Sunday, April 27, 2014

European Marathon Sept.18-Nov.15, 2013 Parts 1-4

Now I regret not recording details of my trip to Europe last fall Sept - Nov. 2013, so I have to try to remember.  I didn't remember the towns I stayed in the night before when I was there, so it's going to be interesting.

I do remember that all of it was wonderful.   My goals were accomplished.

I learned that I am fine travelling on my own for a lengthy period.
I learned that I can drive half way across Europe and back and it's not too much.
I learned I can navigate on my own with maps, and google print-outs.
I learned I can find reasonable and great hotels easily.
I learned I can manage in German, French, and Spanish.
I learned that I like the comfort and privacy of a hotel room.
I learned that while I like spending time with friends, I like my own agenda too.
I learned that I need much better pillows than the ones in European hotels.  Mattresses are awful too.
I learned that it's not great travelling in cold weather.

I am putting off starting this description, but here goes.

Sept. 18 - flew to London (Gatwick) and took the tube straight to Russell Square.  My hotel was half a block from the tube station (a lovely Art Deco station).  I think it was BA and I am now a member of their air miles club and collecting.  I think I booked that myself.  [check this]

Met my group for the first day of John Atkin's London Perambulator walking tour (see separate post).  I can't remember the details but all the tours were outstanding.   

Here's some of the emails I sent to friends:

Part 1 -- London Perambulator with John Atkin Sept.18-25

Sept. 22, 2013 London
Arrived a few days ago, and have been walking ever since. So far, Bedford Park (delightful suburb), and Open London --- focus on Whitehall area, Ministry of Defence, Banqueting Hall, Royal Courts of Justice (great tour of the goal cells complete with character guards -- very entertaining, low humour). Boat down from Kew to Westminster --- astounding development --- when did this appear? I've never seen those areas, so it was a surprise to me. I am thinking about play tickets now --- might as well see something. I have ticket to Much Ado About Nothing with Vanessa Redgrave and James EArl Jones --- odd juxtapositioning of actors and play but I suppose that's the point. No musicals, can't keep awake. 

You are right, lots of eastern Europeans in London, maybe the whole city. 
Right now, I only need to follow the group around, but in a week or so, I will be multi-tasking and sharp. 

Sept.25, 2013 
London is fantastic.  We are walking all day, having pub lunch, and that sure takes it out of me.   No energy to do anything in the evening.  But the hotel is in a great area.  Our last day of guided walks is today, and tomorrow I will start doing the museums and shopping on my own.  And move to my friend G's place for a few days.   We are sure getting around to all the hidden places and also the suburbs.   And very quaint pubs. 

We went to a play one night.   It was Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones in Much Ado About Nothing.  Embarrassingly bad.  Terrible actually.   These old actors (79 and 82) --- too old I think, esp Jones, but the whole thing was bad.  So, we saw the worst play in London, but that's okay.  One gal in the group is on the board of Bard on the Beach, and she goes to a play every day.  I think she is seeing really good stuff.   Next time, I will do that too.   I have to crank myself into higher gear, I guess I am jaded with life (ha).   This group is pleasant but not partiers, maybe that would take another week or two.   

Anyway, in our 500-year old house tour yesterday we were taken around by 92 year old Dougie, who was fantastic, funny, witty, interesting, quick on his (mental) feet, running up and down, amazing guy.   I think dad would have been like that too.   So, it's not impossible to be hale and hearty well into the 90's.  

Part 2 -- London with GB Sept.26-Oct.1

September 27, 2013 London
With G, saw Chimerica yesterday which was excellent.   Amazing set, great script, pretty good acting, although projecting and enunciating seem to be weak universally.   Musicals --- saw Avenue Q in Vancouver --- everybody raved over it, and how profound the meaning of it, etc., but I found it the same as all musicals --- a couple of sentimental cliches and it's profound --- like poetry and song lyrics.  But it was a clever production with puppets (yes, how can you not love the muppets).   Some people saw the Lion King twice (probably same ones who bought those dolls with life histories years ago).

So, London is spectacular, very changed, but great.   I hope I get a chance to go down to Greenwich, but days are numbered now.  

Today, Ham House --- which will be a nice change --- car riding, instead of pounding the pavements.  

Yesterday, also saw the Lowry exhibit at Tate Britain, the War Museum/Churchill Museum (thank god I had read Jennie Jerome bio and stories about Clemmie and The History of the English Speaking Peoples or I would have come away very naive.   It is a very cleansed presentation.   Good tapes of people who actually worked there.   Apparently it was not safe, a direct hit would have killed them all, but like a lot in the war, they lived on words.   I wish they explained more about the maps as that must have been a huge --- they never turned the lights off in the maps rooms the entire war --- I am fascinated with huge detailed that seem insurmountable.   G. tells me Blechley Park is a good place to go, so I will come back planning a large circle tour including that and Saltaire another day.

Sept. 28, 2013
Well, until now I didn't have any recommendations (for London sights).   But now have seen Chimerica -- which is great.   Playing at Harold Pinter theatre near Leicester Square.   Take the boat down the river --- you will be astounded at the development --- London is now modern.   We mostly did walks in far suburbs.  Saw Eastbury (Elizbethan mansion) one day which was great.   I think you won't be here long, so probably you'll just walk and see the main museums.   If you want to go farther afield, there is Eltham Palace --- a very beautiful Art Deco palace that is complete with all furniture and art and stunning gardens.   
Weather here is pretty warm, but a little cooler every day.   

Oct. 1, 2013
The trip is going great.   London was amazing after all these years.   I saw a lot of new things, and did some oldies.   The worst play in London (Much Ado About Nothing with Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones) and probably the best (Chimerica).   The walking group was a great group but they all went their own way after lunch, mostly to bed, so it was great to stay with G for a few days as she still has some umph in her, but really looking forward to my visit with you for everything good.     
Saw the Lowry exhibit -- I am sure you'd know the paintings --- northern England working class life with lots of stick figures, the Denny Severs house (old old house near charing cross full of old stuff, smells, and lit by candle light), and tour of Charing Cross station area with more stories with G's friend.   Funny and a statement at the same time.   There's SOOOOO much in London, I could stay here for months.   I didn't venture out of town, but next time, must do a driving tour.   
Yesterday I did the V & A (fabulous hunting tapestries of Henry VIII courtiers vandalizing the parks), Michelin house, and Barkers.

Part 3 -- London to Berlin

October 1, 2013 London to Lille
Today - big day --- got myself over to Lille, picked up the car, and drove half way across Europe this afternoon.   It all went like clockwork.   I was planning on a traditional town pub/hotel, and that's just what I got.   The town is Beckum (east of Dortmund).  I picked it off the map because I thought a town with the ending "um" would be a good one.   Apparently it means a very very old town that grew up from a slightly dry spot in the swamps.   Maybe it's not true because this area is higher, but then Munster is close and apparently that is a swampty area with many moated castles. 
Better go for a walk now and then enjoy the haxen and bier.   
Wish you were here.  

Oct. 1, 2013
Today - big day --- got myself over to Lille, picked up the car, and drove half way across Europe this afternoon.   It all went like clockwork -- can't believe how easy each step was.   I was planning on a traditional town pub/hotel, and that's just what I got.   Better go for a walk now and then enjoy the very German supper and a beer.  Hotel Samson in Bekkum just west of Dortmund.   

Oct. 1/2013
The trip is going great.   London was amazing after all these years.   I saw a lot of new things, and did some oldies.   The worst play in London (Much Ado About Nothing with Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones) and probably the best (Chimerica).   The walking group was a great group but they all went their own way after lunch, mostly to bed, so it was great to stay with an old friend for a few days who still has some umph in her.   The walks were all great and to really interesting new places.  

Saw a Lowry exhibit -- I am sure you'd recognize the paintings --- northern England working class life with lots of stick figures.   Funny and a statement at the same time.   Very good.   There's SOOOOO much in London, I could stay here for months.   I didn't venture out of town, but next time, must do a driving tour.  

Today - big day --- got myself over to Lille, picked up the car, and drove half way across Europe this afternoon.   It all went like clockwork.   I was planning on a traditional town pub/hotel, and that's just what I got.   Better go for a walk now and then enjoy the very German supper and a beer.

Oct.1/13 London to Lille
The trip is going great.   London was amazing after all these years.   I saw a lot of new things, and did some oldies.   The worst play in London (Much Ado About Nothing with Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones) and probably the best (Chimerica).   The walking group was a great group but they all went their own way after lunch, mostly to bed, so it was great to stay with Gill for a few days as she still has some umph in her.

We walked and walked in London, all sorts of neighbourhoods, medieval manor houses I had not seen before, and just funny old corners of the City.   Also Open London where they open a lot of public buildings not normally open to the public.  
  
Saw the Lowry exhibit -- I am sure you'd know the paintings --- northern England working class life with lots of stick figures, the Denny Severs house (old old house near charing cross full of old stuff, smells, and lit by candle light), and tour of Charing Cross station area with more stories with G's friend.   Funny and a statement at the same time.   There's SOOOOO much in London, I could stay here for months.   I didn't venture out of town, but next time, must do a driving tour.  

Yesterday I did the V & A (fabulous hunting tapestries of Henry VIII courtiers vandalizing the parks), Michelin house, and Barkers.

Today - big day --- got myself over to Lille, picked up the car, and drove half way across Europe this afternoon.   It all went like clockwork.   I was planning on a traditional town pub/hotel, and that's just what I got.   The town is Beckum (east of Dortmund).  I picked it off the map because I thought a town with the ending "um" would be a good one.   Apparently it means a very very old town that grew up from a slightly dry spot in the swamps.   Maybe it's not true because this area is higher, but then Munster is close and apparently that is a swampty area with many moated castles. 
Better go for a walk now and then enjoy the haxen and bier.   

Oct. 1/13
Correction: The town is Beckum.  I picked it off the map because I thought a town with the ending "um" would be a good one.   Apparently it means a very very old town that grew up from a slightly dry spot in the swamps.   Maybe it's not true because this area is higher, but then Munster is close and apparently that is a swampty area with many moated castles.  Do you know anything about this town name ending? There are a lot of "ums" in northern Holland --- the towns on little bumps in the middle of flat lamp, and usually have a church on the highest part of the bump.   Apparently over the millenia, the natives drove the cattle to these slight rises when the water rose, so the low humps gradaully got higher and higher.
I'll keep you posted on any other new language discoveries.
Bev

Oct. 2/13
Well, I found out from the local museum that the name used to be Beckheim and there are many towns that used to be ... heim and now ...um.  So that makes sense.
Today, total opposite --- yucky town, yucky hotel, yucky dinner.   

Oct. 3/13
Over here, it is easy to be fit, lots of walking, and not much eating.   I am feeling pretty good and looking forward to Berlin.   

I am sitting in a huge dining room --- nobody else here, but there's a huge buffet breakfast.   Last night I had dinner in the Ratskeller (I am in Helbstedt near Hannover, on my way to Berlin today).   It is cool in the mornings but hot and sunny all day.   I am really enjoying the driving and finding a hotel doesn't seem like a problem.   

Yesterday, I drove around in an area called Munsterland where they have 100's of castles surrounded by water.   Could I find even one? No luck.  I don't have a Germany guide book, and this time, local signs didn't help.  I went to tourist info, but all there info is for cyclists.   I searched the internet too --- no luck.   Today, I will look around Potsdam -- Sansouci before I get to the hotel late afternoon.  These places need to know what time you will arrive so I said 6 pm.

Re the driving, I have been in some monsterous "stau's"  (traffic jams).  The radio announced them as "10 km stau between x and y, 1 hour" (how long you will be delayed).   There are 1000's of trucks, usually they stay in the right lane, but you have to watch as they move over with 2 seconds warning.   I am in my element on the road.

Oct. 4/2013 Berlin
I finally got internet (by going across the street to a very nice bar and & restaurant).   The hotel is on the 3rd floor of a 19th century building that still has original curly iron balconies, ancient wooden elevator, unbelievable carving in dining room, etc.   Okay fruhstuck but they have WILAN that doesn't really work.

Berlin is very exciting.   Were you here when you visited Germany a few years ago?  I walked all day long and saw the main squares and gates and Reichstag.   Lots of people, and reconstruction everywhere.

YOu would have loved the special exhibits at the Martin Gropius I saw today.   Oppenheimer Retrospective, and a Kapor installation specially created --- completely amazing, with red wax everywhere, and cannon shooting cans of red wax around (meaning = blood).   One installation was a dead something that was like a black flat tire that filled 3 rooms.  

I wandered saw the new Holocaust Memorial --- fabulous interpretation --- different from all the others I have seen --- had to sit down and have a cry --- these things are sooo upsetting, but you have to see them.   I saw the old Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie --- it has all changed since 1973 (naturlich).  

There sure are lots of things to learn when travelling, like how to park your car, how to use the subway system, find hotels, how to drive on the autobahn, etc. but I just love it.  The first time is hardest and then it's just fine.   I feel like a worldly traveller. 
I met a lady in the hotel this morning.   She travels to see exhibits that she is interested in --- that is my goal --- travel to exhibits.

I figured out that the former east Germany is still behind the western part --- and it is reflected in the service attitude too --- still a little bit in the past, compared to the west.   That explains the difference between my first little town Beckum and the second one Helbstedt.  

Anyway, having the time of my life here, just what I wanted.   On the road in Europe with a car.   Wow!  

man this beer is good --- people here just order a beer --- don't specify.  London, they have a bunch of choices on tap and you have to specify.

As for where to live for 3 months while learning German --- it's between Beckum and Berlin (ha).  

My German is not too bad -- surprising me.  I have the radio on in the car all day, which helps.  

Oct.4/13 Berlin
I asked a young woman yesterday what you called a senior citizen in German --- she said Senioren (or something like that) or Rentner.   This morning I asked a more senior German woman she had never heard of Rentner.   

Oct.4/13 Berlin
The trip is going great.   London was amazing after all these years.   I saw a lot of new things, and did some oldies.   The worst play in London (Much Ado About Nothing with Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones) and probably the best (Chimerica).   The walking group was a great group but they all went their own way after lunch, mostly to bed, so it was great to stay with G for a few days as she still has some umph in her.   

Saw the Lowry exhibit -- I am sure you'd know the paintings --- northern England working class life with lots of stick figures, the Denny Severs house (old old house near charing cross full of old stuff, smells, and lit by candle light), and tour of Charing Cross station area with more stories with G's friend.   Funny and a statement at the same time.   There's SOOOOO much in London, I could stay here for months.   I didn't venture out of town, but next time, must do a driving tour.  

Yesterday I did the V & A (fabulous hunting tapestries of Henry VIII courtiers vandalizing the parks), Michelin house, and Barkers.

Today - big day --- got myself over to Lille, picked up the car, and drove half way across Europe this afternoon.   It all went like clockwork.   I was planning on a traditional town pub/hotel, and that's just what I got.   The town is Beckum (east of Dortmund).  I picked it off the map because I thought a town with the ending "um" would be a good one.   Apparently it means a very very old town that grew up from a slightly dry spot in the swamps.   Maybe it's not true because this area is higher, but then Munster is close and apparently that is a swampy area with many moated castles. 
Better go for a walk now and then enjoy the haxen and bier.   

Oct.5/13 Berlin
I finally got internet (by going across the street to a very nice bar and & restaurant).   The hotel is on the 3rd floor of a 19th century building that still has original curly iron balconies, ancient wooden elevator, unbelievable carving in dining room, etc.   Okay fruhstuck but they have WILAN that doesn't really work.   So I go across the street to a great bar/restaurant every night for free WIFI.

Berlin is very exciting.   I walk all day long and saw the main squares and gates and Reichstag.   Lots of people, and reconstruction everywhere.

Yesterday, I saw the usual big monuments and an art exhibit.   People here have money --- going by how they dress and the shops. 

I saw the new Holocaust Memorial --- fabulous interpretation --- different from all the others I have seen --- had to sit down and have a cry --- these things are sooo upsetting, but you have to see them.   I saw the old Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie --- it has all changed since 1973 (naturlich).  

There sure are lots of things to learn when travelling, like how to park your car, how to use the subway system, find hotels, how to drive on the autobahn, etc. but I just love it.  The first time is hardest and then it's just fine.   I feel like a worldly traveller.   
I met a lady in the hotel this morning.   She travels to see exhibits that she is interested in --- that is my goal --- travel to exhibits.
I figured out that the former east Germany is still behind the western part --- and it is reflected in the service attitude too --- still a little bit in the past, compared to the west.   That explains the difference between my first little town Beckum and the second one Helbstedt, where I stayed for night.   Both historical towns but night and day atmosphere.   One alive and friendly, one dead and nobody around, no hotels in the middle, no restaurants open, just the RatsKeller thank god.

Today, my car was towed away --- I didn't see or understand the sign that said that a movie was being made, so I had quite a morning.   The movie people were great, phoned the police and drove me to the police station.   I paid a wopping fine (150 eu) and then was given the location of my car -- 50 feet from where they towed it on the street.   But first they gave me the wrong address, and then I had to get a lady in a shop to phone for me and the proper address. (the whole thing was not as bad as the night dad's car got towed)   Finally, all set, if I had just looked around I would have found the car and skipped the fine.   Anyway, met some great people, and great chance to speak German.   Half the time I speak plaut detach by mistake.  Then off I went to my museums and spent all day doing that.

Finally, I went to the department store KaDeWe which is even way better than Harrods.   On the food floor, they have lots of eating and drinking bars --- the places is full, but you can find a seat at any bar, and have champagne or any drink from anywhere in the world.  They even have a Kanada section.   Talk about money $$$$$$$$.
  
People here are well dressed --- far more than in North American.   I am always looking at what people are wearing, young and old.  They really take pride in dressing in high quality, coordinated, and dress up more.   They definitely are not fat --- that you don't see.   Sometimes a middle aged woman has a few pounds, but mostly they are slim too.    Even thought they serve these huge huge haxen and snitzel and huge piles of potatoes and gravy.   Nobody can make gravy though.   I had stein pilzen yesterday -- mmm, but Harry's are better.

I can't decide whether I like Berlin (for a 3 month stay --- it is so crowded and so much construction), but then you can always take trips to the countryside and explore.   
Anyway, having the time of my life here, just what I wanted.   On the road in Europe with a car.   Wow!

Man the beer is good --- people here just order a beer --- don't specify.  London, they have a bunch of choices on tap and you have to specify and usually go up to the bar --- but you do not tip the bartender.   That surprised me as I thought you had to buy one for them.

As for where to live for 3 months while learning German --- it's between Beckum and Berlin (ha).  

My German is not too bad -- surprising me.  I have the radio on in the car all day when driving, which helps.  

Part 4 -- Berlin to Nancy Oct. 6-

Oct.5/2013 Berlin
Paris is not on my agenda.   I am in Berlin now, heading for Nancy, France next and then the west coast of France --- Bordeaux.   My favorite part of France so far is still Languedoc but want to explore west coast to see whether it would be nice to spend 3 months.   

Oct.6/13 Berlin
Here I sit in Starbucks having a coffee and internet session.   My hotel said they had WIFI but they don't so I am using the local restaurants. 

I have walked and walked here in Berlin, visiting all the big sights (sites?)  and exhibits.   It's a great city, but I am surprised that it's still behind west Germany in so many ways (and way behind London).   There are fancy stores here, but I am told that it is the Russians that are spending the money, not Germans.

I had my car towed yesterday --- what an adventure (expensive) that was.   I was in a legal spot but unbeknownst to me a film company had rented the area, and I did not see/understand the sign.   All in the name of learning German I guess.

The hotel is a funny place --- an old old apartment with ancient wooden elevator.   Comfortable, convenient, but no WIFI.   However, the restaurant across the street is my home in the evenings.

So, tomorrow I am on the road again, heading for Nancy for a few days.   I will stop a few places on the way for night, and take a chance on a hotel and parking etc.   Maybe look around Alsace a bit too.   Then cross to the western side of France.   If you might be coming to meet me, just let me know where you are, and I will find you.

Oct. 6/2013 Berlin
My last night in Berlin, after seeing all the sights.   My hotel does not have WIFI (they said they did), so I am spending evenings at a nice bar/resto across the street.   Full of Russians --- like the whole city.   Where else do grown men, young, old, tough looking, suits, and lots of blonde women order pots of tea and sit with their cell phones?   
It's very East GErmany here still.

Guess what I sort of got picked up in Starbucks, a very nice retired German guy.   We are going to email.   He invited me to visit him in Koln.  But he's off to Laos, so I guess it will be another year.  

Berlin is very different from 1973 -- but I went to all the old places --- Checkpoint Charlie, and all that.   The new thing is the Holocaust Memorial in the middle of the city --- very well done museum underneath all the stelae.   I've seen it before, but this one was quite different, and I had my cry down there. 

Okay, better get out of here, and to bed.  Another adventure tomorrow.   My car was towed the other morning --- film company --- they put up a sign but I didn't see it, so another chance to practice German.   All was well, once the money was paid.  Ouch.

Oct. 7, 2013 Dessau and Bad Nauheim
I am cool with wherever you want to go in France.   I wanted to see La Rochelle area for sure, as you have both spoken about it before.  I sounds great.

As for character and charm, I have just checked into a funny old place in Bad Nauheim.   Cheap, shabby, good wifi, good location.   I drove all the way from Berlin, listening to rock and pop all the way.   I had a great morning in Dessau looking at the Gropius houses and Bauhaus school.   Had to buy a poster, after swearing no posters for many years now.    The reason I am in this town is that I want to find those Roman walls and fort tomorrow --- the Limes as the wall was called. 

The Germans are different from place to place --- those East Germans are, well, rude, and derisive when you don't know something or do something right.   They think they are hospital and helpful but they (try to) make you feel like an idiot tourist.   The ones working in the Charlottenburg are unbelievable, they won't say anything if you ask a question.   They all thought it was hilarious and all my fault that my car was towed.   The movie people were great though, very very nice.  

Anyway, we'll keep in touch, and I will now explore a very ancient run down spa town with Kliniks and Krankenhauser all over.  Also, some kind of market celebration going so I will check that out.




Medical Logistics

General Coverage

I have retirement medical benefits which cover me for everything up to 60 days.  That saves me a lot of money getting medical insurance for all my travel.

I take my Greenshields card and a print-out or brochure that outlines the coverage.   I also photocopy the card and phone numbers and put it in different places.   Also, put the information on my computer.   

Frequently, the tour company requires proof of your coverage to be provided to the Tour Manager on arrival or you can't go on the trip.   If you don't have extended benefits or retirement coverage, try BCAA or Cooperators.

I phone Greenshields in advance for some trips to clarify coverage. For example, for Iran there is a Canadian government warning against going there.  However, Greenshields still covers medical costs there if they can provide them.  If there is war for example and they cannot fly me out or the hospitals are closed, and they cannot provide service, then I am not covered.   

Shots

I go to the Travel Clinic for any required vaccinations and immunizations.  They have records my vaccinations and immunizations.   travelclinic.vch.ca/

They also provide advice and prescriptions for medications and mandatory and advisable jabs for each country.   It is expensive and inconvenient but sometimes mandatory.

The Travel Clinic provides a booklet with a record of my vaccinations and immunizations.  I take a photocopy of the booklet and keep copies with other important documents (one at home, one in my hand luggage, a scanned copy on my computer and emailed to myself).  

I keep the basic vaccinations and immunizations up to date, and only get any mandatory jabs prior to each trip.   I've also had Hep A vaccination --- you can get this at home too through food in restaurants and delis.   

Medical Kit

I take basic stuff with me to avoid wasting my time and others:

1.  Colds, Flu, Coughs -- Ibuprofen Cold & Sinus, lozenges.   Tylenol is better for sleeping, but the Ibuprofen Cold & Sinus is great for day time --- it dries things up and gives you an energy boost.

Best preventive: Never never touch your face even if your hands are clean.  Especially never your nose or eyes as that --- these are the entry points into your body.   Wash your hands frequently.  

2. Eyes -- eye gel in tubes for my dry eyes.

3. Inflammation e.g. dust/pollution in lungs, bug bites, -- antihistamine such as Aerius to bring down.  Some are good for sleeping, others for day time.  I am taking this with me for the first time.  Also, I take a scarf for dust and pollution.

4. Cuts, bites, scrapes -- polysporin, bandaids.   Use hand sanitizer in a pinch to keep any opening in the skin clean.  AfterBite works for drying up bites but not for the itch.  Bug repellent wipes (with Deet).  Hydrosone for bad bites.  

South American, Amazon jungle.   There are terrible bugs called noseeums.   You cannot feel, hear or see these bugs.   The bites are ferocious.   Mosquito netting does not keep them out.   Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and closed shoes.   Bring insect spray (must be spray) and close the mosquito netting on your bed on arrival and then spray the inside very thoroughly.  Keep the netting closed all the time.  Put the hydrazone on the bites.

5. Stomach -- Seirogan for diarrhea (Japanese can be obtained in Chinatown), Immodium or similar in case Seirogan doesn't work.  No more antibiotics as they mess up my gut for months.  Milk of Magnesia tablets apparently they mop up the bugs on the way through but do nothing else ??/  

Some people also take something for nausea but I don't.   

Lots of extra TP and anti-bacterial or chlorox wipes to clean bathroom, and stuff you touch when you are sick.



New York with Cory Weeds (Jazz) March 14-23, 2014

This was an all-round great trip.   Again, I wanted to do this for several years, but finally booked it.   

Cory Weeds had the Jazz Cellar on Broadway for years, and is still organizing concerts and the annual New York with Weeds.   http://newyorkwithweeds.com

The New York jazz tour program was amazing.   See details at bottom of post.

Logistics

Read all about the logistics of flying to the US without your passport under my post on Palm Springs.   

Email I sent re the Quickshuttle to Seattle: "Enjoy is not a word I would use.  The driver was same as last time.   Last time he was horrible martinet, giving confusing instructions or none and then yelling at everybody when they did things wrong.  He was rude to everybody.   This time he was overly familiar and trying to look good, but it came across creepy.  Everybody ignores him and doesn't make eye contact or respond to what he says.  If you ask a question, it is the last time you do.   Quite an adventure.   The WIFI on the bus is excruciatingly slow or doesn't work at all (last trip too)  it is impossible to use, so I just slept."   

I flew Delta Airlines to JFK and took a taxi to the hotel -- the Kitano in Midtown.   

Emails I sent re airline: "Hi, still in Seattle.   I upgraded online to get an aisle seat ($88) but apparently the computer gave me a middle seat.  There were only middle seats available before and after 1 pm, so I clicked on an aisle seat, paid for it, but the seat number they gave me is a middle seat anyway.   I guess I just don't get all the little tricks these airlines have.   You can't tell after you pay because you can't see the seat plan at that point.
Anyway, I will survive. "  Comment:  I was charged for the aisle seat upgrade on the return flight.  I think I already had an aisle seat and just got a better one (2 more inches), but who knows.

"I enquired and apparently you can't choose a seat or even upgrade and pay if you bought your ticket with points or through a third party.   Good to know these things I guess, but next time it will be another thing.  The online systems are unclear."

Packing

As stated in other places, I am taking only carry-on now.   

The perfect New York wardrobe for March included a long wool winter coat, large shawl, 2 pairs of gloves (leather, shearling), headband, and a folding pop-up umbrella with curved handle.   Jeans, nicer pants, cashmere sweaters to layer, all sorts of tops, a few scarves and necklaces to dress it up.

Next time -- UGG ear muffs (already bought them).   Leggings/skinny jeans.   Cute winter beret like Katie Malloch had.

Of course, Keen brown suede leather walking shoes for putting on miles --- it's all walking walking walking.   

Luggage -- Briggs & Riley 20-inch widebody, Longchamp tote bag, Longchamp small tote/purse.

The Hotel

The Kitano was luxurious, very Japanese (all Japanese staff, toilet with many buttons/levers/switches, positions/temperatures/humidity options), and in a great location at Park and 38th.   www.kitano.com

On the subject of sharing rooms.   I shared a room with someone I hadn't met before.   I've had such good luck with being paired with roommates before but this time our habits were too different.   Not a disaster, but not a good fit.    

Stuff I Did

I went to the Met and the MOMA, also a new place called The Morgan Library  www.themorgan.org/   The most stunning fact about the place was that the long-time librarian turned out to be passing as white and no one figured it out until she died.  

One morning I walked the High Line, an old elevated railroad turned into a walking path/garden.   www.thehighline.org/

Email I sent: "New York so far -- one hottish lovely sunny day, lunch outside in LIttle Italy, fabulous Jazz piano trioprogram in the early evening, followed by another fabulous jazz concert at Jazz at the Lincoln Centre.  Today, very cold wind.  I walked the High Line, a former elevated rail line, turned into a garden, all brown at the moment, and then browsed around Chelsea and Meat Packing district.
Tonight is the American Legion --- another NY adventure into places I've never been."

Eating

A lot of meals were included.   By far the best meals were the BBQ cooked by Vincent Herring at his house in Brooklyn with dinner at the American Legion on par.

I had lunch in Chelsea, Little Italy, and other spots while walking around.  

There are a number of delis near the hotel and a fabulous market in Grand Central 2 blocks away.  Also, a Starbucks within a block.  

The best coffee/bakery/cafe chain by a big margin is the Le Pain Quotidien. Bestcoffeetoo. www.lepainquotidien.com

The best deli for fresh fruit and everything else was Essen  http://www.yelp.ca/biz/essen-slow-fast-food-new-york

The Budget
                                             Estimate    Actual
Package Tour  $2,715.00  $2,715.00
Airfare Delta used its  $400.00  $131.00
Taxi to & from shuttle  $36.00  $35.00
Shuttle to & from Seatac  $100.00  $94.00
Food & admissions  $350.00  $700.00
Shopping - top and scarf from Anthropologie, books
Taxi to & from JFK  $120.00  $150.00
Extra night $295 US x 1/2  $150.00  $174.53
Total  $3,871.00  $3,999.53



The Program


NEW YORK WITH WEEDS 2014 ITINERARY
Saturday, March 15th
KITANO HOTEL
66 Park Ave
Event:
George Cables Trio
Included: show, dinner, tax and tip
ALLEN ROOM at JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER
3 Columbus Circle
Event:
Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra
Included: show
Sunday, March 16th
THE AMERICAN LEGION HALL
248 W 132nd St
Event:
Seleno Clark and The Harlem Groove 
Included: show, dinner, tax and tip
Monday, March 17th
ACAPPELLA RESTAURANT
1 Hudson Street
Event:
Dinner and talk by veteran jazz producer Michael Cuscana 
Included: 2 course meal, open bar (beer and wine, from 3:30 ­ 5:30)
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Tuesday, March 18th
KLAVIERHAUS
211 West 58th St # A
Event:
Live recording with Vancouver saxophonist Steve Kaldestad featuring Renee Rosnes ­ piano, Peter Washington ­ bass and Lewis Nash ­ drums Included: concert and post show meal including tax and tip (see below
*we will then head for a meal from 4:30 to 7:00 at THE CARNEGIE DELI *and will head back for a live recording with The John Webber Quartet
Wednesday, March 19th
JAZZ RECORD CENTER *optional activity
236 West 26 Street, #804 (between 7th & 8th Avenues)
Event: shopping for books, records, cds, tshirts and all things jazz

SMOKE JAZZ CLUB
2751 Broadway
Event:
Cory Weeds Quintet featuring Steve Davis CD RELEASE
Included: two course dinner, show, tax and tip
Thursday, March 20th
SMALL’S JAZZ CLUB
183 W. 10th St.
Event: The Joshua Bruneau Quintet live recording * the first set is private 

Included: show, one drink, tax and tip
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Friday, March 21st
VINCENT HERRING’S HOUSE
803 East 17th Street, Brooklyn
Event:
The Vincent Herring Quintet featuring legendary drummer JIMMY COBB, Ronnie Cuber ­ baritone sax, Vincent Herring ­ alto sax, David Williams ­ bass and Mike LeDonne ­ piano
Included: bbq lunch, beer, wine, show
5th Estate
506 5th Ave, Brooklyn
Event:
The Seamus Blake Quartet
Included: show
Saturday, March 22nd
KATHLEEN’S TEA ROOM 979 Main St, Peekskill, NY
Event: THE ALEXIS COLE TRIO
Included: brunch, show, tax and tip 




The Silk Road & Iceland May 1-June 17, 2014 - Before

Back in 1974, I didn't go overland from Europe to Australia and I should have.   I thought I'd be back soon, but I let life intervene.   

After much postponing, I booked the Silk Road Grand Caravan through Sundowners (out of Australia).   Now there's 4 days to go, and I am dithering over last minute items.  Do I need/have room for: a new smaller brighter flashlight, a smaller umbrella, a mug with lid, a towel and should it be new micro fibre, just an old terry rag from home, or maybe 1 or 2  old linen tea towels, a dual voltage charger for my kindle instead of relying on doing it through my laptop? a back-up Australian plug adaptor ….

The Plane Ticket

Carolyn at Mondo Travel pieced together an excellent RTW ticket.  
Vancouver to Beijing -- Air China
Istanbul to Frankfurt -- Turkish Airlines
Germany to Iceland to Vancouver -- Icelandic Air

Hence the 2-day stopover in Iceland (add $1,000 to budget for the hotel/tour package that).

Getting the Visas

The visa logistics have been complex and expensive but with help from the wonderful Tunde at SIAT, I have all my visas.   After much back and forth and changing of information, it turns out I only need 3 visas in advance.   Uzbekistan, Iran, and China.   I am taking 6 extra passport photos just in case.

Packing

I am going to 10 countries, and the weather will be cold (Ireshtum Pass, Iceland), hot (China, Iran) and everything in between.   Through much of the trip, it will be difficult to get basic OTC meds, toilet paper, etc.   There are at least 7 nights on trains (sharing cabins, minimal facilities).   Also, I need to be completely shrouded for the Iran portion of the trip.  

I am taking my trusty Briggs & Riley 20-inch wide body.   I checked out rolling back-packs, but really they are not much bigger than my carry-on or they are as big as my medium Briggs & Riley suitcase.   It will be perfect for the train as there is not much space for luggage and I will be able to carry it or roll it across borders if I have to.