This is my submission to this week’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday series. Be sure to check out other photo and story entries on their website!
Travel Photo Thursday: Chatelet Metro Station
Tag: postaday2011
Packing It In For My Next Trip
I don’t know about you but when I arrive at my destination, I hate having to wait for my luggage to arrive on the airport carousel. It always seems like such a waste of time just standing there waiting when all I want to do is hit the ground running. So I take just enough to fit into a suitcase that stows easily into the overhead compartment.
I didn’t always travel like that though I can’t pinpoint now exactly when it happened.
I remember lugging what seemed like all my earthly possessions, including the kitchen sink, from one terminal to another to board a connecting flight at Madrid Barajas International Airport. I swore then that I’d never travel with more than I needed. Of course, I promptly forgot that promise as soon as I returned home.
Then there was a period when most people who flew on Air Jamaica brought a change of clothing in a carry-on bag as they never knew when they’d arrive at their destination before their luggage.
Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a trip around the world, the biggest decision to be made is what we take and what we leave behind. Seems simple, right?
As creatures of habit, we wear the same shoes, carry the same purse over and over, even though we might have other suitable ones in our closets. Why then when we go on vacation, we bring more than we usually use?
My first rule of packing is planning – I make a list just like I do when I shop. I think of what I wear in a normal week and pack those items only. I also keep a small bag in my suitcase with mini toiletries – lotion, moisturizer, deodorant, toothpaste, etc., as well gadgets such as my cell phone charger, adapter, batteries, memory cards, etc. That way I don’t have to search for them when I need them.
The week before I travel, I check the list to make sure there isn’t something I used, something I might need that wasn’t on the list. For example, I might have started taking a new vitamin or prescription.
Since I started getting ready for my trip, I’ve been asking other travel bloggers for their luggage recommendations and researching suitable suitcases. Here are two that been highly recommended:
MEI Voyageur: Measuring 22 x 14 x 9, this backpack converts to a traditional looking luggage, so you don’t have to look like a backpacker (though nothing’s wrong with that) when you check into a fancy hotel. It’s hand made to order in the U.S. and comes with a lifetime warranty. Costs $139.
Kelty Redwing 2650 Backpack: This one was recommended by John at Happypoppeye, an intrepid traveler.
Enjoy!
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The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Last weekend, I decided to go to Washington, DC to see family and friends and also to view the monument to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which was recently unveiled on the Mall.
It was to have been dedicated on August 28th in a ceremony marking the anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech but was postponed because of the arrival of Hurricane Irene.
As with most public art pieces, there has been some controversy. One, that the project did not go to an American and two, that Dr. King’s features look Asian.
I had assumed the sculptor would have been African-American, I had no idea that he was Chinese or that the competition had been open to international artists. But we must accept that we live in a global community. Most importantly, Dr. King’s work was about equality and fairness for everyone, not just black people.
I don’t think, like I’ve heard others say, that the rendering of his image makes him look Asian. I wonder though, if the sculptor’s identity had not revealed, if that idea would even have entered our minds.
Those issues aside, my observation or maybe my preference would have been for a likeness of Dr. King with a smile on his face. So many times, in photos, he’s smiling. Then again, I’m sure there would have been those who would have objected.
The first thing I saw as I entered the grounds were two large slabs of granite flanking the entrance. I couldn’t interpret what they meant until I noticed that the monument itself looked as if it had been cut from the center. Then it made sense. The granite represented the mountain. And as the quote that’s etched into the side of the monument noted, Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.
Dr. King gazes quietly and reflectively over the Tidal Basin towards the Jefferson Memorial. His hands are folded, his legs are slightly apart. It is a peaceful and powerful pose.
Behind the sculpture is a wall that’s been inscribed with quotations from speeches that Dr. King made in the U.S. and around the world.
As I walked around, taking photos, looking at the sculpture, I couldn’t help thinking of the work that went into creating the memorial and the holiday to honor this remarkable man, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Soulful Sundays – Dame Shirley Bassey
My mom loved Dame Shirley Bassey but I didn’t appreciate her until I realized she sang the theme song to Goldfinger (I’m a big of the James Bond movies). That’s when I really took notice.
Like Tom Jones, the other famous Welsh singer, Dame Shirley worked in a factory. She also sang in local clubs in the evenings and on weekends.
Dame Shirley signed her first professional contract in 1953 and sang in a touring show. Her first single, Burn My Candle (At Both Ends), was recorded three years later. In 1959, she became the first Welsh artist to have a number one single, As I Love You.
Her 1964 recording of the James Bond theme brought her international fame and had a large impact on her career. She also sang the theme songs to Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker.
Recently, my friend Joan, re-introduced me to Dame Shirley by introducing me to her signature song, This Is My Life. I had goose bumps as I listened and as soon as I got home, searched the Internet to find it on YouTube. The lyrics, below, are just as powerful.
Enjoy!
The Is My Life
Funny how a lonely day, can make a person say:
What good is my life
Funny how a breaking heart, can make me start to say:
What good is my life
Funny how I often seem to think I’ll find never another dream
In my life
Till I look around and see this great big world is part of me
And my life
This is my life
Today, tomorrow, love will come and find me
But that’s the way that I was born to be
This is me
This is me
This is my life
And I don’t give a damn for lost emotions
I’ve such a lot of love I’ve got to give
Let me live
Let me live
Sometime when I feel afraid, I think of what a mess I’ve made
Of my life
Crying over my mistakes, forgetting all the breaks I’ve had
In my life
I was put on earth to be a part of this great world is me
And my life
Guess I’ll just add up the score, and count the things I’m grateful for
In my life
This Is my life
Today, tomorrow, love will come and find me
But that’s the way that I was born to be
This is me
This is me
This is my life
And I don’t give a damn for lost emotions
I’ve such a lot of love I’ve got to give
Let me live
Let me live
This is my life
This is my life
This is my life
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Sunset
I’m not sure which I love more: sunrises or sunsets. Both bathe the earth with amazingly beautiful colors.
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The Journey Begins
For quite sometime now, I’ve nursed a dream to return to Jamaica, the place I was born. It wasn’t one I shared easily as many people, my family included, worried. They questioned how I’d manage, how I’d deal with a place I haven’t lived in for more than 30 years. But I knew it was something I had to do. I knew Jamaica was somewhere in my future. That future is now.
Like me, Jamaica has changed but not always for the better. With a population of nearly 3 million, its rate of economic growth is estimated at only about 2.5%, inflation just under 12% and unemployment stands at nearly 12%. And though it recorded its lowest crime rate since 2003, it is still at worrisome levels.
One doesn’t need an advanced degree in sociology or economics to explain why this is. Whenever the gap between those who have and those who don’t becomes an ever widening chasm, there will be consequences.
The reality is that the Jamaica that a visitor sees is not the one I will live in. But reality becomes secondary to what the soul wants.
What I know is that Jamaica is the only place on earth that grounds me, makes my heart sing and makes me feel whole. It grabs my heart, infuriates me and makes me scream sometimes. But it is where I feel I have a voice. I can’t easily ignore the problems without wanting to do something about it, though I have no idea what.
As I wrote on my About page, I’ve longed to explore this place, touch its heart and find its soul. So for the next few months, I’ll be writing almost exclusively about Jamaica and sharing my experiences with you.
On August 6th next year, Jamaica will celebrate 50 years of Independence from Britain. I mourn what we’ve lost but I’m curious to see how we’ve grown, what we’ve accomplished, what we’re proud of. Most importantly, I want to be there to breathe it, to see and hear it, because Jamaica is more than a country, it’s a clash of contrasts. It’s an experience.
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Travel Photo Thursday – Table Mountain’s ‘Tablecloth’
The day after we arrived in Cape Town, a spectacularly beautiful day, with few clouds, our guide, Ian, insisted that we visit Table Mountain. We had other ideas but eventually decided to follow his advice.
The following day, the day we wanted to go, puffy, white clouds blanketed the mountain. Ian said it was its Tablecloth.
This is my submission to this week’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday series. Be sure to check out other photo and story entries on their website!
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A Wordless Wednesday
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10 Places to Eat Near Times Square
I’ve created several lists to help Tony plan his trip to New York City this fall but I hadn’t come up with recommendations for places to eat until today.
Since Tony plans to return to the same Times Square area hotel he stayed at before, I’ll focus on the restaurants in the 9th Avenue corridor, arguably one of the best areas to dine in the city.
What I love about this area is that the ethnic diversity of New York City is reflected there. There’s Italian, South African, Indian, Thai, Mexican, Caribbean, American, Middle Eastern, African – you get the drift.
Another thing I also love is that you can have a delicious meal for under $20 per person. And if you only want to have a drink, you have a choice of bars and pubs there as well. So, if you’re in the Times Square/Port Authority area, the only reason for you to be hungry is if you’ve run out of money.
- Five Napkin Burger: It’s no joke, you will need five (or more) napkins to wipe your face and hands while you eat at Five Napkin Burger. The restaurant is always full so make reservations or try to get there outside of dinner and lunch hours. 630 9th Ave, 212-757-2277
- Ollies: Ollies (Sichuan) has another location near Lincoln Center which I used to go to before I went to this one. I feel the food’s better here. 411 W 42nd Street, 868-6588
- Chenab Indian & Pakistani*: London is well known for its Indian restaurants. I’d love to hear what Tony thinks of Chenab. 540 9th Ave, 212-947-3282
- Sergimmo Salumeria*: I rarely order lasagna when I go to an Italian restaurant but I did here and loved it. 456 9th Ave, 212-967-4212
- Tehuitzingo Deli & Grocery*: Ignore the set-up and just go to the back and order your tacos. You won’t be disappointed. 695 10th Ave, 212-397-5956
- Thai Select*: There are several good choices on their menu but if you want to stick with the usual, they make a good pad thai. 472 9th Ave, 212-695-9920
- Meskerem 47*: Ethiopian – Any of their stews, some couscous and injera will be enough to fill you up. No utensils needed. 468 W 47th St, 664-0520
- El Papasito*: Dominican – I was introduced to this restaurant by a Dominican colleague and have been going there for over 10 years now. The food is tasty, fresh and filling. Love their chicharron de pollo (fried chicken), mofongo (mashed plantains), tripe soup and lemonade – 346 W 53rd Street, btw 8th & 9th Avenues, 212-265-2225.
- Churrascaria Plataforma: Because I don’t buy or eat much beef, I’m always surprised to see beef so proudly displayed, as you’ll notice at this Brazilian all-you-can-eat steakhouse. Thankfully, beef isn’t the only thing on the menu. It’s a little pricier than the restaurants I’ve listed above but it’s worth experiencing. 316 W 49th Street, btw 8th & 9th Avenues.
- McQuaids: My pub experience in London didn’t leave me very impressed so I’m introducing Tony to a New York pub. I’ve not been to McQuaids but two friends have recommended it. I hope Tony’s able to go and tell me what he thinks. 589 11th Ave, 582-6359
* $10 Entrees available.
Bon Appetit!
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5 Off-Broadway Plays Worth Seeing
In continuing to help Tony, my blog buddy, plan his fall trip to New York City, I promised to suggest 5 Off-Broadway plays that I think he should consider seeing.
As we no doubt know already, New York has no shortage of venues to watch good quality theater productions. Personally, I love supporting Off- and Off-Off-Broadway shows. For one thing, you never know whom you’ll see on stage. I’ve recognized many television and movie actors, usually playing against type, and watched plays written by several as yet undiscovered playwrights. Another thing is that the price is usually not as high as what you’d pay on Broadway.
So here are 5 suggestions for that Tony and his teenage kids can check out when they’re in New York City.
- Blue Man Group – A crowd favorite. This three-man performance art group which combines music, comedy and multimedia. Oh, and they’re dressed head to toe in blue.
- Love, Loss and What I Wore – If clothes could talk, my, the stories they’d tell. Love, Loss explores the memories that are triggered by clothing and accessories.
- Lost in Yonkers – Following their mother’s death, two young boys go to live with their stern grandmother in Yonkers. Written by Neil Simon
- The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs – The CEO of Apple brings us irresistible gadgets that we can’t stop buying. This one-man performance examines the man, the products and how they’re made.
- Sons of the Prophet, A Lebanese family in Pennsylvania deals with family crises with a sense of humor.
Tickets to Broadway shows can be pretty pricey but there’s one place I know that you can always score up to 50% discounted tickets on the day of the performance and that’s at the Theater Development Fund’s kiosk in Times Square.
Matinee tickets are sold the day before at their South Street and Brooklyn locations. They accept major credit cards, cash and travelers checks.
Enjoy!
