France 2011 Statues at the Palace of Versailles

I am facinated with statues, as I am astounded that these figures are held inside until released in such wonderful proportions, drapped gracefully, and larger than life.

Statues linger over us, watching. Some are in places where they are rarely noticed except by the artist and God.

Gargoyles are so common they seem harmless, as this one where the functional downspout is more obvious.

These oversized settings crown the gate post upon entry or exit. Every few feet walking around them poses a new perspective to the eye, and thought to the mind.

France 2011 Surrounding our Hotel

Surrounding sites around our hotel all within a couple of blocks.

The picture above and below down another cobblestone pathway.

The scene below is across from the Bayeux Cathedral and the local restaurant where we ate.

France 2011 Bayeux Cathedral

Home of the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which is now in a museum close by. We passed by every night on our way to a local restaurant that had a tavern style to it. Again, great service where ever we go. This is also called the Notre Dame of Bayeux.

France 2011 Arriving in France

This trip was a study tour, focused on highschool students. While I went along for the opportunity to view another country, I learned an extreme amount of information, and gained an appreciation for things I had known of, but failed to truly appreciate, especially historically.

Our first hotel in France, Hotel Churchhill was located in Bayeux, France. This is coming in from the back side and still charming! The parking is very limited and the front side faces out onto a tiny cobblestone street.

This fits a very sweet stereotype of the European Charm. The front desk was nestled in a small room with a personable staff. We each went our separate ways into little nooks, spiral stairways and such to quaint little rooms. The service was very personable and accomodating.

The picture below of an established vinyard section looks very rural, but is actually just a few yards away from the hotel on our walk to the tour bus.

Travel Tips for Picking Luggage

While most people like choosing black to blend in, when traveling, I find bright or unusual luggage provides other comforts.

There are 3 main issues of luggage visually. Will yours be chosen for theft or other crimes? Will your luggage fall off the cart on the tarmac? Will someone else mistake your luggage for theirs? Unusual luggage draws attention, which a person of crime is avoiding. When your luggage falls off or gets left behind, unusual or bright colors catch attention for recovery. And finally watch people at baggage claim reading tags of dark luggage as they all look the same. Many are unsure.

I love to stand at baggage claim when using my vintage samsonite of pink and orange. It comes up the ramp and I can spot it immediately! Then as it passes along on the carousel, people easily back up as they are sure it is not theirs, some even afraid of the colors, backing up allowing me to retrieve my belongings.

While there can be many efforts and concerns for blending in and avoiding the tourist trap, luggage is primarily seen at airports and hotels, where everyone is traveling and is rarely used during the sight seeing aspect of the trip.

Travel Tips for Packing Med

There are very specific regulations on liquids to be followed. Check and verify these guidelines for changes. Liquids should be small amounts of no more than 3oz in a container. Do not put 3 oz in a 6 oz container and consider that okay as it is not securities job to measure oz as such. Using a quart plastic bag, place these containers inside and zip. If it does not zip, you have too much. The bag should be removed for security, so keep packed as easy access. If you are not carrying these items on, the size limit does not apply, but still pack in a plastic bag. In some cases these can be busted, and the bag can catch the mess and keep away from your clothes and other items. When carrying meds, keep them in their original bottle. Also check with your airline for any concerns or changes. It is also good to keep these in a seperate bag for secuirty. There is sometimes concerns as to what qualifys as a liquid, concerning creams. I still treat and count these as a liquid. Keep in mind the purpose of checking these items are for safety reasons and avoiding conflicts. If you are carrying children's meds, make sure to include a mouth syringe or tube spoon for measuring convenience. If you have seriously needed meds, consider bringing a doctor's statement/prescription in case of emergency or loss of medications.

Travel Tips - Flight Planning

There are so many flight options, flight times, airline companies, airline searches, and such, that if you look for an extended period of time, you may have a tendency to grab the first convenience just to avoid the ongoing search. Before searching, set your own guidelines.

Determine first the possible cost. Some sites offer info as to the time of year prices drop or off seasons. Also verify how holidays, not just in your location, but the destination effect cost. Once you have a general idea, determine when you can afford to go. Many people can afford to go anytime, but in our economy seek to save the monies when possible. Once you determine the cost you are willing to pay set a calendar as to when is the soonest you will buy and the latest at which to have tickets.

Let me say you can often wait and occassionally find those last minute deals, but real life also happens, and I once experienced prices dropping dramatically, until a disaster struck and volunteers began flying out to help, only to raise the prices. I ended up paying more than I intended.

Also the peace of mind has a value, meaning sometimes you pay for the ticket and be done about it, so you may focus on another aspect of the trip.

When looking at the flights on line, consider surrounding airports, which sometimes have lower, or extremely lower rates. Do not forget whether this can have a downside in car travel or other arrangements for picking you up.

When dealing with layovers, I prefer a couple of hours, least an hour and a half. Any less has risk for connecting with your flight. These issues can include flight arriving late, long distances between gates, unfamiliarity with the airport layout, baggage re-check (international), and occassionally a flight will be loaded and not allow late passengers even if the plane is still in. The exception is the obvious small airport with limited gates.

If you don't mind, longer layovers are great for exploring, grabbing a bite, coffee, magazine, or uncramped bathroom breaks, and just the stress free of catching the next flight. Do not assume you can leave for a quick site see. It is rarely possible on most layovers.

Once you have your flight chosen, you may have choices on seating, special health needs for meals (when served), and such. Be sure to address these now. Also, if you are a first time flyer or sending a child or have disability needs or elderly, you can receive special attention to help you through the experience. Don't be afraid to ask.

Once your flight is purchased, make sure you have the e-tickets emailed to you and at least one other person for emergency. The ticket for yourself should be printed multiple times. I keep one for traveling, with ID and such. I post one on my fridge for reference as time draws near and the house sitter can see it, and then another I tuck away in another area of luggage, in case mine is lost. Keep in mind, you can always print or reference the ticket on your email account if you save it.

Now relax, the rest is less stressful than choosing a ticket!