Robyn's Wanderings

Go down a random street and see what you'll find

What’s the best way to visit a city? Most people would tell you to pick-up a guide-book, get a good map and put-on some comfy walking shoes.

Not Bermudian Emily Ross! Ok maybe the shoes, but Emily believes that one of the best ways to see a city is to get lost. Where’d she go?

Well, where the Queen told her to go:

I’ve always thought that the best way to see a city is to get lost in it. It’s one of the advantages of travelling on your own: there’s no pressure to have a plan and sometimes that’s best! I think I’ve seen the most on days where I’ve had no guidebook and no mission.

‘Were you on your own all day?’ said my room-mate incredulously. It was evening time on Saturday and I’d just come back from a long day of wandering.

Trust me, I’m not a social recluse, but it’s really not all that bad! As a large group of exchange students had travelled to Shenzhen in mainland China (I wasn’t feeling up for a big market trip this weekend…haggling is fun and all, but you really do have to be geared up for it. This weekend needed to be chilled out), I decided to do a tube-stop coin flip. I chose two MTR (the Hong Kong underground) stops that I hadn’t been to yet, and flipped a coin (a good ol’ Bermuda quarter stubbornly floating about in the bottom of my handbag) to decide which to go to. The Queen told me to go to ‘Admiralty,’ so off I went.

Upon exiting the MTR I found myself in a mall (this happens a lot in Hong Kong). On the ground floor were a few nice restaurants and in the middle was a gorgeous grand piano. A jazz pianist was playing live music and I sat in a coffee shop on the floor above and listened for a good hour and a bit. Really, really enjoyed his playing. Might try to go back the same time this weekend to see if he’s there again!

Yo ma ma frozen yoghurt, photo supplied by Emily Ross

After stopping off in a posh supermarket to eat some free samples, I realised this mall was a little out of my price range and headed outside into the great unknown. I’m starting to fall in love with this city thing – there’s always something different around each corner. Mind you, I do find myself missing taking an hour to walk down Reid Street because you keep running into people you know. I think that’s one of the best and worst parts of travelling for a roaming Bermudian: the anonymity.

After a good amount of wandering, I stopped off in a fro-yo joint down a side street (Hong Kongers love their frozen yoghurt. Ice cream is a rarity here) to refuel and then noticed a funky looking boutique across the road. I poked my head in and saw it was not only a kooky clothing/jewellery store but it doubled as an art gallery (of course). It was the opening of an exhibition, so I somehow managed to nab myself free wine and canapés and a performance from a great local indie band – just because I happened to be in the right place at the right time!

These surprises are found most easily by not looking for them specifically – so go out into the city and pay attention to what’s on the way to the big sights. Go down a random street, avoid over-planning and you’ll have a great day, whether on your own or with friends!

So bookshelves don’t tend to be something you think about when you’re hitting the road.

I never do. That’s said from a person who can’t stand NOT reading a book! If I don’t have my nose in a novel then something is wrong (or I’m insanely busy as I have been for the last few months).

And if anyone has been following this blog then you know what my reading list often consists of – randoms (remember: Eight Travel Books and not one is Eat, Pray, Love?)

But what got me thinking about this blog post today is multi-pronged. One is listening to CBC (the Canadian online radio) about a Canadian (of course) artist who decided to get rid of all of her books! Sacrelege as as far as I’m concerned.

I get why people want to deconstruct their lives, but if there is one thing I will never (ok almost never, which is why I write this blog) are my books!

Which brings me to point two about this post: I have been researching an article about travel items available in Bermuda. I know, I know, not always easy!

So I debated…..do I try and find the Kindle? Do I include the iPad? Everyone seems to be all about reading words on a computer these days. And, really, who am I to complain? I do have a blog by the way.

But the point is books don’t translate. Call me old fashioned! When I read a book I want to be able to scroll through the pages. I want to be able to bend the pages.

And the best part? No matter how tatty or wet they might get….the words will not go. Now tell that to someone who soaks their iPad in the rain!

What has this got to do with travel? I thought you’d never ask. It’s got everything to do with travel because the

more books

Kindle, in particular, was introduced as a compact way to carry around all the reading material you might need on the road.

BAH! Is what I say. The beauty of the road is the loving way that people read their books and then sell them to the tiny second hand shops that spring-up in every backpacker haunt or on the shelves of hostels around the world (yes, from South America to Europe and Asia). In fact many will even give you a book for a book (or two). It’s exchange and commerce!

Even better? Well nothing could be better than having the chance to wander around a book store taking in the titles and deciding what type of adventure you want next. Do you want to go through someone’s life? Perhaps visit your next trip to Thailand?

It’s old school – exchanging books, but it’s more than a chance to recycle books. It’s also a convenient way to expand your own literary adventures.

Do you know how many times I’ve need to lighten my backpack only to be faced with the prospect of titles I have never heard of before? Lots of times. But that’s when you pick-up a book like River of Time written by journalist Jon Swain who lived in Cambodia between 1970 and 1975. The book is his account of these tumultuous years at the beginning of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. It was one I could not put down.

Not only do the old-school manners of exchanging books expand your own personal library it also means that you’re not another backpacker with a cool electronic gadget.

Look I’ll be the first to admit that I travel with an iPod, but when I see the amount of gadgets that some people pull out (i.e. a place tracker for photos) and I look at the poverty that surrounds them (i.e. anywhere in South East Asia) a good, old book is better for the soul!

And because you can exchange them you never have to keep them in your backpack. Well I will admit this, as I finish this post….I couldn’t part with The White Tiger! I just couldn’t do it….so I gave it to my dad when I saw him during my trip around the world.

Does this make me sentimental? I don’t think so. I will never be the Canadian artist able to sell all of her books. Even on the road when I was breaking my back and an exchange loomed ahead I found it hard to part with my papers filled with escapes.

Does that make me a bad traveler? Does that make me too sentimental? Who knows. It does mean when I walk into my room and I’m looking for inspiration, now, I have a library of adventures to choose from.

Hell it’s cheaper than jewelry!

Fancy doing it on a cruise? Well you’ve got one more day to book a trip that includes, not just some of the best jazz artists, but also the Caribbean. What could be better?

How about the 2011 artist lineup? David Sanborn, Alonzo Bodden, Simone, and so many more that you can visit here. And then again there are the countries! Nassau, San Juan, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay. Then of course there is the price! For nine days sail through the Caribbean, listen to the soothing sounds of Jazz and do it all for just $2,599 if you book with CTravel. But remember you only have one more day so visit their website or their offices on Queen Street for more information. While you’re there you might want to also ask about their special deal just for Bermudians. Bermudians who want to visit New York. That includes staying in the luxurious Fitzpatrick Hotel in New York Fitzpatrick hotel for just $199 a night. That will also include the use of their health club, special offer coupons and it is available from Thursday to Sunday! Why not treat yourself after Christmas for a little vacation? And even better when you book through CTravel then you can also book your theatre tickets! Well not just theatre tickets, but discount tickets for the any event you’re interested in seeing while you visit the Big Apple. Check out what is available here. And finally as a little bonus. A trip that is fun and out there for you….how about experiencing the haunting images of Vietnam or the beautiful ones of Cambodia Experience a vivid world of monks in saffron robes, rice paddies, floating markets & ancient temples with a private guided tour. Visit Hanoi, which is a lively mix past & present, the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, culturally decadent Hue, charming old Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City before voyaging to Cambodia to explore the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. Enjoy an overnight cruise on Halong Bay, water puppet show, Tai Chi, cooking class, cycling, river cruises, hot air balloon ride, elephants & more. Featuring a great mix of 4 & 5 star hotels, private guide, driver & internal flights, this tour promises to be the trip of a lifetime. For 14 days it will cost you just $3,794 per person! How crazy is that? I know how crazy it is because I’ve traveled through that part of the world. It’s a trip that is priceless but with a visit to the helpful staff of CTravel you can also visit the stunning countries of South East Asia. All the best on your vacation choices!

Fancy doing it on a cruise? Well you’ve got one more day to book a trip that includes, not just some of the best jazz artists, but also the Caribbean. What could be better?

How about the 2011 artist lineup? David Sanborn, Alonzo Bodden, Simone, and so many more that you can visit here. And then again there are the countries! Nassau, San Juan, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay. Then of course there is the price! For nine days sail through the Caribbean, listen to the soothing sounds of Jazz and do it all for just $2,599 if you book with CTravel. But remember you only have one more day so visit their website or their offices on Queen Street for more information. While you’re there you might want to also ask about their special deal just for Bermudians. Bermudians who want to visit New York. That includes staying in the luxurious Fitzpatrick Hotel in New York Fitzpatrick hotel for just $199 a night. That will also include the use of their health club, special offer coupons and it is available from Thursday to Sunday! Why not treat yourself after Christmas for a little vacation? And even better when you book through CTravel then you can also book your theatre tickets! Well not just theatre tickets, but discount tickets for the any event you’re interested in seeing while you visit the Big Apple. Check out what is available here. And finally as a little bonus. A trip that is fun and out there for you….how about experiencing the haunting images of Vietnam or the beautiful ones of Cambodia Experience a vivid world of monks in saffron robes, rice paddies, floating markets & ancient temples with a private guided tour. Visit Hanoi, which is a lively mix past & present, the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, culturally decadent Hue, charming old Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City before voyaging to Cambodia to explore the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. Enjoy an overnight cruise on Halong Bay, water puppet show, Tai Chi, cooking class, cycling, river cruises, hot air balloon ride, elephants & more. Featuring a great mix of 4 & 5 star hotels, private guide, driver & internal flights, this tour promises to be the trip of a lifetime. For 14 days it will cost you just $3,794 per person! How crazy is that? I know how crazy it is because I’ve traveled through that part of the world. It’s a trip that is priceless but with a visit to the helpful staff of CTravel you can also visit the stunning countries of South East Asia. All the best on your vacation choices!

Nicola Arnold with her host sister Yogita

Yes. Robyn’s Wanderings is growing by one! Nicola Arnold has now been roped into writing every week about her adventures and basically anything travel related!

So you’re sick of me?! Cool. Meet Bermudian and enthusiastic traveler Nicola who will be sharing with you every Saturday. Here’s her first post:

Season’s Greetings! This is Nicola Arnold and it has been 65 days since my last travel adventure… that is, if you don’t count excursions to the local beaches and parks as being an adventure-worthy.

Living in Bermuda has its perks – as a recent graduate from the University of Guelph, Ontario, I have thoroughly enjoyed returning to Bermuda to spend my summer playing beach volleyball, walking past Johnny Barnes at Crow Lane Roundabout as he declares his love for me, and even pretending to be a tourist in Dockyard in order to sample some of the delicious rum cakes over at the Rum Cake Factory!

So who is Nicola?

My story so far is a ‘mixture’ of my family background intertwined with my travel experiences. Therefore it seems like a good idea to share these ‘ingredients’ of my life with you:

¼ cup Croatian grandparents

¼ cup British grandparents

½ cup parents from Zimbabwe

2 T. cousins in South Africa

3 T. cousins in Australia

1 pkg. of Rotary exchange in France

Whisk in some studies in Canada

4 T. summer student in Bermuda

5 oz. semester abroad in Paris

9 oz. study abroad in the French Alps

1 tsp. volunteer trip in India

Dash of travels in Japan, Greece, USA

These ingredients have led me to my path of study, encouraging my development in international education and will be the basis of my career… (yes dad, a JOB!!):

From high school at Mt. St. Agnes Academy in Bermuda to university in Canada, my ever-growing love for

France ultimately pointed me in the direction of completing a B.A. in European Studies, complete with a

Nicola in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan for our overnight camel safari... a thrilling adventure for sure

“highly recommended” study abroad for a year in the foreign language being studied (le français, bien sur).

At university, I became a Peer Helper at the Center for International Programs (CIP), so I had the joy of informing and preparing other students for studying, working & volunteering abroad.

Needless to say, I’ve been able to hone my packing skills for last-minute weekend trips, backpacking in the Indian desert on a camel safari – and learnt to be ready at a moment’s notice to dash for trains in the process.

What’s the plan now?! As I’m enjoying the mild Bermuda weather, I’m actively searching for jobs in Canada in the international education field – working with international and/or exchange students. It has been great networking with contacts both in Bermuda and Canada, while keeping my skills sharp through volunteering and getting involved in different organizations and events.

And surprise, surprise… my family and I will be travelling over the Christmas holidays to visit family and wander around Europe a bit. So far, our plans include stops in London, Rome, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Amsterdam and Paris – all in the space in 3 weeks. Sound interesting? Stay tuned for more!

Fly to Bermuda for $99!

And no, you don’t have to flap your arms or kick with your feet! No! The airline running this special is none other than Air Canada and the person to book these tickets with is no other than CTravel!

That’s because while Air Canada runs the special on their site for $99 for another 14 hours, CTravel has until December 16th to book!

And even better? CTravel can offer your friends and family flights home from Toronto for $149! What a deal?! What are you waiting for? Visit their Quicktix website to book your flights or give the agents a call!

CTravel Deals!

So bring your family and friends back home for the holidays and buy your Christmas gifts at the same time!

That’s because CTravel is also offering the chance to win two free tickets on American Airlines to anywhere in the United States.

Yes, they ran a contest that ended on November 30 and here is the next installment! So don’t delay!

Make sure you get the traveler in your life the Christmas gift they want – a CTravel gift Certificate – and be entered for a two tickets to anywhere in the Continental United States.

I can’t think of a better way to spend your new year!

What are you waiting for? Visit their offices on the first floor of the Bermudiana Arcade in Hamilton or visit their website for more information.

And perhaps the traveler in your life can put it toward a trip of a lifetime – the Arctic. I mean it feels like the Arctic out there in Bermuda right now, so why not go and actually experience it!?

Book soon because these amazing trips that are organized by the Arctic Kingdom Polar Expeditions Inc. are

Visit the Arctic

the only land-based travel experiences in this part or the world.

Each of their trips is catered to your likes and their groups are small, between 4 and 12 adventurers.

Any Inuit guide will tell you that a larger group size compromises your ability to feel and see what the Arctic has to offer.

So from visiting the Polar Bears in the Arviat Polar Bear cabins set directly on the shores of Hudson Bay to chilling in the Arctic Igloo Domes in the rarely visited and spectacular Torngat mountains, they have everything.

Helicopters, polar bears, sizzling northern lights and sightings of rare caribou herds make this a world class unforgettable adventure.

Don’t wait long though! These vacations are filling-up so make sure you contact the representative at CTravel for your Arctic Vacations and stay warm on Bermuda’s roads!

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?

“You know what I’ve noticed….people in London are not very friendly. I mean I swore before they used to at least say hello.”

“Robyn no. If they say hello run the other way. If they say hello there’s a good chance you’ll end-up in their freezer.”

But I like to say hello. I like to be friendly and joke about the weather or the fact that I had to be up at 3 a.m. for my cab to the bus to the airport (yep the cheapest way to an airport). Maybe it’s the Bermudian in me. I’m going to be friendly despite myself.

And yet as I struggle to leave the Bermudian in me I am actually trying to escape Bermuda.

It’s not a myth. Love em and leave em. It’s the only way to stay sane. Swizzle in and Swaggle out. I’ve got Rock Fever. I’ve got island fever. I need to escape!

How many sayings do Bermudians have to escape our lovely little island. And it is lovely. Don’t get me wrong I love Bermuda. I can’t imagine living anywhere else (and I’ve tried).

But it’s small.

After a while things that should not matter start to matter too much. People who should not matter to you – do. Comments about your work start to build-up and bury you under scepticism.

So I boarded my plane. I was still surrounded by people I knew. Ok maybe not to invite to a party, but to say hello to on the street. Touchdown London.

Breathe you're in London

I escaped. Breathe. And I could. I could sit in a Starbucks and I didn’t know a single person. I could concentrate on the work I needed to do.

But escaping Bermuda, for me, is not just about being able to blend into a crowd. It’s comforting. It’s comforting to see a new world (even if I’ve been to London before).

It’s comforting to find people living their lives in lots of different ways. It’s comforting to find a 20 pound flight to Sweden and being able to visit a friend.

But that’s what traveling is truly about, isn’t it? Remembering that where you are from (i.e. Bermuda but it applies to everyone) is not the only world out there. It’s remembering that people are watching the world in a different way. They don’t all believe that they live and die by your words.

It calms. It calms me to know that there is a bigger universe out there that does not revolve around Bermuda. It puts my home in perspective. It makes problems at home, while important, not seem so overwhelmingly bad.

It’s refreshing. And it’s time to visit Stockholm…the first stop on my cheap European trip. I swear I will find cheap visits.

Seeking Solace?

Tranquility. Health. Revitalization. Maybe that’s what I was channeling while I sat in this temple in Sukothai, Thailand. Tranquility is what I definitely needed even if I wasn’t channeling it.

I had just spent the previous two days trying to catch a train. I know….crazy. But true. Trains in Thailand had gone on strike and I was stranded, along with a Dutch couple in the town of LopBuri (just south of Sukothai). Known for its monkeys, Lopburi had little more and we wanted to leave.

Two days later at 5 a.m. we finally found a train that would deliver us to this pristine and tranquil setting of temples, water and lush forest.

Ahhh….sound good? Sound like something you need? I think The Ranch at Live Oak in Malibu is right up your alley then. Offering relaxation, detoxification and every other oxation, this ranch is the perfect mix of luxury and pampering with a purpose.

The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu

Hike the mountains surrounding Malibu, where in one intensive week, you will gain physical endurance, shed unwanted weight, tone up and detoxify all while “getting off the grid” and back to nature. The program is strictly Sunday to Saturday with a maximum of 14 weekly guests and includes private cottages with spectacular views and home-grown organic food. Book with CTravel by the end of October and you will save $1,000!

But do your plans include Europe? Are you traveling there on business or find yourself living abroad for a while? Why not book yourself into the SHA Wellness Spa in southern Spain. In between Valencia and Alicante (both have international airports), the spa even offers a complimentary massage upon arrival.

SHA Wellness Spa

Experience Macrobiotic cuisine at its best both for the weight loss and health programs. The lectures only enforce the program. A full staff of medical and nutritional as well as fitness will ensure that your goals are achieved. Book with CTravel by the end of December and you will be eligible for their special spa trek package.

Finally, want a taste of Morocco, but don’t want to go through the hassle of getting there? I mean what would be the point if you’re trying to relax at a spa? Well good because the IC Montelucia Resort and Spa in Phoneix is ready for you.

IC Montelucia Resort and Spa

The Spanish music and courtyard fountains put you in southern Spain. The exotic scents of the Joya spa will entice your senses. Try a belly dancing class at the spa. Sit next to a fire-pit and have drinks at the Kasbah. Indulge your senses with a true hammam experience in Joya Spa.

And if you book with CTravel your rates could be as low as $279 a night! So what are you waiting for?

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.