Sagrada Familia, Barcelona #2

So, let me give you a hint about traveling and technology...

Overnight is the perfect time to recharge your batteries (both physically and technologically), but be warned... when you recharge your camera overnight and get up early, specifically to beat the crowds and the long long queues, make sure BEFORE you depart for the day, you collect the battery from the said charger and put it in your camera.

Don't wait until you get to your destination to realise the battery is still attached to the powerpoint back in your hotel room.

Afterall, a camera without a battery is kinda useless! Trust me, I know.


Thankfully my iphone came to the rescue and through the magic of instagram, the photos still look pretty amazing.

Facebook. Love it or hate it, it sure is funny sometimes...

This was posted by a friend this week on facebook... you may well have seen it already, but I just HAD to share it here. Totally hillarious!

Oh, and to the moron who accused the "Words for Friends" FB page of being Big Brother because they asked a question about how often you play the game... I think you're a little late with your concerns. I think you joined the Big Brother network the day you signed up for FB.

Don't want Big Brother watching you? You might want to stay off the internet all together. Aye aye aye.

Priceless...

Calls to Spirit Air in search of missing luggage, that were never answered or retuned? 33
Cost of one night at dodgiest hotel in Atlantic City - $200+
New grey hairs due to stress in last 24 hours - 94
Tissues required for tears of frustration and exhaustion due to lack of sleep - 3

Cost of taxi to (and from) airport to enquire if bag had shown up (due to them NOT answering calls or responding to messages) - $62

The relief at having been reunited with Mum's luggage?

PRICELESS!

(now we are off to the beach - also priceless!)
Thank you so much to my USA blogging friend LG who offered her assistance in case we needed it. You are without doubt a shining star (and also priceless!)

Bed bugs! Bed bugs! Bed bugs! There, now just try not to itch, I dare you!

Seriously, up until now we have been having a dream run. The weather has been good, we have been catching up with old friends and hanging out doing the touristy things... we've been having a great time. Sure we have had blips along the way... where we haven't been able to work out a bus timetable, or internet hasn't been available, or people have been snappy... (Oh actually, that would probably be me!) but boo hoo! Really we have been travelling along very nicely thank you very much.

Until today, that is.

It started with Mum's luggage going missing in action. Maybe it got homesick and decided a side trip back to Australia was in order. Maybe it is vacationing in the Bahamas, or maybe it's just decided to stay in Detroit (beats me why, I for one couldn't wait to get outta there!)

And if it is stolen? Then screw the effers who took it, because, quite frankly, it's really messed with our plans dammit! And I hope you are happy with your old ladies knickers!

But the luggage going missing is just the half of it... or at least the catalyst for the miserable parts of our day in any case.
Let me have a whinge, get it all off my chest and then I can begin to like America again. Because right now, the love affair is over.* Right now I am sitting in some dingy little hotel room, somewhere in no-mans land between two casino precincts in Atlantic City, with the door locked, too afraid to turn on the TV in fear of electrocution, having just eaten bad takeaway pizza for dinner so that we could get back to our hotel in the relative safety of daylight.*

Right now, Mum is trying to decide which of my t-shirts she can wear in the morning. And I have just finished checking my bed for bugs.* And for most of the day, we have been waiting for someone/anyyyyyone to call us to let us know if they have managed to track down Mum's bag. To even answer the help number we have been calling for the last 4 hours would be nice.

We hadn't even decided whether to stay here or head down the coast, but once we realised Mum's luggage had not appeared, we were out of options. We had to stay and hope that the bag was returned, and we had to find accommodation... in a City that thrives on the tourist dollar... on a Saturday night... in peak season... And so we called the number given to us at the airport and arranged it all over the phone.

Big mistake... Paying over the phone, was big mistake number 2. Staying in a hotel called Super 8? Not so lucky!

Apparently it is a busy weekend. Apparently there are few spare beds in the entire city of Atlantic City. And accordingly, rates rise becuase of it... and so we have ended up paying WELL over what we have paid for ANY of the accommodation we have had so far, for a hotel that is FAR WORSE than anywhere we have stayed thus far. In fact 'slumming it'* would be a fair description.

Think gunge, think stripper bar next door*, think sirens and noisy neighbours (and it's only 8pm) and you are on the right track so far... We can't wait to leave in the morning. And rest assured we will be leaving in the morning, WITH OR WITHOUT Mum's bag!

*Don't panic, I am prone to exageration.
Canada update and photos on the way, just had to get this off my chest!

We've arrested your Mum and sent her back to Australia...

So it was a long flight. Really long. 14 hours which seemed to stretch to days. By the time we arrived in Los Angeles we were both already feeling pretty wiped out (I had worked the day I left and we left at 8.45 pm so with little sleep, we both felt as if we had been on the move for hours)

Anyway.

We arrive at LA, where we have to go through immigration and passport checks. Mum and I queue and go to separate desks to be processed. I get through first and Mum is still being checked and looking a little confused.

There is something wrong with her passport and visa. They don't match.

No probs, I say, I'll go and get the luggage and meet you back here once they have it all sorted out. And off I go.

Thing is, I start getting a little anxious when I am the last to collect my luggage and not only has Mum not appeared, she has disappeared. I can't find her where I last saw her. She is NOWHERE to be seen!

So I find the official who had been dealing with her, and after he was finished with his current group, I asked him if he knew where my Mum had gone.

He looked me straight in the eye and said: "We have arrested her and sent her back to Australia".

Now, I have always been told these guys are not ones to joke around and so, I was thinking something was definitely wrong. And that very possibly Mum was hyperventilating somewhere at the prospect of a 14 hour return trip to Australia without as much as a taste of a NYC hotdog!

What do you mean? Are you serious? Arrested?

The look on my face must have made his day and he seemed to respond accordingly, with smiles, laughter and reassurance that he was "only joking"!!!

Who said these guys didn't have a sense of humour???
He was an absolute cracker!
Aye aye aye!

No need to worry, my Mum was eventually processed and let into the country and we went on our merry way.

We have just arrived in Portland Maine, about 30 hours after leaving Melbourne. It's midday and as we need to keep moving so that we don't crash too early. The weather is warm and the pool is beckoning...

Back in 'my day' it wasn't this complicated... was it?

I traveled extensively in my 20s. India (briefly) and Africa at the innocent age of 21, followed by countries across 3 continents. I look back and wonder at my bravery. I had a few close calls... and a lot of luck along the way. I certainly never considered myself brave, and truth be told, it was probably more naivete that got me through (and may well have been my salvation)!



And whilst things were not always easier, all in all, they were more simple times.

In those days there were none of the complications of todays techno travel...

I said my farewells at the departures gate, not knowing when I would next speak to my family. 

I had a passport pre-stamped to allow my entry into foreign countries. 

I used a backpack and carried it like a turtle carries it's home - on my back. 

I carried a money belt packed with my airline tickets, travelers cheques, some local currency...

and a swiss army knife!!!

I had a list of post offices where I would collect post... a service referred to as poste restante.

I had a camera and a spare battery.

16 rolls of film in a lead lined bag to protect it from the xray machines.

A dog-eared Lonely Planet filled with circled cheap deals and places to stay.

Adventure waited around every corner.

There was no internet.

No email.

No mobile phones.

No quick way to call for help if the going got tough, or book a hotel from the train before arriving in unfamiliar territory.

Luggage did not come with built in wheels.

As I said, they were simpler times.

This time around, it feels like an exercise in technological warfare.
Passport with electronic chip inserted.

Electronic visa.

Home printed tickets with barcode for electronic check-in.

Mobile phone.

Charger.

Camera.

Charger.

Memory cards.

Netbook.

Charger.

Cords.

Cables.

Converters.

Adaptors.

Credit cards.

Pin numbers.

Cash passport with US currency.

Pin numbers.

ATM card/s.

More pin numbers.

Surely our simple, more advanced life, is actually more complicated than ever? My luggage is going to be chock a block full of cables and electronic goods. And I haven't even started packing yet. And I am definitely suffering from a major case of pin number fatigue.

There are days when I really want a drink...

I don't really drink alcohol.
Mostly it's because I don't like the taste.


It would be nice to sit with friends and share a bottle of wine, to enjoy a social gathering over a few drinks at the end of the week or a hot summer's day. But to this day I have never managed to find a wine or beer that I especially like. So I figure, why bother?


But there are days...
when I am over the slog
when my patience is wearing thin
when all I want to do is scream bloody murder...
when I think that having a few bevies to calm the turmoil inside my head, might come in handy.
That drinking myself into oblivion might soak away the voices and frustrations. Where my sorrows will be drowned and silenced.

Somedays I believe that waking up with a hangover, might just be preferable to waking up with the head-hurting knowledge that groundhog day is waiting for me to get out of bed to start all over again.

Feeling a little bit stuck...

And I'm feeling like I'm going nowhere fast.

But before I whinge TOOO much and you leave because you can't stand to hear another whiny post about me not knowing what to do or which direction to turn, I am working on it.

I am doing morning pages again (the main exercise from The Artists Way which I always find effective and stimulating) and I am reading "Finding my own North Star" which I am really starting to get into. Thanks to Kate one of my first blogging friends, for the recommendation, it's definitely relevant.

Funnily enough (in a sad sort of way) as I'm reading each chapter, it's actually all sounding very familiar, confirming I am waaay off track. Oh boy, am I off track! This book could well have been written for me!

Hopefully soon, as well as describing the smog filled life that I am living and confirming that this is not where I want to be, it's going to give me some answers and help me (help myself) to get outta this mess.

Has anyone else read this? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

A $15 bottle of hair colour does amazing things for a girl’s confidence...

I've been pretty cranky this week.
Mostly about work, but not that excited about much else either. September is often like this for me as I drag myself out of my winter slump. But work is especially getting me down. Whenever new work drops into my intray, I sigh with resignation that it's groundhog day again. Same thing, day in, day out.

Most days I just get on with it, but some days it gets me down. Yesterday was one such day. And it showed.

I was less than receptive when Amy (client and also good friend) dropped a job to me and I showed her little enthusiasm. I only managed a weak smile and I later emailed her to apologise. She has known for a long time that I am not happy at my work, and her response was a big cyber hug into my email inbox.

You haven’t been happy here for a long time. That’s before the job crapiness, and before your brother died and everything. I think it’s time we let the butterfly out of the cage... Where would you like to spread your wings Miss?

And herein lies my biggest problem. I really don't know. I have absolutely NO eFn IDEA where to spread my wings.

Her reply to me:
Ok, tell me when in the last 5 – 10 years you have felt happiness. When have you been complete and most at peace. Give me a place, or an event, or a set of circumstances. Just think about it and then type without judgement...

And so she reminded me once again to look for my happiness where I have found it in the past...

Learning new stuff.
Especially creative things.
Spending time creating and being with people who are positive and enthusiastic about doing the same.
And writing.
And hanging out with friends.
And family at the right times.
And when I am challenging myself.
And feeling good about myself.
These things make me happy.
But right now... I feel like a troll.
An angry shitty, disagreeable TROLL.
With bad hair.
send.

And the wise (and loving) reply...

Well, so far I haven’t seen anything that can’t be fixed. You may have momentarily forgotten this, so I’ll happily remind you...

Ah hem. You are a wonderful, kind, creative, talented, inspiring, motivated, funny, gorgeous, warm, caring, articulate, sensitive, original and incredibly strong woman. You WILL find a way to get back to your whole self, it’s coming, promise. You continue to grow your repertoire of talents, whether that’s in the creative area, or just dealing with different sorts of people, all of these are the skills that will get you to where you want to go. Go home tonight and do something that makes you feel more like you. And a $15 bottle of hair colour does amazing things for a girl’s confidence, trust me! ;)

Awww Ames... what can I say, but thanks. Your reminders and support have got me through to the end of the week. How awesome, that whilst working in a job that I don't much like, I have found such a great friend. That alone makes coming in every day that much easier. Thanks.

Oh, and that hair dye is top of my shopping list for the weekend.
It's a good place to start. And a bit of a lazy start on Saturday.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

Why facebook and employers should never mix...

This was emailed to me today, and I couldn't resist. I just had to share it with you!

Hope you are having a good week. Let's hope it is at least better than this person!

Driving is driving me crazy...

Seriously, what is it with taxi's? I understand they don't WANT to get to their destinations too quickly. I understand that they are probably quite happy to catch all the red lights. I expect they might even be pleased when the traffic is congested and it starts to rain...

And me? I just want to get where I am going safely and as stress free, and as promptly, as possible. I do NOT want to sit in the right lane doing 10km's under the speed limit. I am pleased when the traffic light God looks favourably upon me and blesses me with a string of green lights. And when it's a quiet day on the road and I don't take longer than public transport to get home after work (yes, you guessed it) I am grateful for the lucky break.

But for whatever reason, I keep getting stuck (you guessed - right again) behind every 'go slow' taxi in Melbourne. And I'm over it. Go slow by all means. Catch all the red lights (someone has to). But please please PERLEASE, get out of the right lane and let us non fare collecting drivers past.

Gheesh.

Oh and another thing... to the moron who was shaving whilst driving at 100kms an hour on the Tulla this morning, have a shave BEFORE you leave home! I could hardly believe it. FINALLY there is a driver on the road doing the speed limit and he decides it's the time to take a shave. Oh good grief.

And finally... cos I know I meant to post about this when it happened in summer last year and it's just now as I am on my little rant that it comes to mind...

I drive out of work, and sit at the lights waiting to head onto the freeway, and the guy in the car in front of me is smoking, arm hanging out the window, cigarette in hand and flicking his ash on a total fire ban day, and with the OTHER hand he is pressing his mobile to his ear. Hmmm... It did make me wonder how exactly he was planning to steer.

I mean seriously. These things drive me crazy.

Do I get sent straight to hell for beeping an ambulance?

I know I know. It was not one of my prouder moments... but before you shake your head in despair and disappointment, please let me explain.

Firstly. The ambulance was NOT in a hurry.

The lights were not flashing, nor were sirens blaring.

Rest assured, had this been the case I would have been completely out of it's way to allow it's hasty passage. As it was, until it was beside me (having come up from behind me), I was unaware it was more than a big white van. It was raining and visibility was not good. He (like me) was struggling along in traffic. And traffic was slow.

I drive a mini. I do my best to ensure I can see as far in front as possible and I also try and ensure people can see me too. Believe me, I know if I am behind a truck or a 4WD I disappear in their rear view mirror. And so I drive so that I can be seen... Of course this still relies on other drivers staying alert too and especially TAKING THE TROUBLE TO LOOK OVER THEIR SHOULDER to see if the road is clear... BEFORE THEY DECIDE TO CHANGE LANES!

SO. It's raining. I'm in traffic. Beside the ambulance. Visibility is poor. And before I know it, as the traffic slowly eases forward, I realise the ambulance is moving into my lane. Not in front. Not behind. But right on top of me.

And, because I figure he didn't even know I was there, I beep.

It's a quick 'warning' beep, not a blaring blast... enough to let them know I was already in the space they were planning on filling. It possibly saved us a bingle. And yet, as he moved back into his lane, leaned out the window and glared at me (looking MOST unimpressed that he had been 'beeped') and I mouthed "Did you even LOOK?" I couldn't help but wonder if this is just a little black mark against my name...

It's a sad sad day when no-one tells you that there is white paint in your hair, because they think it's your natural colour...

Painting white walls and ceilings and I manage to get white paint in my hair. Not just a splash, a decent streak.

And not one person noticed.
Not one!

Except me.
After a trip to the shops and dinner out.

hmmm...

Word Verification Interpretation...

Is it just me, or does anyone else have issues with word verification?

I have a ridiculous amount of trouble with word verification when posting comments on blogs. It is not unusual for me to have to try a few of times before I finally get it right. I have even lost comments when I screwed up too many times! (By the way, if my comment on your blog lacks wit, the first one was better!)

Maybe it is my eyesight. Maybe it is my typing (a high possibility). Maybe it is because some of the letters just seem to blend into one another. Whatever it is, I really don't know. I just know there are days when I struggle to get it right.

BUT. Something has changed.

Has anyone else noticed that lately they have become easier?

Some almost read like real words.

And mostly I have managed to get them first time. Ha!

Oh and some are just a little bit funny.
I just had to add this one... a giggle for all the 9 year old boys who drop by my blog!

And finally. Do you believe I have just created an entire post on this subject?
Good grief.

Getting your wires crossed...

Some days it seems like the message just doesn't get through... And looking at these pics, it's hardly surprising. In fact, looking at these pics, you'd have to wonder how anyone manages (in technological terms at least) to communicate at all!

Need a laugh? Check this out...

Have a nice day!

:-)

Forgetting Mother's Day...

Yes, it's true. I did. I forgot...

I know, I know, you don't have to say anything, I feel guilty enough already!

A few weeks ago as my brother, his girlfriend, Mal and I, arranged a week-end away, we all totally forgot about Mother's Day. By the time we remembered, it was too late to change the booking.

As regular readers know, I love my Mum and I think she is amazing, and normally, I would celebrate Mother's day in her fine company. BUT given my poor memory, the celebrations have been delayed.

Today I called and gave her a big hug over the phone. Tomorrow night she is coming to stay and I will definitely make up for it. In the meantime, Happy Mother's Day, Mum! xxx

What will they think of next?

The old... Tape Measure Belt.

Hmmm...
Can't say this is a winner with me at all.