Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Our European Trip + 96 Random Thoughts Part 1
Jim, Lex & a Duck Named Seamus
Introduction
Collecting 750,000 American Airlines, 1,500,000 American Express and over 3,000,000 Hilton points it was time to cash in. The Love Goddess and I had turned 50 and it was time to start taking those trips we talked about. Also sobering was the thought of having been together more than half our lives. Complacency with our status quo was sinking in. We knew it was time to go. So, we cashed in a number of points on American and got a business class (they didn’t have first class) trip to Europe. The strategy was fly to Paris, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. We booked through American Express and stayed in mostly 5-star hotels. If that sounds stuck-up, it is. In 2011 I spent 42 out of 52 weeks on the road alone. I’m not doing this on a budget. That being said, 17 nights and first-class tickets for two were free, total retail value about $12,000. Champagne life on a beer budget! We would share that champagne with our loyal companion, Seamus the Rubber Duck.
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Seamus the Duck + Champagne |
Bohemians that we are, next up was to rent a car. Hmmmmm. Our last bon vivant driving trip started in Santa Fe on Route 66 to Highway 1 from San Diego to just south of Big Sur. I was reminded of the 3,841 driving miles through the Mojave Desert, left at the corner where James Dean died and one $375 speeding ticket. Those thoughts started souring us on renting a car for a big trip. Eurail Pass here we come.
THOUGHT SNAP #1 – Special kudos to Mira Cvetkovic of flymira@comcast.net. A wonderful Austrian woman who is an old school travel agent that took great care of us. First understand Europeans know how to use a train! Second always go 1st class. Quote of the trip planning from Mira: “Well 2nd class isn’t bad, wait you’re not going to Italy or Greece are you, if you are then definitely first class.” Being Greek, it made total sense! We would tell you first class for a variety of reasons; one is you are not 22 anymore…unless you are than no big deal. It's roomier and much more private.
Once our itinerary was complete, it was time to pack. We made the mistake of asking our family for advice. Some of the advice was prescient. “Pack small and light.” Whether you take the train or you drive or cab, once out of the vehicle you have to carry your luggage. Obvious? Maybe. Board a train with a 26” Tumi roller that has to go over your head. The Joe Wiedeman Beginner barbell set is exactly 54 ounces lighter than that Tumi when you try and put the roller above your head. Oh, and you don’t want to lose sight of your luggage because of theft.
The key to packing light is look at the TLC website and watch Stacey and Clinton from What Not To Wear. The key is to see how 4 articles of clothing make 962 outfits. Bring crappy underwear in your drawer and throw it out when you’re done. Underwear is now disposable, and you will have more room in the Tumi when you leave.
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Clinton & Stacey….did not come with us. |
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Seamus On A High-Speed Train. It was going 220 KPH. |
Theft. Pickpocketing is a profession in Europe. The family literally spent hours telling us the dangers of pickpockets. Don’t take this or that or this. Aunt Tula was showering and had to see Bratislava naked because the hotel mouse was a thief. After close to three weeks, the best theft advice we can give you is: Use common sense. Be aware/vigilant. Don’t go to dark unlit areas alone. Be wary of strangers. Get a money belt. Don’t be ostentatious. It’s like going to New York, only older.
3 Travel Tips From Jimmydgreek
1. Managing Snowmegedon or Other CatastrophesIf you are faced with a natural disaster on the horizon, don't panic, follow this advice from a well-seasoned traveler. First, make sure that you have a plane. If your plane is not in bad weather, chances are you will have a plane to board. Your flight may be late, real late, but you will fly.If you are going to reschedule, choose the earliest flight out. Airlines delay first, then cancel. They NEVER reschedule a flight. They reschedule your ticket. So, the earliest flight always fly.2. Know your locator numbers!If you are flying a "partner" airline (American & Alaskan Air) you will be given two separate locator numbers. The locator number is your golden key, it is the only way the airlines know who you are. Despite common sense telling you that their computer systems are synched, this is the airlines, assume idiots and little communication. United and its Continental merger is horrible. The United help desk couldn't even look me up in their system. If I would have had both numbers, I would have been golden.3. Make nice with the help.Yelling only irritates the gate and flight attendants. I have so mellowed out; I can still deliver the salvos when needed but Try not to. They are the lowest paid airline employees; self-actualization is retributive smackdown to the loudmouth.