Travel is such a large industry that in most major cities, a travel agency is probably no more than a 15-minute drive away. And when it comes to insurance, most of us can get covered for about the price of a pair of shoes. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe to grab the first policy that comes along. True, you should compare the market travel insurance rates for the day, but it’s also worth asking what these rates get you. All it takes is a stroke of bad luck for a ho-hum policy to become an expensive, stressful nightmare. Here are some things you should never scrimp on in travel insurance.

Medical cover: Consumer groups suggest about $500,000 worth of coverage for trips within the continent, and up to $1 million elsewhere. This applies to U.S. and U.K. travelers, and will cover illnesses and accidents that occur during the trip. Pre-existing conditions may cost you more. You must also have access to emergency services 24/7, whether for medical or non-medical reasons. European residents travelling around Europe can fill out the European Health Insurance Card, which ensures free or discounted healthcare in the destination; however, this should only be taken as backup coverage.

Personal liability: You may be sued for damaging property or causing injury, whether intentionally or not. Some countries, like Singapore, have particularly stringent laws on this. Personal liability cover will ideally protect you for up to $2 million.

Lost and stolen possessions: This will depend largely on how much you are bringing. Ideally you’ll be travelling light—not only does it make for a more comfortable trip; it also makes it easier to keep track of your stuff. Make sure to check for lost luggage cover: airlines lost 42 million bags in 2010, so the risk isn’t that far-fetched.

Cancellations and interruptions: Trips can be disturbed or cut short for several reasons, ranging from a simple change of heart to natural disasters and family emergencies. For an average overseas trip, you’ll need at least $6,000 in cancellation cover.

Single vs. multiple trips: If you spend half the year or more out of town, you may benefit from the higher premiums of an annual cover, if only because you don’t have to do the paperwork every time you leave. Just don’t forget to look up the limitations of annual cover—there may be caps on the length of each trip, or you may have to pay fines if you stay out of the country longer than agreed.

In most ways, older travelers have it good: they get priority boarding on planes, senior-citizen discounts, and all sorts of special treatment on the road. But one thing that’s often overlooked—and usually hits them in the face come summertime—is the higher price of travel insurance.

Travel insurance over 65 is expensive, not to mention complicated. If they are covered at all (as some companies simply turn down anyone over that age), the premiums can double compared to travelers in their thirties. After that, the prices go up further in ten-year increments, sometimes five.

Insurers point to the higher risk entailed by older travelers, particularly medical claims, which cost them the most. In other words, older people are more prone to disease and accidents. The insurance industry is concerned with averages—even if you can outrun your twenty-something niece at 70, they simply count you among the thousands of frail 70-year-olds in your country.

But we’re only talking big-name companies, who tend to dictate market prices much like oil companies. If you look further, you can find smaller but equally comprehensive insurers willing to cover you for less. It may take a bit more research as small companies differ more widely in terms of conditions covered, but a few hundred dollars can go a long way.

Start by deciding how much cover you need. This can vary widely from one traveler to another; for instance, a hang-gliding enthusiast and a museum-hopper will need entirely different types of coverage. Prices also go up the further you go; generally, once you leave your continent, insurers put you on a higher risk bracket.

Senior travelers often have to choose between single-trip and multi-trip policies. The latter is usually handy only if you travel extensively, say more than five trips a year. It will cover all the trips you make in a given period, and doesn’t need to be renewed for new trips. The catch is that it’s hard to find this kind of travel insurance over 65; some companies cap their coverage at 75.

Existing conditions should be an older traveler’s biggest concern. When you take out insurance, make sure to note all medical conditions you are aware of. If you need treatment for an undeclared condition, you won’t get any compensation, even if the condition comes up while you’re under an annual policy. Declaring it will increase your premiums slightly, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Years ago, surround sound and La-Z Boys were the stuff of state-of-the-art cinema, not in-flight entertainment. These days, while you can expect to mull over your copy of SkyMall longer than you’d really like to, airlines are doing their best to catch up, and often with pretty good results.

In-flight movies and TV shows have greatly improved in the last few years, especially on major airlines. The difference is most noticeable in long-haul flights, where passengers naturally seek something to make the 15 or so hours pass more quickly. High-resolution screens, better sound, and more updated selections are among the more welcome changes.

Auditor David Taylor flies as many as 100,000 miles per year, mostly on the Air France and Delta airlines. He says that while it’s no home cinema and probably never will be, the movie experience has gotten considerably better. Overhead screens with VHS-quality video have been replaced with individual touch screens, complete with screen brightness and contrast adjustments. And although it’s a small perk, the ability to pause a movie is a great relief to travelers who’ve once or twice been torn between finishing the show and getting some shuteye before landing.

Delta’s premium cabins come with headsets designed to shut out ambient noise, Taylor added, so you don’t have to strain to hear over the buzz of the engine, snoring passengers, or the crying toddler two seats behind.

Things aren’t so sweet everywhere, however—some airlines still have those large central overhead screens with secondary drop-down screens for the side rows. But most major airlines have individual screens, at least for passenger flights. And the selections are wider, more varied, and more recent: one can find the latest Oscar winners alongside children’s classics and even a handful of foreign films.

Virgin America and JetBlue, although fairly new, consistently rank among the top airlines when it comes to in-flight entertainment. The former boasts 9-inch-wide touch screens with 25 on-demand films and live TV from 18 Dish Network channels—no wonder it topped Inc. Magazine’s list as the leader in airline entertainment.

Older airlines are also hard at work bringing their entertainment systems up to par. Delta, for example, expects to have individual screens in place on all its planes by 2013. One thing this can change is the editing of movies for in-flight use: since the movies are for individual consumption, there’s less of a need to cut scenes for general patronage.

Japanese people have mastered the camera pose. Crafted it into a fine art and bequeathed it unto their young in such a fashion that one might even begin to think it genetic, a biological imperative perhaps, an evolutionary tweak that has emerged along with the technology it is bonded to. Because in the mere instant one has to pose correctly for a photograph, the Japanese are already there, two fingers held aloft in a peace sign yelling, “cheezu!” Meanwhile, I’m blinking like a deer in headlights, stunned by the blast of camera flash.

One photographic incident in particular got me thinking. I was at Fuji Q Highland, an Amusement Park that resides at the base of; you’ve guessed it, Mt. Fuji. Inside are three particularly amazing rides: Eejyanaika (translated to, ‘isn’t it good?’ Ok, not everything translates in a cool way), FujiYama and the mind bogglingly fast Dodonpa.

Instinctively, during an experience otherwise dominated by the excitement and fear of the ride she had twisted, smiled and posed for the camera.

I was waiting to ride the incredibly fast Dodonpa with a friend whom, repeatedly terrified by announcements over the tannoy as to just how fast this machine is, responded with yelps of, ‘muri!’ or in English, ‘impossible, I can’t do it, argh!’ Once aboard the ride she continued to yell this phrase except for one brief moment that I realized had been the camera flash, only to continue on with her cries afterwards. Instinctively, during an experience otherwise dominated by the excitement and fear of the ride she had twisted, smiled and posed for the camera. I on the other hand was more concerned that my cheeks not tear from my face due to the g-force.
Photography is everywhere in Japan. From high quality camera phones to the ever-present purikura. Photography is incorporated into life here in a way that goes beyond any other nation. The stereotype of a Japanese travel group abroad, all wielding state of the art cameras, endlessly pointing and snapping photographs is a well earned and thoroughly deserved one. While the teenage love of purikura, essentially photo booths with a variety of special effects that can be applied to your group photos are so popular that they can be found with ease almost everywhere you go.

 

Crazy Japanese Photo booth! by Emma B

That photography is such a significant part of life here is at times hard to believe, particularly when one considers that the camera industry only began to emerge in Japan in the 1930’s. When of course it was beyond the reach of even the comparatively wealthy.

“In those days, the average starting salary of a graduate of an elite university in Japan who was hired by bank, the best-paying job, was around 70 yen per month. In contrast, the price of the Leica camera was 420 yen.” (Ref: Canon Camera Museum)

Yet, from those early days has sprung an enormous industry fuelled by a love of technology that is visible in all walks of life and among all ages in Japan. At arcades I have seen young people with staggering coordination in pursuit of the high score on a dance machine and a vast number of people with a mind numbing addiction to Pachinko (a low stakes gambling machine with a resemblance to pinball, without any of the skill). While undoubtedly gaming technologies such as these have had and will continue to have such an affect on us, I still believe that the camera and its simple yet beautiful power to capture a moment will continue to be of greater significance. At least until the day that Wii bowling is entered into the Olympics.

However, the truth is, I can’t help but feel that here in Japan is where technology and society meet first. Through computer games, mobile phones, 3D TVs the Japanese people engage with technology faster and with an aplomb that perhaps only South Korea can beat. You can’t help but feel that if technology and biology are going to crash into one another it’ll happen here long before reaching foreign shores.

While visiting home this summer I met a friend of a friend, a Japanese Doctor no less and I took the opportunity to pitch this very theory to him. Essentially I believe that the response to the camera has become so ingrained at a biological level, that just as one can tell the sex of a child from an ultrasound, that one could also tell the child’s ethnicity… well, in one particular case.

 

Photo courtesy of Max Joseph

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Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011.

Now this was all rather exciting. I was flying across the Pacific Ocean for the first time in my life and heading for…. well the middle of nowhere. Fifteen small paradise islands in the South Pacific make up the Cook Islands, home for approximately 20,000 people mostly of Maori ethnicity. This is where the Maori people left Polynesia in their canoes to colonise New Zealand, a couple of thousand miles away.

I flew directly to Rarotonga, the most developed island in the Cook’s, from Auckland, seeing from the air how tiny this island is and so so remote. Rarotonga was originally formed from volcanic activity and is pretty hilly and uninhabited on the lush interior. Most people live around the beautiful coastline, surrounded by reefs and lagoons. The peaky mountains really make for a stunning backdrop.

I was going to have a most wonderful time…

 

The Road of Life: Interviews with Lainie & Miro

Delves into their expectations of each other, their commitment to activism, creative endeavors and snowballs – the white frozen rain kind. Again, there are Miro’s remaining “Bonus Questions”. He even comments to something about his Mother’s quirky remarks… Enjoy the read!

Miro: Thus far your travels have been to relatively warm countries. Are you looking forward to seeing cold and snow? (More than that found in the mountains of California, that is.)

Yeah. Can’t wait to hit my mom with a snowball!

Lainie: Same question – cold and snow?

I’m not so much a cold weather kind of person, but Miro wants to hit me with a snowball, so…. gotta do it!

Miro: All parents can be a little difficult at times – have there been occasions when you really had to motivate your mom to do something you thought was important?

Everything I think she needs to do is not important. So ,to answer that question, “no”. Things I’d like for her to do are: 1.) Play monopoly with me, because she always refuses. 2.) Play video games (RPG’s) with me. 3.) Stop cheating at fooseball.

Lainie: All children can be a little difficult at times – have there been occasions when you really had to motivate Miro to do something you thought was important?

I know that’s a revolutionary thing for parent to say, but I have so much respect for this human being called my “son”.

We have had our moments, but my greatest teacher has always been Miro since the moment he came into my life. He is an extraordinary human being, and all those that have met him, will tell you so. I do not know of other children so much, I know of this child, and even though I have been blessed with the honor of being his guardian and protector during his childhood, he is my equal. I know that’s a revolutionary thing for parent to say, but I have so much respect for this human being called my “son”.

Those that have known us before our travels often commented on the extraordinary bond we seem to have and it’s true. We have spent almost every single day of the last year and a half together and the strategy we use is complete transparency on every level. We talk about our feelings, frustrations, fears and joys. We also make sure we laugh a lot and have a lot of fun. This is the biggest gift a parent could have, cherishing the moments we have together, because I know sometime soon, he’ll be out in the world on his own, as an adult. For now, the greatest joy in all of this, is the knowing that Miro experiences the world as a safe place and that is my gift to him.

 

Human Rights Courtesy of Miro & Lainie

Miro: As the two of you have traveled, you’ve been activists on both the environmental and human rights levels. What have you gained from these involvements?

I see the world for what it is. I don’t like to see people or animals suffering and I know I can do things to help out and when I can, I do. I don’t like watching the news because I recognize all they show is negative stuff which is usually highlighting people suffering and that doesn’t make me feel good.

Lainie: Same question. (Activism, environmentalism and human rights.)

I have always been moved to act on the issues of peace, human rights, equality, and the environment. (My parents were hippies, after all.) Therefore, these passions have become a natural part of my parenting. Teaching Miro to be active and use his voice for the things he believes in, teaches accountability as well as compassion . I have seen Miro develop into a compassionate person who is ripe with empathy for other people and their “life situations”, and for that, I could not be more proud.

Miro: I hear you’re learning to play guitar – any favorite style of music so far? (Permission to be Creative article reference.)

Our friend, Julia, was visiting Guatemala, who had the guitar. She gave me a few lessons, but when she left, the guitar went with her. That’s ok, it was really a lot of work and my fingers hurt after my lesson. I do other creative things though, like draw, write stories, design virtual worlds and stories for RPGs (role playing games).

 

Lainie Sketches Courtesy of Miro & Lainie

Lainie: How is the artwork coming along? (Permission to be Creative article reference.)

I wish it was so romantic or mysterious or technologically smart. Our locations are determined by a few simple things – where we physically are at the point of the decision, how much money we have, and if I have work.

My artwork has been put on the back burner, once again.. for a little while at least. I work large, and with messy, messy charcoals, which is difficult while we are traveling. I am toting around a sketch book with me though, and have doodled on a few occasions since Guatemala. On a totally unrelated subject, I learned how to surf, tried for the first time at 44!

Bonus Q&As from Miro:

Bonus 5. What place are you really dying to see?

I would LOVE to see Japan. I just can’t wait to see the culture!

Bonus 6. How do you feel about not knowing where you’ll be next? Does that ever bother you?

Not really. Unless we heard about frightening things happening in that country, then I get a little nervous.

Bonus 7. What is the best part about traveling with your mom?

I would say the best part about traveling with my mom would is hearing her quirky remarks and how we interact together.

Bonus 8. How do you and your mom make decisions about where you are going and how long you will stay in a place?

We don’t, we just play it by ear.

Bonus 9. What have you learned about the world so far that you didn’t know before you left on your trip?

I have learned that the world is such a vast place. I have also learned a little Spanish and Central American geography.

Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2010.

 

I have always liked the idea of a working holiday. Especially if it’s a paid (working) holiday and I’m not the one “flitting (most if any) of the bill”. Okay, maybe not so keen on the working part, but it comes with the territory. If you want to visit other countries – such as the United Kingdom, Israel, Bhutan, Turkey and Kenya – then the working holiday idea just may be your ticket to exotic locations. Professor Michael Schneider has done just that for several years and has authored his most recent book, sharing his secrets, upsides and pitfalls. Yup, there have been those too.

About the Author:

Michael Schneider, Ph.D. spent 33 years in the teaching profession. (He retired in 2007.) He has taught at both the University of Minnesota and Malcalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has also taught in several locations around the world on “the other guy’s dime”. He holds a Visiting Professorship at New York City’s Columbia College and continues to travel world. Michael has now taken up learning the Japanese language, playing guitar and a few other “fanciful” endeavors. (Retirement does have it’s perks!)

The Review:

I received this book prior to publication. It would be unfair to say I read it thoroughly at that time. I’m afraid “life” got in the way, as did finishing a few back-burner items. But, I have now finished Michael’s book and found it innovative, imaginative and down-to-earth.

On The Other Guy’s Dime: A Professional’s Guide To Traveling Without Paying has Michael sharing his experiences in being able secure “timed” teaching positions and still allow for family travel. Having children has not always been made things easy either, but they have almost always found solutions to those hiccups. Some assignments have worked, others have not. Regardless, Michael covers all of those issues in his writings.

If you own a home or even rent, the information in this book explains what it takes to find the right caretakers during your “working vacation”. It also covers this other little things such as expenses, paying bills, child education and what to do when a family member is bored. First up – throw an American-style Fourth of July BBQ!!

Whether you are a teacher or engaged in any other profession, the information in this book will help you decide if you can qualify for a paid working vacation. It takes a bit of work, but it is not an impossible task. Follow your dream.

It is available now on Amazon.

By Gretchen TravelBlogs, 2010.

Many of you earn your living through your websites and blogs. Others of you earn enough to finance your travels while a few more (such as myself) work for online businesses. Almost all of us rely on the internet, cell phones and other devices to stay connected. What happens if…

Scenario:
A massive solar flare. Numerous communication satellites are blinded or taken out completely which in turn causes a major, if not a total breakdown in the communication systems. You’re on the road. You now have zero access to the things that generate your income, keep you doing your job and/or your staying connected in general.

How do you see yourself responding to this situation?

Jasmine Stephenson

Jasmine Wanders

I would chop up my laptop and use it as firewood, eat wild berries and grass, and write my blog posts in the sand with a stick.

Ant Stone

Trail of Ants

Solar flare? No problem. It wouldn’t phase me at all; when I travel, I often find myself in places that don’t have internet (although this is getting harder) for long stretches. In many ways, I see travel and travel blogging as separate entities. The latter is purely a way of communicating the former to a mass audience, much like a phone call or even a text message. Travel is at the heart of travel blogging, and only one can survive without the other.

I don’t earn a living or finance my travels from blogging, or own a smart phone, so perhaps it’s easier for me to take this point of view, and to be honest I like it that way. The day I depend on the internet to travel — or even sustain my travels — will be a really sad day. It won’t happen. Travelling with the internet is like the autobahn, it’s appealing, but the real treats are off the slip road. That said, my travel indubitably benefits from my online presence, and at the very least it fuels my passion when I’m not on the road/autobahn.

Jason Baraski

Locationless Living

Fortunately I have saved years worth of living/travel expenses that would continue to fund my travels and life abroad. I am currently living in an apartment in Colombia and would continue to do so following my regular routine with the same activities such as tennis and salsa lessons. I think I would ride out the disaster for years while I continue my life abroad and travels. I would appreciate the opportunity to live abroad and travel without work obligations for the first time in my life. As long as I was to keep myself occupied with friends and activities I don’t see myself doing much differently. Maybe I’d even venture into the offline business world for the first time!

Erik Gauger

Notes from the Road

We live in the most fascinating age that a travel writer could ever live in. We live in an age of six billion people, in a global society that has chosen to connect itself together through technology. We live in a world where our species has become hyper-successful. It is this world that is so fascinating to write about as a travel writer, because all of that success puts us teetering uncomfortably on the edge of Dystopia. As travel writers, we often get a glimpse into this nearby future – we see hurricane damage, melting icebergs, fallen economies, polluted towns. A communication blackout might help illustrate that possible future a little better.

I would be enthralled to be out on the road when such an early Dystopian event happens. It would reveal something about us, it would make people more raw and alive, and so we could see a part of them that the age of communication keeps hidden in the dark. The point is, that as travelers, we would by definition have no problem circumnavigating the blackout. As travelers, we know how to adapt, saving our accounts until the moment we can broadcast again. And if the solar flare even affects our cameras, our video-recorders, our voice-capture machines, we can always pick up a pencil and write, or even sketch, our account.

Gary Arndt

Everything-Everywhere

I’m not sure if you are assuming a temporary or permanent collapse of the internet. Either way, there isn’t much you can do about it. Matters are beyond your control. You can probably keep taking photos and writing, as personal electronics would probably be ok. If/when things get back to normal, you’ll have a bunch of content to upload. If things don’t get back to normal, then you need to either find new work or stop traveling.

That being said, I’m not sure a solar flare would take down the entire Internet. Half of the Earth would be shielded and most internet communications do not rely on satellites. The greater damage would be to the electrical grid.

Dave

The Longest Way Home

I would smile a huge sigh of relief!
In the strange world of traveling outside of tourist destinations, I’ve come across this on many an occasion.

West Africa – whereby you’d be without communication for days or weeks. Cell phone providers would overload and the internet was satellite based, and often go out. You’d also have to balance this with no electricity for random periods of 10 minutes to 10 hours to several days without. Likewise in Pakistan a few years ago (I hear it’s better now), Nepal during dry season, and in the south of The Philippines or more remote areas.

With no communication I can relax off the grid. I can still write offline, process photos etc. In regards to income, this one is easy. I’d pack up, head to a previous destination and work from there on the ground.

In this day and age whereby I have to keep resending emails because the person reading them doesn’t have an attention span over 140 characters. I’d be glad of some old school communication. People actually take the time and effort in business or online to actually care about their product or service. And, build a one on one relationship. Likewise with travel blogs or the like. With a communication black out, we might suddenly see less generic 300 word rehashes, and begin to see some quality, original content emerge again. Less time online, can mean better communication.

Sarah Gonski,

Love & Paella

Okay, first off, I would put on sunglasses with extra special UV protection and sunscreen with the highest SPF I can find (must protect the alabaster skin). Then I would consider, but most likely reject, the option of wrapping myself in tin foil. I mean, I’m just being practical here. Email shmemail. Finally, I will take a siesta. I live in Spain, after all. Once I wake up, well rested and even paler than when I started, I will get down to business. First up: TURN OFF ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES. I’m not sure why I would feel the need to save the batteries – for what, exactly? But it would feel like the right thing to do. Then I would get out a pad of paper, a number two pencil, some postcards and my camera and carry on as normal as I could. The Facebook withdrawals might set in after a day or two, and I’d need to brew some herbal tea to get past the shakes and the sweats – don’t get me started on email. But I wouldn’t mind living the old fashioned way for a little bit, as long as I can still eat paella.

Nora Dunn

The Professional Hobo

Whack! Ouch. Sorry – I just hit the floor from the palpitations and dizziness that accompany such a thought as losing all connectivity on the road. (Jeez – my head hurts now).

In all seriousness, the above reaction wouldn’t initially be far off for me if a solar flare bereft me of my ability to stay in touch and earn an income from the road. However if something like that happened, I wouldn’t be the only person in strife; the world’s collective reliance on the air waves is such that I believe we’d have a global crisis on our hands; one that would affect just about everything we do, whether or not we travel and earn a living online.

With trepidation, I’ve considered my reliance on my laptop and the internet to stay in touch, earn an income, and research/book my travel plans. Nothing is infallible, and there may well come a time when things get ugly. But until it happens, I don’t think there’s much we can do, save for having enough money in the bank to get through an emergency that could leave us “stranded” – in the physical or cyber world.

Carl Beien

Two Stops Past Siberia

As a Peace Corps volunteer, my job is first and foremost to be in my community, 100%. If there was a great failure in communications (and Uncle Sam didn’t pull me out), I would likely be able to focus more on this local community, and in that way, such an event might prove a boon to my time here.

On the other hand, however, technology not only allows me to share my stories with others, it also provides me with support. Whenever I have been ill or suffered other setbacks, it is often people from home, the ones who know me best, who are a major source of inspiration to keep chugging along.

As much fun as tooling around the developing world can be, it is not without its challenges. While this work does not necessarily require access to modern communication technologies (after all, Peace Corps has been around since 1961), the simple act of keeping in touch sure makes it easier.

Julie Falconer

A Lady In London

I would take stock of what I had with me in terms of money, food, and basic necessities. If I were in a city with access to my country’s embassy or consulate, I would check in with them regularly for any news or updates they could share with me, and any options for assistance. If I were at a hotel, I would ask to be updated on the situation as soon as the ability to communicate returned. Then I would sit back and enjoy the freedom of being unplugged until I ran out of money.

Dana Newman

Well, I guess I said I wanted an Adventure….

Total devastation and paralyzing fear would shiver through my body upon hearing the news. I would drop dramatically to the floor and weep all day and all night at the awful reality of not being able to reach my family, friends, and the 80 devoted readers of my travel blog. For several nightmarish days I would probably feel like my life might as well be finished.

But, once I’m done wallowing in my sorrow, as I lay in bed on the morning of the third day, half conscious, half asleep, a faint tingle of relief and exhilaration will slowly start to wiggle its way through the dread.

I’m a writer. All I want to do is write. Technology makes putting my work out into the world easier, but for me it also makes writing harder because I am constantly bombarded with outside opinions and judgments. Being shut off from the rest of the world would have the same effect on me as putting blinders onto a horse running a race; I would finally be able to fully concentrate on running my own race to the best of my ability without being distracted by the screaming fans in the stands or the other runners.

Steven Shoppman

The World By Road

I honestly see it as a nice break. During our expedition, we were often weeks without access to any real communications. Too often bloggers and the new age of media production makes for short and often useless content. Instead of being able to post every day or multiple times per day, perhaps this would bring us back to a time when people sat down and wrote something really thoughtful and compelling, worrying more about quality instead of quantity. Everyone could then be proud of themselves for the one article they actually took more time than an afternoon to write…then it would all get turned back on and ADHD would carry on as usual.

Kris Kalav

The Beerman Chronicles

Out of communication with the rest of the world… gee, sounds more like an opportunity than a hindrance. Build and launch my own satellite? Not too many bamboo rockets out there, so that would be tough, even with a supply of liquid oxygen. If I had no money, or access to it, I suppose there’s always male prostitution or fan dancing at the local bar. Perhaps not. Maybe barter my skills with the locals for food and shelter, at least until communications come back. My Visa bill would go unpaid… not exactly a shame there. Being disconnected from technology would not be the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. The old standby of paper and pencil could be handy, as I could still chronicle what’s going on around me and eventually relay those writings into an electronic form. My biggest worry would be about the potential chaos and panic amongst the people around me. Communication is the life-blood, and without it, people tend to be completely lost. I think I would wind up trying to be a calming voice for those that are lost, helping people to come to grips with being out of touch with the rest of the world. Information technology doesn’t plant crops (in the general sense), or cook, or light a fire to keep warm. You can’t eat your laptop or smart phone, so the basics of human survival are the most necessary.

Greg Wesson

Greg Wesson’s Esoteric Globe

Wade Shepard

Vagabond Journey

What would I do if the global communications systems, upon which I depend for running VagabondJourney.com and bringing in my income, were to crash I burn tomorrow? Well, that is simple: I would go back to making up my bean money as I did before I began this web publishing fiasco. Given that the global social and municipal infrastructure is still standing (probably doubtful in reality) I would return to my old traveling trades of doing farm work, gardening, teaching, archaeology, and return to publishing in print.

But, if the infrastructure that holds much of the developed world together also collapses with the internet, I must say that I would go back to the most underdeveloped of places that I have ever been to — maybe Haiti, the sticks of Patagonia, the north of Iraq, the west of China — and strike up a living there in a profession that is essential and, more or less, locally derived. Maybe I will begin working leather, start making boots, or engage upon learning another trade where the skills that I learn will be timeless and not end up being obsolete in a couple of years (as they are in the world of web publishing haha). In such a scenario, I can’t help but to believe that the global backwaters, which are now mocked as being impoverished and backward, would truly prove to be far more functional than any of the advanced and developed parts of the world — as we go back to square one again.

Gretchen L. Wilson-Kalav

Our Two Cents Worth…

I cannot lie – I have had fun reading all of the above replies. Most everyone agreed, though such a situation would cramp their style, they would look upon it as an opportunity as well. What I found most interesting were the references to money which brought up a very large question in my mind… “How will you access your funds? ATMs? Not likely. Go to a bank? Since you are on the road, how does that bank communicate with the one housing your money to verify you even have funds? Also, banks only have X amount in true cash on hand. With so much of today’s banking taking place online, there goes the fund transfers. Just a thought… But, I digress…

Gary (Arndt) pointed out, this was a highly unlikely scenario – and it was. But, the question was posed as a game of hypothetical “what ifs” as way to make everyone think about extreme circumstances. Our power goes down regularly for hours at a time – one of the hiccups of rural living – and the one that spawned the topic. I hope we won’t need to deal with such a happening anytime soon. If we do, I’m stealing Jasmine’s stick so I can write in the sand. Now to find some sand… Guess I’ll be writing in the snow instead as it’s bound to fall before too long.

Editor’s Note: As always, thank you to everyone who has been a willing participant! I would also like to thank everyone who has contributed to past panel discussions as well. The responses have been numerous, enlightening and much more than I anticipated when I accepted this position. I applaude you all. G.

Gretchen TravelBlogs, 2010

 

When I received the offer to review this guide book, I thought “Uh-uh, not for me”. I’m not a big fan of sporting events. But, I took time to read down the list of things covered and discovered – I was a fan in a roundabout way. I love racing, whether it be cars or horses or camels. I have reconnected with golf as I’ve gotten older and I fully believe in the Special Olympics. What really captured my attention were the unusual items – such as the Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Calgary Stampede in Canada. I love dogs and rodeos too. Obviously, I decided to check this guide out for myself. I was pleasantly surprised at the contents.

About The Author:

Robert Tuchman has spent his career in the sports industry. With a degree in broadcast journalism, he began by working for Sports Phone. A mere three years later, he became founder and president of TSE Sports & Entertainment based out of New York. He has spent a great deal of his time sitting in old bleacher seats, watching almost every sporting event imaginable and compiling information for this guidebook.

The Review:

If you are into any type of sports then 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live is the guide book for you. The list includes the basics – The World Cup (soccer), Ryder Cup (golf), French Open (tennis), along with a host of others. But, it also includes the unique – Nathan’s Annual International Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City (hot dogs), the Iditarod Dogsled Race in Alaska (real dogs), the Running With The Bulls in Spain (no dogs, just big angry pot roasts on four legs) and the Beanpot Hockey Tournament (no dogs or angry pot roasts but lots of ice).

Typical of any guide book, each event is broken down into sections. Mr. Tuchman gives a brief description of the event’s significance. He then moves on to the type of person who attends, ticket information, available accommodations, eateries and travel packages. He ends each one with “Notable quotes” and related website links. A quote example: “Until you go to Kentucky and with your own eyes behold the Derby, you ain’t never been nowhere and you ain’t seen nothin’!” – Irvin S. Cobb (American author and columnist) commenting on the Kentucky Derby. I think Mr. Cobb may be right. I know the Kentucky Derby is on my “bucket list” and has been for years. But, back to the book… The sections concerning each sport’s significance are also filled with historical information and interesting factoids. Many of them unknown to even the most avid of sports connoisseurs, who, unlike myself, usually know a lot about sports – or at least particular sports.

Again, this is a great book for any enthusiast or as a gift to that friend/family member who is glued to every sports channel out there. I do think the World Series of Poker should have been included. But, then it would have been the 101 Sporting Events. Guess there has to be a cut-off point somewhere. Maybe it’ll show up in the “sequel”. Finger’s crossed.

This book is available now on Amazon

Gretchen TravelBlogs, 2010

 

Women crossing lake on bamboo scaffolding by HepzOliver

HELP PASSPORTS WITH PURPOSE BUILD A VILLAGE!!

I sit here in my little “home office” staring at 3 monitors most every day. As I do, I also think about the world around ME. The things that I would like to have repaired – my sagging porch, my leaky garage roof, my leaky laundry room roof and replacing a 13 year old Neon with 230,000 miles on it. But, when it comes to the “bigger picture”, all of that is trivial. Though my roofs may leak, I have one (well, more than one). Though my car is old, I have one. I live a life of luxury compared to so many others. That statement alone brings me back to reality and…

I had not been aware of Passports With Purpose until earlier this year. Okay, I still was not aware of it until a couple of months ago. Though I have been very involved with another organization – Kiva.org – PwP was new to me. Not any more.

This year, they are building a village in Tamil Nadu, India – but need your help. The goal – $50,000 and I know they will succeed.

Debbie Dubrow, Pam Mandel, Beth Whitman and Michelle Duffy are the driving forces behind this charity. It was started in 2008 when they connected with Heifer International. The goal was to help alleviate hunger and poverty worldwide. Passports With Purpose raised $7,800 for the project. In 2009, PwP teamed up with American Assistance for Cambodia, raised $30,000 and helped build a school equipped with much-needed amenities. This year, they are assisting LAFTI in building a village in Tamil Nadu, India – but need your help. The goal – $50,000 and I know they will succeed.

When most of us in the “first world” nations (yes, those with money) think of India, our thoughts usually conjure up images of the photo to the left. The Taj Mahal, large Buddhas and any number of iconic sites and landmarks we’ve read about or visited ourselves. Rarely do we envision the photo to the right and below – unless we’ve been on that train traveling past the non-existent villages along the rail’s route. I see the questioning of “non-existent” villages – if someone lives there, it is a village. No, it is not. Any number of inadequate living quarters, even in close proximity, do not make a true village, only something remotely considered shelter. With that thought in mind…

In the first 24 hours following the kick-off, PwP had already raised approximately $30,000!! Do not let this dissuade you from contributing. The more contributions, the more real housing that will be built. That’s a fact. Taken from the PwP website: “…we will build a village in India, providing homes for those that had never hoped to have a roof over their heads!” As mentioned earlier, I have a roof but so many do not. This is the time to rectify that situation for (at least) a small population of people. If everyone pulls together we can become “One Nation” and make a difference. To reiterate, this year, Passports with Purpose is working with LAFTI, an NPO, to make a difference for the disenfranchised Dalit caste.

Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2010