Would love to spend a night in the Everland pod

Above is THE coolest hotel room I think I've ever seen! Read more about it on the Everland website (checkout the Panorama), Art Project by Day, Paris Hotel by Night , and from someone who experienced it first hand. Sadly it will have left Paris by the time I get there (not that I could have afforded to stay in it!), Parisians are saying goodbye... Next stop, Mars?

Another 10 Craziest Hotels - this is where I found out about the Everland hotel

World's Craziest Hotels

I'm petitioning Expedia to extend new "no fee" policy to Canada

OK, I was patient for a week, but Expedia has still to extend their "no fee" policy to expedia.ca and decided to be the squeeky wheel. Hence I created: Canadians call for Expedia to waive fees on expedia.ca

If you believe that Expedia's Canadian customers deserve the same policies as expedia.com please sign the petition.

Please tell your friends!!!

Update June 5/09: to their crecit, got this reply on Twitter today:
Expedia @citytravelbug We hear you! In fact, Expedia.ca doesn't charge change/cancel fees for air/hotels. Will pass along your other feedback - thx!

One bag, one year, one happy girl

Today I made perhaps the most important trip purchase yet: my backpack!! The above will be my "home" for the next year.... YIPPEE!!

I did my travel shopping at Gulliver's Travel, the long-time travel experts locally. What sold me on the store was the truly awesome service from Chris - she must have spent 2 hours last weekend going through the store section by section with me, showing me all the latest travel gadgets, asking questions and giving spot-on advice (even what not to buy).... I feel I have a true travel partner in Chris ;-) Also like their return policy, there was no problem with me taking more gadgets home than I was sure I'd keep; that way I could sort them at home, make final decisions, and return the rest before I go.

When it came to selecting my bag, after chatting for a few minutes, and looking at a couple of bags in-stock, Chris said she thought the bag that would be most suitable would be the Rick Steves' pack. They were out of stock, but from how she described it, I felt pretty sure I would want it when I saw it. Apparently it is the store owner's fav bag and he swears by it. I didn't like the other colours available, so I asked them to put aside a black one when they came in. So, off I went, bagless, and waited for the call....

I got the call on Tuesday that the bag had come in, and they were holding a black one for me, and I said I would be in by the weekend. Then, Wednesday, Chris calls me personally to tell me that she noticed that there was a brand new colour, a nice pale green, that she thought I would like, and said she was holding both for me so I could take a look and then choose. How's that for service? When I went in today I took one look at the "sage" bag and loved it!

So... I bought the Rick Steves Convertible Carry-On Bag. It was even on sale, for $149Cdn, instead of $165, perhaps because it's on sale on Rick Steves' site; considering shipping and exchange, I got good value. The bag looks more like a backpack than it does in the picture, perhaps because it's not stuffed to the hilt. But I like it that it's on the classy side, and I can do a quick switcheroo with the straps and walk into a hotel with more of a suitcase look than straggly backpacker.

I was doubly lucky when I went in today as Chris was there, and she helped me with a few additional purchases. I was most impressed that she remembered what I had and hadn't bought on my previous trip, and checked in with me on several things. Awesome! Chris is one smart lady. And she's funny too...

At some point, I will try to list what I'm packing, but here are few of the other travel gadgets I have waiting to be packed for my trip:

• Rick Steves' Civita Day Pack - I actually had this already from a PBS membership drive
• Rick Steves' Super Size Micronet Travel Towel
• universal (flat) sink stopper
• clothes line
• teensy keychain flashlight
• teensy first aid kit
• a few personal safety devices: a purple rubber wedged door stop shaped like a foot, a bright yellow emergency whistle that can be heard from 1km away, and a door/window alarm (not sure if I'll keep the last item or not)
• a couple of combination locks
• 3 pairs of incredible dry-in-a-minute panties - they cost about $28Cdn but they are as light as a feather (and, yes, that's all I am taking in that department)
• suck-out-air clear plastic bags to squish clothes
• eye mask and ear plugs
• passport size round-the-neck waterproof swimmers case
• a RFID Blocking Card Case - believe it or not, there are hacks who sit in piazzas and use wireless devices to steal your credit/debit card information while you walk by or drink your beer - this little case keeps 'em safe
• super thin clear emergency poncho
• the cutest little purple and lime green plastic spork and spoon that look like beetles
• a roll of 10 TowTabs - about the size of a roll of Mentos
• alarm clock
• a couple different money belts - including a neat one that looks like a belt (similar to this one)
• a bunch of black mesh zipper bags
• NOTE: all of the above take up no more than a case of beer

I've also been learning all about the world of travelling with one bag.... Here are some of the resources I've come across:

• Gulliver's Vacation Checklist
• Gulliver's Packing Hints
• Rick Steves' Packing Light and Right - includes Rick's Packing List and a Packing List for Women
• 6 Essential Items To Pack If You Want To Meet The Locals
• Onebag.com - a whole site dedicated to the "art and science of travelling light" - including a cool annotated packing list
• The Universal Packing List - Generate a custom packing list for any journey!
• 10 Multi-Use Items You Should Consider Packing
• 18 Things You Don’t Need on Your Packing List

Canadian Parliamentary Cats and feral cats in general

I did not know about Canadian Parliament's feral cats until today.... I suppose if I'd ever been to Ottawa, I would have seen them, been curious, and learned more... but, alas, that trip is still a goal.... anyways, very cool story. There's a line in the story that has me itching to make a snide remark, but I am controlling myself.... (think icy hearts)....

I also didn't know much about feral cats period, until I read about a cool family in Spain who provides a home to a little colony (enjoyed several funny cat stories...). This actually adds a lot to my knowledge that will inform my travels through so much of Europe where there are cats everywhere ;-)

Reflections on 30 days to go...

30 days to go until I leave for Europe for a year!

Random reflections:

• Gave notice on my apartment today... will be hard to leave this wonderful little place that has been my home for almost 4 years...
• I love love love love love my apartment so empty... I never want to have that much stuff ever again
• It has felt so right to just give everything away, good karma to help other people, and have met some nice folks
• I have said all along that I will go down to 6 boxes to store... and, interestingly enough, clearing my junk produced 6 purple plastic storage bins... guess that's how I was meant to store my stuff
• I love how brutal I am being about purging... every day I look at the clothes I have left and pull out a couple more things to give away
• It's so cool to not want to shop, I am not drawn to look at stuff, why buy anything now except travel essentials?
• It is SO nice to be following my own rhythms again, to work when I want to work, play when I want to play, rest when I want to rest, doodle when I want to doodle... *happily shakes off remaining traces of corporate routine*

Other interesting purging discoveries:

• 2 gold crowns (giving to my niece who is a jewellry student)
• my old glasses (they say you should take some travelling and thought I didn't have them anymore)
• remote control for my fan that has been hiding for years
• ah, the box of the stuff from when I cleared out my sister's hospice room... wasn't able to face it before, so tucked it away... I've put it aside for a day when I have time to sit with my feelings... but it feels ok now - it was actually her birthday yesterday, and she loved to travel, so I feel she is with with me right now, and is excited for my journey
• found the cutest little lime green keychain flashlight.... and I found it before I went out and bought one
• good black leather coat that disappeared after my last move (kept it)
• half a dozen copies of my book, didn't know I had any left, interesting...
• 'discovered' it would have been good to keep 1 large spoon or cooking tool.... stirring a pot of lentils with a teensy spoon is tricky

A litte Babyface Brass

Wandering home after dinner tonight my friend and I came across Babyface Brass doing a free street concert at the corner of Burrard & Robson. Or, should I say "discovered" as I hadn't heard them before. They were really very good. I was thinking inda jazz, kinda blues, but way more upbeat.... I see on their site they call themselves jazz/funk/samba. They said they play like this through the summer (until it gets cold, and then they hibernate)... They also have a dream of getting to Japan, so the crowd they gathered with all their donations were helping them along.... They had a guy videotaping them tonight, so maybe they'll put it up on YouTube (cuz I couldn't find them there...)

A nice cap to a nice evening.

Artist discovery: Milan Basic

The art above is copyright the artist - click to go to the source

A banking errand today took me to the HSBC at the corner of Georgia and Hornby, which meant I was in one of my favourite spaces in Vancouver: the Pendulum Gallery. So I took a few minutes to check out the current exhibition:

transFORMATION - milan basic
(May 11 - May 23, 2009)

The absract art was quite interesting, especially the way he uses coppery paint along with muted colours, with what appears to be a thick clear varish. At first, the pieces appear to be entirely abstract, but once you step back and look at them, you can see all sorts of things (I was able to see faces, doves, elephants).

What interests and excites me most about Milan Basic's work is what I discovered when I did some googling for this post.... he has a very cool background as a graffiti and mural artist in Vancouver. I have a new mission, to go and find a few of his pieces (the one above is called SLEEPY EYED GIRL and is located at East 16th Avenue and Main Street).

More info:

• Hi-Fi Murals - Milan Basic's website
• City for a Canvas. A 5 minute documentary featuring milan basic's graffiti art - and you can watch him paint the mural above
• Milan Basic short film. Brave Art talks with MIlan about his roots in Vancouver Graffiti and the evolution of his work.

BTW, If you've never been to the Pendulum Gallery before, you should check it out. Even if you aren't into art exhibitions, this is wonderful space. It is large, bright and airy - and the precision of the huge overhead pendulum is amazing. There's also a nice little cafe with tables in the open space amongst a few fig trees. The space is also surprisingly quiet. You can sit back, sip your coffee and watch the pendulum do it's thing.

Yes!

Image above is Copyright © Roger Dean, click pic to go to source

This post was inspired by a great idea I saw today: a personal Yes! page.

Of course, when I went to search for an image that said 'yes' it was only natural that the logo for Yes showed up.... one of my FAV bands and one of those things I still listen to regularly. I'm thinking Roundabout.... Almost saw them a few months back, but the concert ended up being cancelled.... who knows, maybe they will turn up in Europe while I'm there...

Anyways.... made me think about creating my own personal Yes page.... just might do it....

To get me started, some Yes!'s from my year of turning 50:

• Truly celebrated turning the big 50 - I'm 50 and fabulous!
• I seized an opportunity to transform my life
• Made a decision from listening to my gut to take off to Europe for a year - then made all the decisions in about 10 days
• Began the process to get rid of almost everything I own
• Embraced my art

Hmmm... maybe I'll come back and add to this one....

My flock of twitter sheep

My flock of twitter sheep.... cool....

My Wordle

I wordled my blog today, cool:

To sleep in a cave........ !

Wowee... "Cappadocia has provided comfort and shelter in its easily hewn volcanic rock to people for centuries. Cappadocia ELKEP EVi CAVE HOTEL has been tastefully restored to welcome guests of today in the ambiance of the past. " As you can see from the pics above, it's truly beautiful.... and the last pic, well, um....nothing like an ancient phallic symbol to make you smile. Visit the website to see more incredible pics, the very reasonable rates and about the archaeological excavations of the ancient caves in this are of Turkey.

I don't plan on visting Turkey on this trip, but if I ever do, I would sure like to stay here....

Barcelona shoe sales are a July happening!

So.... surfing on my travel destinations and I find this post: Shoe for Every Occasion: Barcelona Shops. Now I'm not really going on a shopping vacation, but, wait, then I read this: A pair of sandals from Casas will start at around €50 and go steeply up from there. For deals wait until July when the sales happen. Ah, seems my trip is perfect timing. It would be fun to pick up a fun pair of sandals or Europe-fashion-savvy-unsneakers....

Hackerspaces sound cool

Hadn't heard of hackerspaces before, but they sound pretty cool:
Hackerspaces: DIY Science Centers for Adults

Found this on Nina Simon's blog, someone I never knew about until someone tweeted that she was doing a webcast at the Smithsonian today (veerrry interesting)....

Moo pic

Someone tweeted: Weirdest. Cow. Picture. Ever.

So I had to look.

Vaux le Vicomte, inspiration of Versailles

I am looking forward to visiting Vaux le Vicomte while I am Paris. This chateau was the inspiration of Versailles, is spectacularly beautiful and comes without all the crowds. At dusk they light candles around the gardens and fountains and it is apparently very special... I will go to Versailles as well, but I really look forward to Vaux and a nice relaxing day there.

Inspired by others' doodles...

You simply MUST click the pic below to view both sides of the page - this doodler's work is really cool when you see it all..... (do the same for the larger pics in this post)

click each photo to go directly to the artists' work

Was inspired by these doodles on the myMoleskine Artwork site. SO cool to see all the pics of people's doodles in their Moleskines.... Maybe I'll contribute one day...

I do know that I will be spending a lot of time with Moleskine books in the year ahead... and have been thinking about doing a little scrapbooking for each country I visit using these books.... Ah, Hemingway's Moleskine legacy lives on....

A week in Aix-en-Provence!

I have just secured this wonderful apartment in Aix-en-Provence for a week, very excited!

I have had an interesting experience figuring out what to do between Barcelona and Paris, as I had 7 nights open. As I've been able to book mostly apartments for a month, with a couple of months of shared accomodation thrown in, all for not much more than my rent here at home, I was quite cognizant of my budget. Yet wanted a special experience somewhere new for this period. But, of course, it's peak season in Spain and France. I'd looked at San Sebastian, Nice, Antibes, Arles, Avignon and more... all expensive, then, bingo, this weekend, figured out where I wanted to go: Aix-en-Provence.

What drew me to this wonderful town is a special Picasso-Cezanne exhibition at the Musee Granet celebrating Cezanne's influence on Picasso. There are several exhibits - plus the Château de Vauvenargues where Pablo Picasso lived between 1959 and 1965 will open its doors to the public during the exhibit. As I am pursuing Picasso's works throughout my trip, it was an easy decision once I learned the exhibit was on. I also love Cezanne, so it's extra special. I was very glad I ran across the exhibit's info on the weekend, as this was 'made for me'. I'd also seen Aix-en-Provence on a few TV shows recently and it sounded charming. My timing also means that I will catch the last few days of a music festival there, a bonus.

So.... my place in the centre of Aix-en-Provence is a sweet transition spot for me. And a nice balance to all my big-city time. This charming mansion was once the home of Carmelite nuns and has been converted into seven apartments. After 4 weeks in Barcelona on the 4th floor of a flat without an elevator, this 2nd floor flat with air conditioning and a jacuzzi will be pure heaven....

It will also be a great intro to Southern France. I'll probably be back in the area at some point, as there is a Picasso museum in Antibes I want to visit, maybe in the new year....

My lazy day

click the image to go to the artist's work

What a lovely lazy day...

• I really did sleep most of the day.... pure bliss
• Eventually went out this evening to turn in my bus pass (won't be needing that anymore, $90 saved)
• that's about it... aside of some twittering, some doodling and scoping out good websites on how the locals live in Paris
• 58 days to go...

Europe Travel Links

Just keeping track of some good links for myself, for the places I'll be visiting....

(I plan to update this post periodically as I discover new links, and will eventually copy over to a trip-specific blog...)

BARCELONA

Spotted by Locals - Experience Barcelona like a local
Vila de Gràcia - Reading the signs & symbols - great public library in Barcelona, open to 1am
Bar Oller - Pop into Pep’s - neat Barcelona bar with € 1.20 draft beer, great place to hang with a newspaper and listen to Van Morrison

Frankfurt, Sant Jaume - Central, Cheap and Cheerful - great takeout place, a burger is only € 2.80 and the menu sounds great, even get a beer to eat in the square

Frederic Marès museum - Curious Curios & Crucifixes - courtyard café - on Wednesday after 14:00, it’s free admission

La Pedrera - A Mine of Art - turns out there's a great art gallery in the space that will store your bags and use the loo

Barcelona Online

Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)

Fundacio Joan Miro
The Barcelona Guide

AIX-EN-PROVENCE

Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office

Practical Information for travelling by bus in and around Aix-en-Provence
Aix en Bus
Musee Granet

PARIS

Spotted by Locals - Experience Paris like a local
Stuff Parisians Like
BPI - Postmodernist book’s home - awesome Paris library with lengthy free internet
Saint Ouen Flea Market in Paris - wow, can't wait to hang out here for days
Jeans - an interesting blog post about wearing jeans in Paris (and I'm still gonna wear them despite being past 49)
Wearing Black - in Paris, black is in, bright colours are out, oh my! ("There is no wearing red or yellow in Paris if you are mentally sane")
What do I wear in Paris???- another great piece on what women wear in Paris, with lots of pics
Art Brut - awesome cafe / bar in Paris

Castle of Vaux le Vicomte - inspiration of Versailles, as beautiful, waaaaay less crowded

10 Things to Do in Paris for $10

What Can You Still See in Paris on $5 a Day?

Paris Travel Guide

The Paris Traveller
The Paris Pages
Pour Vous Paris - meet Parisians
How to Ride the Paris Metro
Rock en Seine

Paris' Premiere Terraces

Paris' Train Stations - ways to kill time before your train departs

Drinking Dehors in Paris - destinations for a spell of civilized open-air drinking

Small Bites In Paris - accompanied with best nearby spots of grass in the city

Secret Gardens in the City of Light

The City of Lights' Best Free Bar Food

Paris By Bus

The Best Hotel Bars in Paris

Cafes in the sun

Cooling Off in Paris

Top Picks: Paris Cafes with Free Wi-Fi

French Sex Lessons

Snogging in Paris

Paris on the Cheap

The Sexual Saunas of Paris (!)

ROME Spotted by Locals - Experience Rome like a local
Upter - Lifelong Learning on a Budget - continuing ed courses in Rome
English Yellow Pages - Directory of English-speiaking professionals and businesses in Italy -but it's also bloggish with other good info
What's Happening in Rome
The changing face of Rione Monti - Fascinating Shopping in Rome walking in the Ancient Roman neighborhoud of Rione Monti
Districts of Rome: EUR The city within the city - the area in Rome where I will be staying
Rome Travel Guide
The Rome Guide
BERLINSpotted by Locals - Experience Berlin like a local
M1 - Tram trip from trash to classic art - Berlin subways and art stuff
Berlin Travel Guide
Free Walking Tour of Berlin, Germany!
Checkpoint Charlie and other Berlin Wall stories
Eat on the street in Berlin
Anne Frank Museum - didn't know there was one here (as well as the one in Amsterdam)
The Berlin Guide
Berlin in Your Pocket - awesome guide in downloadable PDF
Berlin's Historic Swimming Pools
Berlin's Smallest Cinemas
Getting Naked in Berlin's Saunas -sounds waaaay more pleasant than the ones in Paris!
Berlin in Ruins
Guide to Berlin's Platzes
Chasing Marlene Dietrich
Wine Bars & Cellars in Berlin
Eclectic & Local Berlin Nightlife
Berlin Graf Guide Redux
The Best of Cheap Stuff in Berlin
Moabit's Art Offensive
Berlin Graf Guide - there is some very cool stuff!
Berlin's Best Art Blogs Revisited
Berlin Street Art & Lowbrow Culture 101
Exploring Berlin's Courtyards in Loving Memory of Heinrich Zille
Greater Berlin's Smaller Museums
Hidden Bars in East Berlin
Offbeat Attractions in Berlin
Things Not to Do in Berlin
Building Berlin: Architect Hans Poelzig
Architecture Museum, Technical University
Berlin's Puppet Regime
Naked Beauty in Berlin's Museums - dated with past exhibitions, but still good stuff
Classical Music & Opera in Berlin - Berlin's a city where operagoers take their seats in jeans and t-shirts.
RHODES
Medieval City of Rhodes - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Yoga in Rhodes - also offers art classes, retreats etc.
City of Rhodes
Living in Rhodes
Modern Greek Art Museum
ATHENSAthens City Guide
Athens in Your Pocket - awesome guide in downloadable PDF
GENERALSix surefire ways to get sick while traveling
15 Essential Items for a Trip Around The World
Six Tips for Introverted Travelers
Top 10 art museums in the world
Top 16 Museums of the World
Hillman's Wonders of the World
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Traveler’s 101 - The Complete Travel Tip Post
Power Plugs and Sockets all over the World
Top 10 cities for art lovers
Top 10 destinations for iconic drinks
11 Essential iPhone Apps for a Road Trip
The Top 5 couchsurfing websites

Free as a bird

click the pic above to see the artist's work

Well, I am free as a bird, no more 9-5, not that I ever worked on that kind of schedule...

Some sentimental moments, but it was a full week and a good day (ok, it was a whirlwind)... and nice to have such a special send off. I was delighted by the folks who came out. And touched by all the folks who shared kind words, even if they didn't make it.

Interesting juncture in my life, I am looking forward to the next few days as I reflect.

Oh, and 59 days to lift off...

One

One great meeting outside at a picnic table today
One day of work to go
One happy camper
One tired girl
One great world out there for me to explore
One life to live

Plus....
One cute cat
One banana peel

Just bailed on a taxi

just bailed on a taxi, my gut: driver'd been drinking, got out at a McDonalds, then got a new cab, called it in, dispatch didn't give a damn

2 days .... and 60 days til liftoff!

Moo, moo! Two days to go! On my mind....

• must I always have all out marathons down to the wire in my life? (another 12 hour day today, and my list still looks suspciously long
• found someone today who has 9000 books, what better person to come take mine away?
• tonight I bailed on a taxi, my gut: driver'd been drinking, got out at a McDonalds, then got a new cab, called it in, dispatch didn't give a damn
• I guess a strawberry sundae for dinner isn't real nutrition, is it? at least I am keeping the cows in business
• wow, I am down to the 60 day countdown to Europe, I can't believe I cooked up the whole trip thing in about 10 days a couple months ago, and here I am...
• Nice lunch today with a colleague/friend - she took me out for a "Despedida lunch" which is a Spanish goodbye before a long trip... nice sitting outside at a Cactus Club despite being right by a highway, the fountains balance it out
• I really need to see Vicky Christie Barcelona - sounds like a weekend thing
• Oh, my whole life will be a weekend soon...
• 2 people today suggested I become a tatoo artist.... my mouth gaped... wow... never occured to me... I could doodle on bodies!!

3 days of work left & 61 days to Europe

Amazing to be at this point, only 3 days left at work. Had to work on Saturday, and a 14 hour day yesterday, but once I have today under my belt, I'll be sailing....

Random reflections:

• Soon I will be officially counting down to Europe - 61 days to go
• Wonder what the swine flu reality will be by then
• 2 months ago Europe was just a vague idea
• Cute story on the news about a cat with a litter in an animal shelter adopting a baby squirrel, very cute
• My place looks, well, chaotic - have given away my sofa and some bookcases, there are books everywhere
• My client for my ongoing contract work is allowing me to put their work on hold until I get a 4 day weekend in - yeah!
• I am having fun giving away art at work
• I am happy it is sunny out
  

Perugina chocolate school with the maestros

I can't cook, but wouldn't it be wonderful if I could make chocolate? Not serious classes, but sheer delightful fun learning about chocolate with Italian maestros in short classes. Great article about the chocolate school here -- or visit the Perugina website and drool.

I can count the days left on one hand....

Wow, only 4 days work left....

Random reflections:

• felt great to clean out my cube
• loved putting gifts on people's desks
• I have already written my farewell email
• I'm energized
• My last day is 3 days before my 5 year anniversary
• I feel great, but I suspect I will cry - and I am ok with that
• I am really enjoying sharing my art

Reflections on 6 days left

Time is ticking away..... some random reflections on being down to 6 days left at work..

I am having some of the most interesting conversations with people since I worked there. Some are because I am asking to meet to learn about their travel tips, often people I don't know well, and I am learning a lot about their lives. Some are just spontaneous openness inspired by my trip, I am struck by how much people are noticing the courage such a move is taking. I'm used to it now, but it's very cool to be inspiring people. It's funny, I feel like I am making new friends by opening up more. If I have any regrets, it's that I didn't take time to get to know more people better over the years.

Other random thoughts...

• My list doesn't seem to be getting shorter, though it's no longer getting longer.
• I am so running out of steam
• I am ready to go
• But I am sad to leave too, or, better said, a bit nostalgic
• I sometimes think, gee, I'm glad I won't be there to sort that out later! (a bit of a guilty pleasure)
• I am becoming aware of just how much is hidden away in my brain, that no one else knows - yet
• I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now

Ony 9 work days left!

Can hardly believe I only have 9 business days left at work. Oh my, so much to do!! But it feels right, so I'm cool. I'm glad I have had this extra time, has allowed me to process what this job and the people I've met mean to me, and why this is the right time to move on. They even have a farewell drinks thing planned for me last day, that's cool....