Auto Navigation

There are dozens of GPS navigation devices available these days. You can use them in your car, on your bicycle, or while hiking in the woods. The ones that I’ve used have done a fairly good job. For example, while in Spain, I loaded the European maps onto the memory and found them to be quite accurate. Here’s a screen shot of the unit on the windshield of my rental car while in Segovia, Spain.

In the lower left corner of the photo you’ll see the tangle of streets that is Segovia. Directly ahead stands the Roman aqueduct. The software which provides guidance from point to point can make some unusual suggestions, sending you on less than optimal roads even though you select “fastest” or “highway” or a similar restriction. Still, it was better than paper maps in that it is constantly scrolling along with you as you drive. Not to mention that it is smaller and lighter.

In planning a trip as long and with as many stops as this last one to Spain, I always print out basic maps from one hotel to the next, or one specific sight to a hotel as a backup in case the GPS unit fails, is stolen, or other unforeseen act like sunspots that render it inoperable. Plus, those printouts serve as a basis to build the photo album later. Enjoy the journey!

Published in: on June 28, 2010 at 5:35 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Creature Comforts, Flying

No doubt about it, commercial air travel can be uncomfortable these days. You’re packed into an aluminum tube with a couple hundred other souls, anxious to get somewhere, hoping to avoid delays. The air gets dry. Your stomach rumbles. Maybe you’re nervous about flying in the first place. Let’s take a look a few small things that can make the trip just a little better. After all, there’s always room for improvement. American Airlines hands out the following kit to their business and first class passengers. However, there’s no reason why you can’t make up a crafty unit like this for yourself. It starts with a neat pouch to contain your amenities.

Not bad, but the one shown above is a little large. I’d scale it down if I was putting my own together, perhaps to about half that size. Opening up, take a look at how neatly things are packed.

Things are pretty well stowed inside there. I give them an A for packability, if that’s a term. Removing the items you can take stock of what’s all in this unit.

Check that out. You have socks to keep your feet warm and comfortable. Eyeshades if you’d like to sleep while the lights are on. Lip balm and moisturizing cream to protect you skin form the dry air. Ear plugs in the small blue box and some tissues. A pen to work the crossword puzzle in the magazine (I needed the part from this one, which is why its missing). A toothbrush and some mints because fresh breath is a gift to yourself and everyone around you. A moist towelette to get that funk off your hands and face.

I’d add a few things. How about some snacks, like dried fruit and nuts in small packs. A couple 1 oz. bottles of Jack Daniel’s to mix with my free club soda. A device to play my favorite music or audio book. Keep the liquids below the federal limits for security. What else? Let me know.

Flying doesn’t have to be hades at the edge of the stratosphere. Prior preparation prevents poor performance. Take a moment to think about your trip, how you’re going to get there via airplane, and what measures could easily be taken to make it more enjoyable. You’ll be glad you did. The poor guy next to you will be jealous.

Published in: on June 6, 2010 at 1:44 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Loving Frequent Flier Miles

Once again, I’m loving frequent flier miles. The flights on this trip were paid for using my American Airlines frequent flier mile program and about $100 in cash. Not a bad deal for two business class tickets to from the US to Madrid, Spain.

Furthermore, I’d like to say a big “thank you” to all the friendly and helpful people at American Airlines. The cabin staff was fantastic on all flights. Of course, the pilots are professionals of the highest order, making nice landings, avoiding turbulence whenever possible, and personable to boot. Then, I enjoyed the Admirals Club in Miami with all its amenities.

Again, all this cost me $100 plus the miles, which were earned at no interest by using a credit card (carrying no balance) and the other flights I took on American. I’d call that a handsome reward for a bit of loyalty.

Of course it’s going to take me quite a while to accumulate another batch of miles for a trip like this. It’ll be worth it. (Starting tomorrow, I’ll have photos, videos, and zany blog commentary about this sojurn to Spain. All you’ve come to expect from The Bent Page, and more!)

Published in: on May 3, 2010 at 9:32 pm  Comments (1)  
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Spare Bytes

No, this isn’t one of my many food posts. This is a friendly reminder that if you’re traveling, don’t forget to carry plenty of spare memory cards for your camera, computer, and video gear. During this trip to Spain, I brought a few extra memory units for each device. Gracias a dios! Because they came in handy.

I find with digital media, I take many more images than I would using film. There’s virtually no waste as they can be deleted later and the memory reused. If this were film, I’d have a suitcase full of exposed rolls and one large invoice for all the processing. Digial media is truly a bargain, especially when you consider the fleibility.

So, don’t skimp on those cards. Grab a few extras and let the cameras roll.

Published in: on April 26, 2010 at 6:58 pm  Leave a Comment  
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