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.