TravelStream™ news feed for member psubrat93 on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/psubrat93 en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:55:29 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/10/1255120010/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/10/1255120010/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/10/1255120010/tpod.html Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:55:29 -0400 Football Time in Tennessee and more

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Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

We leave the battlefield and drive to Chattanooga proper to the Terminal Brew Pub. It is fairly new but it in an old terminal station.  I believe the waiter said the old Chattanooga hotel but I am not sure.  I actually have a beer (a Belgium wheat) and the frufru sandwich (Chicken breast, pear, brie cheese).  I also have the sweet potato cheesecake for dessert.  It is very good.  While we are dining the sky has opened up and it is raining.  We work our way to the I-24 interchange and enter the highway to a very slow crawl.  This continues to the I-75 Interchange.  We pass several accidents along the way.  The worst on I-75 where there is a SUV on its roof.  Looks like a pretty new vehicle too.  The drive up to Knoxville pretty much sucks and is white knuckled most of the way.  We arrive at our next hotel north of the city around 6pm, another Holiday Inn Express.  This one looks like it is older but they still have the nice new beds.  I lay down for awhile but cannot fall asleep so I watch TV instead.  I find a History Channel show about Hannibal.  Seemed he won every battle but lost the war.  The amount of slaughter is incredible to me.  I see that they are advertising a show for later that night about ammunition.  I decide I want to watch that.We try and head to Calhoun's for dinner, passing yet another car that has slid off the road, but it is mobbed.  That is expected for the night before a game.  I figure anything near the University will be packed so we eventually head over to the south side of the river.  Of course that was after we drove through the revived old town area.  I am glad to see that they have finally developed that area and the riverfront.  I had always wanted it like that when I lived there, but I must say that on a Friday Night before a home football game it is not fun to drive around there.  We finally land at a Buddy’s BBQ which is fine.  At this point my head is killing me and I hardly eat anything other than my fries dipped in the baked beans.  We hit the Kroger before heading back to the hotel and when we come out it is again pouring.  I am tempted to drive past my old apartment but I’m really hurting so instead just drive back to the hotel.  I realize that I have left my PJs at the other hotel. L  I call them and they have them so I tell them I’ll be back down on Monday and they say they will hold them for me.  I take some Tylenol and lay down.  Al has the Yankees game on (he’s rooting against them).  We watch as A-Rod hits the two run homer to tie up the game.  We switch over to the History Channel and catch the end of a show on shotguns and then it is ammo time.  I never knew the minie ball was actually named after the Frenchman Minie that invented it.  Ah guns and ammo all in one day.  I am ready for bed.  Wonder what I might dream about?
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Chickamauga, Georgia, United States

I wake up at 9:00am. Wow, I said I wanted to sleep late but I didn't think I’d get to sleep that late.  Breakfast is only until 9:30 so we head down to eat before showers.  We have the rest of the drive to Knoxville today as well as a stop at Chickamauga National Battlefield Park.  Breakfast is standard Holiday Inn Express fair and surprisingly the breakfast area is not packed.  Must be because it is a weekday and many people left early.We stop at the gas station (Hess/Wilco) a few exits up to pick up supplies (snacks and drinks).  It is a definite truck stop with all the amenities though I do not see any UT hats: Florida, Georgia (of course), Clemson, Bama, but no UT.  *sigh*  We hit the road and head north once again.  The exit for the park is only about 40 miles and soon we arrive at the visitor center.  It is not too crowded.  We both get our stamps for our National Park passport books and check out the exhibits.  The movie is about to start and we decide to check that out as well.  I don’t remember much about my last visit other than sitting outside somewhere reading about some part of the battle and a little about the movie that it was foggy and they were fighting in the woods.  The movie starts and I realize that it is definitely a different movie than last time I was here about 12-13 years ago.  It starts with a federal and a confederate meeting up after the war and remembering that they were at Chickamauga last time they met.  They are then the narrators throughout the movie documenting the battle.  It was an interesting little take and did keep me engaged.  I was interested to learn that this was the first battlefield park that was established.  I figured it would have been Gettysburg or Antietam.  The civil war vets were at the height of their political power at that time.  Seems the legislation passed without decent quickly.  The establishment of the park was celebrated with a bbq between the vets from both sides and their families.  After the movie we work our way over to the gun exhibit.  I am amazed by all the different muskets and rifles that they have there.  I get to the point where I stop reading the plaques for each individual gun and just look for the large plagues for those major advances.  I never had seen a flintlock before and I’m amazed at the size of the flint.  After the flint they moved to a cap system and eventually to a percussion primer system.  The other major advances included going from smoothbore to rifling and also the bolt action.  We did see one gun with a bolt action that was much earlier than major advance.  There must have been issues with that particular system since it didn’t seem to catch on right away.We were just getting to the other side of the gun exhibit when we were invaded by a middle school.  Yikes.  Peaceful calm erupted in chaos.  Some of the more mature students tried to quiet the others by 'shushing’ them but it really didn’t work.  We went through the second half much faster than the first but I did see that they had a 1903 Springfield.  I’ll have to remember to tell Shaun.We decide it is a good time to hit the auto tour before the bus load of children head there.   We head out and follow the battle.  I like trying to guess which monuments are for which state.  Each state provided the monuments for their units.  Most of the really big ones are for confederate states.  There is a HUGE Georgia spiral we see.  When we get to the tower at stop 6 (Wilder’s brigade) we cannot go in due to wasp activity.  We do read the little sign of the area where a Federal mounted infantry made a stand.  They were equipped with the spencer repeating rifle that most of them bought for themselves.  The Confederates were coming at them 7 rows thick so I think most appreciated that they had them.  We stop at the Snodgrass cabin where many wounded were taken.  I look in and try to imagine the surgeons with their saws cutting off limbs and how smelly and awful it must have been.  But it is hard.  I’m sure the wood floor planks have been replaced many times since then.   In the end, the Confederates won this battle but eventually lost the campaign for Chattanooga.  I never realized how much General Braxton Bragg was disliked and how ineffective he was.   Yet we have a Fort named for him.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/10/1255033491/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/10/1255033491/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/10/1255033491/tpod.html Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:32:01 -0400 Football Time in Tennessee and more

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Calhoun, Georgia, United States

On the road again. I'm heading down to Tennessee for the University of Tennessee (UT) game versus the University of Georgia (UGA).  I haven’t been to a UT game at Neyland Stadium since 1997.  I’m dragging my friend Al along since he doesn’t like UGA and will actually go to an UT game with me.We get dropped off at Newark airport which is nice since parking is $15/day in the 'economy’ lot.  The lines are not too bad for a Thursday evening.  As we go through security the TSA guy asks me if I’m a Phillies fan.  I’m a little confused since I do not see me having anything that might identify me as such and I tell him ‘"no, I’m a Yankees fan.”  He gives me a fist bump and hands me back my ID.  Never got a fist bump from a TSA guy before.  It dawns on me that he probably asked since I have a PA driver’s license.  The plane is on time which surprises me again since it is early evening at Newark airport.  We load up and the plane is almost full.  And due to those luggage fees, everyone is bringing those large roll-aboard bags.  My backpack has been moved 3 times.   We taxi off and to my surprise we actually take off fairly quickly.  Is this really Newark Airport?I pass out on the way up and wake up when the beverage cart comes rolling by.  We get a small ‘snack’: mini turkey sandwich, baby carrots, and mini hershey’s bar.  After eating I cannot fall back to sleep so I just read instead.  Before I know it we land in Atlanta.  I am amazed at how quick it all went.  Must have been not waiting in the line for take-off.Since I have Emerald Isle, we just take the bus over to the National lot and pick out a car.  Hand everything over to the person at the check-out and we are on our way.  Traffic is heavy but it is moving.  We make it through the city and up to Calhoun fairly quickly.  I’m glad I choose this place to stop because I am just getting drowsy again when we pull up to the hotel.  Looks like there was a party earlier in the lobby.  As we head to the room we pass a few doors that have "do not enter” signs on them.  Seems there is a contingent of K-9 police staying at the hotel with their K-9 partners.   I feel pretty safe.  I drift off quickly.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1250643825/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1250643825/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1250643825/tpod.html Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:07:26 -0400 Springtime in Paris - An American girl's solo adventure

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Versailles, Île-de-France, France

Today I am very excited. I am heading over to see the Palace of Versailles.  When I was in high school, I wrote a paper on the palace and I have long to see it since then.  Of particular interest to me was the hall of mirrors and the fountains.  The technology for the fountains always seemed amazing to me especially for the time period they were designed.  I specifically chose to go to Versailles over the weekend since that is the only time the fountains are on.  You have to buy a specific ticket to access the grounds on the weekends because of the fountain shows.  I bought my ticket online from the Versailles website and was able to print it at home.  I probably could have also bought it via FNAC which would have probably come out cheaper.  I hit breakfast again just before closing time for the restaurant.  They are actually running breakfast in two rooms since it is so crowded.  I noticed on the way down in the elevator there is a paper that looks like a weather forecast, but it actually is a forecast for the dining room.  It shows storm clouds for the key times that people eat breakfast.  I guess if you want to get up and eat at 6:00am, it is a 'sunny' forecast and not crowded at all.  I hit the other dining room this time and I can tell they are winding things up for the day.  A lot of things are empty, but there is yogurt and the yummy granola.  I have to try and get here earlier tomorrow.After sending a quick email to let everyone know that I am still alive, I head out to Gare Montparnasse.  This time I head right to the ticket window for the commuter trains/metro.  Unfortunately today there is no union jack and "I speak English" sign.  Despite this I am still able to communicate with the woman and she gives me a round trip ticket to Versailles Chantiers.  I go through the gate and find the commuter trains to be somewhat more confusing than the metro and RER.  But I find the platform and board the train for my trip.  I pick a seat on the upper level.  As I settle in this younger guy comes asking me to sign a petition.  I tell him I’m not from here.  Supposedly the petition is for education.  He’s also looking for a donation.  The whole thing makes me feel uncomfortable.  But he leaves and soon the train is on the way.  I watch as we leave the city behind and head into the suburbs.  The train stops now and then at a station.  I stay awake for the whole trip.  When I come out of the station, I’m a little disoriented but I find a large map and figured out the general way I should go.  I follow a crowd out of the station and they all seem to be heading that way.  I hit a main street and see that the big white signs that I found in Paris proper are also out here and I see one for the Chateau.  At another major thoroughfare I make a left and I can lots of people heading this direction.  I can’t see the Chateau itself but I do see looks of buses.  I really like this road.  It is lined with beautiful old trees and the buildings are a sandy color brick/stone.  I see the large postal building on the other side of the street.  I come upon a vendor offering segway tours of Versailles.  They allow you to try out the segways for 5 euros.  I decide to pass.Then I can see it.  I’ve been waiting for this for over 20 years and now it is before me.  As well as tons of people.  There is an iron gate and a line snakes around the front.  I stop and have a guy take my photo and then I return the favor for him.  I go up to the gate and take photos from there.  I look over the line and see a sign that this is for people who already have tickets, which is what I have.  I overhear an English speaker near to entrance say that they have been in line for around an hour.  I look at the line and decide that maybe I should go see the gardens first since my ticket allows that.  There is just a short line there.  I get my ticket scanned and pick up the schedule.  I see that I have just missed the early fountain show.  I look and see that I have about 3 hours until the next show.  I chose this day specifically to see the Grandes Eaux Musicales so I guess I’m going to hang out in the gardens till then.  I walk around somewhat randomly.  I stop and look at some of the fountains and think what it must have been like in the heyday of the Sun King.  I wander down some wooded lanes which end up opening into other fountains.  I see some people, but mostly it is like I am on my own.   It is very peaceful and my mind drifts.  Though I am in France, I think of all those Jane Austen novels I have read of all the characters who have gone for walks in the garden before me.I see on the map that I am coming onto an area that serves food.  I figure I have time to kill until the show that I might do a sit down.  Sounds lovely, a sit down in the garden.  I figure before I sit down I should hit the restroom.  As usual, there is a long line for the ladies.  Almost 45 minutes I finally emerge!  Good thing it wasn’t an emergency.  Wow.  At this point I’ve killed some time and also the restaurant has gotten more crowded and I do not want to now wait in line for a table.  Instead I head to the takeaway stand.  I get a ham sandwich on a baguette and a nutella filled crepe.  I of course eat the crepe first.  The sandwich is huge and consists mostly of bread over meat.  Still good and it was fun to watch everyone chomping on these huge baguettes.  I’m sure I looked as amusing.I finally make my way down to the Apollo fountain.  I snap some photos of the palace from across the fountain.  It is breath taking.  I still have time to kill so I wander over the Garden Shop.  It is outside the area of the gardens that require a pass, so I make sure I have my pass to get back in.  I wander around looking at the different things in the shop.  I finally settle on a book and a little booklet on the palace and gardens.  I notice that there is a rest area here as well and I figure I better stop before I watch the fountains and tour the palace.  This line looks shorter but it still take about 25 minutes to get through the line!  This is incredible!  I walk back to the gardens and pick a place to sit near the Apollo fountain.  This is the one I want to see start up.  I sit on the edge of the pool and decide it would be better if I don’t hang my feet over the edge like I see some of the kids doing.  My luck I’d end up losing my balance and falling in.   I open up my book and start reading about the palace as I wait.  More and more people start gathering round.  Finally, the music starts.  Soon I lose the music as the water begins to flow and the fountain comes to life.  Well worth the wait.  I spend at least 10 minutes just admiring the Apollo fountain and its intricacies.  But I have more fountains to see and the palace itself!I start the trek back through the gardens making sure I move off the main path to see the ones hidden in the groves.  I see a vendor with a cart that is selling fresh squeezed juice and I watch briefly as he prepares a glass for a patron.  As I approach the palace I come across the Latona fountain which is in line with the Apollo fountain and the palace.  I stop for awhile to admire this beauty.  The way the water flows is just so soothing.  I finally tear myself away and make my way back to the entrance to the palace.Much to my dismay the line is as long as it was when I arrived.  I resign myself to wait in line.  I figure I have multiple books now to occupy me while I wait.  Much to my surprise I am in the palace within 15 minutes.  Less time than waiting for a toilet!  My ticket entitles me to a free audio tour so I go and pick it up.  The guy working there asks if I’m from Britain and I tell him no, America.  He teases me a little bit but is not rude like people told me to expect.  I laugh with him then am on my way.They are having a special exhibit called “The Court Pomp and Royal Ceremonies – Court Costume in Europe 1650-1800”.  I check out part of the exhibit, listening to the audio tour that I have but find that it doesn’t hold my interest as much as I desire.  Maybe I’m just tired.  So I instead head up the staircase to the second floor.   I cannot remember the order in which I visited the rooms, but the ones that stick in my memory are the Hercules Salon, Galerie des glaces (the Hall of Mirrors), Appartement du roi (King’s Apartments), and the Queen’s Grand Apartment.  I remember wandering somewhat aimlessly around trying to take it all in.  I remember the audio tour directing me to observe the artwork (particularly on the ceiling of some of the salons) and the very large fireplace in the Hercules salon.  I remember thinking that everything was just so elaborate and how I prefer a simpler style myself and how I would probably hate anything like this in my home, except for the hall of mirrors.  Something like that I wouldn’t mind.  I also learned about the ‘lever’ and the ‘coucher’ which were the customs of the king’s rising and going to bed.  I remember thinking how odd to have people waiting, actually more like anticipating, your waking up in the morning.  I don’t know but I prefer to wake up with no one around.  Some days I don’t even want to get out of bed, so I’m sure wouldn’t want anyone to be witness to that!I spent a lot of time in the Galerie des glaces.  This again was a place I had only read about and seen photos in books.  When I first went in I was a little disappointed because I always had thought that the mirrors were each one big mirror.  I discovered instead that each of the 17 mirrors is actually made up of smaller mirrors put together.  Also the hall was quite crowded when I first entered since a tour group had just entered from the king’s chambers (several entrances/exits from the hall).  I found a spot to wait it out while they continued on.  Once it was less crowded I could appreciate the room for its majesty.  Despite my initial disappointment, I did remember what an engineering marvel the room was for its time.  It was also nice to observe the light coming in through the windows and to look out the windows into the garden.  I thought too on the significance the room played in the ending of WWI and all the famous people of history who had passed through.  I left the Galerie des glaces contented. I finally ended my tour and headed back to the train station.  I used the public restroom which was interesting.  You paid for it and after you left, it douses itself in disinfectant.  So when you walk it everything is somewhat wet.  I checked the schedule and was glad to see that two trains were heading towards Gare Montparnasse and one was an express!  Of course I again dosed off.  I have gotten better though at navigating the train station.  When I come off the train I exited the station on the hotel street.  I decided to try the pizza place across the street.  Again very nice people despite my lack of French.  The pizza was very good as well.  Then back to the hotel for some rest and ice and ‘Sex in the City’ in French.  Didn’t understand most of the dialogue but I got the gist.  Finally hit the hay to rest up for my final day in the city.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1241150400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1241150400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1241150400/tpod.html Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:37:37 -0400 Springtime in Paris - An American girl's solo adventure

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Marne-la-Vallée, Île-de-France, France

Well last night I knocked over a cup of water and it spilled on my laptop, and now it will not boot up. I hope it can be repaired.  They have a business center at the hotel so I will have to find out where it is and how much to use the internet connection.  I'll ask after breakfast.I head down to breakfast since it is included in the hotel rate I booked.  There is a short line but it moves quickly.  They have a tray out with some pastries and also coffee if you want to snack while you wait.  I find there is no need to do so since I waited only about 5 minutes in line.  I figured it would be crowded since breakfast ends in 30 minutes.  Breakfast is typical European style I’ve grown fond of in my travels.  There are several types of bread, pastries, cold cuts, fruit, and yogurt.  Standard fare in most European hotels I have stayed at.  Also though, I find a crepe station and there is a section with ramen.  I thought that was somewhat odd until I noticed several Japanese travelers who were enjoying it.  I liked that the hotel catered to those tastes.  Also unlike previous hotels I’ve stayed at, the yogurt wasn’t in large bowls or paper cartons.  Each yogurt was in an individual serving size containers made of glass.  They had plain yogurt, but also they had yogurt with fruit on the bottom.  I choose one and mixed in the granola I found.  I really liked the granola because it had chocolate chunks in it.  I also had a pastry that was filled with chocolate.  I really like chocolate.After breakfast I ask about the business center and I was told I would need to buy an internet card for access.  I cough up the euros for a 30 minute card and head down to the business center.  Unlike many places in the states, the center is not in a closed off room.  It is just an area with 3 computers and a few printers.  I find the Union Jack icon and follow the directions which are now in English.  I check my email and find several messages from friends who responded to my email from last night.  I respond back to them and send out another quick general email to everyone.  I get a little frustrated because the keyboard is set up for French and some of the letters are in different places than they are on a standard English keyboard.  Also, you have to shift to enter numbers.  Again, I curse my clumsiness.  Maybe the laptop will dry out today and start working again.I head up to my room to grab all my necessities for the day and head out to Gare Montparnasse.  I have several different sets of directions for how to get out to Ville Marne where Disneyland Paris is located.  I figured the best bet is to ask at a ticket window.  I find an information area which turns out to be for the high speed trains and their destinations.  However, the woman is very polite and helpful despite what she says is her limited English.  She tells me I need to go down a flight and tells me where the ticket windows are for the commuter trains.  I thank her and head out.  As I am leaving, my airplane seat neighbor walks in with his girlfriend.  They seem on a mission, so I head out but I wonder about the odds of running into someone in Paris!I head downstairs to where I was directed and get in the ticket line.  I notice that the one window had a British flag and a sign that says "I speak English".  As American as I am, who would know that I would love to see that Union Jack as much I have been?  I let some folks behind me go ahead so they could use the other windows and it is finally my turn.  Again, the man was very helpful.  He asks if I plan on returning to the city today and I answer yes.  He then gives me a single ticket that will be used for the day so I can go out and return.  He then gives me directions for which metro to take, which station to change to, and reminds me that when I switch to make sure I get on the RER for Marne-la-Vallee since the red RER A line splits.  I thank him and am soon on my way.  It is very easy.  The station where I switch to the RER has the billboard type signage for the trains and has all the stops mark on it for the incoming train.While on the metro, these guys get onto train with accordions.  They begin to play and then work their way through the car looking for tips.  I’ve seen musicians in subway stations before, but never ones that actually ride the cars and play.  At the next station, they exit and then get on the car behind us, playing the whole ride to the end of the line.  I wonder if they just work the lines all day long.  I did notice that they didn’t get onto the RER train.Once on the RER train, I drift off again.  This is becoming a bad habit but I still haven’t adjusted to all the sleep I missed on the flight over.  I know I won’t miss the stop since Marne is the end of the line.  At every stop, I open my eyes and check how far we have left to go.  I shake myself awake and know I will be ok as long as I keep moving.  I’m surprised by how crowded the train has become; all these folks heading out to Disneyland.  As we work our way to the entrance, the excitement is building.  The entrances to Disneyland and Disney Studios are right near each other.  It reminds me of California where the Magic Kingdom and California Adventure are across from each other.  The landscaping going into Disneyland is well done and I admire the Imagineers’ work.  I stop to take a few photos and then ask this lady if she will take my photo in front of the entrance.  She speaks English well and I wonder where she is from.  I offer to take a photo of her and her daughter and she is very grateful.  I am surprised by how bold I’ve been about this on the trip.  Usually I’d wait until someone asks me to take their photo and then ask them to reciprocate, but I figure on this trip I don’t want to miss any opportunities.When I get to the gate, I hand them my pass that I purchased from FNAC with a little bit of trepidation.  But it seems I bought the right thing (kudos to Babelfish) and it is a valid ticket.  They take my ticket and hand me back a more 'standard’ style Disney pass.  They say it will get me into the other park as well as allow me to access the fast pass machines.  I thank the hosts and again wonder at this conception of rude Parisians.  Still have yet to meet one.I take out the park map and wonder at what I should do first.  I notice that like the other Magic Kingdoms, the park follows the standard hub and spoke design.  There is a little show going on in a gazebo on Main Street.  I recognize Mary Poppins and Burt, but they are performing in French so I keep going.  I see they have out the main street transportation which I rarely see any more down in the Florida park.  It brings back a bit of nostalgia of the early days in that park with my mom, dad, and 4 older siblings.  I think that is part of why I like Disney so much.  It reminds of those days when life was simple and happy.  The other part being that I can be goofy and childlike and it is perfectly acceptable.As I walk up Main Street, I see Sleeping Beauty’s castle at the end.  One more reason it reminds me of the California park.  I heard they styled this castle in more of a fantasy style since there are so many real castles throughout Europe.  I like it.  As I hit the hub, I take the first spike on the right and walk into what would be Tomorrowland in the US, but is called here Discoveryland instead.  I figure I’d get a fast pass for Space Mountain.  Even though the US parks have Space Mountain, I have read that this one is totally different.  I find the fast pass line and of course end up in the one where the machine is acting up.  The cast member finally comes over and gets the people passes out.  It burns up some time and the fast pass return time has now become 10 minutes later.  I have an hour before my fast pass is valid, so I look around for a restroom.  I finally find it in a restaurant/theater.  It is a neat concept and should keep the kids occupied while the family eats.  I also see a sign that I translate into ‘cold drinks’ and realize there are coke machines.  I guess some of those years of French are coming back, but as usual only in a written form.  I realize I still have at least 45 minutes before my fast pass is activated, so I get into line for Star Tours which list a 30 minute wait time.  I did notice though that unlike the US, the fast passes are only valid for 30 minutes instead of an hour.    In line for Star Tours I see that it is laid out like the ones in the states though here C-3P0 speaks French.  Well he is fluent in over six million forms of communication.  Most of the props are in French, but occasionally they make an Endor moon announcement in English.  I actually find it quite relaxing to be surrounded by voices I cannot understand.  Usually this would stress me out, but waiting here in line I find I can just drift into my own thoughts without being distracted by conversations around me.  The line does seem to move slowly though and I begin to get anxious about the fast pass.  We finally board and the attraction is just like its US counterparts except for being in French.I walk over and get into the fast pass line for Space Mountain.  We go through a back entrance which is themed a little bit, but not as much as the main line.  After about 5-10 minutes we are boarding.  There are two sets of trains, but there are not two separate tracks like in the US.  As we set off I get excited.  We start up the incline and stop part of the way up.  Like the Hulk at Universal, this uses a linear accelerator type launch.  We shoot the rest the way up and into the mountain.  It is very dark, but also has cool props inside.  There is music playing and it reminds me of the Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster ride at Disney studios in Florida.  We even have a cool inversion.  It is great, but I feel the headache coming.  When we get off, the headache has hit.  Luckily I’ve come prepared for this.  As much as I like roller coasters, often times I get headaches from the g-forces and especially when I’m tired.  Sleep deprivation combined with pressure on the sinuses.  I knock back two Tylenol and decide I should probably lay off the thrill rides for awhile.Since it is lunch time I figure I’d find somewhere to eat.  I again consult the map to find something that seems interesting.  I end up over in Frontierland.  I take a gander around the Haunted Mansion (called Phantom Mansion) and walk to the end of the walkway and find a ‘graveyard’.  There is also a good view from this area of Big Thunder Mountain which is on an island in the river here, kind of like Tom Sawyers island in the US.  I think it is pretty cool.  I finally decide to eat, and choose a sit down restaurant called the Silver Spur.  I have to wait about 5 minutes for a table since I do not have a reservation.  I order a steak and it is good.  Expensive, but what isn’t in Disney or France.  After lunch, I walk around some in Frontierland and Adventureland.  I marvel at the theming.  The Imagineers have done a great job here.  Not only are the props done well, there are many areas for kids to just play in that aren’t lined attractions.  In Frontierland they can pretend they are in an old frontier fort.  In Adventureland, there is a whole pirate play experience with barrel bridges, a skull cave, and other props.  It is a combination of Pirates of the Caribbean and Peter Pan and it flows seamlessly.  My headache has retreated enough that I decide it is time to find the Indiana Jones ride.  I get in line to get a fast pass, and as I come up to the machines a man is giving away a fast pass that his family isn’t going to use.  Sometimes it just pays to be a single at the amusement park.  I thank him and go right over to the fast pass entrance.  I end up in the front row with a woman who doesn’t speak English, but as we ride we realize we share the language of ‘thrill ride’.  Through our facial expressions, shouts and screams we share our excitement.  As the ride comes to a halt we look at each other and just smile.  It was a good ride and didn’t bother my head too much.It is getting later in the afternoon and I want to head over to the Studios park which is only open till 8:00.  I head through Fantasyland.  I think about riding It’s a Small World, but the line is massive!  Again, I’m very taken in by the theme props.  It is designed like the ride in California.  The teacup ride is also well done and the topiaries near it are cute.  They have done a good job of isolating the different ‘lands’ here with the landscaping.  I come around the side of the castle and I see that they are getting ready for the afternoon parade.  I ask a man who is waiting if he would take my photo with the castle.  He snaps several photos for me and I thank him.  I decide I’m going to walk to through the castle.  To my surprise, you can actually go onto the second floor.  In Disney World, there is only the restaurant on the upper floor.  This castle has stained glass windows and tapestries that tell the story of Sleeping Beauty.  As a child, that was my favorite Disney movie though I always got scared when Maleficent turns into that dragon.  The tapestries and stained glass are beautiful.  I snap several photos and then head out onto the balcony.  There is a view of the whole of Fantasyland.  I love it.  I see several young boys around the sword in the stone prop that is used in a show (well at least in Disney World it is) trying to pull the sword out.  I finally head out of the castle and I realize the entrance to Main Street, USA is blocked off so I walk around to the side I haven’t seen yet.  As I head down, I see an entrance that seems to head below the castle so I enter it.  Under here there is a dragon’s lair (which is what I assume the French sign at the entrance said).  It is fantastic.  So much cooler than Cinderella’s castle in Florida.I decide it is time to head out to the other park and I’m dreading working through the crowds lined up for the parade.  I think that maybe I can work through the shops like in Florida.  I head to the side of Casey’s and see a sign for the ‘Liberty Arcade’.  This turns out to be an arcade as in a walkway versus a game room.  This is fantastic and I wonder why they do not have this in the Florida park.  Not only does it offer an escape from the crowds on Main Street if you want to make an escape to the exit, it has entrances to all the shops on Main Street.  I stop in one and pick up some postcards.  I then head out and over to the Studios.At the entrance to the studios is a fountain with Mickey as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.  The water flows through several buckets.  I enjoy looking at it, but I enjoy most fountains.  Just something about flowing water that I have always liked.  I enter the park and after heading through the “Disney Studio 1” entrance, I am greeted with the familiar “Partners” statue with the Hollywood backdrop behind it.  In the Florida park, this statue stands in front of Cinderella’s Castle.  For some reason I like it better in front of the Hollywood backdrop.  The next thing I notice is that this park is very small and compact.  I head over to Crush’s Coaster hoping for a fast pass but they do not have them for this ride.  The line is over an hour so I decide instead to hit some of the other attractions.  I visit the Art of Disney Animation attraction which takes you through how some of the animated characters are created.  The host interacts with Mushu from Mulan and goes through concept to completion.  The show has headphones for those who want English.  I then head over to the Stitch Live show which is only 10 minutes from the English version.  I didn’t realize Stitch even spoke French.  As I am waiting I hear all different accents.  For some reason I thought this would be filled with Brits and Americans, but actually it is all different non-French speakers.  When we enter the theater the cast member asks those who speak fluent English to raise their hands.  The show is interactive with the audience and it turns out to be quite fun.  Though I must say some of the people didn’t seem to speak as fluent English as they implied.  Stitch had a funny voice too, but that’s ok.  That’s what Imagination is for.  He’s still my guy.There is about 30 minutes until the CineMagique show starts and I walk over to the Tower of Terror to see if there is a long line.  It isn’t too bad, but I think I will miss the show if I get on.  Since that ride is in the US, I decide to bypass it and instead get in line for the CineMagique show.  While waiting, I pull out my book.  The time passes quickly. The show is great.  I hope they put something like this in the parks in the states.  I exit and it is only an hour until the park closes.  I head back over to the Crush Coaster and get in line.  Again I pull out my book as I wait.  I read until the line moves inside and there it is too dark to read.  The ride is pretty cool.  In some ways it reminds me of the “Fairly Oddparents” ride at the Mall of America, but it didn’t make me feel as sick.  The ride is basically a rollercoaster that also spins, but it doesn’t spin as much as the Oddparents ride or the Primeval Whirl (or as I refer to it Primeval Hurl) at Animal Kingdom.  I can handle big drops and high speed, but spinning… ugh turns me green.  The Crush Coaster had just enough spin to make it fun without making it sick.I exit the ride and see that the other nearby attractions are already closed up for the night.  I make my way to the exit, but not very quickly.  I love walking through the Disney Parks when there aren’t many people around.  I miss the old E-ticket nights at Magic Kingdom.  I again notice the great job the Imagineers have done.  The place definitely has the feel of Hollywood in its glory days.  I think of picking up some cotton candy on the way out, but that booth is also closed.  I consider heading back to the other park since it is open until 11:00, but decide it would be best to just head back to the city.I manage not to drift off until I’m on the metro.  I keep dropping the Disney map in my hand as my eyes get tired, so I don’t really fall asleep.  I arrive at the Gare Montparnasse and decide to try another exit.  I follow the signs for the Boulevard du Montparnasse and after a long walk finally exit the station.  I have no idea where I am at first, but I think I made a good decision since the street is full of restaurants.  I walk down the street some deciding on what to try.  I finally enter the Charlie Birdy.  The food is good and I like the design.  It seems they have live music on occasion as well as DJs.  I notice that my waitress is constantly running back and forth.  When she comes over with my bill she apologized to me for the lack of attention.  I told her it was ok because I can see how busy she was.  We chat for a little bit and her English is very good.  She tells me she is until very early in the morning.  She asks me how I am enjoying my holiday and if I like the city.  I tell her I’ve been enjoying myself and that everyone is so friendly.  I let her ring up my bill and I head back out to get my bearings for the hotel.  I see the large building that I’ve been using as a landmark.  I head to it and realize where I now am and I have no problem working my way back to the hotel.  I ice up my ankle for a few minutes, then crash for another good night’s sleep.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1241064000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1241064000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1241064000/tpod.html Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:22:27 -0400 Springtime in Paris - An American girl's solo adventure

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Paris, Île-de-France, France

I exit the plane and head towards immigration and customs. I'm a little concerned that I do not have any immigration or custom forms like when you enter the U.S.  The passport control area line moves quickly and I am surprised by how simple it was to get through.  I don’t even remember them asking how many days I was going to visit.  I waited in line for the ladies room, not realizing this would become a popular theme throughout this holiday.  I got a little disoriented about where to pick up my luggage and was about to walk out of the customs area before I realized my mistake.  I turned back around and finally found the luggage carousels.  It did not take long for my bag to arrive.  I wasn’t even stopped at customs for inspection.  I could not believe how easy it was to get into the country.I work my way into the terminal and look for an information booth.  I found on and they spoke very good English and told me where I could catch the AirFrance shuttle bus into town.  I worked my way over to the exit and found a shuttle already there, but I couldn’t find on it if it was a route 2 or route 4.  I knew I needed route 4 to get to the Gare Montparnasse where my hotel was located.  I had some difficulty communicating with baggage handlers, but finally got across to them that I was heading to Montparnasse.  They told me to wait for the next bus.    When the next bus arrived, I told the driver that I was heading to Gare Montparnasse and that I wanted to buy a roundtrip ticket.  That did not go so well and I ended up with a simple fare (one-way) instead.  So I would end up spending a little more money and I knew I had to now put away the bus fare for the return trip.  The bus was not too crowded and I had a pair of seats to myself.  I drifted in and out the whole trip waking at the first stop of Gare Lyons.  I thought the trip was only supposed to take about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but with the traffic it took more than 2 hours.  When I got off the bus I had a little difficulty asking the luggage handler for directions to my hotel, but finally he understood that I wanted to know where the Hotel Concorde Montparnasse was.  He said go up the street two blocks and it would be on the left and that is where it was.  You just couldn’t see the sign for the hotel where we were standing.I went to check in and the staff was very friendly and spoke fluent English just like all the folks on TripAdvisor said.  That and the close location to the Gare Montparnasse were the top reasons I selected this hotel.  Despite my request to have an early check-in, the only available room at that time was smoking.  The receptionist told me that he is a non-smoker and he can notice the smoky smell and suggested I might want to wait for a non-smoking room since I was staying for 4 nights.  He said they should have one available around 1:00 pm.  So much for my taking a nap.  He told me there was a ladies bathroom downstairs where I could freshen up, so I took advantage of that by brushing my teeth, washing my face, and popping the contacts in and out.  I also showed him my voucher for my Disney tickets and asked if he could help me found where to pick them up since the voucher was written in French.  He said that there was a FNAC very close to the hotel and that I should go today since they would be closed the next day.  So I left my luggage with the bell captain to be locked up while I ventured out into the city.  On my way to the FNAC place, I saw a post office and decided I should go and buy postcard stamps today since they would also be closed.  I totally forgot that May Day is a holiday in most of Europe.  I approached the desk and said "Bonjour monsieur.  Je ne parle pas francais bien.  Parlez-vous l’anglais?"  He said yes and I told him I would like to buy 6 stamps to mail postcards to the United States.  He was very helpful and nice despite my not being able to communicate in French.  As we finished the transaction he wished me a very pleasant holiday.  I began to wonder about all these people who say the French are rude to Americans particularly those who do not speak French.I continue on for another 2 blocks and find the FNAC.  This place is huge!  They not only do ticket sales, but sell all kinds of other things like CDs, DVDs, etc.  It kind of reminded me of a Virgin Megastore.  I went up to the information desk and asked if she spoke English and she answered a little.  I showed her my voucher and she told me that I could find the ticket place in the downstairs level.  I found the place and again the lady said she didn’t speak much English, but we had no problems communicating.  Since I had forgotten to bring the visa I bought the voucher with, we had a little difficulty but she was eventually able to find the information and gave me my ticket for Disney.  It was indeed a one day two park pass.  Score!  I guess with my limited French and the beloved Babelfish I can make purchases from an all French website.  With the conversion my ticket came to $56 USD which was well below that gate price of $76 USD and which only got you one park.  If you are certain about the days you are going to do certain activities, I highly recommend using FNAC to purchase.  The only downfall is that you pick and use your ticket for a specific day.  If you do not use it on that day, you can exchange it for another day but then you will end up paying the difference in price.Since it wasn’t even 11:00am yet, I decided I would walk over to the L’hospital d’Invalids where Napoleon’s tomb is located.   One thing I really liked about Paris was that everything was very well marked.  There were large white arrow signs pointing you in the right direction.  I did not have to take out my map too often.  The day was absolutely beautiful.  Blue sunny skies with temperatures in the high 60s, low 70s.  I arrive at the L’hospital which is also the Museum for the Army.  While there are things you can see for free, I decided to purchase the pass to get into the exhibits such as Napoleon’s tomb.  I tried to use the self service machines but it will not take my visa.  I have heard there are at times problems if you do not have a Eurocard.  So I get into line and purchase from the desk.  Again, very welcoming and easy to understand.I wander around the museum, of course having to stop and look at the old cannon tubes.  I enter the soldiers’ chapel and sit down to take it in and say a little prayer of thanksgiving for my trip.  I find the chapel to be very relaxing.  After leaving the chapel, I follow the signs for the Charles de Gaulle exhibit.  I pick up an English version of the audio guide and find out that the whole exhibit has not been translated yet, so I only get some of the story.  But what I do hear makes me long to find out more about this man.  I will have to do some research when I return home.  After that exhibit, I figure it is about time to see the famous emperor’s tomb.  I walk into the big domed basilica and pick up another audio guide.  Luckily all the exhibits here have been translated.  I discover that the alter I see on the far end, is the other side of the alter I saw in the soldier’s chapel.  This basilica was built by one of the King Louis but I can not remember which.  Perhaps Louis XIV, the sun King.  I will have to check that as well when I get home.  When I finally get into the tomb area, I discover the rotunda is surrounded by many frescos.  As I listen to the audio guide I realize that most of them are depicting Napoleon and how he saw himself.  I always knew he was an egotist, but when I saw those frescos where he is depicted in a god-like state I realized the extent of his delusion.  The tomb itself was fairly short, but the box had some height to it plus it was on a marble pedestal.  I took lots of photos from different angles.When I leave the tomb, I am very tired.  I decide to sit down in the courtyard area and enjoy the sun.  I will eventually head over to the Eiffel Tower which I can see from here.  I sit down on one of the benches in the sun and promptly fall asleep.  I startle myself awake after about 15 minutes.  This is not good.  I think about heading back to the hotel since my room should be ready, but the day is too nice out.  I do not know how the weather will be the rest of the vacation, so I feel like I should at least visit the Eiffel Tower.  On my way, I decide that perhaps I should get some lunch.  I find a little Italian café outside the courtyard area.  I order a coke light and a penne with bolognaise sauce.  For some reason pasta in Europe just tastes better than in the States.  The sauce was very well done.  With the food and caffeine ingestion, I am ready for a few more hours of exploring.As I walk towards the tower, I pass a gift shop selling post cards for only 40 cents.  This is the cheapest I have seen with most places selling them for 1 euro apiece.  So I pick out a few to send back to the States and also to keep for my collection.  Later I find some for 30 cents, so I guess I could have waited.  I keep walking and then suddenly, there it is; the Tour d’Eiffel.   It is even more beautiful than I thought.  I am not sure why some have called it ugly.The side from which I approach has this yellowish dust to it.  On the one side there is an area where kids race go-carts. As you get closer to the tower, there are lots of grassy areas and there is a park.  It is full of sunbathers.  I ask several people along the way to take my photo in front of the tower.  I figured since I’m solo I’m just going to have to be bold and ask people to do that.  Everyone is very helpful and I return the favor for several of them.I finally reach the tower and I am awed by the sheer magnitude of the tower.  I see there are several lines to buy tickets to go up the tower.  I pick the Sud (south) tower and get in line.  As I am waiting, I notice that the electronic bulletin board is saying that the top floor is currently closed.  I am very disappointed.  I see some soldiers walking by and I do not recognize their rifles.  I try to get my camera out quickly so I can snap a photo for later identification, but I pretty much just get a picture of their backsides.  That truly wasn’t my intent.  While I wait, I occupy myself by taking photos of the tower from the ground.  Shortly before I get to the ticket window, I see that the top floor has reopened!  After about 30 minutes, I have my ticket and I’m heading to the elevator.  It goes up the legs at an incline and has two levels.  I’m on the lower level.  It stops on the first floor to pick up some passengers and discharge some as well.  I decide to go all the way to the top first and work my way down.  I get off on level two and then search for the line for the elevated that goes to the top level.  Yet another line, but it moves fairly quickly.  As I ascend to the top floor, I feel my ears pop.   I get a little nervous at parts as we rise through the tower, but we eventually arrive and I step out.What a view!  I walk along the whole observation area snapping photos of the Paris landscape.  I zoom in on the Arc de Triumph.  I take photos of a tennis court.  It reminds me of the French Revolution and the Tennis Court Oath.  I ask someone to take my photo with the city in the background.  While wandering around the top floor, I hear a man ask his kid if he wants to use the restroom.  The accent is American.  I then hear him say that wouldn’t it be cool to tell his friends that he used a bathroom at the top of the Eiffel Tower.  People have some strange ideas.I head down to the second level and take more photos of the cityscape.  I also hit the 'official’ gift shop.  I pick up a Eiffel Tower model for me and my nephew.  I also pick up a photo frame.  This level is definitely more crowded than the top level and I decide it is about time to head back to the hotel.  As I wait for the elevator down, I check out my map trying to figure out which metro line to take back to the hotel.  At this point, I am very tired and I don’t even want to think about trying to walk all the way back.  A lady begins to talk to me.  She is also from the states.  As we leave the tower, she asks where I am from.  When a guy taking surveys hears I’m from Pennsylvania, he asks me if I would be willing to comment on my visit to the Tower.  I said sure, why not.   I answer his questions and actually find him to be quite friendly and pleasant.  Thus far I have not found any of these ‘rude Parisians’ that everyone talks about.  When we finish, he give me an Eiffel Tower key chain for my time.  I ask him for help with the Metro and he tells me which line to take and where the station is.  While he is showing me on the map, we watch as a guy comes running by with the police chasing after him.  I think he said he was one of the ‘unauthorized’ merchandise salesmen.  I will see plenty of them on my trip.I work my way to the Metro station which seems further than I thought.  I’m really dragging at this point.  I find the ticket machine and purchase the fare.  When I sit down on the train, I have to fight very hard not to fall asleep but my eyelids are drooping.  When I finally arrive at Gare Montparnasse, I have a tough time figuring out where I am in the station.  I finally make my way outside.  I picked the wrong entrance but luckily I notice something I had seen that morning and I am back on the street of the hotel. I check in and head to my room.  I am trying to figure out how to get the A/C to turn on since it is a little stuffy in the room.  I had resigned myself to ask the bellhop when he came up but then I notice the key card in this holder.  This must be engaged to work the A/C and the lights.  I got it all worked out just before the bellhop came with my bags.  I turn on the laptop and discover that the free wireless does work (I’ve had issues before in Europe) and send off a quick email to everyone at home letting them know that I am ok.  I am very pleased with the hotel I picked.  It has an ice machine and a tub.  Simple things make me very happy.  I was going to go find a café for dinner, but I made the mistake of lying down and when I wake up I have no desire to go out.  I settle for some of the snacks I packed.  I watch a little TV then turn in for the night.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1241057700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1241057700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/9/1241057700/tpod.html Tue, 12 May 2009 22:18:32 -0400 Springtime in Paris - An American girl's solo adventure

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Newark, New Jersey, United States

I am so excited!  I am finally on my way to Paris!  I have wanted to go there for a long time.  When I went through my divorce, I made a list of things I wanted to do that I hadn't been able to do while married.  Going to Paris was one of the things and now I am finally making it happen.  I was able to get my flight free using frequent flyer miles and with Continental I was able to flight direct from Newark to Charles de Gaulle.  I used 1800hotels.com to book my hotel and was able to get the 4 night for just over $500 USD.I am going by myself so I'm a little bit nervous but not as bad as I would have been a few years ago.  The last two years I've travelled to Europe for work and since I have a difficult time adjusting to the time changes, I went two days earlier than the rest of my co-workers.  I discovered that I was quite capable of getting around in Stockholm and Copenhagen on my own, so when the opportunity to go to Paris inexpensively came up I jumped on it.  I would have liked to have found someone to go with me just to share the experience but I am sure I will enjoy being able to do things at my own pace and on my own timetable.The flight is very full so I no longer have a free seat next to me.  A younger guy sits next to me and introduces himself but I can not remember his name.  We chat for a little while.  He is on his way to visit his girlfriend who is studying in Paris.  He has come all the way from Los Angeles, so I can only imagine how tired he must be.  He tells me he has been to Paris before when he went with some friends backpacking in Europe.  He mentions that while he waited in Newark, he starting talking with a Paris native and that she gave him some good suggestions for cafes.  He says he will share them with me when we land because they are on his cell phone and they have just shut the cabin doors, so all electronics should be off!We are a little late leaving Newark due to air traffic control, but that is no surprise since it is evening in the NYC area.  The pilot announces that our flight time will be just over 6 hours not the published 8.5 hour flight time!  There must be a good tailwind blowing tonight.  We have our choice of several entertainment options, but not as many as on the flight to Tampa in March.  Even though this is a Boeing 767, it is older than that Boeing 757 I took to Florida.  Both my seat companion and I settle on watching "Bolt" and you can hear us both laughing at several parts.  When it is over we discuss what a fun movie it was and how sometimes it is good to just sit back and enjoy a simple movie like that.  We both turn off our reading lights and try to sleep.  I have a neck pillow so my head doesn't bob too much and I think I might have logged a fitful 3 hours of sleep.  As we are landing, I ask if my seat mate has been able to sleep at all and he said maybe an hour at most.  Once we are able to turn on our electronics, he is good to his word and shows me the places.  One place is supposed to be good for cheese, but I'm pretty sure I'm not going to remember all this.  I thank him anyway.  We part both on our own adventures in the city of lights.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/8/1236563760/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/8/1236563760/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/8/1236563760/tpod.html Tue, 12 May 2009 22:13:01 -0400 Spring Break - Not just for college students anymore

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Saint Pete Beach, Florida, United States

Dena and I weren't too interested in breakfast at the hotel, so we went on a foraging trip.  We thought about just hitting the IHOP or Village Inn, but decided instead to try and find something local.  We finally stumbled on a place called Beverly's La Croisette.  We had to wait for a table, but it looked like every other place also had a wait.  Seems like a Sunday anywhere you go.  I thought about getting the French toast made from crossants, but decided against it.  I can't remember what I had exactly but I remember it was very good.  I do remember ordering bacon and it was fried to a very crisp texture which was fantastic.  I don't like soggy, fatty bacon.  I noticed that all the wait staff were wearing shirts that said "I had breakfast with 'Beverly'".  I also noticed lots of autographed photos from stars addressed to 'Beverly'.  The other thing that fascinated me was the speed and efficiency of the busboys.  The skill in which they cleared the tables bordered on art.  Good thing they were quick because the line for tables continued to grow.After breakfast, we hit the Walgreens once again.  This time I was in search of an ankle brace.  I was kicking myself that I didn't just bring my standard ace one since prior to the impact I was having some instability.  I finally found the ace bandage section but they didn't have the type I was looking for and I had to get one of the white ones that come further up the leg than I like.  I figured I didn't really have much I could do at this point since I needed something to help keep me from limping.  I also picked up some laundry detergent because I realized that I had forgotten to bring a top for work the next day.  All I had that would work was what I had worn all day Friday and on the flight.  So it was either do laundry or go shopping.When we got back to the hotel, we had some time until we had to go to the airport and pick up Michelle.  I went in search of the laundry room.  I decided that if I was going to do laundry I might as well do all the dirty stuff.  I asked Dena if she wanted me to wash anything for her and she said no.  We both got a good laugh out of my having to do laundry on a three day trip.  When I came back to the room, Dena was watching a show called "Thrills gone bad."  The first one I realized was right in Tampa Bay from the Sunshine Skyway.  I recognized it since it has that cool structure I liked so much.  Later in the show there was a skydive gone bad.  It wasn't a tandem, but someone doing the accelerated free fall class.  I couldn't believe we were sitting there watching this.  I was glad though that it wasn't on yesterday or I might never have gotten into that plane!After I threw my clothes in the dryer, we headed over to the airport to pick up Michelle.  I was getting my own car, but I waited with Dena since I needed to get Michelle's parking pass when she checked in.  While we were waiting, we saw John come by.  Great, one more person who knows I'm here.  Plus I heard that Shaun had told Kevin.  Oh well.  I rented from National so I ended up having to take a shuttle bus to their rental area.  It was actually pretty easy but I wanted to make sure the next day I got there early since I wasn't sure how often the shuttles ran. When I drove back to St. Pete Beach, I got stuck in bad traffic coming across the causeway.  I discovered that the drawbridge was actually up.  I had tried to call Dena, but had to leave her a message.  Found out they were also stuck in it when she called me back.  She said that they had just finished checking Michelle in and to meet them at the lobby area.  As I pulled in, I ended up following Kevin.  When I got out, I got a big bear hug.  There were other folks as well.  So much for me coming in and leaving unnoticed.  I definitely feel like a groupie. As we were all standing there talking, I got texted by Shaun.  Said they were at the Swigswam.  I asked Kevin where that was but he wasn't sure which way on the beach it was from where we were.  Michelle, Dena, and I decided to go and get some lunch since Michelle was starving.  We hit this Cuban restaurant that I had eaten at one other time I was down in St. Pete.  It was as good as I remember, though I did find the singer to be a little loud.  After lunch, we decided to meet up with Shaun and his friends at the Swigswam.  It was an interesting little beach bar.   Found out that Shaun and his friend Damon have been going there since high school.  I decided it was best not to ask.  Though I did try to get Damon to spill some on Shaun but to no avail, though he did say information could be purchased.  I thought about offering him the $20 in my pocket but decided it wasn't worth it.  I asked Shaun if he liked my new brace and he told me that I was very lucky it wasn't worse.  We girls hit the road shortly before dinner time since Michelle was exhausted.  She had to get up really early to catch her flight.  I hung outside for a little bit and tried calling Frankie since I figured by now he had heard I was in town.  He said he and Maria were visiting relatives and wouldn't be back to late.  He said I shouldn't worry about everyone knowing that they all wanted to see me.  I still felt odd as I saw folks heading to the bar.  Dena came down and asked if I wanted to get some dinner and I said sure.  I asked her if she thought we should invite Shaun (Michelle was too tired).  She said yes, so I called and told him that "Dena wants to know if you want to go to dinner."  He said that he was just about to head home for supper.  Somewhere along the way I referred to him as a momma's boy.  I don't remember the whole exchange but I did decide that I shouldn't drink jack and coke in the sun anymore.  Luckily, Shaun is used to such things from me and is actually a very bad influence.Dena and I found this pizzeria near the Publix.  I can't remember the name of it.  We ordered a pizza and much to my surprise it was very good.  I've had some really bad pizza down in Florida.  I think the key to this one was that they didn't try to do NY style but did more of a European crust.  It had fresh basil as well that help bring out the flavor.  While we were enjoying dinner, I realized that I had forgotten to get my clothes out of the dryer!  Ooops.  I hoped they were still there when I got back.When we got back, I went to check on the clothes and luckily they were still there but they were a little bit damp.  I figured they were dry enough though to bring back to the room.  Dena had to head back to the airport to pick up Rosalie.  I ended up staying.  Somewhere along the way I got changed for bed before Dena came back.  When she did, she told me that a bunch of the folks were downstairs drinking.  She didn't tell them that I was there but she did suggest we go down.  At this point, I figured why fight it.Well I am glad I went down.  I got to see a bunch of folks.  We shared our skydiving stories and I showed off my lovely ankle brace.  Seems like the one group of guys have a tradition when they have a meeting like this to all bring a bottle of Scotch to share.  Since I didn't really work with them before they didn't know I was a scotch drinker and were very happy to share.  They all had their favorites which they wanted me to try.  I told them all that I had planned to come in and out without seeing anyone and they all asked why.  I told them that I felt like a groupie!  They said, nah, we all love you and like having you around.  That made me feel so good.  I was also glad I went down because Frankie and Maria came back so I got to see them as well.  Sometime after midnight, Dena and I decided it was time to hit the hay.  We ended up talking again for another hour!  Good thing I don't have many girl sleepovers any more or I'd never get any sleep.  As it was I think I got about 3-4 hours of sleep before having to get up and head to the airport.  All and all a great trip.  I might need to do that again! 
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/8/1236479160/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/8/1236479160/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/8/1236479160/tpod.html Tue, 12 May 2009 21:30:28 -0400 Spring Break - Not just for college students anymore

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Tampa, Florida, United States

We left Zephyr Hills and as we approached a tow truck, one of the tires fell from it and began rolling down the road.  Luckily we were able to avoid its path.   We hit the highway heading towards Tampa and my Yankees.  We exited and began the search for George Steinbrenner Stadium which is right near Raymond James Stadium.  We passed near the old spring training grounds and parked on the far side of Raymond James.  I couldn't believe how quickly we got there.  The year we went to the Outback bowl, it took as long to go from the highway to parking as it took to go from Orlando to that highway exit! We had already missed the beginning of the game, but we figured that was ok.  In the parking lot, there were several scalpers setting tickets for $25.  We decided to pass on that.  There was a nice walkway that went over the highway from the parking area to the stadium.  We passed several more scalpers on the way.  While we were waiting for the ticket agent to come available, we had one more guy offer us tickets for $20/piece.  He made me wary, particularly when he told us to meet him up at the gate.  We told him no.  When we got to the ticket agent, she informed us that there was only standing room left.  I was not relishing that, but the scalper was gone by that time so we took them.   I couldn't believe that it was $17 for standing room!  At a spring training game.  I don't even want to price out tickets at the new Yankee stadium.I was amazed by the stadium.  It had been at least 20 years since the last time I saw spring training in Tampa.  I have gone to some spring training out in the Cactus league in Arizona in recent years.  The stadium looked very much like a minor league stadium.  I don't remember there even being stadiums in the past, just fields.  We asked for the standing room area and were directed out to the Tampa Bay Tribune section behind right field.  In addition to the standing room area, there were 'seats' here.  Pretty much they were stools behind a counter area and also picnic tables.  I thought that was pretty interesting.  The view from that area was good, so if I come back I'd try and get one of those seats.We grabbed some lunch and found non-reserved sitting area for diners.  You could only see the legs of the right fielder from that spot, but with my ankle I was just happy to sit down for a little break.  I had gotten the bbq chicken which was pretty much half of a bbq roasted chicken.  It was surprisingly tasty and not too expensive.  I also got a very large diet coke because it was hot!  I was dreading standing through the rest of the game, but I wanted to see more than just the right fielders legs so we left our little table and started searching for a good area to watch the game.  We finally found a spot that wasn't too deep in standing room only folks.  There was a nice breeze, but occasionally it would blow the flags into Dena.Eventually I needed to hit the rest room so I went in search of it.  As I was leaving the area, I saw the ball pen area so I stopped to watch and photograph the pitchers warming up.  I had never been that close before.  While I was watching, the Braves' batter ripped one all the way out to the standing room only section of the stadium!  It was a good shot, too bad it was for the wrong team.  After hitting the restroom, I decided to explore a little bit.  With my ankle, I couldn't walk very far.  There were lots of eating places with different choices for food.  There were also places to sit near them which I thought was good and is something that is missing in most stadiums.  You either need to eat your food standing with a little table that has several folks around it, or you need to carry it back to your seat.  Neither are particularly appealing options.  This seems to cater more to the fan.I also stopped at the little fan store thinking I might pick up a new NY hat or visor.  Despite all the sunscreen I slathered on, I know my face was getting too much sun.  Well I had forgotten that I was still in a NY stadium and the prices were expensive.  Much more than I wanted to pay for a visor.  The A/C did feel good though so I looked around some more.  I figured I'd pick up a snack while I was here and hit the soft pretzel stand.  I had to wait a little while the pretzels cooked.  It was pretty neat.  The guy had a little oven like I've seen at hotels for making Otis Spunkmeyer cookies.  I think he was able to cook 10 pretzels at a time.  It was cool too because he was just loading up the oven when I got there, so he made one for me with very little salt.  We chatted while the pretzels cook, both of us just enjoying the nice weather.  Eventually my pretzel was ready and I headed back to rejoin Dena, looking forward to having the railing to lean against and take some pressure off the ankle.  It was definitely getting worse as the day went on.When I rejoined Dena she told me about the home run.  I told her I got to see it since I was hanging out near the ball pen.  She said that Posada had batted while I was gone and she was hoping that Jorge would hit one out to her, but no luck.  I figured he was just waiting for me to come back out. J  It is fun hanging out at sporting events with Dena since she has so much knowledge and is not just limited to her team.  She told me about when she and friend went to the Yankees-Boston game last year.  Everyone around her kept telling her that she had to take sides.  She told them that she was just a fan of the game but when it came down to it, she spilled that it didn't matter to her since she is a KC Royals fan.  The other fans took pity on that, and bought her and her friend beers, hot dogs, etc.  Who says Yankee fans are rude?  They decided when they are at other stadiums they should play that Royals card more often.  I thought it was a great story.I got to see Godzilla (Hadeki) and Jorge bat, but no home runs in our direction.  At least not from my beloved Yanks.  The Braves hit one more our way before the game was finished.  I was happy to see that the grounds crew came out during the 7th inning stretch and they did their classic "YMCA" dance.  Many people left after the 8th since it was pretty certain the Bombers weren't going to pull this game out.  Dena and I moved into two of the vacated stool seats.  They were surprisingly comfortable and once again it was good to get off the ankle for a little while.  The Braves held on to win and we joined the throngs leaving the stadium.  I noticed I began to limp.  We were close to the overhead bridge, but we had wanted to go and check out the memorial markers that we saw on the way in.  I made sure I got a photo of #7.  I should have gotten my photo with it, but I didn't.  I enjoyed reading all the inscriptions of those famous Yankees.   We finally began to head to the car.  I was definitely beginning to hurt at this point.  Many people had already left, so the walk wasn't too crowded.  We still needed to wait to get out of the parking lot.  We drove pass Raymond James stadium again and I got a better look at the pirate ship.  Definitely a better day than the Outback bowl which was cool and rainy.We headed back to the beach hotel and decided we needed to at least dip our feet in the ocean.  I finally took off my sneaker and I was shocked by how swollen it was and where it was swollen.  It looked like I had a huge growth on the side of my ankle.  It was definitely a bluish color.  I changed into my swimsuit and my flip flops.  The water was chilly, colder than I remember the gulf being this time of year.  It felt really good on my ankle.  I probably should have stood there longer.  As we headed back to the hotel, I realized the hammocks were free.  We each took one and laid down and read our books.  I put one leg over the side and would rock myself at times.  Dena wasn't sure how I could do that and read without getting sick.  I found it very relaxing.  In fact, that is one of my favorite relaxing activities whether it be a hammock or a swing.Dena went in to shower for dinner, and I decided to take a dip in the hot tub.  I figured it wasn't the best thing for the ankle but there were other parts of my body that needed the heat and jets.  I was surprised that my ankle didn't feel too bad being in the heat.  After my shower, we headed out to look for a place for dinner.  We stumbled on a place called "Silas' Steakhouse" and decided to try it.  We had to wait a little bit which wouldn't have been too bad if I could have found a seat.  I ended up leaning against a railing to take off some of the pressure on the ankle.  I still am not sure how I got my sneakers back on. We finally got seated and who do we find at the table right near us?  Frank A and his family!  I figured my cover is blown now and everyone is going to know I'm here now.  I was trying to keep it a secret because I feel like I'm a groupie to my old work group.  Oh well, I know everyone will hear now.  I had never met Frank's kids before but in my mind they were still kids like when we started all those years ago.  Nope, they are full fledge teens now.  It was good to see Donna as well since I don't think I've seen her since Jen & Brian's wedding.  I got to tell them why I was there and Dena and I filled them in our adventures in sky diving.They were just about done, so we said our goodbyes.  They told the waiter to take good care of us.  I got this filet with a blue cheese/androille sausage topping.  It was fantastic.  Dena and I also got sucked into dessert.  We shared a key lime pie.  I figure this can not be good for my weight loss efforts and wonder how many activity points I earned by jumping out of a plane.   We eventually head back to the hotel and don't stay up as late as the night before. 
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/8/1236438660/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/8/1236438660/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/psubrat93/8/1236438660/tpod.html Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:28:10 -0400 Spring Break - Not just for college students anymore

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Zephyrhills, Florida, United States

The day dawns bright and clear.  There is almost no wind.  Seems like a great day to go sky diving, but what do I know?  We stop at Walgreens because my nose just won't stop running and I pick up some saline spray.  I am very concerned now about this cold.  We both eat very light, south beach bar for me, crackers for Dena.We make our way out to the drop zone: Sky Dive City in Zephyr Hills.  I always associate Zephyr Hills with bottled water, so I guess the water source is somewhere near there.  We don't have many issues finding it, just a few places where we don't get over quick enough so just have to make a turn around.  As we drive closer to the drop zone we see some people coming down in parachutes.  Some seem to be coming in quite quickly and sideways.  This makes us both a little nervous, but we decide to go anyway.We find the registration area and get our reservation checked off.  They give us a waiver to review and sign off on.  The waiver is 3 pages long and pretty much addresses every possible situation.  So pretty much don't hold them liable for any injuries or death.  The one that made me nervous is the one about taking any mediations, but I initial anyway.  We bring it in and they tell us to pretty much put any loss items in the car and where the restrooms are.  We come back and our instructors are waiting for us.I am with Randy and Dena is with Manny.  I'm not sure how they picked out our instructors, but I thought maybe it had to do with our height.  Well Manny is very well groomed and professionally looking.  Randy is more rough and tumble with that crazy edge to him.  I'm telling you, I don't know what it is about me that I always attract the crazy ones.  But that's ok, I like the crazy ones.  Randy picks me out a jump suit and I suit up.  I'm a little concerned about it being tight in the thighs, but I'm able to get it up and zipped.  Then I'm in the harness and he makes sure that he's not cutting off my circulation in my legs.  It needs to be tight, but not constricting.  Randy tells me that we won't connect to the tandem until we are in the plane.I smile when I see his jump suit.  It is black with red flames.  Yup, I definitely attract this breed of man.  I consider asking him if he's at all suicidal since I just took my suicide preventation training yesterday.  But I don't need to because my next instruction is all the things I need to not do so we don't die.  This ensures me that he doesn't want to die either.  My favorite one was that I can't hold his hands.  I think, 'well duh, you have to operate the chute," but I guess some people get so nervous that they do that.  I am surprised just how calm I am.After some more instruction including getting my legs up on landing, we are ready to go.  I now wish we would have practiced the legs up more while we were on the ground, but I'll talk about that more later.  We head out towards the plane and Randy tells me to stay with Manny for a minute.  He heads back, turns out he forgot his altimeter.  Now that does make me a little nervous!  But soon we are all set and heading to the plane.  Dena and Manny get in first followed by Randy and I.  I feel like we just cut in line, but when I see the seating in the plane I understand now why we needed to be in first.  First in, last out.  There are two benches and we sit straddling them.  I am sitting between Randy's legs fairly close I think that is until the other folks start getting in.  I had no idea just how close we could get.  I pretty much had the chute of the guy in front of me in my lap.  I didn't think I could sit up straighter, but Randy gets me too and I'm surprisingly comfortable.We take off and I'm reminded of the Tortug Air flight in Haiti.  I wonder what elevation we achieve on that flight.  Maybe we could just jump into La Pointe and avoid the drive in the land rover.  I am still surprisingly calm.  Randy taps me on the shoulder and points towards the cockpit.  Tony is there and I wave to the camera.  He asks how I'm doing and I say I'm doing pretty good.  He says we are about halfway up and he will see me in freefall.  I check my altimeter and see that we are at about 6000'.I continue to remain calm as we continue to climb.  I see Manny is instructing Dena and I turn to see that Randy is still just hanging out calm.  I begin to wonder when we will start to go over things.  Or at least strap together.  We continue on for awhile and I notice the single divers are beginning to get ready.  Finally Randy starts getting us ready.  He unclips my googles and tells me to put them around my neck.  He keeps referring to me as 'darling' which cracks me up but I just smile.  I see that Dena is also getting ready but that she is holding her googles.  I am still surprisingly calm.  Randy tells me that when they open the door, I should put my googles on.  When they open the door, I finally begin to get a little nervous.We slide forward on the bench.  I can not believe how ackward this feels.  We start moving to the door and I see Tony go out.  I see his hand holding onto the door of the plane so he can film this.  I  am amazed that he can hold on like that.  Randy and I now walk to the door.  I feel like Quasimoto.  Randy tells me again not to bang his head against the plane roof.  Oops! We finally make it to the door.  I look out and I can't believe I'm actually going to do this.  Randy yells into my ear that we are about ready.  He tells me to lean my head back and I do.  I decide I can't look and I close my eyes.  I feel Randy rock us back and forth and then I feel us fall forward.  I open my eyes and I am amazed by the view.  I feel the G-forces against my face.  It is amazing and I scream out not in fear but from excitement.  We hit a velocity where it doesn't feel like we are falling but instead like we are just floating.  Tony comes in closer to film the free fall.  He indicated for me to wave and blow a kiss.  I do it but think I'm supposed to keep my arms out and my back arched.  I should have known something was up when Tony waves and then drifts quickly away from us.  Suddenly I feel a jerk, and I am pulled into an upright position.  I didn't realize just how tight those straps were until we were floating down.  I must say just before this I was beginning to get a little nervous again since it felt like we were floating for a long time.  I feel a sense of relief that the chute has deployed.  We start our slow descent down and we finally talk some.  Randy tells me to practice lifting my legs for landing.  He tells me I have to get them higher but I can't.  He says to relax and save my strength.  He tells me if I don't get them up on landing, I would hit and he would crash into me.  Also that I could possibly break my leg.  Yikes, now I'm scared.As we drift down Randy points out Dena and Manny to me.  Somehow they are lower than us though they exited the plane after us.  I watch as they seem to be spiraling down what seems to me rather quickly.  We seem to be making larger circles than they are.  I see a water reservoir that we seem to be circling and I hear Travis's voice in my head about gators.  I am relieved when we finally move from it and I can see the landing area at the drop zone.  We hit some bumpy air and Randy mentions that from the warmer air.  I have definitely gotten warmer and actually feel a little nausea at this point.  I am happy to say that despite my cold, my head has not exploded.  We approach the landing area and Randy tells me to put my legs up.  I am struggling.  I pull on the legs of the jumpsuit but to no avail.  The ground is getting closer and I just can't get them up high enough.  I brace for the impact.  I hit and then I'm flat on my stomach with Randy on top of me.  I'm able to get up and the only pain I really feel is like brush burns on my legs.  I am still feeling a little nausea and flushed.  I cough a couple of times and my flight suit is covered in grass.  Tony comes over to film an after flight clip and I really don't want to talk, but I say it was awesome and that I would probably do it again.  Manny comes over to check on me as well.  At this point I think I'm more embarrassed than anything.  Dena and I get the suits off.  I am surprised just how relaxed I feel.  I have the same feeling I get after SCUBA diving.  I thought I'd be full of adrenaline, but no.  Dena and I are hanging out waiting for my video to finish.  While we are waiting, Shaun finally shows up.  He asks if we already jumped and we said "yeah, where were you?"  We had hoped he would jump when we did.  He asks who we jumped with and I point out Randy and he goes "Randy?" and just starts laughing.  I knew it, he is crazy.  He asks if we got videos and I said yes.  When Tony brings it over, he suggests we go and watch it.  I'm not sure that I want to watch it with people.  Not after that landing!  We head over to "Town Hall" and pop it into the DVD player.  I like the music, but am pretty embarrassed overall.  I wasn't planning on showing anyone until I could view it.  I can't watch the landing, but I hear Shaun respond to it and that's not good.We head back outside and ask Shaun when he's going to jump.  I text Allison to let her know that we are both alive and she doesn't need to come down from Orlando to get us out of the hospital.  Five minutes later, my phone is ringing and I think it is Allison but when I check the caller ID, it is my mom.  How do mothers know these things?  She asks how things are and I tell her to guess where I am.  So I tell her that I went skydiving and like I expected she is upset.  I tell her to stop, I'm done and I'm ok.  I tell her I didn't want her to worry.  When I hang up, Shaun says "you didn't tell her before?"  Nope.  I know better.We hang out with Shaun waiting for his jump, enjoying the sun and the relax feeling.  Shaun goes to get his gear and I change into my shorts.  I am beginning to feel some pain in my ankle, but I suck it up.  Shaun starts to gear up and Dena and I are not surprised that his suit is blue.  I ask him what the little grippy things are that are on his suit and were on ours.  He said they are for different aerial formations and stuff.  He heads over to wait for his ride up.  Dena and I hang out for awhile then head out towards the field to watch.Manny points out the plane to us.  We see one parachute come out but that's it.  We see the guy come down over the pond area and then skid over the ground.  Dena is very impressed.  We find out later that for jumps like this, they jump at a much lower altitude.   We find the plane again, this time much higher and hardly visible.   We can't see any of the divers until the chutes start to open.  They seem to come in two groups.  As we watch them come down, we think we should have asked Shaun what color his parachute is.  Dena sees one that is royal blue with a lighter blue and she thinks that might be him because she thinks he'll be color coordinated.  Shaun? Color coordinated?  I don't think so.  I see a bright pink parachute and I say "I bet he has a pink chute." Dena laughs.  Since we don't know which one is him, I just photograph all the folks coming down.  When they all land, we see Shaun coming to drop off his chute in the packing tent and I called it, there is pink in that chute.  Score!  I knew he had a sensitive side. Well real men aren't afraid of pink.  Now that we know what his chute looks like, I go through the photos and see that I got a pretty good shot of him.  I confirm it with the shoes.   Dena and I are both struck that Shaun is not in long pants and boots.  So the shoes just kind of stick out as not 'normal' Shaun.We hang out with Shaun for awhile just enjoying the day.  Since Dena and I won't be jumping again, we decide to leave SkyDive City and head over to see the Yankees play.  So we leave Shaun planning on meeting up with him the next day. 
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