Picture of the week - Thailand

I have always had a love for capturing beautiful pictures.  I used to work really hard at the technical aspects --- fully equipped darkroom included. But lately it is more of a shoot and click experience.  Whatever type of photographer you are there is such joy in capturing an image that tells a story.  This is a photo taken in Thailand of a group of girls from a local orphanage. We had spent the morning in a village church with them and did not realize until after that fact that they were walking home because their transportation had been diverted to give us a ride.  Had I known, it would have been a joy to saunter down this steep dirt road with them, surrounded by the laughter that comes from knowing they had found a safe and loving refuge in a harsh world.

As I anticipate my next journey I am thinking it is time to return to my technical photographic roots.  Having researched cameras I have seen great reviews of the Nikon 3200   No, it is not a professional camera but it has many features you would find in a high end Nikon at a surprisingly affordable price.  I will keep you updated if I take the plunge and highlight some of the pictures for you here.  Check it out and let me know what you think. Nikon 3200.  

Israel Travel, what you need to know

Shopping in the narrow streets of Jerusalem.

Passport - US citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond intended stay, to enter Israel. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original. You do not need a Visa when entering Israel.

Entry/Exit - Entering and exiting Israel is an interesting adventure. As you would expect they are understandably security-minded.  You can expect to be questioned about the sites you have visited, the reason for your visit and a variety of other questions.  Always answer honestly and politely! Since I lead tour groups in and out of Israel it is interesting to watch the dynamics.  They usually pick at least one or two people from a tour group to question a bit more extensively. On a recent trip they picked an elderly woman who, after two questions, bluntly stated, "Young man I am 82 years old, you can't expect me to remember where I was yesterday let alone the day before."  The reality was that she was sharp as a tack and never forgot a thing but it put an end to her interview and got us moving.  Gotta love that spunky lady (pictured right)!

Languages Spoken - Hebrew, Arabic, and English

Currency/Money Matters - The currency in Israel is the Shekel. However, you will not need to exchange money when we arrive. All merchants accept payment in US dollars. They will most likely make change to you in shekels.  Not to worry, they will take either/or and even a combination of both. If you use an ATM machine you will get your currency in Shekels, not US dollars. 

Credit cards can be used in Israel for larger purchases in established businesses but is not recommended with street vendors or in the markets. When in doubt if it is safe to use a credit card ask your tour guide. 

Please Note: Call your bank and/or credit card company before you leave to let them know you will be out of the country and using your ATM card or credit card in Israel. Ask them to put a "travel note" on your account to keep them from freezing your account because of unusual activity.

Voltage - Electricity is 220 volts. You will need to bring along the necessary converter or adapter to operate any 120-volt appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc. You will need an adapter to use with any chargers or appliances that are dual voltage. The plugs needed for the middle east are round and have two prongs. Adapters are available for specific devices such as the Kindle adapter.

There is a lot of confusion between what needs a converter and what needs an adapter and you want to be sure you use the right one or it will fry your appliance. Plug adapters do not convert/change voltage or electricity. Converters convert/change voltage from 110v to 240v. A converter is used with items that ONLY run on 120-volts, these are usually older items. An adapter is used on appliances that have been made for dual voltage. If the rating (usually small type on every appliance) states something like 100v - 240v that means it is dual voltage and you will only need an adapter. This is true of nearly all newer electronics such as cameras. If it is an older appliance it may need a converter. On every trip I take, someone blows out one appliance or another so take the time to research what you pack.

Health Requirements - None required for U.S. citizens. Modern medical services are readily available in Israel’s larger cities. Most doctors speak English fluently. Pharmacies can provide medication for minor ailments, but travelers should carry their own prescription medication. Israel meets western standards of sanitation and no special precautions usually need to be taken. In Israel, the water and food are safe to consume, and medical facilities are more than adequate. Eating food from street vendors are at your own risk so bring Immodium if you plan to be adventurous.

Climate - In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: Winter from November to March is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer from April to October is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in the summertime. The best time to visit is March-June or October-November, although climate shouldn't be a major consideration in choosing a time to visit. 

Culture - Show respect for the religious observances throughout Israel - do not eat or drink in or around religious shrines. Remove your shoes before entering a mosque.  Because of the large amount of religious sites throughout the country, the Bible could well be the best guidebook for the nation of Israel - bring one along.  Women should never travel alone outside the main tourist areas. They should also ignore any rude remarks directed at them and avoid eye contact with men. When in the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem or predominately Arab towns, men should be careful not to touch a woman in the group (i.e. holding hands with your wife etc). Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of people and do not photograph anything with military significance or connected with the Israeli government.

I strongly suggest that you be culturally sensitive in the way you dress!  Since Israel is a state with several religious groups plan to be conservative. I always avoid sleeveless tops, anything that shows cleavage and tight fitting clothing. This not only shows respect for those who hold different religious views than yourself, but it also adds to your safety and the safety of those you are traveling with.

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Becky's picture of the week - Caesarea, Israel

Caesarea, Israel

Caesarea is on the Mediterranean coast, north of Tel Aviv.  Herod the Great built a deep sea harbor, a palace, storerooms, markets, and wide roads making it the administrative center of Judea during the Roman Empire. 

Just call me 'Lady MacGuyver" with my essential "Go" Bag

Whenever I head out the door on a new adventure I tuck my "Go Bag" in to the corner of one of my bags.  Through the years I've added to and subtracted from this bag until I've reached the balance between being prepared for every situation (not gonna happen) and being able to come up with a solution to a whole lot of situations.

I'm the kind of gal who can drive for hours without turning on the radio because I entertain myself with different "what if" scenarios.  It's a game that goes like this: "What if I was traveling in the amazon jungle and my pecky peck (boat) sprung a leak, my paddle broke (as in up a creek without a paddle) and I was about to become lunch for a hungry animal."  With my "go bag" near at hand I could grab the inflatable pillow, duck tape it around my waist as a flotation device in case the following steps fail. 1) Slap a ziplock bag over the hole in the boat securing it with duck tape and keeping it weighted down by my foot (this is because duck tape doesn't hold all that well when wet but I had to use it because it is used for everything), 2) grab the flashlight, position it across the break in the paddle as reinforcement and duck tape them together, and 3) scream like a lunatic while trying to look inedible - sorry, even duck tape won't keep hungry animals away.

The essential 'go' bag and a few of their uses

• ziplock bags - snacks, leftovers, slit the edge and make a rain hat, put wet or dirty clothing in it
• duck tape - repair broken luggage, shoes, and just about everything
• sharpie - label things, write your name on your arm in disasters, graffiti
• scissors - trim your bangs, open things
• safety pins - repair clothing, hold just about anything together, connect things
• clamps - clamp your silk bag (below) to something to make a changing station, put up a clothesline
• Travel clothes line or cord - hanging laundry or tying things together
• carabiner  - hook things on a belt loop, hang your water bottle/bag on a bus/plane seat hook 
• filtered water bottle - in emergency situations you can purify water for hydration
• sarong/scarf - cover up at religious sites, warmth on chilly days, throw to sit and relax on the ground
• wind up flashlight - no need to depend on batteries, just crank this flashlight for power
• inflatable pillow - you never know when you need to catch a few zzz's
• travel blancket - plane, bus, blanket, picnic throw, use inside questionable bedding.   Other options are bulkier fleece travel blankets.

There is not room to list all the ways I have used these things, but with the right "go bag" and a little imagination you will be amazed what these little items can accomplish.

Here are some samples of the items mentioned above which I own and use:

Energizer Weatherready 3-LED Carabineer Rechargeable Crank Light
Love it! It is small, lightweight and never needs batteries.  The crank keeps it charged up and ready to use.

Travelrest Inflatible Pillow 
I just received this travel pillow for Christmas and I am really looking forward to trying it out! I am a side sleeper so this should allow me to roll to the side a bit and get the support I need without a big roll behind my neck.

Cocoon CoolMax Blanket

• 100% Polyester
• Imported
• Measures 55"x70"
• Ultra compact and lightweight Travel Blanket
• The CoolMax Travel Blanket is the perfect companion on planes, trains, in your car and at home.
• It is small and lightweight enough to be carried along wherever you go.
• The blanket's special midweight CoolMax knit is warm, breathes well, wicks moisture away effectively and feels great on your skin.

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you

Before you head out the door

Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends or relatives. Put your mail on hold, you can easily do this online at www.usps.com Contact your credit card companies and let them know you will be traveling, especially if you are leaving the country.  They can put a travel note in your file to keep your account from being flagged and frozen. And as we are thinking about credit cards, check the expiration date and make sure it is valid until your return. Also, check the expiration dates on your identification - Drivers licence and/or passport.  Some countries require that a passport be valid for six months past your scheduled departure, so check the requirements for your travel destinations.

Water your plants. I love these little water globes, Aqua Globes AG011706 Glass Plant Watering Bulbs, 2-Pack  that you can place in your plant to keep them moist in your absence. And they are so cute! Clear out the refrigerator of any items that might spoil in your absence. Run the dishwasher and the garbage disposal.  Don't forget to take out the trash or your return home may be a bit odorous.  Put a couple of lights on timers like the  Stanley 38425 TimerMax Digislim Daily Digital Indoor Lamp Timer, White, 2-Pack to give your home an occupied appearance while you are gone. Unplug your power strips and unneeded appliances.  It is safer. Make sure your doors and windows are locked. Let a trusted neighbor know when you are leaving and returning so they can watch for unusual activity. But also be sure to give them a list of individuals who are authorized to enter in your absence. Confirm your reservations: air, hotel, rental car, etc. Before you head out the door make sure you have your drivers license or passport, your wallet and credit card.  If you forget anything else your credit card will take care of the replacement :-) Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you

Packing with a purpose ~ providing help for those on your journey

Yesterdays blog was about making room to bring home the travel treasures you find on your journey... today I want to suggest starting at the beginning and packing with a purpose.  I have been blessed to have many friends in various parts of the world and I can't remember the last time I traveled where I did not pack a significant amount of things to deliver to them.  On one visit to a Middle East country I carried in a huge stereo system, curriculum books, candy, snacks and all sorts of  items.  On a trip to Asia my traveling companions and I brought medical supplies (photo above) and on my most recent journey the request from a friend was for packets of Taco Bell mild sauce and Parmesan cheese.

So what can you bring?

* If you are connected to a church, start by asking if they support any individuals or organizations in the area you are planning to travel to.  You can make direct contact with these groups and ask them if they have any needs or 'wish for' items.  Note: when we took medical supplies to Asia, we asked to speak to a manager at the Delta check-in counter.  We explained that we were taking humanitarian aid and they waived the 2nd piece of luggage fee we expected to pay.  Also, if you are traveling with a group member with high status on an airline they are often allowed to take additional free baggage for up to 9 individuals traveling on their booking.

* Connect with "Pack For A Purpose".  This website helps charities around the globe.  It all adds up! They estimate that if 500 individuals each pack 5 lbs, they can provide 1.25 tons of supplies to community-based projects around the world!  You can find more information at: http://www.packforapurpose.org/

Go ahead, bring it home!

I'm not sure when my love of travel first began.  I often attribute it to the fact that I am of Norwegian descent --- I am pretty sure my ancestors took delight in climbing aboard their Viking ships as they explored the world and brought home their plunder.

Speaking of plunder, those airlines really put a crimp on shopping when they imposed such skimpy allowances on the number of checked bags, not to mention lower weight limits! Did you know that Asia Air actually charges per pound - not only on checked luggage but also your carry-on bags. Craziness!

I often coordinate group tours to Israel where the theme is "Today I walked where Jesus walked", my husband has renamed these tours (with honest exasperation), "Today she shopped where Jesus walked!"  Okay, I'll admit I may need a little anti-retail therapy.

So what's a girl to do?

If you asked my husband he would give you the easy answer, "You don't really need it anyhow, save money and skip the shopping!"

Since that is not a viable option, here are three suggestions:

1) Picture Packing: Take a picture of each souvenir you would like to bring home for your friends and family.  When you get back frame them, wrap them and present them with bravado.  Use the room you save to bring back as many lovely, 'must have' goodies for yourself  - just don't tell them your strategy.

2) Double Up Packing: Honestly, I can pretty much pack everything I need for a week or two in a carry-on bag (that topic for another day!)  So when you master traveling like a minimalist go ahead and pack what you need in your carry-on. Then put your carry-on inside of a larger bag and check them both.  On the way home you can fill the extra bag with your loot.

3) Discard Packing:  Do you really care what a bunch of strangers you will never see again think about your fashion style?  Learn to "Discard Pack".  Either pick up some clothes at your local thrift store or pack clothing you don't want anymore.  As it get's dirty, go ahead and toss it. By the end of the trip you will have plenty of room for your new treasures.  To be honest I've been doing this for years with my undies.  I mean really? Who wants to carry around your dirty under things in the same bag with your fresh clothes. Whenever I travel I either pack my old undies or go buy cheap ones and toss them out at the end of the day. Hmm, maybe too much information!

The best tip I can give you is to throw away your old heavy luggage.  With the airlines limiting you to 45-50 lbs it is ridiculous to waste your weight on the luggage itself.  I invested in this luggage set and it has held up great on my past three international trips.  The large bag is only 5 lbs, the medium is 4 lbs and the carry-on is 3.5 lbs.  This can save you up to 10 lbs. on traditional luggage which means 10 more pounds of treasures you can bring home!