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