Friday, January 6, 2012
Dug out the suitcases...
Leaving in about a week for Bangkok! This year my best friend Sara is coming too! We are going to take 3+ months to travel to Thailand, Bali, and The Philippines! yay! Keep you posted...haven't started packing yet. I have some great new ideas for Waterlily though...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
In airplane world, is assertion necessary? -Or, is it an American thing? Part 1
The difference between flying foreign and domestic carriers is like night and day. Last week I used frequent flyer miles to fly from Portland Maine to San Diego Cali, I flew on Delta. (Need I say more?) Anyway, my title for that blog I was going to write was "In airplane world, assertion is key." So this is in a nutshell how it went down;
The flight coming out of Portland was delayed once we were on the tarmac due to mechanical issues. (not what you wanna hear before take-off) Because they waited until we had already boarded, they then had legally 3 hours to fix the problem before passengers could deplane and make other arrangements. If they had told us at the gate then passengers would have already been trying to make other arrangements- resulting in chaos, and no one probably would have gotten on the plane. So, there we sat for at least an hour and a half in the cold with no snacks waiting to hear if the plane was fixed so we could fly on to Detroit. Finally the problem checked out- and off we went without another snag until we landed in Detroit.
Nearly every person who was connecting was to miss or nearly miss their connecting flights. My flight to San Diego was due to take off at the exact time we were deplaning. I found out that it was too delayed for 20 minutes, so I had about 5 minutes from the time I got off the plane to run from concourse C to concourse A. I overheard a passenger talking about me somewhere from behind saying, "depends on whether she's a glass is half full, or empty person I guess. . . "
I ran outta the gate, and tried to ask the first attendant I saw to which gate I was supposed to head in order to catch the flight. I didn't want to be too rude just to jump in and ask where is my gate? but the person behind me just belted out at the nice man "Phoenix!!" so, I knew that is what I had to do too. "San Diego!!" at the top of my lungs breaking up any conversation the gate attendant was having with polite customers. (This insistence felt weird to me, but I was taking cues from the older lady before me, and it worked. In this situation I guess that is what you are supposed to do. So then I RAN RAN RAN. Got to the gate. . . and . . . everyone was just standing around waiting to board. still. This flight too had been delayed due to snow. (wouldda been nice to know)
While I stood waiting I realized that I had a middle seat, which is a nightmare to a person with a bad neck, so I weighted my options. . . just let it go and don't cause any waves for the gate attendants who were already pulling their hair out to accommodate the long queue, OR be firm and just ask. I didn't want to I really didn't. The part of my personality I inherited from my mom woullda just suffered in my seat. But, my new assertion worked a few minutes ago, and I was jacked on adrenaline from all the running, so I busted into the commotion, decisively asked, and the gate attendant was quick to upgrade my seat! Lucky duck! Wow, assertion did pay off in this case.
So, that was going to be it. My blog about how you just have to weasel in with these things sometimes to get what you want. Seems kinda American. Don't take a back seat. Stand up for yourself. You are important. Yada, yada.
A few days after, I was taking a flight from LAX to Bangkok on one of my favorite airlines, Korean Air when my latest realization was challenged. . . to be continued. . .
The flight coming out of Portland was delayed once we were on the tarmac due to mechanical issues. (not what you wanna hear before take-off) Because they waited until we had already boarded, they then had legally 3 hours to fix the problem before passengers could deplane and make other arrangements. If they had told us at the gate then passengers would have already been trying to make other arrangements- resulting in chaos, and no one probably would have gotten on the plane. So, there we sat for at least an hour and a half in the cold with no snacks waiting to hear if the plane was fixed so we could fly on to Detroit. Finally the problem checked out- and off we went without another snag until we landed in Detroit.
Nearly every person who was connecting was to miss or nearly miss their connecting flights. My flight to San Diego was due to take off at the exact time we were deplaning. I found out that it was too delayed for 20 minutes, so I had about 5 minutes from the time I got off the plane to run from concourse C to concourse A. I overheard a passenger talking about me somewhere from behind saying, "depends on whether she's a glass is half full, or empty person I guess. . . "
I ran outta the gate, and tried to ask the first attendant I saw to which gate I was supposed to head in order to catch the flight. I didn't want to be too rude just to jump in and ask where is my gate? but the person behind me just belted out at the nice man "Phoenix!!" so, I knew that is what I had to do too. "San Diego!!" at the top of my lungs breaking up any conversation the gate attendant was having with polite customers. (This insistence felt weird to me, but I was taking cues from the older lady before me, and it worked. In this situation I guess that is what you are supposed to do. So then I RAN RAN RAN. Got to the gate. . . and . . . everyone was just standing around waiting to board. still. This flight too had been delayed due to snow. (wouldda been nice to know)
While I stood waiting I realized that I had a middle seat, which is a nightmare to a person with a bad neck, so I weighted my options. . . just let it go and don't cause any waves for the gate attendants who were already pulling their hair out to accommodate the long queue, OR be firm and just ask. I didn't want to I really didn't. The part of my personality I inherited from my mom woullda just suffered in my seat. But, my new assertion worked a few minutes ago, and I was jacked on adrenaline from all the running, so I busted into the commotion, decisively asked, and the gate attendant was quick to upgrade my seat! Lucky duck! Wow, assertion did pay off in this case.
So, that was going to be it. My blog about how you just have to weasel in with these things sometimes to get what you want. Seems kinda American. Don't take a back seat. Stand up for yourself. You are important. Yada, yada.
A few days after, I was taking a flight from LAX to Bangkok on one of my favorite airlines, Korean Air when my latest realization was challenged. . . to be continued. . .
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Emerging from the dust and chai-
I'm observing and letting my senses take over, crosslegged on the pile of cushions made from patchwork cloths, and the heaps of samples and material. Op! The power has cut! -Incredible India, as they say.
-See that jacket on the rack? It smells of these things. It's alive with the energy of this place.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Let go and trust
A few hours before my departure from the US last week, my mother left me with a bit of advice; "Renee, have a good time, but don't trust anyone."
huh, I thought.
"Mom, thats terrible advice." I said. " Why would you say that?" I got defensive toward that remark."I know what Im doing and who to trust." I say. "I've been coming to Asia for 10 years mom!" After we said our goodbyes, I continued to mull over her parting advice.
This seems to be prevailing thought currently in the U.S.. Yes, I hear it time and time again from many when I'm about to travel. "Why would you wanna go over there?"
It's really sad. Not only is it sad when you think about where I'm about to travel, Thailand, "The Land of Smiles" but also because should you really be thinking that about anywhere? (Ok, perhaps countries who are in war but. . .)
It's really sad. Not only is it sad when you think about where I'm about to travel, Thailand, "The Land of Smiles" but also because should you really be thinking that about anywhere? (Ok, perhaps countries who are in war but. . .)
I have an understanding of why she thought to say it. . .Mainly the problem is, I think most Americans are now so glued to the terrible things going on on their TV sets, that the world outside of their home seems to be a VERY scary place. If you spend all of your time watching the news, and various murder and medical programs, your fear would seem to most definitely rise! Especially, if, like my mom, you don't travel and get out often enough to witness for yourself that the world is quite wonderful! And another one; that people are generally good. C'mon folks, this isn't rocket science! I do belong to the school of thught that states that like attracts like- or what ever you put out is what your gonna get back. And I honestly believe that. But not only is Thailand one of the most friendly and safe places that Ive ever been, I trust this place, and I trust my instincts. -And if we dont have our instinct, and a sense of love and trust out there, whether it be backpacking across the world, or going to get the mail in your own backyard, god help us!
The universe is one and we are one with it.
I am soooo happy to be back in Thailand where the hearts and minds of the people are not over-run by fear of your neighbor. Rak Muang Thai. I love you mom.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
This is what I do. . . in Thailand (part 1, logistics/bangkok)
Hello out there in blogland-
I've been getting a lot of emails about travel advice for Thailand- so I'm thinking this blog might help a few people who are going, or thinking about going.
My style of traveling;
I travel basically pretty cheaply. I'm gone for about 4 months a year, so I need to make the money stretch. My avg. favorite guest houses are probably 12.00 usd/night. I might spend about $30-35 usd/day total for food, guest house, taxis, massage, clothes, etc. You can spend less, and you can def. spend more! But thinking back on the last ten years, I'd say I always personally budget for spending about $1000/month. One way to save though, is www.couchsurfing.org and other great internet sites to stay at people's homes, and really get to know the thai's. Great way to see the country, meet the people, and stay cheaply!
TAXI/TRANSPORT/BUS
Lets start in Bangkok. From the airport, I either take the airport bus for 150 Baht, (4.50 usd) or a meter taxi. This will hugely depend upon where you are staying. The taxi is best (more convenient), but a bit more pricey, I prob. pay around 400-500 (14.00usd) Baht. One thing you could do is just ask others at the airport to share in your taxi. I do that a lot. Especially if I see backpackers, I assume that they will be staying in Banglamphu district (khaosan area), so you can share pretty easily for that.
Once you're in Bangkok, I recommend always to take a meter taxi. But this can be tricky for the green traveler. Taxi drivers like anywhere can be sharks! They can sense fresh prey! So, the best thing to do, is to be cool- look like you know what you're doing, hop in and tell them where you are going. Go into it assuming that they will do meter. But, if they quote you a price of any amount or don't put their meter on RIGHT AWAY, then politely, assertively say "meter." Then, if they say no, hop out and grab another. They are a dine a dozen in Bangkok. Always someone will give a meter rate. (not if you are on Khaosan rd., but that is another story, -just walk onto any other street and they will)
The public bus system in Bangkok is good and cheap! I do travel this way when I have time, or don't mind the heat. (but some have AC, and can be quicker) They are much cheaper than a taxi usually, to get around. - and can be so fun! But it's a matter of knowing where you are going and what number. I can never keep the numbers straight. Adventurers would find this a nice way to explore the city! -and every time I find I'm on the wrong bus, heading in the wrong direction- they let me go for free. Awww, the Thai's! They are soooo kind to visitors.
GET A LONELY PLANET or www.lonelyplanet.com
A great link to this website is, www.lonelyplanet/thorntree.com That's the lonely planet's online travel forum. Ton's of Q&A's. Which leads me to lonely planet. My favorite guidebook. Hands down. I would never buy another! Get one for every country that you are going to.
To be continued. . .
I've been getting a lot of emails about travel advice for Thailand- so I'm thinking this blog might help a few people who are going, or thinking about going.
My style of traveling;
I travel basically pretty cheaply. I'm gone for about 4 months a year, so I need to make the money stretch. My avg. favorite guest houses are probably 12.00 usd/night. I might spend about $30-35 usd/day total for food, guest house, taxis, massage, clothes, etc. You can spend less, and you can def. spend more! But thinking back on the last ten years, I'd say I always personally budget for spending about $1000/month. One way to save though, is www.couchsurfing.org and other great internet sites to stay at people's homes, and really get to know the thai's. Great way to see the country, meet the people, and stay cheaply!
TAXI/TRANSPORT/BUS
Lets start in Bangkok. From the airport, I either take the airport bus for 150 Baht, (4.50 usd) or a meter taxi. This will hugely depend upon where you are staying. The taxi is best (more convenient), but a bit more pricey, I prob. pay around 400-500 (14.00usd) Baht. One thing you could do is just ask others at the airport to share in your taxi. I do that a lot. Especially if I see backpackers, I assume that they will be staying in Banglamphu district (khaosan area), so you can share pretty easily for that.
Once you're in Bangkok, I recommend always to take a meter taxi. But this can be tricky for the green traveler. Taxi drivers like anywhere can be sharks! They can sense fresh prey! So, the best thing to do, is to be cool- look like you know what you're doing, hop in and tell them where you are going. Go into it assuming that they will do meter. But, if they quote you a price of any amount or don't put their meter on RIGHT AWAY, then politely, assertively say "meter." Then, if they say no, hop out and grab another. They are a dine a dozen in Bangkok. Always someone will give a meter rate. (not if you are on Khaosan rd., but that is another story, -just walk onto any other street and they will)
The public bus system in Bangkok is good and cheap! I do travel this way when I have time, or don't mind the heat. (but some have AC, and can be quicker) They are much cheaper than a taxi usually, to get around. - and can be so fun! But it's a matter of knowing where you are going and what number. I can never keep the numbers straight. Adventurers would find this a nice way to explore the city! -and every time I find I'm on the wrong bus, heading in the wrong direction- they let me go for free. Awww, the Thai's! They are soooo kind to visitors.
GET A LONELY PLANET or www.lonelyplanet.com
A great link to this website is, www.lonelyplanet/thorntree.com That's the lonely planet's online travel forum. Ton's of Q&A's. Which leads me to lonely planet. My favorite guidebook. Hands down. I would never buy another! Get one for every country that you are going to.
To be continued. . .
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Merry Madness!
Downtown Portland and the Old Port welcome the holiday season with an annual event known to locals as "Merry Madness."
The shops participating vow to stay open until 10pm, and serve wine. It was started in hopes to stimulate holiday shopping locally, and support local business owners. Sounds like a great excuse to have a party in the shop! This year Waterlily decided to do it up right with tinsel, xmas trees, and wine! (Looks like Santa even decided to make an appearance.) We welcomed all of our wonderful friends and community, and had a grand celebration! I love holiday parties!
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