Robyn's Wanderings

Love in St. George's

And the photo today? This one comes from my trek down to St. George’s last week for their annual National Trust Open House Walkabout.

What’s that? Well all the old, old building are opened-up and we get to snoop! Even better they serve Gluvine and Egg Nog to keep you going!

With the lights running around the houses and the wine running through them it’s a perfect night to enjoy the beginning of the holidays.

That’s if you can get there….which is why this is my photo of the day!

We managed to get there. Two people on a 50 cc motorbike (i.e. what tourists get when they visit Bermuda) for the 30 minute drive to St. George’s is no mean feat.

But we did it. In an hour.

After warming-up and snooping it was time to return to Hamilton for some food. Ha. Ha. Ha.

The 50cc?! Well she managed to get us as far as half way to dinner and then…..well then she decided to quit. She popped her tire and left us hidden in the dark on the side of the road.

Poor little bike. She had to be left in the rain as we hopped into a taxi that eventually found us and delivered us to dinner.

St. George’s was still worth it and make sure you tune-in tomorrow! Robyn’s Wanderings has a new wanderer!

Land Garment Bag ranging from $175 - $385- Santa Fe Collection leather garment cover or multi pocket garment bag for 2 or three suits.

I looked at my closet. I went through my drawers. What was I supposed to bring on a trip around the world? I was going to be skiing. I wanted to go swimming. What if I was going dancing? How would I pack a dress? How would I pack nice shoes?

Do you go through this debate? Do you wonder what to bring and how to bring it? Have no fear The Harbourmaster is here. Where? On the ground floor of the Washington Mall in Hamilton Bermuda or on 295-5333 or here with tips is owner Sheilagh Robertson.

Her top for packing for a multipurpose trip? Keep items separated and keep things light. An ideal way to do that? The lovely leather LAND garment bags which have pockets for shoes and enough space to keep three suits and a special pocket for ties.

The LAND Garment bag

Or are you looking to keep the creases out and need a bag that’s lighter? Well Eagle Creek has got the light-weight Garment Bag for you! Separate your dress for a special occasion from the clothes for every day occasions with minimal weight.

Eagle Creek light-weight Garment Bag

Or maybe you need to go on a quick business trip? But need to take a notebook? Not the notebooks with paper, the electronic ones that now cost next to nothing and provide you with access to internet and place to write your memoirs. Why not carry them in a classy, black leather bag?

LAND: $259 Classic Collection messenger with pocket for netbook computer

While you might have a slightly larger computer and need to combine it with your carry-on. Why not return to Eagle Creek for your needs? This rolling suitcase provides a separate and padded compartment for your laptop while also keeping it’s weight-down to allow you to keep this as a carry-on.

Lightweight and a place for a computer: $365.Hovercraft collection features extra lightweight carry-on bags and suitcases

Whatever you do make sure you travel and keep your eyes peeled for next Tuesday’s Tip: How to Travel Light.

And check the Travel Deals page for more information.

Trying to travel light

“Where’s my charger? I can’t find my blue tshirt! I was sure it was in here. Have you seen it? Did it get muddled in your clothes?”

“No, Robyn. I haven’t seen your charger or your shirt. Didn’t you check under the bed?”

“Ugh! I am getting so sick of this!”

I had been traveling for eight months and my backpack was starting to look like the inside of a martini shaker and my travel buddy was getting tired of my constant scavenger hunt. To my defense, moving from hostels was usually early in the morning on little sleep or repacking for climbs into the mountains.

This inevitably meant the shirt I needed or the pants I needed next time were on the bottom. The backpack would get emptied…..again! And then one day in Cusco, Peru I met a man with his act together. I know…shocking. His clothes? Not in a muddled bundle like mine. Nope. He had them all sorted into separate compartments and bags. Brilliant.

Eagle Creeks Cube which can help keep your clothes and shoes organized

Me? I was unpacking my entire bag. It was an exhausting affair that managed to claim more than enough of my shirts (there is a blue one floating around Bali) and converters (there’s one still plugged-in in Selcuk, Turkey). What did this mean? When I got to the next destination I had to re-purchase what I lost.

I wasted time and money on re-organising my affairs when I could have just visited The Harbourmaster and Sheilagh Robertson for her Travel Tip Tuesdays.

Mobile Lockers for organizing your clothes!

“We all tend to pack too much when we travel. The new 50 lb weight limit on airlines has made it more important to plan more carefully before traveling.

“Eagle Creek “Pack-it” organizers help organize your suitcase more efficiently by enabling you to:

-group and pack coordinating items together,

-fold shirts neatly,

-roll up the socks and underwear,

-and pack toiletries in small containers suitable for carry-on bags.”

Pictured on the left these range in size and prize from $55 to $62.50 at The Harbourmaster on the ground floor of the Washington Mall in Hamilton.

“The organizer cubes come in various sizes, big enough for large sweaters, or small for lingerie. There is even a suit folder that is more compact than the traditional garment bag but ideal for a blazer or single suit.”

Sheilagh added: “By packing your coordinating items together you will find it easier to eliminate the items that don’t mix and match that just add weight to your bag.”

Are you traveling for business? Or need to keep your shirts clean and unwrinkled? The Harbourmaster is at your rescue. These shirt folders (below) offer almost flat cases for folding your shirts in perfect harmony with the inside instruction sheet (second photo below). The cost of looking pulled-together? For an 18 inch folder: $43. For a 14inch: $37.50.

Keeping your shirts pressed and folded

With a handy instruction sheet included

I could definitely have used the cubes for my trip! Remember The Harbourmaster is located on the ground floor of the Washington Mall near the Washington Alley entrance!

Shoes in the New Delhi Market Area

things! Or so I wanted to say to the backpacked-tourist in New Delhi, India. It was busy. We could barely move. I looked to the left and I saw…..

His backpack being opened (while on his back) and someone who should not be sticking their hand in, sticking their hand in.

“Hey, Hey!” and I pointed to my back. He turned around and the would-be thief ran away. That was a lucky catch, but sometimes travelers are not so lucky.

Things get stolen. Things get lost. But have no fear! Wire-strapped bags and other valuable-carrying security devices are available here in Bermuda.

Where? The Harbourmaster. What has Sheilagh Robertson, owner of The Harbourmaster, have to say? Here is here Travel Tip Tuesday: Secure, Secure, Secure.

She said: “Take special care to secure passports money and credit cards when traveling. It is a good idea to make a photocopy of your passport and keep one credit card and some cash somewhere other than in your handbag or wallet.”

[slideshow]

“At the Harbourmaster there is a large selection of security items such as money belts, waist and neck pouches, locks, luggage tags and bags with anti-theft features.”

Some of those are featured in the slideshow above and are all available in The Harbourmaster located in the Washington Mall near the alley entrance.

Mrs. Robertson added: “Always be particularly careful in crowded areas around popular historic sites, subways, and train stations.

“Pickpockets are common in these areas and will often target people on group tours who think they are safe in a group and not always aware of their surroundings.”

So be aware, stock-up on your goods to secure your valuables and enjoy your holidays! Come back next Tuesday for more Harbourmaster tips.

Where's my travel buddy?

It’s Monday, which means…..well if you haven’t caught-on yet it’s when my weekly column makes its way into The Royal Gazette’s pages as Rock Fever.

What is it this week? What else? Traveling Solo as a Female. Here it is:

“You walk like an Egyptian.”

My eyes rolled.

“Hey .. hey … you walk like an Egyptian. Where are you from? Are you married?”

This is not a new rendition of The Bangles’ 1980s hit. Nope. This was the soundtrack for my walk from the Karnak Temple (the largest religious complex in the world) back to my hostel in Luxor, Egypt.

My ring quickly moved from my middle finger to my empty “ring” finger.

“Yes. Yes I am. I am going back to my husband now,” I said, but my crooner persisted tripping over himself to follow.

“Where is he? Where are you from? Do you want a tour?”

“NO. I am married. Good-bye.”

I hadn’t told my travel buddy, but he was now with me till death did us part so I could navigate my way out of a possible threatening situation. So women out there looking for a ring on your finger? Try the Egyptian marriage route.

Or failing that, experience it as a travel tip for solo females: wear a ring on your “ring” finger. Unfortunately in a number of cultures women are still not respected unless they have a man by their side. So fake it and wear a ring on your finger to deter possible suitors.

Women, like at home, have to be more wary than men when travelling (hence this week’s column), BUT … and this is a big but that you would not get from sitting on the couch at home – don’t let it discourage you from travelling solo.

One of the questions I always got when I returned from travelling around the world last year, was: “Were you ever scared?” And the answer is: “No.” I took precautions and honestly sometimes, no often, travelling as a female was actually easier. Women are less threatening than men. That means both men and women travellers are more likely to trust a female before they would trust a man. And if you think I am being biased … well just ask a Swede I met in Argentina. He complained during an hour-long hike about how hard it was to be a single man travelling. Perhaps being male wasn’t his only problem, but he had a point. A single man is a danger for women and therefore limits the pool of travellers to meet.

Solo in Argentina

So friends are easier for women to make, even ones we don’t want, which is why in Egypt where even the wedding ring doesn’t discourage a Bangles crooner tip two is: duck into a shop. I did and it was a fair trade shop run by women. A scarf, ring and empty wallet later, my harasser left and I continued to walk back to the hostel.

Tip three: failing a fair trade shop try a hotel and tell the people working there what the problem is. Nowhere in the world will a woman be told to get out or not taken care of. That’s the beauty of our sex too!

But beauty is not always something you want to advertise, which leads me to tip four: dress conservatively. This applied for me in India, the Middle East and some places in Asia (i.e. Vietnam), but it could be anywhere if you don’t want to draw attention to yourself. In Egypt the men salivated over the buses of Russian tourists. Why? Because the women walked around in short-shorts, bathing-suit tops and heels in the middle of Cairo. Equivalent? Women walking through Hamilton topless. Can you see how this would cause problems? So dress appropriately no matter how hot it may be. Loose dresses and light pants will help.

But don’t think that because you have dressed appropriately you lose your tenacity! So tip five is: appear confident wherever you are even when lost (insert man joke and not asking directions). In Chiang Mai, Thailand I decided to walk to a temple outside of the walled city. I got lost, but I didn’t let on. If I needed time to think I would pretend to cross the road and I eventually found a park. I stopped and could casually take a map out to figure out where I was. Never show weakness, because someone preying on women will notice.

Which makes it easier if you are with someone. Tip six: stay in hostels, preferably dorms, and relax in the inevitable social area to meet other travellers. While a dorm room means you have to worry about your bag it also means you are not alone and nothing worse can happen.

But if you’re not a hostel person nor do you want to stay in a dorm then tip seven is: join activities where you will meet other people. I met a great travel buddy while trading spring rolls over a Thai cooking class. It helps to have someone who will worry if you don’t come back at night.

Which leads to eight: women, unfortunately, we are the anti-vampires. When the sun sets we should ensure we have a way home if we are not already home. Once I didn’t adhere to this rule and I kicked myself the entire walk through Chiang Mai, Thailand. I was fine, but you never know. Take a cab or ensure you are with friends to go home with when it starts getting dark.

Cusco at night....not the safest place for single females to wander

But number nine: never let a man into your room (or lady man as one hostel door instructed me in Chiang Mai). This is obvious, but too often, I think, overlooked.

Most importantly, though, after all this advice is tip ten: to trust your instincts. I know this sounds ridiculous, but as women we have spent years honing our sixth sense so use it! Be smart, listen to Jiminy Cricket (your conscience) and enjoy your travels.

I know most of the travel experts/writers out there seem to be men, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go out there and do it too. And it doesn’t have to be the Eat, Pray, Love scenario (i.e. a woman going to find herself and finds a soulmate). I did it. I survived a year that saw trekking up Machu Picchu, camping in Thailand and kayaking in Vietnam. I didn’t find Prince Charming, but I loved it.

Guy with Goats in Hanoi

Why do I have to honk for Jesus? Let’s just say that I did believe in Jesus and I took my eyes away from the road to read your sign. And lets say the car in front of me came to a screeching halt.

Would I be honking for Jesus or visiting him?

Why am I on this rant? And what has it got to do with my Friday Photo of the week?

If you haven’t been following my daily blogs I’ll let you know that I have been working in an office for the past two weeks. I’ve made lots of friends. The fax machine hates me. The computer won’t turn on. I constantly forget the mail.

But the worst part? The commute in the morning. And that is even after I recognize that I live on a 21-square-mile island.

But recognize this: I ride a motorbike. It’s hot. It’s even worse with the car exhaust belting out behind the line of vehicles desperate to drop-off their passengers.

To top it off I now have to face a group of religious zealots standing on the entrance to the capital of Bermuda telling me to honk for Jesus. Somehow mixing religion and exhaust doesn’t really work for me.

And what is the point? What is the point of honking for Jesus? Are you trying to “OUT” the religious? Is Jesus really going to feel chuffed that he’s being honked at?

Do girls walking by construction sites enjoy being heckled?

To all these questions the answer is NO. (Ok maybe some girls do, but you get my point).

So why the photo? Well as I rant and rave and try to expel fumes from my lungs I try to remember that other places in the world (i.e. Vietnam) have worse traffic issues than Bermuda. Visit my photo pages for more views of Vietnam than just the traffic.

I have to remember almost a year ago I was taking overnight bus rides where I would get an hour of sleep. Then I was expelled onto a street in the middle of nowhere Hanoi, Vietnam.

Vietnam Traffic Cops

My only choice? Accept the lift of a hotel tout on his motorbike during their rush hour. This entailed meandering through guys with goats, police officers who looked ready to shoot, noodle sellers scrounging-up breakfast and coating myself in black exhaust.

I finally arrived at the hotel and immediately got a shower. Now I arrive in the office and try to recover with a cup of coffee.

And when I look at these photos I remember the difficulty last year. And I calm-down. Maybe Bermuda’s rush hour’s not so bad. Maybe I could get through it….if I wasn’t told to honk for Jesus!

Going nowhere!

I was happily trying to leave my friendly fax machine behind. It begged, but really one too many paper jams and I knew it was too high maintenance for me (see post from yesterday if confused about the new love/hate relationship in my life).

But no! Just like every high-maintenance relationship (and we’ve all had them) it wouldn’t let me go. I must have turned my back for too long. Is that paper not good enough for you? Are you not happy with my paper feeding skills?

It must have snuck out while I was at lunch.

I tried to leave it via my barely, standing scooter. And I almost did. I was happily sitting on my bike until…. the fax machine struck! At the corner of Church and Court street I found myself immobile.

This was slightly strange because the light was GREEN….(and for those who are not from Bermuda…honestly all you need to know is I was not far from the office at an intersection).

But my trusty scooter….stopped. The world of machine goods was against me….the fax machine had sent it a message – get the paper right or….

Yeah and, well, I guess if I forget to fill it up….BUTTTTTT you ask, what about your gas gauge? Yes, well that is a perfectly reasonable question. But….well my chariot is more like…….a chariot. I might as well be a Roman trying to circle the Circo Massimo.

Both gas gauge and speedometer decide when and how they are going to work (I’m saving the speedometer for the Police excuse). I’m usually pretty good at remembering to fill the tank.

But well I guess I’ve been kinda busy…..so what did I do, you ask? Well….like any seasoned traveller would do I ……………..called mom! I have no shame.

She didn’t answer. I wasn’t walking. Do you know how hot it was?!?! I parked the bike in a slanted parking bay and called a friend…He answered and gave me a lift home.

It must have been one of those days. Cursed by things mechanical because as I returned with a full gas cylinder from home a tourist dad-daughter combo were sadly pushing their bike from Trimingham Hill to The foot of the lane gas station (anyone who doesn’t get this reference it’s just under a mile).

Cambodian Capsules of Gas

What we all really needed was the comfort and convenience of gas stations in Cambodia (and most of South East Asia to be fair). But I noticed these delightful combinations of former drink containers turned toxic liquid here most. Probably because I was out in the wilds on a bike dodging cows and hoping I wouldn’t be hitching a ride with a knife-wielding grandma.

In Bali it was even better. Just down the road from my friend’s house and a short nip before heading further afield we could get our gas served straight from an Absolut vodka bottle. If that’s not classy gas I don’t know what is.

In Thailand? Oh these required some cranking! Old School you might say. But a life saviour when you’re

Old School

biking around the North of Thailand and you’re lost. Add to that it’s raining, it’s freezing and everything you own is wet.

I was traveling with two guys and we were all desperate for gas. This was slightly more worrisome than my Church/Court saga. We were really lost. We had been traveling for hours. A town was miles away. We were all on empty.

We ran into a police post (well not literally, but you get it). At least two of us did, anyway. The other guy had flown ahead of us. They spoke English. Gas station?

We did at least two loops (which was asking a lot of these bikes) before I spotted this “gas station”. I couldn’t resist a photo. This poor woman had to crank this machine so many times.

But it worked! And we continued on our way….to the Long Neck village (another story about women who wear rings around their necks to lengthen them).

As my bike sat on Church/Court combo I filled it with enough fluid to get me to the gas station at the foot of the lane. The gas attendant (because we don’t pump our own gas in Bermuda…ever) even had a good chuckle.

Aww…all right. So can I. Now bring me my Absolut Gas! Absolut Class!