?"" How crazy was that Super Bowl Last night?" "I wonder what my boyfriend is doing right now?" "I think my yoga mat smells like rubber I wonder if it is from recycled tires?" "How do you recycle tires?"and so on. That is my usual thought progression today it was something like this:

 "WOW, this room is warm. I'm probably going to sweat more than normal. Ok class is starting, she has asked us to start our breathing. Whoa breathing is hard in here. Seriously, should it be easier? I wonder if I might have a minor asthma problem? Ok we're moving now, interesting, maybe she will just take it easy on us. Nope, not at all, it's a regular class and I can't breathe. Maybe this is too intense for me, I'm a little rusty anyway - I've only been to a handful of classes lately. I've always been a Nancy. Suck it up - you can do this. No, quitting is a much better idea.  I should really consider my health here. What if I pass out from the heat like that time I passed out in the shower in 6th grade and the doctor said it was because the water was too hot. Yeah, I'm probably sensitive to heat. I should get the heck out of here. This is dangerous for me. Look, that guy over there is taking a break - I bet he wants to quit too. Maybe if he leaves I will just follow him out the door. OMG two drops of sweat just suicide leaped from my forehead and landed on my yoga mat. I'm so embarassed I'm so sweaty. The girl in the back is just sitting now - perfect. Maybe I should sit and let this sweating subside. The instructor wants us to do a downward facing dog now - Ok that should be easy enough... maybe. Ew, every ounce of me is sweating right now. I am literally dripping. Ugh I can't stand this. My legs feel a little shaky, maybe I should have eaten before class. Maybe that means i'm about to pass out - I should probably get up and walk out now. Two more breaths and maybe the next instruction will be sit down. Why is someone touching my arm. Oh it's the instructor.  She must be new - why is she correcting me. Nope, she is right, that is bad form. What am I doing!!!

 

(image via  Yoga District)

That was the breakthrough moment - that was the very instant that I realized that the heat is just like all of the other thoughts that pass through my brain. It is a distraction. It is keeping me from finding peace and clarity. It is distracting me from the task at hand. I realized that if I could conquer my thoughts in this moment, surely I would be stronger mentally tomorrow than I was earlier today. And if I were to continue to practice hot yoga - who knows how much I might grow?

So some may practice this way to clear their pores or to increase their endurance in heat or simply because they are masochists but for me - I will continue this practice as a brain training exercise. I will learn to conquer my subconscious stream and I will find clarity.


Revelations like this are why I practice yoga!

~Namaste~

Weekly Wednesday Pickmeup

Wednesday is upon us again and that means it is time for some mid-week entertainment.  Grab a cup of coffee, enjoy the playlist I've created for you this week and check out this blog: Dream Green DIY. This DIY, Design and Lifestyle blogger offers up tons of cute projects and styling tips.  The imagery on her site is captivating; I love her color schemes! Good luck navigating away from her site - I was stuck there (happily) for quite some time! Happy Wednesday!

   

          

   

This Kid is Awesome!

Today I'm going to let Kid President do all of the talking. He says it better than I could anyway!





I'm glad you're here and I'm glad Kid President is here too! Happy Sunday everyone!

Read This Post Before You Attempt to Purchase an Unlocked iPhone in the US

I moved home from Germany 5 days ago. I will be spending a few months in the States then I'm moving to Japan. I know the best option for me is an unlocked phone that I can move from one network to another as I travel around.  I thought this would be a simple enough problem to resolve. However, it seems that few mobile phone sales representatives in my area have any idea what to do in this situation. I started at the Apple store. They sent me to AT&T who sent me to T-Mobile, at T-mobile I was sent to Verizon, Verizon suggested I check with the Apple Store - I had gone full circle. I stopped at Target somewhere in there too, just to ensure that no one in my area had a solution for me. Frustrated, to say the least, I felt I should share the information I gathered with anyone who might possibly be looking to resolve a similar problem. The good news is that I have found a solution and so will you; Read on!

CDMA vs GSM

There are two major types of wireless voice technologies used globally: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile communication (GSM). GSM is the standard in Europe. Japan is on CDMA. For other countries and regions of the world,  I have no idea but a quick Google search should provide an answer. In the United States we have a mix of both. Some US wireless networks such as Verizon and Sprint are on CDMA, while AT&T, T-Mobile and others are on GSM.  iPhones can be either CDMA or GSM compatible.  Apple does not produce a model that is both CDMA and GSM compatible (not in the US market at least). The CDMA iPhone and the GSM iPhone look the same and, for the average user, function exactly the same. The only noticeable difference between the two types of iPhones is their model number.  So you need to find out what type of technology you require and purchase the appropriate model. 

Wikipedia has a comprehensive list of US carriers detailing whether they are CDMA or GSM.

Click here for more information on iPhone Model Numbers. 

Purchasing an Unlocked iPhone

This is going to be expensive. You should expect to pay no less than $600 for the latest model. At the time of this writing I was quoted $712 for a 16GB iPhone 5s at Verizon or $699 for the same phone at the Apple Store. That being said, do your homework! The prices do vary based on promotional offers or excess stock or holiday weekend sales or whatever. On the day I checked at Verizon, they were selling the 5c and the 5s for the same price due to a promotion. However, both phones at Verizon were more expensive than they were at the Apple Store.

Not all wireless providers will sell an unlocked iPhone. Most will only sell the phone locked to their network. This means that unless you do some mid-level hacking (not recommended), you cannot take the phone off of their network. T-Mobile, Verizon and the Apple Store will sell the iPhone unlocked. Verizon requires that you are on their network for at least 7 days. This to me sounds like their way of locking you into a one month commitment to their service at a minimum.

WARNING: Beware of purchasing unlocked phones from 2nd party vendors. An iPhone that has been jail-broken and unlocked, AKA hacked, to allow it to leave it's original carrier's network may cause big problems down the line. They may have all sorts of glitches and quirks and you will unlikely be able to upgrade your software when a new version of iOS comes out. If you aren't particularly savvy with technology, you should avoid this route!

Contract Free Wireless Service

Once you have purchased your unlocked iPhone that operates on the voice technology you need (CDMA/GSM), you have one more problem to work out. Which US pay as you go service will you be selecting? There are several carriers that sell pay as you go SIM cards and credit refills at Target and other major retailers near you. If you have a GSM compatible, unlocked iPhone you can use the AT&T or T-Mobile options (beware of shockingly low data allowances!). CDMA folks, you'll be looking for other options.  Sprint has a program called "Sprint as you go" - this was not a great option for me as Sprint has spotty coverage in my area. Verizon does not have a pay as you go option that is worth your time. They have something listed online but it seems to be a daily rate. The representative in the store told me there was nothing compatible with the iPhone.  My father has a contract with Verizon and they offered to put me on his plan for $40/month with unlimited talk & text and 2GB of data. Since I have a phone that is unlocked, I have no commitment and can be dropped from the plan whenever I wish. Check with your friends and family to see if you can opt in to something like this temporarily.

Here you will find a list of CDMA carriers world wide.

And the GSM guys are here!

*Companies are known to switch technologies so these sites are subject to errors and changes.

More Good News

In many circumstances, buying an unlocked phone upfront will save you money in the long run. I did the math, if I had an individual plan with a 2 year contract I would pay about $90/month. For this I would receive the same service as I will receive with my unlocked phone piggy backing on my father's existing plan. I paid $599 for my phone and I will pay $40 per month for my service. If I was on this plan for 2 years I would spend $1559 in total. If I went the traditional route and paid $90/month for the service with the phone included for 2 years my total would be $2,160.  See what I did there? I just saved over $500! You can do it too! Plus you can have the freedom to leave the country, pick up a SIM card on the road and have mobile service throughout the world without being tied to a recurring monthly payment to a mobile provider back home.


"Fear commitment?" that's the marketing tagline they like to use to target people in our situation. How about "Are you a super cool, globe trotting, wanderlusting, nomad who deserves all the functionality of an iPhone even though you can't be counted on to stay in the same area code for long?" There are plenty of us out there and wireless providers are making this way too difficult to navigate. Until they get it together and help a "hopeless wanderer" out, I guess we have to rely on blog posts and internet research. Best of luck to you on your adventure into wireless contract liberation and global cellular mobility!

Wednesday Tunes

It's Wednesday. That's about the only thing there is to say about that. Here are some mid-week jams to keep you going!



Have questions about how to embed a Spotify playlist in your blog? Check out this post!

My Carry-On Travel Essentials

I was never a girl scout but I do pride myself on always being prepared. When it comes to airplane travel, I have a well rehearsed routine for packing my carry-on bag. Too much in your carry-on is a burden. Underpacking your carry-on can lead to spending unnecessary money in one of the airport shops because you either forgot something or you did not bring along enough stuff to keep you occupied.

This is my tried and true carry-on packing list:

Health and Beauty: 

• Lip Balm/Chapstick
• Moisturizer
• Makeup Basics (foundation, blush, mascara)
• Facial Wipes
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Glasses/Contacts

*Keep it simple. Unless I am traveling for business purposes I generally board the flight with next to no make up on. The dry, recirculated air does strange things to make up and skin. Just before landing, I take a trip to the restroom with my pouch full of beauty items. I brush my teeth, pop in my contacts, use one of the facial wipes to freshen up, reapply moisturizer then put on light makeup so I can face the day in a new city and not look like an ogre. Remember to pack all of these items in a large zip-lock bag in your carry on. They will make you take them out to go through security and it saves everyone time if you are prepared.

Entertainment: 

• High Quality Headphones/Earbuds
• Great Playlist(s)
• A Good Book
• 2 Snacks: One Salty and One Sweet 

*TSA now allows small electronic devices inflight so you can take along your iPod, iPad, Kindle or other device of your choice. Download some new tunes to check out inflight but also make a playlist of old favorites. I prefer slower relaxing music while in transit - it helps me stay calm and makes it easier to read and nap. Make sure your headphones or earbuds are comfortable and noise canceling if possible. You may have to drown out the sounds of a crying baby 2 rows back or a snoring passenger just beside you not to mention the constant announcements from the flight crew. A good book is just obvious. I allow one gossip magazine of the US weekly persuasion from time to time as well, but when push comes to shove, it's a waste of space.

 Now let's talk snacks. You will most likely get hungry during your flight, you will be trapped and locked into whatever package of "savory or sweet" inflight treats you are offered. Put a handful of almonds and a box of raisins (or whatever you like) in your bag and you will be prepared if the hunger monster stops by for a visit (If you're traveling internationally remember, no agricultural products).

3+ hour or international flight add-ons:

• Passport
• Sleep Mask
• Leggings
• Comfy Socks
• Change of Undergarments

*Long-haul flights require a few extra amenities be packed. Try a sleep mask. People either love them or hate them. If you are not in either camp yet, give one a try because they make a world of difference!

Leggings and comfy socks are for mid flight. Either wear them onto the flight or change into them once you are in the air. You better believe you are going to want them when you are ready to get as comfortable as a 757 will allow at 30,000 feet.

The change of undergarments is just in case you wind up trapped in an airport due to a missed connection or if your luggage is lost. These are not situations you want to find yourself in unprepared! 

   

Additional Travel Tips: 

• BYOB: Those airplane bottles/minis they sell do have a purpose. While mixed drinks inflight can cost anywhere from $8 to $15 there is another way to enjoy an adult beverage and keep from breaking the bank. Ask the flight attendant for a soda (which is already included with the cost of your airline ticket), drop in your own libations and voila - you're a jetsetting, party girl on a budget! #balleronabudget Have a safe, fun flight & drink responsibly! 
• If you are traveling internationally be advised that in the US you are allowed 4oz of liquid and most travel bottles are made this size. In Europe, you are only allowed 100mL of liquid which is less than 4oz (3.38oz to be exact). This is a big pain in the rear. I had my 4oz travel bottle of contact solution confiscated once when traveling home from Europe.  And the bottle being already used and half empty will not suffice, I already tried that.
• Check out the amenities at the airports you will be passing through online before you travel. You will find hidden gems at each airport if you do your research in advance. I had the most amazing pancakes at a Wolfgang Puck restaurant in London Heathrow airport once. In Munich, I found a lounge area called NapCabs. It is a public sleeping area with charging stations for your electronic items and comfy chairs. You never know what you might find, so check in advance to see if there is something you should not miss. 

Safe Travels and Bon Voyage!!

The best part of being back in the USA: FOOD!

I can not stop eating. There are so many foods from home that I have not had the privilege of tasting for far too long. Here is my list, in no particular order, of Southern American goodies of which I have been deprived during my 3 years overseas:  

1. Krispy Kreme Donuts - I found a small kiosk in a low-end airport outside of London that was selling Krispy Kremes for £8.00 for a box of six. That's about $13.00 for donuts. It was highway robbery but I paid it... they weren't even "HOT NOW".  Other than this one, price gouged, experience I have been without my favorite sugary treats for far too long!  Until yesterday when I ate 2 cream filled glazed Krispy Kremes then brushed the flaky sugar crumbs off of my lips and went in for a 3rd. #NoShame Additionally, did you know there is an app that tells you when nearby Krispy Kremes have their "HOT NOW" sign on? #ILoveYouAmerica
2. Cheese Straws - This southern party staple with there subtle spice and crunchy goodness have not yet found a niche in the German market, much to my chagrin. While these are usually best when homemade, I have no idea how and have honestly never tried.  I came across a bag of them at Publix the other morning and they are just as good! Check out Mook Mills Cheese Straws if you need to get your fix! 
3. Bar-B-Que - This post would be null and void without this inclusion. I once watched a History Channel presentation on the history of BBQ.  It was very informative and I highly suggest you look this up if interested. The bottom line: different parts of the country have different ways to do their "Que"! 'Round these parts, vinegar based, pork shoulder bar-b-que reigns supreme. And amongst the highly skilled butchers and smokers who produce this porky gold, Whitt's Bar-B-Que is king! My order: BBQ Sandwich with mayo only, small bag of plain Golden Flake chips, 1 pint of sweet tea. Which leads me to my next point:
4. Sweet Tea -  It may just be brown (extremely) sugary water to outsiders, but for those of us indoctrinated to believe this is the only way to drink tea, it is one of life's little pleasures. Here's some simple math for y'all: Late Spring + Porch Sitting + Sweet Tea = Everything that is Good about the South
   
   *Photo credit to No.2 Pencil - find their sweet tea recipe here
5.  Gravy & Biscuits - I can not even begin to describe my love affair with this food combination. And it hurts me to admit it but, I think Cracker Barrel comes about as close to perfection as one can in the gravy and biscuits department. Please don't tell me they pack it full of MSG or it comes from a can or something - I don't want to know, at least not this week -just let me enjoy it! Also, let's not mention this to my mother. A good southern woman's biscuits being second fiddle to a national restaurant chain is not news I need you to break to her, OK? 
6. Holiday Dressing - NOBODY and I mean not anyone, anywhere, ever, makes dressing like my mother. She has this recipe that was my grandmother's and before that, it possibly came from Reader's Digest - we have no idea. It takes about 2 days to execute and results in a flavor that cannot be matched. And yes dressing as in turkey and dressing. If you think "stuffing" is the appropriate accessory for your holiday meal, well I understand that is what you were raised on and you just don't know any better, but you owe your taste buds more.  Stop by next Thanksgiving and let me prove to you that you've been living a lie! Mom made some and we had it as one of my first meals at home the other night - I missed the holidays this year (and the last 3 years) and therefore missed out on, what is probably, my favorite meal of the year (this redeems me from the statements made in #5 right?).

There's more, so much more but these items are on the top of my list. Close runners up include chess pie, Chick-Fil-A, deli sandwiches of all shapes, forms and fashions, iced sugar cookies and actual Mexican food. Basically I'm binging and will attempt to regain control next week. I'm giving myself a 5 pound allowance on this one. How often do you  move home from a foreign country after all? 

 I can't believe I took a break from eating to type all of that...

I'm back...

I had great intentions when this blog was created of updating friends and family,  as well as internet trolls and voyers,  on my travels and adventures.  I successfully blogged for about 3 months of what would become a 3 year chapter in my life. I suppose at about the 3 month mark it stopped being a trip for me and started being my life. I got busy, my social life kicked into full swing, I was working more, traveling more, spending more time drinking wine and having coffee with friends. Blogging just fell by the wayside. You guys missed a lot in my life as I missed much in yours. I forgot to blog about some really important people and places. I did some extensive traveling throughout Europe of course, but more importantly I found out a lot about myself and grew a great deal.

Blogging served a great role for me at the beginning. It kept me from having to tell the same story over and over to different friends and family. I could just direct everyone to my blog for details of my latest adventure. In hindsight, I wish I was able to keep it up. You see, I hate the phone. Making phone calls for me is like taking a trip to the dentist, I just really do not want to. If I can minimize that in my life, I will. And I have (maybe too much). My aversion to phone calls and the fact that I moved myself 5,000 miles away has really estranged me from friends and family back home. Actually, I haven't even had a phone for the last year. Though a bit frustrating at times, it's been very liberating.

So now I'm back in the US. My employment contract ended and I moved home. I have no car, no phone, I'm staying with mom and dad, my life is slowly arriving by mail (18 boxes are en route).  I'm in my hometown where I know very few people (read: I know a lot of people but more in the way that I get their updates on Facebook though I have not had an actual conversation with them in quite some time). I'm just temporarily here though. I'm home for a few months then moving to Japan (don't act so shocked, you knew I was bound to do something crazy). I'm in a transitional phase. 

So that's my life in a nutshell right now. I've decided to blog a little while I have the time. I'm constantly thinking "I should blog that" so now I guess I will.