Miscellaneous land

It's all random stuff today because I leave in TWO DAYS! Welcome to my brain as I work through the chaos.

I'm not a fan of a certain store starting with "w" but I was very excited to find a last minute duffle bag  at "w" for $7. You know, to pack those emergency souvenirs.

I received all my phone/camera goodies: case is cute, strap fits and matches, but...the interchangeable lenses don't fit with the case on (and the case has a pretty sizable lense opening). So I will be making the most of the iPhone camera as is.

Yesterday an ATM machine ate my Visa card. That's right. 3 days before leaving. And when the owner of vicious ATM machine said they wouldn't be able to pry the card from the ATM claws until Tuesday--I leave Monday by the way--I almost took a hatchet to the thing myself. Fortunately, after expressing my panicked concern, I should be able to pick up my card today. This is supposed to be fun right.

Did I mention I leave in 2 days. You would think after 46 days without a job I would be meticulously organized and have at least basic phrases memorized for each country I'm planning to visit. Not the case. Instead I've become a Tinkerbell expert. Did you know fairies are born when a baby first laughs and that Tinkerbell has a sister?

Just heard a little knock at my door and a voice saying "licola licola". Sounds like I'm about to get another dose of fairy dust. Not such a bad way to spend my last Saturday morning in the states.

A Camera Quandry

Since owning an iPhone I've completely stopped using a separate camera.  *before reading further please note I am no photography or tech buff

Sometimes the pictures turn out great, sometimes not so good, zooming compromises the quality, but photos are easily accessible to share or upload to a blog. So, deciding to continue with the iPhone as my multipurpose device for this trip I've been on the hunt for a few gadgets:

• a cute case of course -- I just HAD to upgrade to an iPhone 5 because it is unlocked for international travel, which means I HAVE to get a new case
• a case with a strap for security -- that doesn't look like I'm holding a wallet up to my head or talking into a handbag, even James Bond doesn't get away with that
• accessories to "up" the wide angle and zoom functionality

I'm pleased to announce I've found all three two FINALLY

To keep it girly I ordered this case from The Joy Merryman store on Etsy. 

Then I found these on Photojojo! an online store with all kinds of photography gadgets.

That's right, a separate strap that fits with most cases! I went with the tan. 

And this lense set: fisheye, wide/macro and telephoto lenses that attach magnetically once you've installed the small metal ring to the back. All combined I could have bought a completely new camera, but I'm really happy to get everything in one, in a format that fits for me. Keeping my fingers crossed that it works as well as it sounds.

UPDATE: I received all my phone/camera goodies: case is cute, strap fits and matches, but...the interchangeable lenses don't fit with the case on (and the case has a pretty sizable lense opening). So I will be making the most of the iPhone camera as is.

 Now here's the awesome news . . . 

YOU get $5 off your first order

when you use this link

http://photojojo.com/r/a7mz

14 Days

to go and 14 heart palpitations down before hitting the ground in Europe.

Purchasing a Eurail Pass should come with a warning label: side effects may include irregular heartbeat, catatonic stares, and momentary fits of "what in the world am I doing".  But I did it and I, as well as my bank account, survived. And now that the shock to my system has dulled a bit I'm back to planning and I've added a new leg; I'm fjord bound!


Now for my first destination (thanks to all those who cast guesses). It is . . .

London

then to Paris by way of the Chunnel!

If you're looking for ideas for festivities a little closer to home, why not throw a Chinese New Year Party. My sister, Christy celebrates with her family every year and just posted about her preparations here: House of Normandy

Boots

Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a cute pair of comfortable travel shoes that don't scream "American Tourist"? I have been on this quest for at least . . . um . . . 6 years.

Recently rededicating myself to the effort, I'm sure the UPS man thinks some kind of strange illegal shoe trafficking scheme is going on here with the frequent delivery of shipping boxes large enough for both my niece and nephew to play in at the same time.

But thanks to Zappos convenient return policy I was able to try on and return many a pair and I'm happy to announce: we have a WINNER!


All my requirements are met in these boots from Born: all day every day comfort; protection from rain, snow, and cobblestones; substantial tread for said rain and snow; to be worn with pants or skirts; warm but not too warm; no duck feet please and of course cute.

The Map Department

As a kid I poured over maps, atlases, globes. Still do. I've found some really great ones recently.

1. I'm already trying to figure out how to best transport this one on my trip. I mean really, it's a scratcher map! I'm not really sure what else to say except "I WANT IT". And the fact that Luckies sells a travel size is genius.



2. Isn't this adorable you can have it customized. I love it and can see it hanging just about anywhere to commemorate a special trip. From the clever HereAndThereShop.

 

3. For the last, more practical option..Pop Out Maps are just too cute, seriously they fit right in your hand. They open (and close) easily and highlight popular destinations. I was lucky enough to receive four of them from my not so little brother for Christmas: Florence, Rome, Paris, London.

A Good Book

A dear friend gave me a fantastic book to help me prepare for and make the most of my travels. The title is Writing Away. It's a lovely little guide to journaling about your adventures. The author, Lavinia Spaulding, provides oodles of hints and ideas to make your journal fun and layered. Because of this book I started blogging prior to my trip rather than waiting until the the plane takes off.

While on the topic of books here are a couple of reads to wet your travel appetite.

• Paris, My Sweet takes you through a year+ with Amy Thomas  as she works and lives in Paris sampling pastries and chocolates along the way.

• The Shoemaker's Wife  is by Adriana Trigiani and if you haven't read anything by her, you must go now, and read Big Stone Gap. Yes, it's a mushy love story but it's smart and fun and set in the Blue Ridge mountains. I can almost imagine the fall leaves crunching under my shoes now as I think about it. The Shoemaker's Wife is more of an epic novel spanning the lives of several characters, but no less captivating or endearing. I've added a chalet in the Italian alps to my travels because of this book.