Robyn's Wanderings

Pom Pom for $9.95 and the feeling of relief when you spot your bag

Huh?

Exactly! Have you seen your bag lately? Have you seen the other travelers’ bags? Is yours the black suitcase or the black suitcase? Exactly.

So what are you going to do? I like my grandmother’s old school plan: a red pom pom! You would never miss Mama’s luggage floating around the airport bag belt!

Well the holidays are coming so why not help-out the traveler in your family and get them this multi-coloured pom-pom (above) for their bag?

Of course you need to know where to find it and of course I am here to help. So is Sheilagh Robertson, the owner of The Harbourmaster, Bermuda’s premier luggage and leather bag store on the island.

Located in the Washington Mall in Hamilton, The Harbourmaster has everything you could need to identify your bag AND plan the trip!

Yes, yes we all know that computers are great, but sometimes they don’t work. i.e. they do not work when we have hurricanes and the electricity goes out. They don’t work when someone spills water on them and all the memory is erased.

Good thing The Harbourmaster has these small Scully leather notebooks to help you! Convenient enough to fit in any size bag, they will keep your organized!

Small Scully Leather Planners for $28 at The Harbourmaster

Perhaps you have more plans than you realized? Maybe you need more space for sorting your addresses, notes, visa concerns?

Well of course The Habourmaster is here to help with a variety of sizes of their leather Scully notebooks. Why not get a notebook with old-school stamps on it? Perfect for the traveler in your life!

Medium Notebooks at The Harbourmaster $49

Want something that can be reused? Something that will only need refills next year? Well again The Harbourmaster has a variety of sizes to help you with all of your business and travel needs.

Large Scully Leather notebook $135

And of course they have all the refills you need for any sized notebook you buy! These will range from $7.75 until $18.50!

Range of Notebook refills from $7.75 to $18.50

All of these planning accessories can help you and The Harbourmaster with its friendly and knowledgable staff will be able to point you in the right direction.

So what are you waiting for? Get planning!

Pom Pom for $9.95 and the feeling of relief when you spot your bag

Huh?

Exactly! Have you seen your bag lately? Have you seen the other travelers’ bags? Is yours the black suitcase or the black suitcase? Exactly.

So what are you going to do? I like my grandmother’s old school plan: a red pom pom! You would never miss Mama’s luggage floating around the airport bag belt!

Well the holidays are coming so why not help-out the traveler in your family and get them this multi-coloured pom-pom (above) for their bag?

Of course you need to know where to find it and of course I am here to help. So is Sheilagh Robertson, the owner of The Harbourmaster, Bermuda’s premier luggage and leather bag store on the island.

Located in the Washington Mall in Hamilton, The Harbourmaster has everything you could need to identify your bag AND plan the trip!

Yes, yes we all know that computers are great, but sometimes they don’t work. i.e. they do not work when we have hurricanes and the electricity goes out. They don’t work when someone spills water on them and all the memory is erased.

Good thing The Harbourmaster has these small Scully leather notebooks to help you! Convenient enough to fit in any size bag, they will keep your organized!

Small Scully Leather Planners for $28 at The Harbourmaster

Perhaps you have more plans than you realized? Maybe you need more space for sorting your addresses, notes, visa concerns?

Well of course The Habourmaster is here to help with a variety of sizes of their leather Scully notebooks. Why not get a notebook with old-school stamps on it? Perfect for the traveler in your life!

Medium Notebooks at The Harbourmaster $49

Want something that can be reused? Something that will only need refills next year? Well again The Harbourmaster has a variety of sizes to help you with all of your business and travel needs.

Large Scully Leather notebook $135

And of course they have all the refills you need for any sized notebook you buy! These will range from $7.75 until $18.50!

Range of Notebook refills from $7.75 to $18.50

All of these planning accessories can help you and The Harbourmaster with its friendly and knowledgable staff will be able to point you in the right direction.

So what are you waiting for? Get planning!

Finding my way home

“So we’ve been talking and we have a few deal breakers.”

I looked at my two possible new roommates and wondered how I would feel dating them. I mean that is what we are discussing. It has to be, right? We’re discussing deal breakers. What else could it be?

I thought I had seen it all when it comes to living with people.

I’ve had a number of roommates through the years. It began in boarding school with a girl who said to me on the first day: “Phew I am relieved. I thought you were going to be 500 pounds and fart in your sleep.”

Intestinal issues resolved, we moved on and became good friends.

There was a mormon roommate in college who did not like my partying ways. In Prague, I tried to live with a male. I became more maid than roommate.

I’ve lived with a two -year-old and a seven-month old as a live-in nanny for two years and eventually three girls in a four-bedroom place. There were two bathrooms and floors. We survived.

I don’t know if I can count the number of roommates or landlords I have had through the years, but I would say it’s a fairly common situation for me to be in.

So when I saw a room advertised on Bermuda’s-own classified website, emoo, I thought I would have no problem passing the inevitable roommate questions.

I went on the first date.

“We’re totally happy to have someone move in, but we wanted to make sure it was the right match. Oh, I have a dog, so I hope you’re ok with that.”

“Yeah that’s fine.”

We chatted. They like to cook, they work together and they were trying to fill an unfurnished apartment with things and people before rent was due.

I left happy. I called the next day to say I would be interested in the room.

“Oh great. But, um…this is weird. We never thought we would have one roommate we liked let alone two. And you’re both Bermudians!”

What does that mean? Anyway I heard her out. They wanted a second date. Fine.

Finding a sane roof over your head.

I moved my schedule around. I got dressed in some of my best jeans and I showed-up on time. Maybe it’s because I forgot the flowers. Was I supposed to bring chocolates?

Whatever the case is, we began discussing deal breakers. Yes, I wrote deal breakers.

Did I have any? “Uh, don’t be loud in the morning?”

I really didn’t have anything else to say. I actually laughed. Deal breakers?! Are you trying to find a roommate or a soulmate?

The third date never appeared. I kept looking at my phone. Why won’t it ring? Why are they not calling? Maybe they lost my number? Maybe I shouldn’t have laughed so hard?

After three days I realized they had gone with my competitor. I would never hear from them again…….

Or so I thought.

Almost two weeks later? “Uh….so the place is still on the market if you wanted to stop-by and figure out if you could move in,” was the message on my phone.

Just as I had given-up. Just as I was moving on, I get the call. Typical.

I might be looking for a place to stay, but I’m not desperate. I have some respect and quite frankly I do not move in for any less than begging.

I’ve moved-on to someone who doesn’t have quite so many deal breakers. Myself. Bring on the studio!

Well no visa or passport if you are Bermudian! Yes, yesterday’s post was all about how to get prepared if you plan to leave a 21-square-mile island called Bermuda.

Today it’s about experiencing something new here.

But Robyn, you say, there is nothing left to do on this island. I have been to the beaches. I have been to the bars. What else is there to do?

Well how about celebrating some of the amazing artists our beautiful island has to offer? Why not celebrate them in the old capital of this country?

Well that is what the Old Towne Market on Sundays in St. George’s is all about! Running along the cobblestoned streets are stalls filled with the beautiful workings of some of Bermuda’s most talented artists. There is everything from the traditional banana leaf dolls to the new silver packets of the Capri Sun drink containers turned into bags.

Want to see what you are in for before you go between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. tomorrow? Check out these photos below:

[slideshow]

And don’t think there isn’t food! Donuts, tea, the yummy fillings of traditional cakes, brownies and fudge will keep you more than filled while you shop for you holidays!

So what are you waiting for? Well if you’re in New York, Boston, London, you need to get on the next cheapest flights and Jet Blue has had some great ones.

You in Bermuda….you need to get on your motorbike or in your car and enjoy a Sunday afternoon meandering through your history!

Visa for America

“Have you got anything interesting?

“I’m sorry. Interesting? Well I have a blue, silk dress from Vietnam if that’s what you mean by interesting? I think it’s interesting.”

The American Customs’ Officer was clearly not amused. Neither was I. It was 8 in the morning and I had just arrived in Miami from Lima, Peru. I wanted to find a coffee and just wait for my evening flight home (Bermuda).

He would not relent.

“You went traveling for a year? How did you pay for it?”

Yes, man, because I am an economic immigrant from Bermuda!!!! Why, in anyone’s name, would I want to stay in Miami where the wage is definitely not what I could make at home? And last I checked Bermudians are not generally on the sneak-in list.

I controlled my thoughts and said: “Well I saved-up and then I wrote a column while I was on the road that helped.”

Nothing mattered. I was sent into the arms of some very cheery idiot who decided regaling me about his colleagues working in Bermuda, would ease the pain of the customs’ back room. It didn’t.

Two hours later, frozen and listening to the infant next to me balling its eyes out, I finally approached yet another customs officer.

“You’ve been denied a visa to the United States before?”

“No”

“But it says here that you were denied a visa for your Masters in….”

“Well that’s funny because I have a piece of paper here that says I wasn’t and I actually attained a Masters in International Relations.”

It was my first experience with America’s amazing, new system for screening foreigners: the ESTA online visa form! and it wouldn’t be my last.

Or yours, for that matter, if you’re a Bermudian with a British passport! Ahhh the joys of trying to enter another country. Visas.

That’s why today, CTravel’s knowledgable and helpful staff, Pat Adderley, is offering this Q&A to help those lost among the confusion of travel visas.

So Pat, since when have British travelers had to go online for an American Visa? Didn’t we just fill out a form at the airport?

She said: “A Bermudian passport holder going to the U.S. are given a free entry and there’s nothing they have to do. If you have a passport from the Waiver Countries from the EU you are visa free, however you now have to go online and fill-out the ESTA form. It’s like the green form we used to have to fill out at the airport.

“In June this year it cost $14 and it lasts for 2 years. That’s just takes down who you are and your passport details.”

But Pat, what about older people or those without computers? Surely this system leaves a particular segment of the population out of the ability to acquire a visa?

She said: “For people who don’t have computers or older people we will fill out the forms.”

There is often the confusion in Bermuda about whether or not to attain a British passport, which as an overseas territory we are allowed to have. What would you suggest?

She said: “What we recommend is that Bermudians get themselves a UK passport as we are entitled to it. Yes it’s expensive, but if you have to get visas for the Schengen countries it’s expensive too and some require a personal appearance.

“You will have to go to Washington or New York to go for the interview. They don’t want a third party involved. They don’t want to hear from use. they want to meet you in person.

“What we are finding, now, is that most of the European countries in the Schengen visa allow that once you have one for Portugal then you are able to travel to other countries i.e. Spain, France, etc….

“Sometimes they do a six month visa, sometimes a year sometimes longer. Each of these countries have qualifiers of their own.”

Sounds like it’s best for a Bermudian to get a British Passport. But Bermuda has a lot of workers from various countries that will need to visas. What is your biggest problem with attaining visas for them?

Trying to get back home to India

She said: “The biggest visa and what we deal with on a daily basis are the UK and US visas because of the Ethnic groups we have in Bermuda and who are trying to get home (i.e. fly through the UK to get to Sri Lanka). Most who get it there the UK some without much problem. And sometimes after they have spent $400 on a Canadian visa to get home they get denied.

“Then what? Then they can’t go home?

But how do these workers get to Bermuda in the first place? They must have been screened.

She said: “They come with a visa that is good for 90 days and come through the UK. It has run out and now they need a new one to get home.

” And now it is even worse for Jamaicans, for example. They have a big expense now because they used to not need a visa to get through the US. Now they do. Now they have to go through the U.K. to go to Jamaica!”

What could help?

She said: “What would be helpful is if the Bermuda Government sat down with the U.K., the U.S.  and Canadian representatives and tell them we have guest workers who have been scrutinized and we know they are safe and know they can get their visas.”

And what does CTravel do to help?

She said: “Usually if they come in they (foreign workers) make an appearance with us we fill out an application for them. Then they have to make an appearance with immigration for biometrics. After we make that appointment the officers stamp their applications and we forward it to the consulate.

“It takes three weeks and sometimes longer depending.”

Can CTravel help me if I need a visa for, say, India?

She said: “One of the first things you should do when you book your trip is understand what kind of passport you are traveling with. That determines the rules and restrictions for your passport. Also don’t think because you had a visa in another passport before you are still covered.

“The key to it is plan early. We can do the Indian visa and the Japanese Visa. I have done a Nigerian visa.We usually do it just for our clients, but we will do it for others.”

And what about Bermudians who may be on the stop-list for America? You know, because of a minor drug conviction, etc…?

She said: “We can also help stop list people. We can apply for the waiver for them. But these are people who have done silly things in their youth.

“It’s worth them to try. If they did something in their 20’s and now they are now in their 50’s or 60’s. Now they are on the stop list. Most of the time they can get a visa, but they have to do it early.”

Do you have more visa questions? Well make sure you contact Pat Adderley at CTravel for all of your visa concerns!

And make sure you check back tomorrow as I travel…….to St. George’s. I know crazy far away!

toooooo…………..

To do what? To be entered into a draw for TWO FREE American Airlines’ tickets to anywhere in the United States. Go to Vegas! Visit Chicago! Enjoy the streets of Boston! And do it for FREE!!!

But how do you enter? Well that’s easy. Visit CTravel either online or in their Queen Street store and purchase that gift certificate you need for the traveler in your life.

That’s right. Buy a gift certificate, or two, finish that Christmas shopping and be entered for a trip to the United States!!! I can’t think of a better deal.

Or maybe you’re looking for a cruise that departs from New York and encapsulates all the glamour of the old sailing ships?

Well Cunard through CTravel are offering the amazing deal of a 15-day cruise that leaves from New York on December 19 and takes you to: Grand Turk, Tortola, St. Maarten, Curacao, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and back to New York.

The list of destinations are so long, writing them took ten minutes. Luckily booking the amazing trip will only take so long with the help of the professionals at CTravel and will cost you just about the same.

For all of this it will cost you $1,499! What are you waiting for? Book your Christmas cruise today!

Queen Mary II will take you from New York to New York

Fancy heading to the Azores for Christmas? Well Cunard is offering a 16-day cruise on its sister ship the Queen Victoria for rates starting at just $4,395.00.

Cruise the Canary Islands. Sail the waters of the Atlantic before approaching the island of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with spectacularly lush vegetation, abundant clear waters and floral wealth. On Tenerife, gaze at El Teide, the highest mountain in Spain and experience the rich diversity of its landscape and sunny climate.

How can you resist? Well don’t! Spend your Christmas in another beautiful tropical environment!

Visit Ctravel online or in the Queen Street store to book your trip today!

Happy Thursday and visit tomorrow to learn about the visas you will need!

Entering Dover Castle

The quiet beep awoke me from my Channel daze.

“Welcome to France. You’re phone calls with now cost…..”

What? But I’m not in France. I’m still in England and yet my phone calls and texts have doubled in price?

Cell phones. The bane of my existence while I travel for a month to find ten trips for my Rock Fever column in The Royal Gazette, for under $100 from London. So far I’ve been to Stockholm and Sigtuna in Sweden; Sachsenhausen and Berlin in Germany; and Hampstead in London.

Now this little piece of technology had interrupted my sunny view of my sixth trip or the white cliffs of…. Dover! Perhaps I should not have been surprised that the French had invaded my phone. The neighbour is about 20 miles or so across the Dover Straight from this strategic southern tip of England. Check out my photos here.

Overlooking the Channel

A town, castle and cliff, Dover was little more than an hour train ride from the St. Pancreas train station in London. Do not, however, make the mistake of shelling-out for the fast trains. With a ticket salesperson’s slight of hand, what should have cost me only £15 pounds ended-up costing me close to £30! Even worse? On the fast trains I also had to switch vehicles outside of London. The slow trains, on the other hand, would have been more direct and less costly. In any case, I arrived around 1 p.m. A little late, but luckily the walk to the Castle from town is only about 15 minutes.

This British Border town has been critical for Britain’s safety for more than 2,000 years, which is why Henry II built the Castle in 1180. After he built the Keep, the Castle became known as “the key” because, of course, any enemy that took it would have full access to Britain.

I seized the Castle via the signs that led up the hill. Luck gave me a sunny day and a man in a ticket booth allowed me to enter for £11.80. For those who do not want to or cannot walk there are buses from town into the castle and inside there is a free land train. I crossed the moat with barely a stone thrown at me and was met with a view of the bustling docks below. Large ferries and cargo ships fill with cars and then expel cars in England’s main port to Europe.

I turned from the sights and set mine on the Secret War Tunnels. Henry II might have built the Castle on the hill in 1180 for strategy, but the Napoleonic Wars in the 18th Century demanded more. Tunneling began to hide troops fighting against the French. Then in the 1940’s the tunnels were resurrected as the command centre for Operation Dynamo i.e. Britain’s retreat from France when they could not immediately defeat the German army. In less than a week, Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay, from his Dover cliff operation centre, had organized the removal of 340,000 men from Dunkirk, France. By 1942 the British War Cabinet realized these tunnels were bomb proof and started expanding to create an underground city of sorts.

Now these tunnels house a slightly Disney-ish tour of the barracks, hospital and officers’ quarters, complete with sound effects. No, I’m not kidding. As the tour wanders along the halls, voices of the war time effort echo above your head. Not as interesting or as informative as, I thought, the museum that is attached to the tunnels.

While the tunnels protected the military, the civilians were left within reach of the German guns based in Calais. The museum takes pains to explains the extent of bombing on Dover during WWII. Between July 1940 and September 1944, these poor souls were subjected to 2,226 shells landing in the town and 686 in nearby areas. More than 3,000 air raid alerts were sounded and more than 10,000 buildings were damaged. Two hundred and sixteen civilians were killed and 344 were severely injured. This British town was on the front lines. It only became safe in September 1944, after which the guns at Calais were captured by the advancing Allies and finally fell silent. It’s too bad this suffering was not better portrayed in the tour, but luckily it was free.

I left the sound effects and continued my assault on the hill and eventually landed in the Keep of Dover Castle.The entire Castle complex is 70 acres with the highest point containing a pharos, or lighthouse, that was originally built by the Romans to guide their ships across the Channel. Those Romans, always ahead. It’s little more than a circular stone tower standing next to a small stone church (St. Mary-in-Castro), but it is striking set within a beautiful green expanse. More interesting to me, however, was walking the former path of its light rays to see the Channel extending in front of me and the infamous white cliffs stretching to the left. No wonder the Romans built here.

Retreating to the Keep, which includes the Great Hall and two stone chapels, I was bombarded with another history lesson. “The 1216 Siege Experience” is a sound and light show that depicts the French attempt to seize the castle. By 1216 the French had, in fact, invaded southeast England, controlled London and the Tower. Dover held strong, rallied the troops and in 1617 ran the French out of town. Dover was “the key” after all.

The Keep now also contains a 12the Century, replica kitchen, a modern restaurant and a shop. I navigated the knighted plates and spoons trying to come home with me, saved my pounds and took the final batteries that looked across lush, green fields and white cliffs. It was time to head for the open air.

Dover Cliffs

If I could find the way. Other tourists jumped into their cars. I had no choice. I backtracked to the guard who let me in, who told me to head left. I have said this more than once, but thank goodness for the Brits and their signs.

A half hour of following these signs brought me to the National Trust-run cafe overlooking the famous cliffs that were painted white by fossilized marine life. These are transcribed with 4 km of paths that lead to the South Foreland Lighthouse.

At this point, however, I had been walking around the 70 acre castle, up the cliffs and I preferred to sit and watch the ferries meander through the channel. The sun was setting. It was getting cooler. The lighthouse would have to be reached another day.

“Your calls will cost…”

Ok. Ok. I get it. I’m going! It was time for the journey back to London and to my next trip for under $100. Forget the war time history. It’s time for some “cultural” inheritance of Britain at where else? Brighton of course.

Bracelets straight from India, $25 each

A twelve hour delay in an airport with a monkey running around and check-in gates with ticker sheets rather than an electronic board, I missed my flight.

After spending three months in India I was ready to go home, but India wasn’t ready to let me. From Delhi I landed in New York, missed my flight to Bermuda and arrived exhausted on Christmas Eve.

I had survived tuk tuk rides through crater-like potholes, navigated cows in the street ridden on a camel and eaten something that gave me a tummy bug.

But I was home. And I was excited, ready-even, to hand-out my Christmas gifts from India. There is nothing quite like India. They certainly know how to pummel a traveler and place them in awe.

Colours, colours everywhere, which is why it was so hard to NOT buy everything. But not everyone can go to India for their Christmas gifts, right? I certainly can’t this year.

Good thing the Harbourmaster is here! Sheilagh Robertson, owner of the Washington Mall store, prides herself on bringing-in goods that Bermudians will not find in the United States! Why shop abroad when you can’t find these beautiful bracelets for only $25?

Bracelets from India for $25

Perhaps you are looking for the unique, leather bag that you saw in Italy but decided to leave? Why not ask for it for Christmas?

Why? Because Sheilagh Robertson has all sorts of leather handbags that only a trip through Europe or South America might find for the woman at home. Have you got the money for those flights? Ok then how about for the gas for the car to visit The Harbourmaster?

Check out these perfectly coloured lines for the Fall and winter season that will be descending on Bermuda. And no, you will not find them in the United States.

LAND Presto Line; handbag: $175 and wallet:$135

These wallets and bags are all in stock right now! So don’t delay your Christmas shopping here in Bermuda and miss your chance.

Sheilagh Robertson has a whole range of sizes and colours that will keep any woman on your list happy. Not fancy the red? Well there is beautiful line of black and brown bags from the Presto line with wallets to match.

Presto Line, Handbag:$255 and wallet: $149

These lines range on the larger size. Maybe your friend, wife, girlfriend is looking for something a bit smaller? Something more petite to take with her on the next trip?

Well have no fear, yet again, Sheilagh Robertson also has a hearty supply of should strap hand-bags for anyone looking for hands-free traveling. And again these are unique to Bermuda and The United States!

LAND: $299

And of course this bag comes with a matching wallet to ensure you look put together and organized as always. Even better? You’ll be supporting the Bermuda economy. Should make you feel good?!

Matching Handbag and Wallet

So what are you waiting for? Write your Christmas list and visit The Harbourmaster on the first floor of the Washington Mall before these handbags and wallets go! And if you’re a lucky, little elf the sales table with all sorts of wallets, shoes and handbags will be available with discounts of 25 to 30%!

Sales Table at The Harbourmaster

December's Decorations

It’s time to plan for your travels. Where are you going next? Need somewhere or something to do in December? Well if you’re Bermudian this first one is most definitely not up your alley.

So why am I including it in my December 10 traveling ideas today? Well because it’s always amazing to me to see people strip down, jump-in and try to swim as the temperatures around them plunge.

Are you interested in participating? Are you in London? Going to London? Well on December 4th some crazy people will be taking the Plum Pudding Plunge in the Parliament Hill Lido.

Enticing I know. Maybe the mince pies and the hot tub afterwards would bring you around? It certainly does nothing for me. Neither does the 15 pounds they are charging for the pleasure.

I will certainly be keeping my sweater on, but if you are interested in the challenge and won’t be in London on December 4th check-out this Outdoor Swimming site for more ideas.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Or perhaps you are in London for more traditional, winter fare? Perhaps a turn on the ice rink? Some warm wine?

A taste of a Christmas market?

Well Hyde Park is here to help with their traditional and annual event: Winter Wonderland.

Every year from November 19th to January 3rd, this corner in Hyde Park is decked-out with everything from Santa and his helpers to winter food and rides such as a replica London’s Eye!

Who can resist? Of course it is free, unless you want to go on the rides. A fun way to use the cold to your advantage.

But maybe you’re not traveling to London for December? Maybe, if you’re from Bermuda, an easy trip is to head for the East Coast and New York.

New York has ice skating too and if you’re going to be ice skating you’re probably going to want to go to Rockefeller Centre. It’s the place featured in all the films. It’s romantic with all the buildings towering above you, but’s also expensive, busy and not always the best option. Try to visit early in the morning or before 4 p.m. if you want to get this New York experience. And, of course, visit the Centre for the lighting of the tree on December 2!

Why not get a free (yes I wrote free) skating experience in New York? Head a little further south in Manhattan and you will hit Bryant Park. For $13 you can rent skates and it is free to skate on the pond. If you have your own skates, well, you get it….it’s FREE!!!

But who just wants to skate or see the lights in New York? If I’m coming from Bermuda I want it to be for a reason.

How about December 10? You free? z100 (a radio station) is hosting their Jingle Ball with the likes of Katy Perry, B.o.B. , Bruno Mars, Paramore, Michael Buble, Taio Cruz and many, many more! How amazing would that concert be?

Hosted at the Madison Square Gardens from 7.30 p.m. you can buy your tickets here.

Is Boston more your style? Well if it is you are more than likely a Bruins fan. Can’t wait to see them fly across the ice? Well you don’t have to. In December the home team is heading home for at least seven games.

Check out these dates:

Boston for December

Thursday, 12/2, 7pm – Bruins vs Lightening

Tuesday, 12/7, 7pm – Bruins vs Sabres

Thursday, 12/9, 7pm – Bruins vs Islanders

Saturday, 12/11, 7pm – Bruins vs Flyers

Saturday, 12/18, 7pm – Bruins vs Capitals

Monday, 12/20, 7pm – Bruins vs Ducks

Thursday, 12/23, 7pm – Bruins vs Thrashers

Buy your tickets here.

Perhaps hockey is not quite your style? Perhaps you want to try something a bit more soothing on the ears?

Well have no fear the Boston Pops Orchestra is here. Well in Boston, but you get it.

From December 8th to December 26th the holiday season will be serenaded with 37 matinée and evening performances at the Symphony Hall.

Tickets range from $27 to $125 so check out their website here for more information.

Need something more from Boston? Well check out Boston Events website for more ideas.

Canada. Yep that northerly neighbour of America is also getting festive this season. Why not bundle-up and

Animals need holiday treats too

head for Toronto? Their zoo is even getting into the mix this year.

On boxing day, which of course we also celebrate in Bermuda, the Toronto zoo will be hosting its 35th annual Christmas Treats walk. Yes even the animals get some holiday cheer.

For those human beings that participate, hot chocolate and carollers are your treat.

Not up for the animals? Well Toronto also has an annual bike show!

From December 10th to the 12th Toronto will be holding a motorcycle show for the enthusiast in all.

Not sure why I would want to drive a bike in Canada in December, but hey, maybe those Canadians are more hearty than Bermudians.

In any case if you do fancy yourself a motorcyclist check out the website for more information.

Finally on the other side of Canada, in Vancouver, Stanley Park will be alight with millions of Christmas whites to create a winter wonderland.

Take train ride through the forest transformed with two million twinkling lights, see the animated displays and listen to holiday sounds as you enjoy hot chocolate, fresh popcorn and roasted chestnuts. For more information visit the Parks’ website.

Sounds lovely. Now to pack for the trip. Check back here tomorrow for some tips and tales on how to pack.

Travel Photos

“Did you ever get lonely?”

“No. I mean I always found people to travel with.”

And I did last year as I was traveling around the world. I almost always had someone around me as I traveled around the world solo.

In Thailand I went through a two girls who were returning home two days later, a Dutch couple, a British Boy, a Belgium Boy, and finally a California girl. I don’t remember every being alone.

So it was great for safety, sharing the bills, but also for photos.

Never thought of that did you? Well I did. It’s so awkward initially to ask people you just met to take your photo. I felt shy, indulgent, overzealous, silly, but I would still ask.

I wanted photos of myself in these new places.

Now I recently finished a month traveling through Europe. I didn’t have  a hostel to camp-out in to try and meet people. So I was basically on my own.

It was lonely, tiring and I had to take photos like this one above. Photos were are arm’s length.

And the worst part is I like to keep photos as my memories. They are cheaper and lighter than those souvenirs bought in a store.

But my question I pose in this random Sunday post is: does it matter if I am in them?

I don’t know, quite honestly. If you are traveling solo does it matter if you are in the photos? Aren’t photos supposed to remind you of events? Do you want to remember a time when you were on your own?

It’s something I have been thinking about. Does being in your travel photos matter?

I spoke with an artist today, actually, who said he tried to keep people out of his photos. He finds they date the photo with their clothes, hairstyles, etc…

It got me to thinking. Is this why we put ourselves in the photos? And by that I mean why take a photo of just me in Thailand? Is it to prove I was actually there? Does it add to composition?

Or is it a totally narcissistic venture that we indulge in?

I wish I could say I have the answer to these questions. Or maybe I don’t. Perhaps this is a post to think on. Or maybe it’s not that deep. Maybe I am simply wondering: Why put ourselves in our travel photos?