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mermaidcamp

Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water

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Reverse Culture Shock, Being Home

August 2, 2014 — 2 Comments

Travel is exciting and broadens the mind. I love to go, but I love to come home even more. When I compare my ease and comfort at home with life on the road, even at wonderful places, I am always pleased that I live where I do.  My midtown location makes it simple and fast for me to shop for anything I want.  I am surrounded with very high quality body workers and Chinese Medicine practitioners.  My esthetician is the best in the world, and her practice is just blocks from my home.  I miss my pool and giant jacuzzi when I travel because it is private and rarely used by anyone but me.  I go in the morning during the summer and have the water all to myself every day.  I do like the pools at my health club, the Tucson Racquet Club, in the winter months because they are heated and next to a steam room.  This time of year (August) nothing pleases me more than to walk around the corner and have hours with the private pool all to myself.  I have never been anyplace else where this is true.

I am happy to be back in my kitchen.  Dining and tasting all over town has its merits, but whipping up anything you want to eat because you can is better.  I am a good cook, and have brought some of the flavor ideas home with me that I learned in my neighborhood of East Austin. I met more than one great craft cocktail maker who have given me new ideas for shrubs, punches, and custom soda drinks.  I tasted some pickled veggies that made sandwiches pop, and are very easy to prepare and keep on hand in the fridge.  I was served the best mac and cheese which was baked in the same black cast iron pans I use at home to bake bread.  I will knock off the black bean, jicama, avocado, romaine salad from El Chilito and it will be as if I never had to leave Manor Rd.

The University of Arizona students will come flooding back into town, but there are fewer of them than at University of Texas.  While I was on holiday the new tram opened downtown which will make our transportation system much fancier and desirable.  The students will now be able to tram all over downtown to drink, then tram back home without getting behind the wheel.  This new attraction will be fun for us also.  We plan to ride down to check out some of the new businesses along the tram line very soon.  There is still plenty to discover right here in Tucson.  I am shocked at how much I love my hometown.

Air bnb vs Hotel Throwdown

July 27, 2014 — 3 Comments

I came to Austin to attend a reunion party that was held yesterday at the Drury Inn. Although I am very happy in my Air BnB Airstream I decided to check into the hotel for one night to have the best experience at the party. I am glad I did because the festivities were extensive and the crowd big. By staying there I was able to visit and enjoy the group, drink alcohol, and then just fall asleep in my hotel room. I brought my bathing suit thinking I might go in the pool, but the party was the focus, so I never unpacked the suit.  I had a wonderful time and ate some amazing food that was brought to the giant potluck.  Someone even imported white cheese from Venezuela for the arepas.  I got so full I could not taste all the goodies, but I was impressed with the creativity of all the cooks.  There was a giant paella prepared, then some music and dancing after dinner.  All in all this was one of the best organized and entertaining parties to which I have been invited.  It was really fun to see friends from 50 years ago.

Today it took me less than 5 minutes (because it is Sunday) to move back to East Austin to the Airstream.  I like both hotel and Air bnb, but for different reasons.  My love for hotels will never die, but now I have a choice when I travel, so I do look for availability in the rental market to compare prices/value.  It all comes down to one thing for me..or, or if you are a real estate professional you could say three things..location, location, and location.  If I can situate myself in the exact spot I want to be I consider the Air BnB option to be the superior one.  You will be exposed to the local culture, have a chance to live like a native wherever you are when you rent a space from a private owner.   I have found my hosts to be very attentive to my personal needs, offering much information and guidance that makes the stay more individually crafted.  This time my host is out of the country and two very local managers handle anything I need.  My full of organic food and drink kitchen saved me both money and time upon arrival.  The two fancy bottles of wine for which there is a $15 charge if I decide to drink them are a super nice touch.  I have laundry facilities and plenty of parking off the street.

I liked my hotel stay because:

  • It was convenient, clean, and well managed
  • The staff was very helpful and friendly in every way
  • The internet was the fastest I have had in any hotel (often this is a problem)
  • They serve good coffee at breakfast (this is not always true)
  • The bed was excellent, providing full comfort when I crashed
  • There was room for our big party and they let us make paella in the parking lot
  • They have bathtubs and unlimited hot water (this was my favorite part..I took 3 baths during my overnight stay)

I am happy to be home in the Airstream because:

  • I am integrated into this neighborhood and know my way around
  • I have total privacy
  • I have a full (tiny) kitchen and lots of storage space in general
  • I am not right next to the freeway
  • My rent is about half what the hotel costs
  • My managers are on hand to answer all my questions and give me good advice
  • I live here as a part of the community rather than a pure tourist. I meet people who live here.
  • Now I can say I have stayed in an Airstream

I am not sure how you like to travel or what your priorities are, but check out Air BnB for the fun of it.  You can start a wish list if there are properties that strike your fancy.   Depending on where you want to be it may or may not be the best choice, but I think it is worth investigation.  The Airstream has no TV.  I do have Hulu, but I can only see the evening news 24 hours after it is broadcast.  These days there is so much tragedy in 24 hours, and all the news comes on twitter anyhow.  Being spared the ritual of news watching at the end of every day at this particular time has been a blessing.  At breakfast in the hotel the television was large and looming. CNN was showing us all the freaky horror going on in the world…over our morning meal.  This, I can certainly do without.  Home sweet Airstream, for 3 more days!

 

Travel Time

July 16, 2014 — 2 Comments

luggage

luggage

Time may be finite, but I notice that it can expand and contract based on circumstances. When I am home I always have some day to day chores waiting for me. Being busy is not my style, but I do cross items off the to do list in a regular fashion. Planning is big for me, but it often leads to changing plans.  I drive very little by choice, so on line shopping is a big friend of mine when I am not supporting local businesses.  My routine includes time with friends, my dog, and my neighbors as well as tending the garden and running the house. I find excitement in studying my ancestors, history, culture and the arts.  I rarely need to go anywhere to stimulate my imagination and creativity.   I had a long career as a travel agent, so I am very able to make choices and plans that suit my fancy in terms of a destination.  I like to spend my holiday time involved in activities I either can’t do at home, or just don’t do at home.  Some of my favorite vacation features are:

  • Natural bodies of water..of any kind, with a strong preference for hot springs
  • Sporty, creative community
  • City life..I like nature just fine, but I don’t want to stay in it
  • Shopping of an unusual, artistic nature
  • Music
  • Museums, art, science, anything
  • Historical societies
  • Graveyards
  • Interesting cuisine and agriculture

My budget for both time and money is set free during holiday times.  I look for new ways to spend both that I have never done.  I do a lot of research before i visit a place.  I usually have a long list of possible places I want to go, and then let the weather be the deciding factor.  I need some rainy day plans as well as some perfect day plans.  My main goal in traveling is to flow into  a new schedule, a new culture, and a new rhythm based on what I discover.  I usually do some reconnaissance on foot to see what the neighborhood has to offer before I set out in a car.  I study maps and read reviews to help me decide what to investigate.  It is a perfect combination of very well informed and not obligated to anything.  I am looking forward to doing this for the next to weeks in Austin, Texas, live music capitol of the US.  I hope my gentle readers will enjoy the trip as you come along for the ride.

 

Travel Time

October 2, 2013 — 4 Comments

jet

jet

I have learned to budget time by planning many trips for myself and travel clients. When tour companies take groups out on an excursion the itinerary is published to give all a sense of unity. Planning time for commuting in a city or check in at a strange terminal must be done with precision and plenty of lead time. I think travelers are often too optimistic about the amount of time it really takes to get across town or out of town.  Being on time for appointments or performances is essential to enjoying a visit.  I also think free unstructured time to explore is an important element of happy tourism.

Here are the ways I like to expand my world when I travel.  I use time in new ways:

  • Explore museums of all kinds, usually by myself
  • Enjoy a lot of walking outdoors, cityscape or natural path
  • Try food I will not find at home, both new preparations and new items
  • Rearrange my at home routine by eating breakfast
  • Meet with friends for special performances, events, or meals
  • Use a big part of each day taking taking photos

I learn before I go.  My research into options can take weeks for some destinations.  I study maps and transit systems, look up details and make notes if there is something I want to make sure I see. No matter what I learn from reference materials I always ask for a local’s opinion if I can.  Once I have made the arrangements for the elements of the trip, lodging, transportation, dining, and exploration I believe it is important to give in to serendipity as much as possible.  I find that being open in both mood and schedule allows  the magic of the place to speak to me.  Sometimes I meet cool people who inform me; other times I am called by special architecture or botany.  I find that when I plan and inform myself just enough to know where I am, but not too much to make assumptions, time is my ally.  It expands and allows me to turn a few days into an exciting yet easy to accomplish new adventure of discovery.  I am working on turning next week in San Francisco into just that.  If you know about something special I need to know before I go, please pipe up, gentle reader.  I do enjoy the unusual, and already know about many of the usual highlights of the bay area.  I am open to learn more.

Part of the Community

September 2, 2013 — 6 Comments

“Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.” Confucius
Packing light is a good idea, but never leave your heart at home. To do justice to any travel experience an open mind and flexible attitude are both needed. You bring your culture with you, know it or not, and you either decide to break out of it and meet new ones, or not. It is now possible in the United States to stay in chain hotels, and eat in chain restaurants, shop in chain stores, and wear the exact same fashion to the point at all destinations can be reduced to a low and common denominator.

My trip to Pennsylvania was prompted by a reunion with old schoolmates. My curiosity was strong about the town where I grew up and went to school through 8th grade. I wanted to know how my old friends and classmates are now. The weekend was full of parties, visiting, and remembering our younger selves. I like the chance to be in different environments and see plants and architectural styles that are out of my normal range. Destination Oakmont, PA is almost the exact opposite of Tucson, AZ. Being present for leaves changing and the reunion parties has made this an exciting and fulfilling visit.

20130902-203425.jpg

How do you choose the places you will visit? Do you always go to places where you know people? AirBnB is a great way to be a guest in a community and be part of it. The agency facilitates on-line rentals of rooms, guest houses, apartments and more in private homes. I have stayed in a spacious clean home with kitchen privileges, coffee machine and private bathroom en suite. My host family is helpful and knowledgeable about the area. I was given some local history books to read upon arrival that were excellent. Staying in a neighborhood also gave me the perfect location. Our class reunion party was only a block from my place. I do like hotels for certain purposes, but the growth and popularity of airbnb shows the increasing interest in a new way of traveling. It offers a chance to take part in the life of the community more than a hotel can. Before your next trip, take a look at the available rental properties in the system. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. I have been more than happy both times I have rented with the company.

Extended Spring

May 11, 2013 — 1 Comment

I had the super fine opportunity to extend the season of spring this year in the most pleasant way.  By visiting New England I had the chance to study my ancestors in the places they lived and died.  One of the strongest impressions I have of my visit is of the flowering trees.  The botany of the ancestors reminded them of spring and hope in a way that was dramatic every year.  To witness the return of color, warmth and spring fashion unfold before my eyes was a treat that stays in my memory. Hope is the motto of Rhode Island.  I have a dreamy set of images that express hope through blossoms.  I will not forget how happy all the flowers made me feel.  I am comfortable and at home with all the people I met in Rhode Island.  I love the way Jamestown, an island where my ancestors had dairy farming business in the 1600’s, is still a place for dairy and produce farming.  They are completely rural and close to town at the same time. Hope springs eternal.

Packing to Go

April 22, 2013 — 2 Comments

Travel is an adventure. I like to take just the right amount of stuff from home to give me extra room in my suitcase. I typically find something I want to buy and bring back home with me. Since I am on a long trip this time I am including an extra duffel bag inside the suitcase for large finds. I have arranged my accommodations, except for the last 3 nights, which I can decide when I get to that.  I am meeting friends at the beach, planning a party, and going to a performance.  What do I need? What do I want to purchase in New England?

I always take:

  1. layers of clothing
  2. 2 iPads
  3. 1 laptop
  4. still camera
  5. 2 video cameras, one for underwater
  6. my cell phone
  7. very comfortable walking shoes

I enjoy shopping for or finding:

  1. tea
  2. cosmetics and body care products
  3. vintage clothing
  4. art
  5. natural items like rocks and shells
  6. food
  7. maps

I know Cape Cod will have all manner of souvenirs, but I typically like things that are out of the ordinary.   My friend who lives there makes wampum out of shells, so I look forward to purchasing a special commemorative set of jewels to go with the setting.  I doubt that Plymouth Rock, Colony, etc. will have the kind of item I like to buy.   I expect the Wampanoag tribe may have some crafts or books at the museum in Mashpee that will interest me.  I love to collect stories and history.  Since I am visiting many of my ancestors I expect to find some facts I do not know now. I am excited and open for a new culture, new cuisine, new (old) cities and towns, and friends I have not yet met.  I have been gardening, supervising a construction project in my home, and working in the office to clear the desk and put all business in order.  One thing I never take with me when I travel is my day-to-day concerns. My work is finished here for a couple of weeks. I will bring you along for the fun, gentle reader, as I to discover what is special about  Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Providence, the Best Travel Agent

January 21, 2013 — 5 Comments

Providence RI

Providence RI

Making travel plans is a study in availability. As a seasoned professional I like planning trips almost as much as taking them. I can enjoy a spontaneous jaunt as well as the next person, but planning can make the difference between a mediocre and a memorable travel experience.  It is good to have purpose, even if it is simply to change the scenery.  It is also very smart to have all the essentials covered so you can virtually do whatever strikes your fancy while you are at your destination.  I enjoy studying maps more than almost anything, so all kinds of maps inform my decisions.  I like the freedom of a car but not the hassle of parking and driving in heavy traffic.  Details of transportation and accommodation need to match the budget and the preferences of the traveler. Providence is foresight.  Providence involves taking care of the details in advance.  When you do your part, the divine Providence takes over and creates magic.

Details contain not only the devil, but also a great deal of delight if handled correctly.  There are some basic outlines to create good vacations, but the key is to make the details cater to the taste of the traveler.  That is where I excel.   I have many years of experience in travel of all kinds.  More importantly, I am specific, particular, and discriminating in my personal preferences.  I do know what I like, and know how to procure it at the price I want to pay.  I also know that many people would be uncomfortable in a museum all day, or in a hot spring all night, so I am happy to travel sometimes alone.  This means I am free to linger or to cancel plans on my own whims. I have hit the road with various groups in the past.  I believe I have done my penance in that regard, and can travel for my own purposes now.  Often groups isolate themselves from the local culture, not intentionally, but because they are involved with each other all the time.  It can be a huge turn off to find yourself anywhere with a large tourist group you had not planned to encounter.

Find great value by shopping for exactly what you want instead of seeking the cheapest trip. Using a credit card to pay for travel you can’t afford to take will almost inevitably end in heartache.  Buyer’s remorse is debtor’s remorse when your holiday fun is digging a hole in your credit rating and peace of mind. Prepay for the hotel.  You can get fabulous discounts for a non refundable prepayment.  Better yet, when you take the trip it feels like the lodging is free.  It is very liberating.

  1. Travel off peak.  Go when others do not go to that location.  The first two weeks of December is always the best for all destinations.
  2. Study the details of the area, including special events. Tourism boards are just waiting to tell you everything there is to know about their areas
  3. Consider alternative lodging, like Air BnB, for a more local contact
  4. Weigh the cost against the time consumed when thinking of doing something cheap that takes up a big chunk of your time on holiday.  Your free time should be valuable to you.
  5. Be particular.  If you do not feel excited about the destination, keep studying.  Choose a place that perfectly suits your needs and desires.

I am planning a trip to Plymouth Colony and the vicinity in April.  I am finding so much to do in a very small area, that the research is really a blast for me.  It looks like the right trip to discover Providence, RI.   My ancestors are all over the place, and I have never been there.  This is my kind of adventure.

Tucson’s Butterfly Jungle

December 3, 2012 — 8 Comments

In Tucson we keep a small power packed tropical jungle full of exotic butterflies. We live in a draught filled desert, so besides the regular showing of of our local flora, our Tucson Botanical Gardens provides a little slice of steamy tropical heaven for visitors.

Visiting the tropics

Visiting the tropics

I support the gardens and enjoy visiting at all times of year. The contribution to our botanical heritage is important. This oasis provides a luscious environment in the heart of the city for those who treasure gardens.

strike a pose

strike a pose

The collection of butterflies is seasonal. They arrive in the fall and stay until spring.

Butterfly on stone

Butterfly on stone

We do not mind hanging out for a while in the mist.  They even play jungle sounds,  Here I am with an antler fern coming out of my head.

sitting in the butterfly jungle

sitting in the butterfly jungle

The star attractions are born and die constantly.  The butterfly tenders bring out new boxes of babies, born right next door in the nursery every day.

twice as lovely

twice as lovely

They are whimsical, friendly, and short lived.  They are kind of like a living sand mandala.  They brighten the world for a brief time.  They invite you to come on down to their jungle for a break from everyday cares.  They know the secrets to getting it while you can.

on my head

on my head

Guilllaume Vigne, my 12 Great Grandfather

September 28, 2012

Manhattan in 1600s

My 12th great grandfather was in the first settlement of Dutch immigrants in Manhattan.  Guillaume and his wife Adrienne were  in New Amsterdam in 1613 as part of the crew of the trading ship Tiger.  The ship burned in the harbor.   After your ship burns you have fewer choices than before your ship burned.  They persevered, as was their way.  I am a result of their persistence.

Guillaume Vigne (1586 – 1632)
is my 12th great grandfather
Daughter of Guillaume
Daughter of Maria
Daughter of Abigail
Daughter of Aeltie
Son of Anneke Abramse
Daughter of Cornelius
Son of Annatje
Daughter of Johannis P
Son of Anna
Son of Swain
Daughter of Jerimiah
Son of Minnie M
Son of Ernest Abner
They came to New York after staying in Leiden, a very popular place for my entire family at that time.  They offered religious tolerance at a time when Catholics were out for blood.  People took big risks in those days to be part of a religious group. After arrival in Manhattan they had to survive by their wits and ability to trade and farm in the surroundings.  Adrienne gave birth to the first Dutch male child born in the new world.  Their daughter Maria continued to thrive and trade and live in Manhattan with her new fancy Dutch husband from Albany.  They were very established by that time.  After all, just 4 years after Henry discovered the Hudson the Vignes were there in the Tiger.  You could say they were original New Yorkers.  I can say no wonder I love lower Manahattan so much and feel at home there.