tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post4982417135490362978..comments2023-09-24T11:26:16.606-04:00Comments on The Middle Ages: How To Travel With FriendsDeb and Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444390852070865517noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-15729064344603295422012-01-21T19:29:29.705-05:002012-01-21T19:29:29.705-05:00SJG, you know we LOVE you (and always better late ...SJG, you know we LOVE you (and always better late than never)!! Thanks for the heads-up re the CBC show/link -- will check it out. And, yes, the guys are true sweeties (Phil says "yes, we are," so that must make it true...)Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-71346016219055440832012-01-21T19:22:43.120-05:002012-01-21T19:22:43.120-05:00You gals would so enjoy the podcast about men, wom...You gals would so enjoy the podcast about men, women, and shopping on the CBC Radio show "Under the Influence." Your description of your husbands' approach as opposed to your own is EXACTLY what the studies have looked at, and explain the reason for. Link's in a recent entry on my blog, and of course on the CBC Radio website. If that show doesn't win awards, it should. Fascinating stuff. <br /><br />I'm just catching up on the last days of your trip and your homecoming, so chiming in late. Very much enjoyed the blogging participation of your gentlemen, too; what sweeties they are.Stubblejumpin' Gal (Kate)http://goldengrainfarm.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-54157212911460492312012-01-19T23:16:45.477-05:002012-01-19T23:16:45.477-05:00Love the photos!Love the photos!Stephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-76136544410419550522012-01-19T13:38:30.082-05:002012-01-19T13:38:30.082-05:00P.S. LOVE LOVE LOVE the photos of you gals togethe...P.S. LOVE LOVE LOVE the photos of you gals together and then Colin and Phil together. LOL. I don't like shopping myself unless it's at home on my computer, with me barefooted, dressed (somewhat), and having an alcoholic libation within grabbing range. Drunken shopping is fun as long as the store has a liberal return policy, and you haven't ordered a live hyena or an iguana. :)<br />Hugs repeated,<br />KarenKaren Frazierhttps://www.facebook.com/karenamanda1958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-75335834152574176982012-01-19T13:33:44.222-05:002012-01-19T13:33:44.222-05:00Traveling with someone can be highly enlightening....Traveling with someone can be highly enlightening. I tell my unmarried girlfriends that if they really want to know if their boyfriend could be a good husband, go on a trip together for a week. Somewhere far away, like another country. Oh, and make sure you have money saved up for a plane ticket if you find out that you are really incompatible. One of my BFFs got into a fight with her BF while they were on holiday in London and it turned into a brawl with fisticuffs (one must use the term "fisticuffs" when referring to someone in London). She came home with two shiners, and he almost ended up with my foot up his....ahem... Anyway, she said when he hit her the first ... okay second thing she thought of (after *expletive*) was what I had said about needing to have plane fare or an escape plan. <br />Yeppers, you truly don't know someone until you've been on a trip with them.<br />Oh, and trips with family members as adults? Aw HELL naw! My middle brother and I still hardly speak to each other after a trip across Texas together with his wife and my mom about 6 yrs ago. I wish I had made a list of taboo topics of conversation before we left. The whole mess could have been avoided. Immigration is NOT a happy ho ho holiday thing to talk about, especially when you know ONE of you would like to have an impenetrable forcefield (of stupidity) covering the entire US, Alaska/Hawaii (screw Puerto Rico..his words). Yep, never talk politics, immigration, religion, abortion, or anything heavier than Kim Kardashian's enormous posterior or what Snooki got tattooed on her Chihuahua's ass, or you're begging for trouble and possibly a car wreck. The people who wrote National Lampoon's Vacation were enlightened geniuses. :)<br />HUGS,<br />KarenKaren Frazierhttps://www.facebook.com/karenamanda1958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-34892653322855649742012-01-19T09:19:00.883-05:002012-01-19T09:19:00.883-05:00Glenda, best shopping adventure ever! I LOVE when ...Glenda, best shopping adventure ever! I LOVE when that happens. Your experience does sound a bit like our Harmony Hotel experience -- the boutique outside the hotel called BAZAAR had exactly that same kind of personal, caring, fun vibe. Shopping should be a fun trip!Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-1541254610574383162012-01-19T09:16:22.032-05:002012-01-19T09:16:22.032-05:00And thanks for stopping by, Lana! Travel with frie...And thanks for stopping by, Lana! Travel with friends CAN be fun if, like a Scout, you prepare.Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-58578944325889472632012-01-19T09:15:08.725-05:002012-01-19T09:15:08.725-05:00Games, yes!! A wonderful suggestion that I LIVE by...Games, yes!! A wonderful suggestion that I LIVE by but forgot to add. Favourite memories of sitting with my dad and step-mom, with my sisters, on a holiday trip and playing games. Deb and I brought some on this trip ... but never had the time to play one. But then again, we never got cranky :)Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-4180700499722199462012-01-18T23:30:40.660-05:002012-01-18T23:30:40.660-05:00Glenda Arlene from Costa Rica..Shopping TRIP ..gue...Glenda Arlene from Costa Rica..Shopping TRIP ..guess that counts!? Alone or with someone or a husband maybe? I hate shopping with my husband. He makes me nervous!! Today I had a shopping trip. I told my husband as he parked. “You can drop me off at this new boutique while you fill my prescription and do other errands. Take your time. I have my cell, call me!” I had all the time to look and try on numerous items. I even had a conversation in the fitting room with a lady who spoke perfect English and perfect Spanish. She introduced herself and said she was in theater and wardrobe. She gave me good advice about hair, earrings, what looked good on me and what did not. Lately everyone I have met is in theater, a writer or an autor!? Anyway, WE and our sales ladies had fun. She asked “You live here!?” I said. “Yes, 43 years.” She said. “Ooh, then you married a Costa Rican.” I said. “Yes!?” She said laughingly… “YOU are braaave!” We both laughed. I felt understood. She KNEW what a challenge that is. Then in walked my husband and the conversation and shopping trip came to an end . I walked out not only with a shopping bag but a refreshed spirit . We were girls of different ages, ( 20 to 65) from different walks of life and none of that mattered. We were one and we laughed and helped the other. Of course, we were only together for about and hour . I even got a “not asked for” discount.!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-34844906726687506952012-01-18T23:13:38.724-05:002012-01-18T23:13:38.724-05:00I need to copy/paste these wonderful words of wisd...I need to copy/paste these wonderful words of wisdom to save for my next trip with friends. Thank you for such awesome advice that I know I will need to be reminded of.Lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09962655554852677640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-68288459035939540142012-01-18T22:55:58.686-05:002012-01-18T22:55:58.686-05:00Busy day but I made it!
First for Colin, I feel fo...Busy day but I made it!<br />First for Colin, I feel for you. I avoid shoping at all costs. And agree if I have a working shirt there is no reason to get a new one. : )<br />I haven't had time to read through all of the comments here so forgive me if any thing repeats.<br />So most of the traveling I've done has been with my family. Usually every year my whole family (including all my cousins ranging in age from 3 to 27 this year) go to Myrtle Beach, SC. <br />One thing we have learned over the years from traveling with 10 children, who are all cousins but bicker like brother and sister, is to buy a new game or two before we go.<br /><br />These games have proven vacation-savers! <br />We get a new game so that it will keep all of the kids' attentions and not be something we got bored of years ago. And we have grown used to looking forward to seeing what kind of game the adults picked out!<br />Also these games are great for when the children are ready before the adults and just have to hang in the room. <br />Any unexpected bad weather makes for wonderful game time!<br />We even broke out a game one year on the drive down because we were stuck in traffic for hours. It helped pass the time : )<br /><br />I am gonna go read everyone's helpful hints now!Kelly from NJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11695507266814571692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-49161575629111636722012-01-18T22:25:04.732-05:002012-01-18T22:25:04.732-05:00Oh my god, Sharon, you make me laugh! (and I love ...Oh my god, Sharon, you make me laugh! (and I love your ever-changing handle). I think the travel alone modus is very compelling. I've only done it for work (so it doesn't quite count because some of your day is occupied), but there is something thrilling about being out there all alone, with only you to please (see Deb's London diaries...)Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-69054836058148711882012-01-18T22:21:05.588-05:002012-01-18T22:21:05.588-05:00Oh and Deb- Ya KNOW I am w you on the shopping thi...Oh and Deb- Ya KNOW I am w you on the shopping thing- plan, scope and SCORE! I tried to explain it to a guy once- "it's like u r on a hunt, your quarry is out there, hiding, camaflaouged w exspensive but cheap things trying to lure u off the scent, it's out there laughing at u saying u can't find me I'm too elusive- but u have your mad skills- sizing charts, tape measures, directions from secret guides,exchange rates,material blends, customs & duties and BLAM! there she is hanging on your wall- um closet-" He actually got it.Sharon(Shop Til Ya Drop) Reinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-2063059249023872142012-01-18T22:10:19.184-05:002012-01-18T22:10:19.184-05:00Totally agree w Dawn about NOT In Season- not necc...Totally agree w Dawn about NOT In Season- not neccessarily OFF season- cos there usually is a reason it's "off" but the shoulder as it's termed. I usually travel solo- what can I say? everyone I know is a couple or too poor w time/money to go any where. Cuts down on the arguments- tho u do hafta increase the organization. ( I have been sick in many of the worlds capitols and coped BY MY SELF- which means nobody blamed me for ruining their trip)<br /> Did a tour group to Israel and watched 2 friends disolve w being forced to share a room ALL THE TIME. (I paid single supplement) That being said I usta sail the Carribean on large sailing ships that would "match" u up w another roomie to save $. There was the roomie who used the BR w the door open, the roomie who chased every guy she could, the roomie who wanted to sleep on deck but it was so cold she ran down to the cabin every 30 mins to pee. Did I mention the sleeping part? or the NOT sleeping on BOTH our parts??<br /><br />I actually LIKE the Bickersons- as the single person who gets pitying looks, it gives me a real sense of superiority- Yes u have someone to eat with every night but it's someone who's table manners u critisize EVERY SINGLE MEAL!!!<br />Who's a lucky lady?<br />There hafta be comprimises & boundaries- I went to Key West w a friend, the last time we travelled together was more than 15 yrs ago- it took THAT long for us to recover and try again! We took seperate B & B's- and that worked quite well- she could chat up the concerierge at her's and I could drink champers in my hottub- I could have the AC on and she could keep even the ceiling fan off. Had we been togehter well, I DID notice an alligator crossing on Route 1 that might have helped w body disposal!<br />TOTAL aside- Barb were u at the Penelopiade today? Thought I saw u but mebbe jest another pretty blonde thespian>Sharon(I'll Go No More A-Roving)Reinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-52886856582880725062012-01-18T19:13:28.345-05:002012-01-18T19:13:28.345-05:00Thanks so much for the update, Linda! We were wond...Thanks so much for the update, Linda! We were wondering. (no rules about "off topic") We're keeping good thoughts for your mom. And you -- as it sounds like you have/had your own health issues. (and congrats on kitchen savvy!!!)Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-59613376792058639862012-01-18T19:11:41.151-05:002012-01-18T19:11:41.151-05:00Totally agree about the McBickersons "rant&qu...Totally agree about the McBickersons "rant" (we love those here, btw). And great sign-off!! I may have to steal that one...Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-14541437737211284172012-01-18T19:10:31.451-05:002012-01-18T19:10:31.451-05:00I like Becki's idea of an ideal trip. And I be...I like Becki's idea of an ideal trip. And I bet those travel buddies will pop up in due time. Travel can be expensive and is often not a major priority for people in their 20s. It sounds like you came up with some excellent coping strategies for that trip.<br /><br />Speaking of which, Dawn, Oh. No. Travel Hell! But your tips to avoid it are excellent. And of course I love the perfect example of compromise-and-everyone-is-happy in your family trip. Too many people cling to the idea that a successful trip is everyone doing everything together. Uh-uh.Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-69547364035044232452012-01-18T19:06:50.789-05:002012-01-18T19:06:50.789-05:00if i may , seeing as this is off topic , quick up...if i may , seeing as this is off topic , quick update on my mom . she saw the orthopedic surgeon this afternoon . he is still concerned about the amount of swelling round her now confirmed as fractured clavicle . i got a shock when she took her coat off in a and e yesterday her shoulder and round her neck had puffed up like a balloon . they took the blood test for myeloma but it will be 3-4 days before the results come back . i don't know if mom will be kept in for that time or not . they may give her bed rest owing to her injured clavicle . it is all up in the air at the moment.<br /><br /> by the way Deb i could have done with the loan of your husband today , for his cooking skills i hasten to add :-) i managed to cook a meal for dad and i when i got back form the hospital that consisted of 3 items none of which cooked at the same oven temperature or for the same amount of time . couldn't believe it turned out OK , that for me was a major success as i am not domesticated !<br /><br /> your travel stories remind me of my worst trip to the canary islands with my Spanish friend and her mom . i ended up with a 24 hour trip to hospital as i had my 2nd epileptic seizure there (my local hospital here had misdiagnosed me after my first one , i was told my first seizure was a reaction to falling asleep listening to music) luckily enough the hospital suggested i visit a neurologist when i got back here and my epilepsy was sorted out . <br /><br /><br />apologies for the off topic postLindanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-39522998620766053902012-01-18T19:03:56.740-05:002012-01-18T19:03:56.740-05:00Mmm, friends and s'mores. That sounds like a p...Mmm, friends and s'mores. That sounds like a plan! (and so cute about sorta seeing Deb)Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10020502430509158737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-37851091337086907782012-01-18T18:06:16.294-05:002012-01-18T18:06:16.294-05:00Oh goodness!!! Deb, Colin is EXACTLY like my dad! ...Oh goodness!!! Deb, Colin is EXACTLY like my dad! lol. HATES shopping!<br /><br />Great tips. Perhaps when I become a real adult in a few months (without the comforts and securities of being a full-time student) I will have to embark on a trip and practice these tips! :DHollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01978291067668508362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-22012967313115122452012-01-18T17:48:07.967-05:002012-01-18T17:48:07.967-05:00I've been reading about all of the trips peopl...I've been reading about all of the trips people are describing. I'm so jealous - I don't think I've been anywhere of note for at LEAST ten years. And that includes nearby states.<br />Also, I'm joining Colin on the "I Loathe Shopping" bandwagon. Hate it, hate it, hate it. The only thing I will voluntarily shop for is classical/opera music. So naturally all my friends and most of my family (including the guys in both cases) *LUV* shopping.<br />Anyway, your tips seem like no-brainers, but I've heard far too many tales from more fortunate (or would that be less fortunate?) friends who have had disasters. Who would have thought? Lastly, I have to agree about (as you put it) the Bicker McBickersons. The Mall of America in Bloomington - MOA for short - is FULL of these people. I have to wonder... if they went to all the time and expense to come here from all over North America, don't you think you ought to have a decent trip?! Stop ruining it for yourself and everyone else!<br />Rant over. Thanks for the post.<br /><br />May your life be interesting,<br />SarahSarahhttp://www.tantumhumanus.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-12243474959375013792012-01-18T16:15:08.712-05:002012-01-18T16:15:08.712-05:00My biggest hint is this: DO NOT GO WHEN IT'S O...My biggest hint is this: DO NOT GO WHEN IT'S ON-SEASON.<br /><br />I've been to Disney World a few times. The first time was with three friends. We'd all just graduated from high school, and went as a graduation gift to ourselves. It was June. The world was there with us. The arguments over which ride to wait two hours in line for got ridiculous. Inevitably, we'd splinter off. This was in 1986=no cell phones=no way to get in touch with each other. "Meet me at "wherever" in 2 hours didn't work because, no matter WHERE we picked to meet, there were 4,000 other people who'd made the same plans. It was HORRENDOUS. We were barely speaking to each other by the end of the trip. The heat and crowds didn't help. UGH. <br /><br />Another time, I went with my daughter and my parents. She was 5 and they were in their 60's. At these ages, both groups have the same amount of stamina and also matching "I'm DONE" levels. Meanwhile, I wanted to go on everything else. So, we'd all go back to our rooms, and change. They'd head out to the pool, and I went to the water parks or a roller coaster or SOMETHING they had no interest in doing. It worked out beautifully. <br /><br />The other thing is to scout out your location before-hand. If you end up near the food court or the cool pools, the world and their kids will be all over it and you'll get no peace. Live without the view (how long will you be in the room, anyway?) and get someplace a little further away. Less convenient, maybe, but definitely quieter.<br /><br />These rules can be applied to any situation and any group, because if where you're staying isn't relaxing, the ability to agree or disagree calmly will be much harder to maintain. <br /><br />Been there, done that, ain't going back to it again.Dawnhttp://boom-child.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-67127551408587100012012-01-18T15:30:22.209-05:002012-01-18T15:30:22.209-05:00I only travelled with two of my friends after pass...I only travelled with two of my friends after passing our A levels (Abitur).<br />We flew to Mallorca (Yeah. Great choice.), and the trip was like our whole friendship had been.<br /><br />Most of the time, my two friends decided everything. Whenever I wanted to do something, they disagreed.<br />Because I'm a peaceful person and hate fighting, I gave in every time.<br /><br />I don't drink alcohol. I don't like going to clubs, staying up late. But of course I went with them, and even tried a free cocktail.<br /><br />When they wanted to go on a Jeep safari, I paid...although it was so expensive. And it was horrible (too hot, too "dangerous").<br /><br />At least we went to the beach every day.<br />The only thing I did for myself was: getting up early, going alone to eat breakfast, and on the last morning: trying to watch the sunrise (which was a big fail :P).<br /><br />Nowadays I don't have friends to travel with. I meet with them for one day (go geocaching, visit an amusement park, watch a musical...), or a couple of days (which is kind of hard for me, because I'm a really difficult person, when it comes to finding some sleep).<br /><br />I like relaxing at the beach, going for a walk, enjoying the silence.<br />But I also like visiting museums, castles, churches, stuff like that.<br /><br />Oh, and If anybody wants to come to Germany one day...I'll show you around. :PBeckihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11056971028004881629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-2957627253520316992012-01-18T13:28:26.448-05:002012-01-18T13:28:26.448-05:00I've not travelled with friends before althoug...I've not travelled with friends before although my sister and I keep saying we are going to have a road trip one day. I think we are both ready to drive to Canada and find a cabin tucked away in the mountains somewhere and not tell anyone where we've gone. We would make excellent travelling companions with a lot of laughs and a lot of singing to The Monkees during the road trip.<br /><br />The Hubby and I are quite different when it comes to traveling and touring. I'm an early riser. He is not. I love touring things, visiting museums, and while not so much shopping, but I love looking at hand crafted items. My husband isn't interested in museums or hand crafted things. He might wait for me while I look at something, but I always feel he is annoyed with me while he waits, so I just rush through and then feel upset at being rushed. We are living near our nation's capital now and last weekend I took the kids to the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum. Hubby didn't want to come. I don't care, I'm doing this for me and the kids now!Mollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16733860973554500488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1528510907038944744.post-27512200852917382252012-01-18T13:12:20.358-05:002012-01-18T13:12:20.358-05:00Thanks for mentioning SOPA/PIPA. I want to protect...Thanks for mentioning SOPA/PIPA. I want to protect intellectual property and copyrights (I have my content stolen and it's awful!), but the U.S. government is going to have to find a better way to do it.<br /><br />Now for the fun - this post is wonderful. I've enjoyed reading the travel posts and it's clear that you all enjoy each other's company. I think traveling with friends and family can be so much more fun than traveling alone. IF you do it right. Your suggestions are practical. And those photos above are great!lisahgoldenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11158660223296807317noreply@blogger.com