After a long day of travel that consisted of many more hours of aggravation than actual flight time we are home. I feel like I've been rode hard and put up wet. (I apologize in advance for forcing you to endure my practical application of "what I learned on my summer vacation". Holly is now fluent in "southern".) I tell you what, air travel is for the young. What follows are my a couple of tips for vacationing in a place you have never visited before:
Tip 1: Avail yourself of the magical Gray Line Tours. I learned things and went places that I would never have heard or done alone. While riding on the bus the driver gave us information on local history, celebrities, places to eat, things to do, etc. In most cities they will pick you up at the door of your hotel and drop you back off safe and sound. I can't say enough good things about what a great time I had all by myself on a Gray Line bus.
Tip 2: Make a local friend. I accomplished this by getting a pedicure. The hour of conversation we had gave me all kinds of information about the resort, area, etc. I offhandedly mentioned that we had seen a car with an Australian license plate. The girl giving the pedicure told me that the car belonged to Keith Urban, who is Australian. I may have just seen Keith Urban....or his driver....or mechanic, whatever. She also provided me with tattoo parlor info (I didn't do it, but I will!), where to find the Whole foods and the closest Target.
Tip 3: TIP! I tried to be sure I had a handful of one dollar bills everywhere I went. Service workers have a hard and often unpleasant job and a nice little tip can go a long way to getting better service. One night AH had a business dinner and I ordered room service. I gave the woman who delivered my dinner a cash tip on top of the one the hotel added. The next night when I ordered again I got extra flowers on my tray and exceptionally good service. The woman from the night before had told them I was a nice person and to treat me well.
General tip for air travel: Take more than one suitcase. Most major airlines charge you now for checked luggage, BUT they charge you even more for luggage that is too heavy. It would have been much more economical to take two and much less aggravating. We waited in line for EVER while people tried to get their luggage under the weight limit. By the time we got through the check in chaos and the security line I was thinking a slow train to anywhere would have been better than flying. If we go again next year we will seriously consider driving.
Tomorrow my report on Nashville yarn stores!
Picture above is the front porch of Belle Meade plantation.
I feel as though I have traveled to Nashville with you Holly! good job on getting around all by yourself! I am so proud!
Posted by: chris from briar rose fibers | June 08, 2009 at 07:03 AM