LORETTA'S PRALINES, NEW ORLEANS

I can leave New Orleans without tasting a beignet but I can't go without trying a praline. While visiting the French Market I stopped by Loretta's and treated myself to an excellent original praline. Here her son packages up some of the best the city has to offer.

NEW ORLEANS - BLACK TIE OPTIONAL!

I am often asked, "What should I wear when I go to New Orleans?" I usually reply, "anything!"

Of course that all depends on where you are going, what you will be doing and when. Just remember though, that New Orleans is flexible. This past weekend I attended a wedding in the French Quarter where black Tie was optional. Walking down Bourbon Street, in nearly 90 degree weather, it was no surprise to see brides in long white gowns, tuxedo clad hurricane holders walking side by side with gents and gals in short shorts, ripped jeans and nearly no tops! What a place! Always keep in mind, that New Orleans is pron to high humidity and plenty of rain. So if you go, take an umbrella, some bottled water and very comfortable walking shoes.  

NEW ORLEANS

After packing for a two week cruise in my little Travelpro, it seemed relatively simple to pack it for a weekend wedding in New Orleans. Its warm here, about 90 F, so summer clothes are in order. I checked into the JW Marriott with jeans, long sleeve shirt, reversible jacket, sneakers and socks (my typical travel day fare) but it didn't take me long to throw on a pair of shorts, sleevless top and sandals. Then I was off to stroll the French Quarter, walk along the waterfront, and part with cash at Harrah's Casino. New Orleans is one of my favorite US cities. There is so much to do here, the people are friendly and the history......yeah, the history is great. With iPhone in hand I took a lot of great photos but Blogger is giving me problems posting them. What a drag. Before Blogger did an upgrade (wrong word) to their system a week or so back, I loved them. Now, with all the problems, I will probably have to change to another server. If anyone has a suggestion please email me at: mimipackslight@gmail.com

Thanks. Enjoy your travels

IMPRESSIVE PACK LIGHTERS!!

In the photo above are Elaine and Matthew from Perth, Australia. They are on a four week trip that includes visits to the UK, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and a grand finish of 10 days in Norway. Here you see them with two bags and two backpacks. Don't be fooled by the extra sac Elaine is holding as it is their lunch. I could tell by what they carried and the conversation that we had that they are great pack lighters. They had to pack for almost all weather types as they will be checking out Iceland's glaciers and the rugged terrain of Norway. They will visit friends along the way so they have also packed gifts in those bags. If I were to give out gold stars for packing right, these two would get them. Hey, thats not a bad idea. Elaine, Matthew, if you happen to check this blog, please send me your address for the first of the Mimi Packs Light Gold Stars! Also, would love to know about your trip and any tips you might like to offer.

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 15, LONDON, REYKJAVICK, ICELAND, NEWARK

Day 14 was a travel day from London to Newark via Iceland. It was another beautiful day weather-wise. At Gatwick airport I had some time to spare so after a quick cup of tea and a scone loaded with codded cream and jam I meandered over to the first travel shop I saw, Rolling Luggage (how appropriate!). There I met Odilia who prowdly showed me her lightest bags from Samsonite. The Cubelite weighing in at 2 kg and the Cosmolite at 2.2 kg. They were easy to roll empty but I would need to give them the old Mimi test of running through airports, city streets, subway steps, etc. The store was loaded with other goodies too. My favorites were the animal character wheeled luggage for small children. The bright colored suitcases could also be used as a rolling seat for the toddlers. That might keep them busy for a bit!

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 14, LONDON

Today finds me day tripping in London. Having spent the night at the Gatwick Marriott Hotel, I opted for the Gatwick Express train into Victoria Station. Packing a day bag with a few UK essentials like an umbrella. bottle of water, small snack, tissues, debit card and a few pounds, I was good to go. My goal for the day was an overview of the city by taking the Original & Best open top bus tour. Tickets are available at Victoria Station's information desk and they include not only a discount but fast track tickets to major attractions if desired and a free river cruise. The tour was wonderful especially because you could hop on and off the bus so you could spend time at the places that really interested you. an added plus is that each ticket is good for 24 hours. There are several routes to take around the city all designated by a different color. On the red line I got to see attractions like the Marble Arch, Speakers Corner, Madame Tussauds, Piccadilly Circus and St Paul's Cathedral. The yellow line took me to Talfagar Square where I stopped for a brisk run through the National Gallery and grabbed a bight to eat at a cafe. I finished my tour at Buckingham Palace walking back to Victoria Station as I fantasized about being a royal!

SHOES, SHOES, SHOES

Traveling from the port of Harwich to Gatwick Airport was a bit of a challenge. As I left the ship I was fortunate to make a train leaving to Liverpool Street and then hop on a subway to Victoria Station where I could get another train to the airport. My hotel was in walking distance to Gatwick airport which was great. While waiting for the subway I met a lovely woman by the name of Sandy. She made certain that I was going in the right direction (someone else had told me otherwise) and again made certain that I got off at the right stop. Thanks Sandy! I told her all about my Cruise Challenge and she responded with the typical, "But what about shoes." Clearly, shoes are on top of most women's minds when they pack so off I went on my roll of how fabulous Lindsay Phillips and Onesoles are for the female traveler (weather permitting, of course). Both shoes have interchangeable tops and I find both to be comfortable but I like them for different reasons. To put it simply, I find Onesoles to be more casual and better for the gals who don't like the toe thong. Also, the Onesole low wedge is perfect for anyone with a wider foot or for anyone who has sustained some past injury or for that matter has problem feet. The Lindsay Phillips on the other hand can be dressed up more and I find their velcro attached tops easier to get off and on.

CRUISE CHALLENGE DAY 13, GETTING OFF THE SHIP

Well, today is embarkation day at Harwich, UK. I packed my small Travelpro and discovered that I didn't wear four of the tops that I had brought with me. How do you like that? I over packed! I over packed and I learned a lot! Here are some tips I'll use next time:

1. Bring my laptop on the next trip.
2. Sign up with SKYPE for inexpensive long distance calls.
3. Lindsay Phillips SwitchFlops are fabulous and will definitely travel with me in the future.
4. A light weight black sweater would have been better then the cardigan style wrap.
5. Long black slacks would have been better then the floral ones I had packed.
6. I need a foldable hat with a bigger brim.  

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 12, CHERBOURG, FRANCE

It was a beautiful spring day in the Normandy region of France when our ship came into port at Cherbourg. In Brest, the overcast skies alluded to the potential of rain but not on Cherbourg day. There was still a chill in the air so I wore my reversible jacket with the suade side out, blue jeans,polo shirt, sneakers and socks. (no umbrella needed) I strolled through the city visiting the magnificent cathedral Basilique Sainte-Trinite, where I lit a candle for a loved one while admiring the interior of the great gothic church. Afterwards I walked through gardens along the waterfront complete with a grand statue of Napoleon (they seem to be everywhere in France). Later, I was off to the post office, an obligatory coffee at a sidewalk cafe and afterwards checked out the Musee d'art Thomas- Henry, then more gardens and quaint streets. It was a delightful day.  

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 11, BREST, FRANCE

On Monday, May 16th, we were on the west coast of France in the charming port city of Brest. Located in Brittany, it has become a favorite stop on Royal Caribbean's itinerary. Also known as "La Rade de Brest", this charming city has a very rich maritime history of which it is very proud. After, waiting for the use of a computer at an internet cafe I was off to the 15th-century Brest Chateau which now houses a naval museum. Upon entering the museum, visitors are given a audio-tour wand which they program as they walk through many of the castle's rooms and buildings. This was not a feature available several years ago when I toured it last and it is quite an improvement.

My day outfit for my Brest adventure consisted of black sweats (bermuda length), two shirts layered, a reversible jacket (rain-proof side out) along with sneakers and socks.

TIPS I LEARNED FROM THE CRUISE CHALLENGE: USE SKYPE

The Cruise Challenge was a real learning experience. I was able to do a lot from a distance but I should have packed my laptop. I actually thought that my iPhone would suffice but it did not and it was expensive. Pre-downloading Skype would have kept my phone bills down. Writing my blogs on my computer first and then posting them on the Internet would have saved the cost of writing them while connected to the ships costly online service.

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 10

Today is Sunday, May 15, and Day 10 of my Cruise Challenge.  I can't believe it is nearly the end of the trip. It is our last sea day, and I thought a workout in the exercise room and a relaxing visit to the sauna and steam room might be just the ticket. Why hadn't I done this more often? Well, there is so much to do on board that is a wonder that anyone gets the chance to even read a book. Tonight the Celtic Tenors will entertain us in the theater. I have heard rumors that this group is not to be missed. They have played all over the world for the last ten years or so. I will report back.

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 9

I was asked so many times on the ship about the size of the suitcase I packed that I decided to post another photo. Here is the Travelpro bag in all its glory. The best part of this bag is how it rolls. It handles beautifully on almost any surface and feels very light as it is maneuvered about.

(Saturday, May 14)

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 8: AZORES

It's already Day 8 of my Cruise Challenge and armed with yesterdays excellent advice by Bob Arno on keeping valuables safe when you travel, I'm off to the Azores. My first stop is to the Fort Sao Bras which is now a military museum. Here I am in front of a lookout by the massive walls that surround the fortress. The views of the Harbor and town are excellent. From there I meander down the beautifully tiled streets stopping into St. Sebastian's Parish Church and the Church of our Lady of Hope. There seem to be tiles everywhere with geometric designs on the pavements and pastoral scenes on the walls. After a relaxing coffee at a cafe I continue to walk around the city enjoying breathtaking views and garden strolls. 

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 7: THEFT

On Thursday, May 12, Bob Arno, gave a con-man comedy and pickpocket demonstration on the ship. It was an entertaining and extremely informative presentation on the art of the street thief and protective measures on keeping your valuables to yourself. After a brief introduction, where by Bob, displayed his expert skills at lifting wallets, room keys, glasses and watches from very suspecting passengers, he showed a brief video of real con-men in action. He concluded with security tips for travelers as he demonstrated individual or group theft techniques. So be wary of anyone who asks for directions, brushes up to you in crowded areas, bends over to pick up something, or distracts or confuses you in any way. I found the most disturbing example was of a woman holding a baby with one real and one false hand. Her real second hand, which was hidden from view under her clothes would stealthily snatch a wallet or purse from an unsuspecting victim. (such values to teach her children or should I say valuables!) The thief may work as an individual or in a group and they are good so it is important to arm yourself with some knowledge on how to protect yourself. Ladies, carry a pocketbook with a thick strap (to prevent cutting) and wear the strap across your front keeping the bag tucked safely under your arm or in front of you. Make certain that your bag has zippered sections so a thief can't lift your wallet easily. Bob gave the Travelon bag (shown above), which I swear by, his nod of approval.  In busy cities or in areas that you are not familiar consider wearing a money belt or sack that can be worn safely under your clothes and out of sight. Men, don't put your wallet in your back pocket. Keep it safe in front placing it in a tight pocket or second pocket if possible. If you are wearing cargo pants or shorts it is best to go with a velcro flap that is closed rather then buttoned as it makes a sound when its opened.

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 6: STAYING ACTIVE ON BOARD THE JEWEL

(Wednesday, May 11) Activities on board the Jewel of the Seas on an at-sea day are, if you choose, endless. If you prefer easy-going activities, there are spa treatments, deck strolling (or power walking), learning origami, listening to classical guitar in the main reception area, and boutique shopping. Up for something a bit more challenging? Attend a class to learn a new "old dance" step or line 'em up in the billiards room. Of course, if your penchant is for something "edgy," feed the hungry slot machines or let it ride at the gaming tables in the casino.

Sports-minded passengers can play Nintendo Wii, video sports simulators for tennis, golf, and bowling. Players perform actual full-body swinging (or bowling) motions holding a remote device before a big screen projecting virtual competition. It is very odd to watch, and loads of fun to play. Spectators seem to love it as much as the players!

Other physical activities are found at the fitness center, rock climbing wall, solarium pool, large outdoor court for basketball/soccer/volleyball, and 9-hole mini golf course. 

Just for the kids, the Jewel has a large Adventure Ocean facility with supervised activities both recreational and educational. For the teens, there's a disco and an Internet center (@ half the adult rate). A video arcade accommodates kids of various ages.

In the evening, if you still have juice left, the Jewel's spectacular theatre is always abuzz for the nightly musical production and/or novelty act.

With all there is to do on board, it's not for nothing that this trip is called the Cruise Challenge!

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 5: THE BIG AND THE LITTLE

Day 5 (Tuesday, May 10) and I am still having big trouble with e-mail and texting from the ship far at sea. It has become a pervasive issue on this Cruise Challenge. Also there have been passenger complaints (many of them) that a big bill runs up on your wireless device (phone, laptop, tablet, e-reader) even though you have logged off. (More about this problem on another blog entry.)

The big buzz around the ship is about the little 6-inch Amazon Kindle e-reader (above, in the sun). Everyone who has one is a walking advertisement for the product. I have heard absolutely no complaints about it. People say they can download a big library (books -- hundreds? thousands? -- and periodical newspapers and magazines) on it (many books for free, or little cost), and you can adjust the font size (big or little) for optimal readability. Reports are that a battery charge on the device is "big."

All in all, the Kindle appears to be an excellent pack-light gizmo, especially for my friend Steve, an avid reader and pack-light convert, who would "readily" exchange all the clothes in his carry-on for reading material if he could get away with it. (You can't, Steve!)

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 4: VERY CHALLENGING!

Monday (May 9) has been a very challenging (i.e., frustrating) Cruise Challenge day for me. I have not been able to get my photos out to the blog. I've been trying to transfer my photos from my iPhone to the Internet. But I've had no luck (some might call "luck" tech skill in my case). I spoke with a woman who used to write for an international magazine, and she gave me some ideas for tomorrow. I want to be able to display my outfit changes on the blog, as well as events on and features of the ship, Jewel of the Seas.

On top of my tech problems, I haven't been feeling 100% (just a bit run down) since I boarded. However, I felt well enough to work out today. Overall it needed to be a low-key day for me as I attempt to recover my zest. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite that due to "technicalities."

Only two outfits again today. Workout clothes: black sweats, yellow shell, sneaks and socks. Evening wear: long-sleeve red knit top over black-red-white-beige dress (looks like a skirt that way). I will wear the dress without the top on another day. Again Lindsay Phillips shoes, but tonight with a red flower strap (I received several compliments on the shoes).

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 3: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Well, today is Cruise Challenge, Day 3, and I am now completely convinced that I overpacked for this particular cruise. Twenty-five outfits (rather than the 35 I packed) would probably have sufficed. Until this evening, a "formal dress" night, I thought the full-length skirt was too much, but people did dress up and some did so "over the top," so I was glad I brought it. I had been thinking that the "little black dress," a standard in many women's wardrobes, would have suited better, but I was wrong. Today's daytime attire was simply jeans shorts, gray/blue sleeveless top, sneakers and socks. Jeans were fine for buffet meals and also for my limited workout. My evening attire consisted of a long black skirt, multicolored striped long-sleeve top, and black Lindsay Phillips shoes topped with a "diamond" strap. 


To my Mom, yours, and possibly YOU, Happy Mother's Day!

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 2: DID "MIMI PACKLIGHT" OVERPACK?

I based my Cruise Challenge on the premise of three outfits a day, 35 outfits in all. Yet some days only two outfits are needed. Today, in the case of this particular ship (Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas) and the mild weather, perhaps only one might have been enough. 

But today I will wear two outfits, just like yesterday (embarkation day). During the day, I wore white bermuda shorts and a red print tee with white flats. My day outfit was perfect for light exercise as I strolled the decks, yet also suitable for the more formal restaurants and public areas. In the evening, I'll be in an orange knit top, multicolored paisley print skirt, complemented by black Lindsay Phillips sandals ("SwitchFlops") with a gold decorative strap.

I didn't fully assess the casual nature of travel attire these days. At my present rate -- 2 outfits per day -- I'll only need  24 outfits (12 days on board). Yet that might be going to the extreme. Minimalist Mimi doesn't advocate austerity. A gal needs to step out in style. Still, despite my already very efficient light packing, perhaps even Ms. Mimi Packlight OVERPACKED!

CRUISE CHALLENGE, DAY 1: WHAT ABOUT SHOES?

Waiting in line to check in, I heard several women bemoaning shoes. I have found that shoes really are a top concern for female travelers. On this transatlantic Cruise Challenge trip, I packed three pairs: a black low-heel Lindsay Phillips, with five interchangable velcro tops/straps (above); white flats; and black sandals. I wore my sneakers to board the ship as they are my heaviest and would have taken up the most space.

I'M OFF! THE CRUISE CHALLENGE BEGINS (FRIDAY, MAY 6)

Yes, today (Friday), finally, I begin the Mimi Packs Light Cruise Challenge! I depart aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship (Jewel of the Seas) from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, arriving in Harwich, England, in 12 days. I have challenged myself to travel with but one small bag (a TravelPro under-the-seater, 15''x14''x10'', above) that, as a result of selecting a light-weight, compact and versatile wardrobe, will contain no less than 35 outfit changes! I'll be reporting on these outfits during my trip, as well as commenting on events onboard the Jewel of the Seas, and later in London. So, tootle-oo for now. Bon voyage.

Update: Here is a photo of my cabin. Small -- but, of course, I don't need much room, do I?

GETTING YOUR SUITCASE RIGHT TO PACK LIGHT

I have tried a lot of different suitcases, but for the Cruise Challenge trip, I finally decided on a TravelPro bag because it moves beautifully. I'm not kidding -- it's like the BMW of the rolling bags. It's a smooth ride! It measures 15" x 14" x 10" and it fits under the seat of a standard US commercial plane with room to spare. But like all of my favorite suitcases, it had to be customized (by me) to my own unique specifications. So TravelPro or not, a few things had to go, and yes, scissors were involved! So after a few minor alterations, the bag received the Mimi Packs Light "seal of approval." 

One thing that I like in a suitcase is a zippered liner. This bag didn't have a zipper, so I cut a straight line along one side of the liner so I could use the section underneath to hold papers and small items that I don't want to get mixed up with the clothing. It worked perfectly. 

Next I got rid of the snap-flaps. They are a convenience for the computer user, but I don't need them. I've never liked the clothing straps at the bottom of a bag, so they went, too, just like with all my other suitcases. With that done, I was ready to pack. 

This bag, like most handle bags, has three crevices due to the handle poles. I fill the crevices first with slips socks and underwear. With the next layer I try to smooth out with dresses or skirts or any materials not requiring ironing. After that I alternate with folded slacks and bundled shirts. Shoes go in separate plastic bags, and I use the outside pockets for most of my cosmetics.

TRAVELZOO VOUCHERS

Boy, did I ever goof! Anyone who knows me knows that I love the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Last week, Travelzoo's local deal for South Florida offered half-price annual membership to Morikami. And I missed the voucher deadline [big sigh]. So, if you use websites like Groupon, Travelzoo, or LivingSocial, make sure you check the details of the specials offered before you miss out on a great deal as I did. I've been a member of Morikami for years, and it would have been nice to have renewed at such a huge savings.

AURA THAI RESTAURANT, NYC

Today was the unofficial start to my transatlantic Cruise Challenge trip. I left Montclair, NJ, on a DeCamp bus for the Port Authority Terminal in Manhattan. With little time to spare between that bus and the one I would take to Atlantic City, NJ, I opted for some quick take-out from Aura. Aura is a small Thai restaurant, suggested by my Aunt Suzanne. It was my first visit. Entering, I was impressed by the cleanliness of the restaurant. I was further impressed by the presentation, freshness, and taste of the ample dishes that I ordered [burp]. Suzanne said her mouth waters everytime she thinks of the place. Right now just thinking of the peanut salad dressing makes me do the same! Aura is located on 9th Avenue near 36th Street. Tel.: 212-971-8530

BACK TO REI

I just couldn't resist another REI experience. Here Tammy shows me a teeny-tiny clothes line with bead clips to hold clothes ready for drying. I won't need it for my Cruise Challenge because the cruise shower will come equipped with its own expandable clothes line, but maybe for my next trip. What I really need are binoculars like the old opera glasses that fold flat for pack-light storage. They don't have the kind I want at the store, but Tammy thinks they may have them on the REI website. We wander around together, and my guide points out folding plates and nesting wine glasses, collapsible water bottles (I need one that can stand on its own), inflatable travel pillows, tiny towels that absorb well and dry quickly, small sewing kits (a bit too big for my purposes) with foldable scissors. All in all, REI has an incredible array of items for the traveler as well as the outdoor adventure/sports enthusiast.

A VISIT TO REI (RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT, INC.)

My friend Steve told me that I would love REI. Was he ever right! The store has rows and rows of incredible camping and outdoor sporting supplies, and the customer service is excellent. Tom, in the photo above, patiently guided me down the aisles, carefully explaining the merchandise at hand. I had told him about my pack light concept and blog so he was well aware of my need for practical and well-made products that would take up little space in my suitcase. They were out of the GoToobs that Steve had bought for me, but they had plenty of other travel containers to consider. I ended up buying a light-weight expandable bag that folds up into its own 3-inch pouch as well as a package of paper toilet seat covers. As a first time shopper to REI I really was pleasantly overwhelmed. I will definitely return to report on other must-have "packlightables."