Friday, January 30, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Day -31
The planning goes on....
Today I started pricing out train tickets to the four corners of England. Whew! Expensive. Cheaper tickets are in the EARLY AM and late PM, which is really going to put a kink in my plans for relaxing travel days. I may have to throw money at the problem to travel at midday.
I'm also hitting a snag regarding some of the places I would like to go. Cornwall, for example is pretty "closed" until "Late March." I sent emails to one of the tour companies recommended by the Rick Steves' travel book - I am hoping they can help set me up with a tour. Even if I have to book a private tour all around Cornwall, I'd prefer to be hiking with at least ONE other person.
I wouldn't mind driving if I had a navigator, but trying to drive on the wrong side of the road, AND navigate seems sub-optimal.
Ahhh, I'm really feeling the travel "alone" thing as I try to fill in all the holes in my plans...
Today I started pricing out train tickets to the four corners of England. Whew! Expensive. Cheaper tickets are in the EARLY AM and late PM, which is really going to put a kink in my plans for relaxing travel days. I may have to throw money at the problem to travel at midday.
I'm also hitting a snag regarding some of the places I would like to go. Cornwall, for example is pretty "closed" until "Late March." I sent emails to one of the tour companies recommended by the Rick Steves' travel book - I am hoping they can help set me up with a tour. Even if I have to book a private tour all around Cornwall, I'd prefer to be hiking with at least ONE other person.
I wouldn't mind driving if I had a navigator, but trying to drive on the wrong side of the road, AND navigate seems sub-optimal.
Ahhh, I'm really feeling the travel "alone" thing as I try to fill in all the holes in my plans...
Day -32 basking in travel planning success
When I began my planning for the 42/42/42/ trip, I had just over 198,000 United Frequent Flier Miles. Now I have 15:
So, what did I get for my miles, you may ask?
It may not seem like much, but I'm quite pleased. The points allowed me to get to/from Europe, and I know I will have breaks from the "tramping" lifestyle, when I can just be in a luxurious hotel. Both locations also allow me to be VERY close to where I need to be for both sightseeing and travel.
Since these are interspersed with plans like "Leave London; Go to Goonhilly Downs in Cornwall" and "Visit Greg's family for Easter," where accommodations are likely to be MUCH more dodgy, overall, I'm considering this a BIG WIN.
I have to say that I am often skeptical of Credit Cards in general, and annual fees for credit cards specifically. The United card has really paid off this year though - between the miles for flying for work, and the free bag, I am not AS resentful of paying them for the priviledge of extending me credit.
Just a little.
Still.
So, what did I get for my miles, you may ask?
- A one-way ticket from Santa Barbara to Heathrow
- A one way ticket from Munich to Santa Barbara
- A 15% discount, and $412.00 credit towards a 2 night stay at the St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel (a.k.a. Valhalla, from Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency)
- A 3 night stay, FREE, at the Le Meridien Hotel in Vienna, on the ring, in the opera section of the old town.
It may not seem like much, but I'm quite pleased. The points allowed me to get to/from Europe, and I know I will have breaks from the "tramping" lifestyle, when I can just be in a luxurious hotel. Both locations also allow me to be VERY close to where I need to be for both sightseeing and travel.
Since these are interspersed with plans like "Leave London; Go to Goonhilly Downs in Cornwall" and "Visit Greg's family for Easter," where accommodations are likely to be MUCH more dodgy, overall, I'm considering this a BIG WIN.
I have to say that I am often skeptical of Credit Cards in general, and annual fees for credit cards specifically. The United card has really paid off this year though - between the miles for flying for work, and the free bag, I am not AS resentful of paying them for the priviledge of extending me credit.
Just a little.
Still.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Check out the new, first ever, FFO Anthology!
In my spare time, I am a "slush" reader: someone who reads unsolicited submissions for the Magazine Flash Fiction Online. I happen to *adore* flash fiction. For FFO, that's less than 1000 words, creating a complete story arc.
Everything that makes it past us "slushies" and into FFO is creative, crafted, and if you didn't like it for any reason, OVER.
The first-ever anthology is out, and it is a fun thing to read, then pass along to other friends who may never have experienced this particular form.
Amazon Kindle: Flash Fiction Online 2014 Anthology
Other Ebook Formats: Flash Fiction Online 2014 Anthology
Everything that makes it past us "slushies" and into FFO is creative, crafted, and if you didn't like it for any reason, OVER.
The first-ever anthology is out, and it is a fun thing to read, then pass along to other friends who may never have experienced this particular form.
Amazon Kindle: Flash Fiction Online 2014 Anthology
Other Ebook Formats: Flash Fiction Online 2014 Anthology
If you decide you enjoy reading this format as much as I do, please consider becoming a Patron. The anthology is a reward at the $5/month donor level here: Patreon
Monday, January 26, 2015
Day -34 - Because, Rhinos.
This Pilgrimage was supposed to happen later in 2015. I was going to go in May. Maybe with my husband, around our anniversary. Maybe for Towel Day.
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Although I've always said, "I want to travel!" I've made just a few forays out into the wider world (a thing I sometimes feel a bit guilty about).
I have, however, had the opportunity to pet a Rhino. Two, in fact. With my hand. And with a super-bristly, Rhino back-scratching, scrubby brush. Because my husband is that guy. He's the guy who is standing at the zoo, reading the brochure and saying, "When are you EVER going to have another opportunity to Pet. A. Rhino?!?!?!"
Therefore, although when considering the UK for my first overseas vacation as an adult, despite the fact that I wanted to go at a nice time of year, Neil Gaiman had to go and tempt me.
And why not? I mean, when are you going to be able to support an amazing cause, hear Neil Gaiman speak live, and have it be a part of the great Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything Pilgrimage to 42 places in Douglas Admas Novels, over 42 days, for your 42nd birthday??
I have, however, had the opportunity to pet a Rhino. Two, in fact. With my hand. And with a super-bristly, Rhino back-scratching, scrubby brush. Because my husband is that guy. He's the guy who is standing at the zoo, reading the brochure and saying, "When are you EVER going to have another opportunity to Pet. A. Rhino?!?!?!"
Therefore, although when considering the UK for my first overseas vacation as an adult, despite the fact that I wanted to go at a nice time of year, Neil Gaiman had to go and tempt me.
And why not? I mean, when are you going to be able to support an amazing cause, hear Neil Gaiman speak live, and have it be a part of the great Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything Pilgrimage to 42 places in Douglas Admas Novels, over 42 days, for your 42nd birthday??
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Day -35
Wow.
I will be getting on a plane to London 5 weeks from today.
WOW.
Today's travel planning included a Skype call to Villa Trapp: CONFIRMED staying in the Von Trapp Family Estate in Salzburg. (OMGOMGOMG!!!)
Also a call to my friend Greg who lives outside of Vienna. He encouraged me to stay near his home (he's in the suburbs) during the weekend, for maximum visiting time with his family. He's going to look into the nearby options for me.
I will be in Vienna, with his family, for Easter Sunday. Huh. I wonder what THAT will be like?!?!
He also recommended spending the rest of the week in the heart of Vienna. His recommendation seemed like a good one, and I spent some time today playing with VRBO, Starwood, and Mileage Plus points to see how cheaply I could stay in Vienna. Turns out, I can stay so cheaply that I do not pay anything.
SUCCESS!!! That's right! I have a hotel on the Ringstrasse for three nights and I will pay zippo. zilch. zero. THAT my friends, is the beauty of paying for everything with a credit card that you pay off every month: POINT! POINTS! POINTS! It feels like a win, but of course, credit cards must be managed, which takes time...so you pay one way or another.
I also sent an email asking for confirmation for the last booking of the Salzburg portion of the trip, in my now-patented, book once, check twice plan (Thank you United!). As some of your read on Facebook previously, I called and booked my flights via United, using mileage plus points.
And got no confirmation.
And got no confirmation.
And logged in and saw "This reservation not ticketed."
Whoah?!?!?
So I called to double check, and whaddaya know? NOT TICKETED meant....No Tickets.
I re-booked, the flights with very little trouble, but now I'm moving forward with that plan - if I don't get a confirmation email, I'm emailing, calling, whatever I have to do. Sure I *CAN* fly by the seat of my pants, and I *COULD* throw money at problems as they arise during travel, and I *WILL* do those things and *BE FINE*...but plan for the worst and the best will happen, right?!?!
Now I shall have dinner with my husband, watch a little TV and take my Rick Steve's England book to bed. I have two side trips that I still need to decide on, and a couple of walks to notate in my maps.
I will be getting on a plane to London 5 weeks from today.
WOW.
Today's travel planning included a Skype call to Villa Trapp: CONFIRMED staying in the Von Trapp Family Estate in Salzburg. (OMGOMGOMG!!!)
I will be in Vienna, with his family, for Easter Sunday. Huh. I wonder what THAT will be like?!?!
He also recommended spending the rest of the week in the heart of Vienna. His recommendation seemed like a good one, and I spent some time today playing with VRBO, Starwood, and Mileage Plus points to see how cheaply I could stay in Vienna. Turns out, I can stay so cheaply that I do not pay anything.
SUCCESS!!! That's right! I have a hotel on the Ringstrasse for three nights and I will pay zippo. zilch. zero. THAT my friends, is the beauty of paying for everything with a credit card that you pay off every month: POINT! POINTS! POINTS! It feels like a win, but of course, credit cards must be managed, which takes time...so you pay one way or another.
I also sent an email asking for confirmation for the last booking of the Salzburg portion of the trip, in my now-patented, book once, check twice plan (Thank you United!). As some of your read on Facebook previously, I called and booked my flights via United, using mileage plus points.
And got no confirmation.
And got no confirmation.
And logged in and saw "This reservation not ticketed."
Whoah?!?!?
So I called to double check, and whaddaya know? NOT TICKETED meant....No Tickets.
I re-booked, the flights with very little trouble, but now I'm moving forward with that plan - if I don't get a confirmation email, I'm emailing, calling, whatever I have to do. Sure I *CAN* fly by the seat of my pants, and I *COULD* throw money at problems as they arise during travel, and I *WILL* do those things and *BE FINE*...but plan for the worst and the best will happen, right?!?!
Now I shall have dinner with my husband, watch a little TV and take my Rick Steve's England book to bed. I have two side trips that I still need to decide on, and a couple of walks to notate in my maps.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
US politics, Love, Holland
I had lunch on the train with two adorable, spunky, friendly gentlemen from Holland. They flew to NYC and took the train across the US to CA. Now they will get to LA, turn around and go back. Oddly, they wanted to know who the Governor was at the moment, and talk politics.
I wish I had asked for their photos.
I wish I had asked so many more questions about them.
I wish I had asked for their photos.
I wish I had asked so many more questions about them.
Day -37
Every day is about trying out new things. Today is 'Everyone wants to loan luggage' day. I got a call at 8:30AM offering me a rolling-bag with backpack straps.
Neighbors are great. First you run into them at the movies, then they give you the luggage off their backs. Well, from the loft.
So here's my Day -37 Vlog all about testing out some of my travel items. The pack on my back, filled with carrots, parsnips, strawberries, cucumber, jicama...you don't really care about my produce list do you...was 27 pounds. I'm a good guesser!
Neighbors are great. First you run into them at the movies, then they give you the luggage off their backs. Well, from the loft.
So here's my Day -37 Vlog all about testing out some of my travel items. The pack on my back, filled with carrots, parsnips, strawberries, cucumber, jicama...you don't really care about my produce list do you...was 27 pounds. I'm a good guesser!
Day -38
Yesterday I spent about 4 hours with my friend Suzy, reading Rick Steves and picking places to stay in Austria and Germany. Yep. We decided that we wanted to spend a couple of nights in Fussen to see Mad King Luwig's Castles.
So, for those of you keeping track, my Pilgrimage has expanded a little bit beyond Douglas Adams. The 42/42/42 Pilgrimage will officially end in Innsbruck, Austria. That is where Douglas Adams, collapsed drunk in a field, stuck out his thumb wished he could Hitchhike off the Earth.
After that, well, I'm in AUSTRIA. Can't let that go to waste. So I'm going to Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang up to Neuschwanstein Castle too!
Finally, as the trip winds down, I will be on top of a big hill singing every Sound of Music song, and taking the SOM tours (And staying in the actual Von Trapp Family Home SQUEEE!!!).
This is what makes traveling fun for me, I guess.
So, for those of you keeping track, my Pilgrimage has expanded a little bit beyond Douglas Adams. The 42/42/42 Pilgrimage will officially end in Innsbruck, Austria. That is where Douglas Adams, collapsed drunk in a field, stuck out his thumb wished he could Hitchhike off the Earth.
After that, well, I'm in AUSTRIA. Can't let that go to waste. So I'm going to Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang up to Neuschwanstein Castle too!
Finally, as the trip winds down, I will be on top of a big hill singing every Sound of Music song, and taking the SOM tours (And staying in the actual Von Trapp Family Home SQUEEE!!!).
This is what makes traveling fun for me, I guess.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Day -39
Things are starting to take shape. Here's the -39 Vlog Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0zsT3K9Djc
I've gone from this:
To this:
Now I am "In Meetings" with all of my friends locally and fellow travelers to hash out routes, locations, and what to see and do.
This is starting to be less scary and more fun!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0zsT3K9Djc
I've gone from this:
To this:
Now I am "In Meetings" with all of my friends locally and fellow travelers to hash out routes, locations, and what to see and do.
This is starting to be less scary and more fun!
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Day -41
It's officially 41 days until my 42/42/42 trip.
I will be heading to the UK and Austria for 42 days, to see 42 places that occur in Douglas Adams novels for my 42nd birthday. When I return I will have the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything.
Check out my first Vlog to watch me practicing in Portland, OR:
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