About Me
- Christine Maier
- I'm a 30 something who loves to travel. I have a full time job and enjoy writing (or blogging) about my travels. I've traveled through several countries in Europe as well as Russia and Egypt. I also enjoy domestic travel in the United States, including Disney. My long term travel goal is to do a round the world trip.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
British Weather in the Fall, bring a rain coat...
What they say about British weather is true!
While in England and Scotland the weather was fairly cool, it rained on and off, though rarely hard. We didn't see much sun (but were excited when we did). And you could get several diffferent types of weather in one day.
I will say that overall the weather was pretty good, as in - better then I expected (cold and rainy every day). The weather was cool, at times cold, but more often on the warmer side - you know - fall weather. There was quite a bit of wind, but that only affected me when I went to Hadrians Wall. The rain we did have was usually pretty light, the type where if you don't have an umbrella and are outside for a while you'll get wet, but not enough to necessarily open an umbrella if you had one. The only place where I felt like the rain impacted the group was when we took a cruise of Loch Ness, I think even Nessie hid from the rain.
The weather in the Fall makes England a little less hospitable, though I wouldn't forgoe a trip because it would be in the fall and the weather might not be great. I did miss the summer crowds and that can be worse then a chilly, drizzly day. But do bring a rain coat and some warmer clothes.
While in England and Scotland the weather was fairly cool, it rained on and off, though rarely hard. We didn't see much sun (but were excited when we did). And you could get several diffferent types of weather in one day.
I will say that overall the weather was pretty good, as in - better then I expected (cold and rainy every day). The weather was cool, at times cold, but more often on the warmer side - you know - fall weather. There was quite a bit of wind, but that only affected me when I went to Hadrians Wall. The rain we did have was usually pretty light, the type where if you don't have an umbrella and are outside for a while you'll get wet, but not enough to necessarily open an umbrella if you had one. The only place where I felt like the rain impacted the group was when we took a cruise of Loch Ness, I think even Nessie hid from the rain.
The weather in the Fall makes England a little less hospitable, though I wouldn't forgoe a trip because it would be in the fall and the weather might not be great. I did miss the summer crowds and that can be worse then a chilly, drizzly day. But do bring a rain coat and some warmer clothes.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Lonely Planet Iphone Apps - London and Edinburgh
For my trip to England and Scotland I bought the Edinburgh and London (I got for free) Lonely Planet Iphone Apps. I found both apps to be quite handy while traveling and have already gotten the Dublin app for my trip to Ireland.
I found having the apps on my phone super handy, much better then carrying a book around. Along the same lines they were handy for planning my trip. If I was stuck somewhere with a few minutes to kill, I could always research sites, hotels or anything else I could think of. I felt like the app was easy to navigate. Initially you are given the index, which allows you to go to any section of the book/app you would like. Each section has basic information on an attraction and where applicable has a link to find out more information (only useful if you have wifi or 3G service). You do not need internet service to run the app, only if you want additional information past what is contained in the app. You can also save your favorites for easy access later on. There was never an attraction that I couldn't find information for.
I did find the London app was weak in the area of dining. It did have a few recommendations in it, but they were hard to find and not many. Interestingly, the Edinburgh app had a well organized selection of restaurants in it. I do think that this difference speaks to a lack of uniformity between different city guides, and how guide books are just starting to move to the world of apps. But I did feel that both apps helped me plan my trip and also to make my stay in both cities easier.
Lonely Planet used to charge $10 for each app. During the volcano last year they offered some of their city apps for free. It seems that apps started selling like hot cakes during that time and then Lonely Planet lowered the prices of all their apps. I heard their apps were selling better since then, and Lonely Planet again offered some of their apps for free duruing the Christmas snow storm groundings in Europe. While $10 for a up to date travel guide is a steal, I think the pricepoint was too high for the apps. I believe the city guides are now running around $6 which I think makes them a great value. I don't know if I would have bought the Edinburgh app had I not gotten the London app for free and seen its value. If there is widespread travel issues check out the apps you're interested in, Lonely Planet might be having another sale...
I found having the apps on my phone super handy, much better then carrying a book around. Along the same lines they were handy for planning my trip. If I was stuck somewhere with a few minutes to kill, I could always research sites, hotels or anything else I could think of. I felt like the app was easy to navigate. Initially you are given the index, which allows you to go to any section of the book/app you would like. Each section has basic information on an attraction and where applicable has a link to find out more information (only useful if you have wifi or 3G service). You do not need internet service to run the app, only if you want additional information past what is contained in the app. You can also save your favorites for easy access later on. There was never an attraction that I couldn't find information for.
I did find the London app was weak in the area of dining. It did have a few recommendations in it, but they were hard to find and not many. Interestingly, the Edinburgh app had a well organized selection of restaurants in it. I do think that this difference speaks to a lack of uniformity between different city guides, and how guide books are just starting to move to the world of apps. But I did feel that both apps helped me plan my trip and also to make my stay in both cities easier.
Lonely Planet used to charge $10 for each app. During the volcano last year they offered some of their city apps for free. It seems that apps started selling like hot cakes during that time and then Lonely Planet lowered the prices of all their apps. I heard their apps were selling better since then, and Lonely Planet again offered some of their apps for free duruing the Christmas snow storm groundings in Europe. While $10 for a up to date travel guide is a steal, I think the pricepoint was too high for the apps. I believe the city guides are now running around $6 which I think makes them a great value. I don't know if I would have bought the Edinburgh app had I not gotten the London app for free and seen its value. If there is widespread travel issues check out the apps you're interested in, Lonely Planet might be having another sale...
Monday, February 7, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Lines, the Iphone App
The Unofficial Guide and Touring Plans have created an app for the Iphone (and other platforms) called Lines. I used the app when I went to Disney World last May when it was still fairly new. I found that it was occasionally off (though not badly), I found that the addition of the self reporting option filled in the occasional incorrect data it was providing. I hear that since then there have been improvements. They also just released lines data for Disneyland too.
So for my trip to Disneyland I will be using the Lines app again, along with the touring plans for Disneyland that Touring Plans has created.
Can't wait for the trip to start!
So for my trip to Disneyland I will be using the Lines app again, along with the touring plans for Disneyland that Touring Plans has created.
Can't wait for the trip to start!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
MOMA, New York City
I recently visited MOMA - The Museum of Modern Art, in New York City. I had never been there before, part of the reason that I choose the museum for a day with a friend in New York City. Over the years I've been a little hesitant to go to MOMA, I'm not into modern art. I'm not even much of an art person anyway, but how could I not visit MOMA at least once? Well, I'm still not much of a modern art person, but I did still enjoy my visit to MOMA. If nothing, I did get to add my own comentary to some of the art, I might have had better stories then some of these artists. There were a few things that made me wonder what "art" is - because if that was "art" then this whole art thing is BS - because that piece was NOT art. Sorry for the rant, but there were one or two pieces that I felt were cop-outs.
There were other exhibits and pieces that I liked, and I now have a frame of reference for some artists that I had previously heard of but didn't know what type of art they created. If you're into art, then MOMA is a must visit when in NYC. If you're not an art person, then I wouldn't put put MOMA at the top of your list of things to do in NYC. But, if you have time there is some great art work to see. Will I go back to MOMA? Maybe in a few years or if I wanted to see a special exhibit. Otherwise, I think there are other museums I would rather explore.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Stonehenge, a pile of rocks???
Stonehenge, a mystical bunch of rocks in some weird alignment... Or is it just a pile of rocks?
Well I have to admit, there is a part of me that after walking around Stonehenge I did feel a bit like it was a bunch of rocks. But if you listened to the audio tour, there certainly is more to it. The problem. it's not that long of a walk around Stonehenge but the audio tour has a lot of information. It was also cold and windy when I was there.
Some cautions:
It is windy there, Stonehenge is surrounded by fields and gets a healthy wind. Not so great if it's a cold day. Though probably nice if it's hot out.
It is right on a highway. That makes for easy access, and only affects the view from one direction. It's actually kinda strange how close it is to the highway.
The audio tour is long and descriptive. If you just want to see Stonehenge, you could do so in a 5 minute walk, but if you want to learn a bit about Stonehenge, then expect to spend a good half hour listening to the audio guide.
The shop at the exit gets packed with tourists.
So did I think it was a pile of rocks? On a superficial level after walking around I did, though I would have to say it's a pile of really big rocks. But I also know there is a lot under the ground and that the place had special meaning when it was put together.
Do I think it's worth visiting? Yes, it is Stonhenge afterall - one of those places that every tourist is supposed to see. But it's not too far from London, you could do a half day tour there (I think), or stop there on the way to another destination.
Well I have to admit, there is a part of me that after walking around Stonehenge I did feel a bit like it was a bunch of rocks. But if you listened to the audio tour, there certainly is more to it. The problem. it's not that long of a walk around Stonehenge but the audio tour has a lot of information. It was also cold and windy when I was there.
Some cautions:
It is windy there, Stonehenge is surrounded by fields and gets a healthy wind. Not so great if it's a cold day. Though probably nice if it's hot out.
It is right on a highway. That makes for easy access, and only affects the view from one direction. It's actually kinda strange how close it is to the highway.
The audio tour is long and descriptive. If you just want to see Stonehenge, you could do so in a 5 minute walk, but if you want to learn a bit about Stonehenge, then expect to spend a good half hour listening to the audio guide.
The shop at the exit gets packed with tourists.
So did I think it was a pile of rocks? On a superficial level after walking around I did, though I would have to say it's a pile of really big rocks. But I also know there is a lot under the ground and that the place had special meaning when it was put together.
Do I think it's worth visiting? Yes, it is Stonhenge afterall - one of those places that every tourist is supposed to see. But it's not too far from London, you could do a half day tour there (I think), or stop there on the way to another destination.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Construction in Las Vegas
Anyone who has been to Las Vegas knows that there is often construction going on. There is always a new something being built. But with the recent economic meltdown several of the new construction projects have been brought to a halt.
On my last trip to Las Vegas the economic problems were very evident by the half built Fountainebleau on the Strip. This website shows the beauty that Founainebleau was supposed to be. But if you check out the wikipedia page you get a slightly better idea of how it looks. The tower is mostly finished from the outside, but the rest of the "resort" has no outside, just lots of contrete. The cranes are even still in place, which is bizaar. Isn't anyone looking for their cranes? And a crane on the top of a building, that sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
But there are other projects that have been abandoned, but at earlier stages. There was another city center type of property being built, the frame of some of that has been built and is just standing there. I remember when I was there in 2008 that project had started, now it's a bunch of cement.
But all these abondoned construction projects are a little depressing. People go to Las Vegas for a break from their lives and problems, but now it feels like there is a constant reminder just staring at you as you drive down Las Vegas Blvd.
On my last trip to Las Vegas the economic problems were very evident by the half built Fountainebleau on the Strip. This website shows the beauty that Founainebleau was supposed to be. But if you check out the wikipedia page you get a slightly better idea of how it looks. The tower is mostly finished from the outside, but the rest of the "resort" has no outside, just lots of contrete. The cranes are even still in place, which is bizaar. Isn't anyone looking for their cranes? And a crane on the top of a building, that sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
But there are other projects that have been abandoned, but at earlier stages. There was another city center type of property being built, the frame of some of that has been built and is just standing there. I remember when I was there in 2008 that project had started, now it's a bunch of cement.
But all these abondoned construction projects are a little depressing. People go to Las Vegas for a break from their lives and problems, but now it feels like there is a constant reminder just staring at you as you drive down Las Vegas Blvd.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
York, England
We arrived in York in the afternoon and got a quick tour of the city. As we walked through the streets I was struck by how narrow they were - just wide enough for a single car to drive and barely wide enough for people to fill the sidewalks 2 abreast. Buildings, although small, generally 2 or 3 floors high, felt big on the narrow street. I felt a little bit like I was on the set of a movie, where the buildings are made smaller so the actors look bigger. And they were all crooked, really crooked - a carpenters nightmare. Hundreds of years of buildings settling had taken their toll, and on this narrow street it felt charming, that old world charm that you expect when you visit England. I felt like I was in England of my imagination. The buildings were like Nestle Toll House buildings, white with wood trim, a cute little door in the middle. 
After a few blocks we exited the narrow little streets to a large open area with a giant building: York Minster. Compared to the small streets and quaint buildings, York Minster was a giant. York Minster is actually one of the largest gothic cathedrals in all of Europe, but it felt like the biggest one after meandering through the narrow streets of York. It was sandy colored, not like white sand, but like the sand we have on Long Island with a bit of yellow and brown to it, not a lot of yellow and brown though, that would be ugly and this building was not ugly. To the left were the towers, which tower over the city. This side of the building had buttresses and was covered in lancet windows filled with Stained Glass. 
We ventured inside, but because it was late there was little time to explore the splendor. In fact it was so late that we could not go to the top of tower for views of the city. It was time for plan B - shop! Shop in all the cute little shops that lined the narrow streets of York - candy shops, clothing shops, liquor shops, pet stores, a pound store (like dollar stores), and of course a Starbucks. I'm not a Starbucks fan, but this Starbucks was a bit of a god send - it had a bathroom and wifi. This city might have made us feel like we were living a couple hundred years in the past, but I had emails I had written to my family on my iphone that were waiting to be sent and the answer came from a 20th Century coffee shop tucked into a Yorkshire building. Having missed going to the top of York Minster there were actually two plan B's. One was shopping, which did yield me some lovely fudge. The other was to go to the top of Clifford's Tower, seated on a small hill in another part of town. On the way we made a fatal error, using the bathroom. Actually, for most people this was a good move, they used the bathroom and made it to Clifford's Tower. I however used the bathroom and was locked out of Clifford's Tower, and also had to wait there another 30 minutes until our tours meeting time. I made good use of the time, I climbed around Clifford's Tower for photos of the city. You're not supposed to do that, but darn it, I had already climbed to the top and I wanted pictures of this wonderful city!
That night we had dinner in a pub, complete with Yorkshire Pudding. Then we took our ghost tour of York, which you can read about here. It was a perfect ending to a perfect visit in one of my favorite cities in all on England.
Monday, January 17, 2011
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