Travel

I’ve been traveling a bit lately. Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don’t. When I travel for work, I end up flying by myself which I actually enjoy except for ground travel arrangements. I’m a lazy traveler and I prefer taxis over the more difficult to maneuver public transportation. I’d give trains and subways a chance if I didn’t always have so much luggage.

You may have guessed, I’m a bad packer. I NEVER have the right stuff. I either have too much or not enough. When I was in Charlotte a couple of weeks ago, I was there for 3-1/2 days. I only packed one pair of pants. I was sure I had packed at least 3 but no -- only my black pin-striped pants. I was careful not to spill anything and I changed into my pajamas right away each evening. I had one pair of flimsy sandals and 2 pairs of flip flops. Not good when you’re walking and on your feet a lot.

This week in Anaheim, I have 4 pairs of pants but I have all the wrong shoes again. The Convention Center is nearly a mile away and I limped back with a big blister on my heel. Tomorrow it’s back to taxis.

Hotel rooms. Here’s what I like. Solitude and simplicity. Room Service. Big beds all to myself. Using the sleep timer on the TV. Relaxing wake up calls rather than screaming alarm clocks.

Here’s what I hate. The constant threat of germs left in the wake of other travelers. I can’t stand it when the shower curtain touches my skin. It gave me chills just to type that! I never use the glasses they leave in the room. I buy bottled water. I hate using the phone – I’m sure they never think to sterilize the phone – or the radio or the remote!

Here’s a hint for travel rookies: Don’t leave your toothbrush on the counter. I’m sure they move it around to clean the counter and I bet they touch it right after they’ve cleaned the toilet!!!! (See photo of how I put all toiletries esp. toothbrush in my hanging travel bag when I leave for the day.) I also hate bedspreads although now they are putting sheets on top of the beds which alleviates some of my germaphobia.

And how they tease me with HBO. Look at tonight’s lineup:
8:45 In Focus: Shedding Light On Vampires In America, A Prime-Time Network Exclusive
9:00 Generation Kill Part 5: A Burning Dog
10:15 Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam 95
10:45 Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam 96

I would never watch these shows. Ever. Okay, I would watch if George Clooney came over and said he wanted to spend the evening with me watching HBO. Then maybe... but he better bring champagne.