Hey
there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about all the places to visit in
Paris. Paris is a great city and we visit often, however, there are some Paris
attractions that are totally overrated. We’re going to save you some time and
frustration by telling you which Paris sights you should skip and which
attituded and rumors are overrated.
The
Mona Lisa Experience
The Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci is
one of the most popular attractions in Paris. It’s located in the Louvre, and
people crowd around this tiny little painting. Yes, it’s an iconic piece of
art, but after fighting and shoving your way to the front of the crowd to get a
glimpse, you may be a bit let down.
Notice that we don’t list the whole Louvre as
being overrated. There is a ton of cool art to check out, but you might be
underwhelmed by some of the most popular pieces.
As much as I love Paris, there are a few things that are a bit overrated.
Ascending
the Eiffel Tower
I’ve done this several times, and you do get a
great view of Paris. However, the entire experience is underwhelming. You have
to go through security checks, wait in several lines, and be crammed in with a
lot of other people. If you are claustrophobic or you don’t like heights, this
is not the Paris experience for you. If we visit Paris with friends who want to
go up the Eiffel Tower, we usually hang out in the park below and wait for
them.
Shopping
on the Champs Elysees
The Champs-Elysees is probably the most famous
shopping street in the world. Because of its popularity, it’s also the most
expensive street in Paris. It’s also pretty touristy, so you’ll pay more to
shop or dine along the Champs-Elysees than you will anywhere else in Paris.
There are way better places to go shopping in Paris. We recommend exploring
other arrondissements in Paris and finding out of the way boutiques and cafes.
Look who is an instagram influencer!
TGV
Schedule
If you are traveling around France and
returning to Paris for a flight back home, don’t count on the TGV being on
time. The TGV is great, you can get anywhere in France relatively quickly.
However, you can’t count on it being on time. We almost always come back to
Paris the night before our flight so that we don’t have to worry about missing
our flight due to train delays.
Parisian
Reputation
If you’ve never traveled to Paris, you’re
going to assume everyone is rude. That’s the reputation that Parisians have,
but it’s pretty unwarranted. Sometimes, you’ll get bad service if you are in a
heavily touristed area, so I think this Parisian reputation mostly comes from
the service industry. All the Parisians we have met are perfectly friendly and
helpful. The reputation of rude Parisians is just not true.
Another rumor you might have heard is that the
Parisians hate Americans. We’ve been
coming to Paris for years and have not experienced this at all. If you have a
bad experience, don’t assume it’s because you are American. Now, if you are a
loud, demanding tourist, you might be shunned a bit, but we’ve always had great
experiences traveling in Paris.
Uncleanliness
of Paris
Another unfounded rumor about Paris is that
it’s a dirty city. I haven’t found Paris to be any dirtier than any other
capital city in Europe, or the United States for that matter. There are over
two million people in Paris, so of course, it’s not going to be squeaky clean
like a small Midwest US town. Paris has great parks and green spaces to escape
to when you are feeling too constricted by the concrete streets and buildings.
The dog poop rumors are true, though, so watch where you step!
There are plenty of things in Paris that are not overrated. These include:
Food in Paris – AMAZING!
Traffic in Paris – definitely
frustrating, do not recommend! You don’t need a car in Paris.
Public Transportation in Paris –
easy to use and takes you anywhere you want to go
Shopping in Paris – fantastic!
Number of Tourists – there is no “off-season”
in Paris; expect crowds year-round.
However, you really should visit Paris, because it is not overrated. It is over-awesome!
Some
people may go so far as to say all of Paris is overrated. We don’t agree with
that at all, but we do agree that these sites in Paris are overrated. There are
still plenty of cool things to see in Paris, though! If you want more tips on
family travel in France, check out some of our other blog posts:
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit any of the
National Park Service sites in the USA. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in
the National Parks and Monuments, we want to be sure you know about the things
you should NOT do when you visit a National Park!
Don’t
Be Disrespectful
Treat the National Park and National Monuments
with care and conservation. This includes obvious things like not littering or
not adding graffiti. But it also includes less obvious things like staying on
the trails. Stepping off-trail might not seem like a big deal, but if everyone
does it, it can start to cause erosion. A lot of the National Park rules are
for your own safety.
Don’t
Mess with the Animals
At least once a year, we hear about tourists
having an unpleasant encounter with buffalo or elk at places like Yellowstone
National Park. Even the cutest little chipmunks can carry diseases and they
will bite you. Don’t feed animals in the national parks, and follow all park
rules for maintaining an appropriate distance.
Don’t skip out on the national park service sights. They are outstanding.
Don’t
Forget a First Aid Kit
We always have a small First Aid kit on hand
when we’re out traveling. It doesn’t have to be anything major. Ours is a small
Ziploc bag with some Neosporin, bandages, sunscreen and bug spray. If you’re in
the desert, tweezers are great for removing cactus spines.
Sunscreen is a must for nearly any travel
destination. Besides putting sunscreen on, you can also protect your skin with
a hat and long sleeves that cover your arms. There are lots of hiking clothes
now that are lightweight to keep you cool, but they protect your skin. Some
even block UV rays. Nearly every NPS site has a National Park Service store
that sells hats and hiking supplies, as well as some cool souvenirs to take
home.
Don’t
Get Dehydrated
Make sure you are drinking lots of water when
you are touring the National Parks. Many are in a dry climate or higher
elevation and you’ll need a lot of water to stay hydrated. The best way to do
this is to carry a refillable water bottle everywhere you go. This helps reduce
the plastic going into our landfills, but also saves you money as you’re not
buying bottled water everywhere you go. Most National Park sites have bottle
filling stations at the visitor center.
Don’t
Count on Cell Phone Service
Depending on your provider and what National
Park you are in, you may not have cell phone service. Many National Park
visitor centers will have WiFi, but once you set off for a hike, you will
quickly lose your signal. This even applies while driving; just because you’re
on a paved road does not mean you will have cell service. That’s why a paper
map or road atlas is one of our road trip essentials.
If you are visiting National Parks with kids,
make sure you check out the Junior Ranger program. It’s a fun way to get the
kids excited about visiting the national parks and monuments. With the junior
ranger program, it’s easy to make learning fun!
National Park service
Don’t
Miss Out on Other Programs for All Ages
The National Park sites have programs for all
ages. Whether it’s guided hikes, interpretive reenactments or stargazing
programs, there’s always something going on at the National Parks.
Don’t
Forget Your National Parks Passport
You can buy a passport at any of the National
Park stores and then get stamps at every site you visit. This is especially fun
for kids, but adults can collect the stamps, too. With over 400 National Park
sites in the US, that’s a lot of stamps you can collect!
Don’t
Forget to Dress in Layers
If you’re going to be hiking in National
Parks, it’s important to dress in layers. Mornings usually start off pretty
cool, but the sun can get hot very quickly. Layers are great as you can easily
add and remove them when you get too hot or too cold. It’s always a good
practice to have warm clothes just in case you end up not getting back before
dark.
Don’t
Bring Your Drones
Drones are prohibited at National Parks and
National Park sites. Drones can be very annoying to other visitors who are out
to enjoy nature and they can disturb wildlife as well.
Grant and Bonnie are high school teachers who
spend most of their vacation time touring the Nationals Parks and camping in
their RV. We asked them for some of their “don’ts” for visiting National Parks.
Don’t
Forget About all the National Park Sites
There are currently 61 designated National
Parks. However, there are over 400 sites managed by the National Park Service.
These include National Monuments, National Lakeshores, National Historical
Parks, National Military Parks, and National Battlefields.
Don’t
Forget to Make Reservations
If you are planning to stay overnight in the
national parks, you must have reservations well in advance. There are a few
park campgrounds that are first-come, first-served, but a lot of campgrounds
and lodging choices book up months in advance, especially in high season. Even
some tours or trails require advance reservations or permits.
Don’t
Expect a Lot of Amenities at National Park Campgrounds
Campgrounds at most National Parks are quite
sparse. They will usually have bathrooms, but sometimes that’s just a vault
toilet. Most campgrounds do not have the luxurious hot showers and running
water you would expect at a state park or a private campground.
Don’t
Forget to Check the Food Storage Requirements
Food storage requirements vary by location. If
you are in an area with bears, requirements will be very strict, especially if
you’re in an area with grizzly bears. Some areas do not even allow soft-shell
campers as bears can get inside for food. If a campsite provides a bear box for
your food, make sure you put everything in there, including scented non-food
items like toothpaste or deodorant.
Don’t
Ignore Warning Signs
Warning signs are there for a reason, so don’t
ignore them. Some of the warning signs may be over the top, but there’s usually
an incident that prompted the sign. We’ve all heard about the tourists at
Yellowstone who don’t stay on the boardwalk and fall into a boiling geyser. If
there’s a warning sign, heed the warning, even if it seems silly. They are
there to keep you safe!
Family time is National Park Service Time.
Don’t
Skip the Visitor Center
Chances are, you’re excited to get to a
national park and see the big sites. But don’t pass right by the Visitor
Center. This should be your first stop at the park. Besides paying your entry
fee, you can learn a lot about the park at the visitor center. You can get a
park map and also talk to the rangers about trail conditions, road conditions,
or just to answer any questions you might have.
Don’t
Gripe About the Fees
Yes, the National Parks are taxpayer-funded,
and a lot of people take issue with paying entrance fees to access public
lands. The National Parks are woefully underfunded, and the small sliver of
your tax dollars that go to the NPS does not even cover the cost of your visit
to one park. If you’re going to visit a lot of National Parks, the annual pass
is a great deal. Senior Citizens can get a lifetime pass for the bargain price
of $80. If you have a child in 4th Grade, your whole family can get in free for
the duration of the school year.
Don’t
Stay in Your Car
The National Parks have a lot of beautiful
scenic drives and you can see a lot from your car. But once you get out of your
car and start hiking, you’ll see so much more. The majority of National Parks
visitors do not get out of their cars or do not go beyond the scenic
viewpoints. If the park feels crowded to you, all you have to do is hike a
couple of miles in and you’ll feel like you have the park to yourself.
Thanks
to our friends Bonnie and Grant from Our Wanderfilled Life for their National Park camping tips! With over 400 National Park
sites to choose from, we hope you’ll get out and explore some of these special
places. Just remember what NOT to do on a visit to a National Park! Looking for
more tips on travel in the USA? Check out these blog posts!
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we’re talking about the best and worst of traveling! Many
people wonder why travel is important. Obviously, we love traveling as a
family, but there are some drawbacks to traveling, too. These are the things we
love, and the things we hate, about traveling!
Love
#1: Cool Things to See
Visiting places that you’ve read about, or
seen on TV, is such a cool experience. From the Inca Trail to the Grand Canyon
to the Great Wall to the Eiffel Tower, traveling opens up the entire world for
you. Sometimes it can be a surreal experience to actually stand in the streets
of a city you’ve only ever dreamed of visiting before.
Hate
#1: Cost of Traveling
Traveling is not free, unfortunately. Even the
most budget-conscious traveler has to spend a little bit of money in order to
travel. You have to pay for transportation, whether that’s gas in your own car,
plane tickets or train tickets. Then you have to pay for food, accommodation,
and sightseeing. There are ways to save money while traveling, but it will
never be completely free!
The more you travel, the more friends you will
have around the world. Whether it’s meeting locals or fellow travelers,
traveling is a great way to broaden your friendship circle. If you are a fan of
slow travel like we are, you can really get to know an area and the locals.
It’s a really special treat to be invited over for a traditional dinner at the
home of a local while you are traveling.
Travel is great! Except when it’s not.
Hate
#2: Bad Service for Tourists
When you travel to heavily touristed areas,
you won’t always get the best service. They are dealing with tourists all day,
and they aren’t trying to win back your repeat business. This is especially
true when you are in very popular areas, like Piazza San Marco in Venice or
right next to the tower in Pisa. We always recommend going a few blocks off the
main streets, and you’ll get much better food at better prices. Another good
approach is to ask your local friends or the concierge at your hotel what their
favorite restaurant is.
I have traveled solo and with friends, but
traveling with my family is by far my favorite. Creating shared memories with
my wife and kids brings us closer together. Travel also makes a great
conversation starter when you are trying to meet fellow travelers. Sharing your
travel tales and experiences is a great way to bond with family, friends, and
strangers.
Hate
#3: Overrated Tourist Attractions
Every city or country has that one spot that
everyone tells you that you HAVE to see. And you might get talked into visiting
even though it’s not your usual travel style. For example, I didn’t love Milan,
Italy so much. I think Brussels is a bit overrated. The Leaning Tower of Pisa
is literally just a leaning tower. It doesn’t look any different in person than
in the hundreds of photos you’ve already seen.
One of the best parts of traveling is trying
new cuisines around the world. I would venture to say that France has the best
food in the world, so it’s a great destination for foodies. Other destinations,
like China and Mexico, are known for amazing street food. Sure, some
destinations are a little heavy on beans and rice, but the food is a great way
to bond with your fellow travelers as well.
Can’t say how many times I wish we had more family pictures while traveling.
Hate
#4: Tour Groups
If you’re in a popular destination during high
season, you’re going to have to deal with tour groups. You’re either going to
feel rushed to get ahead of the tour group, or you’re going to get behind them
and end up going really slow. Tour groups are great for some travelers, but if
you’re an independent traveler and like to go at your own pace, you’ll do best
to try and avoid the tour groups. Traveling in the offseason is a great way to
avoid huge groups of tourists.
We don’t buy a lot of souvenirs since we
travel so much, but we do love to buy artwork while we’re traveling. So, we can
sit in our living room and look around at all of the places we’ve traveled to,
and remember stories from each destination. The best part of this is when you
are not traveling, you can travel back through your memories.
Hate
#5: Bad Weather Days
Chances are if you travel often enough, you’re
going to run into some bad weather days. If you try to avoid crowds and travel
in the off-season, you’re more likely to have bad weather days. Try to
anticipate bad weather ahead of time. When you’re planning your travel
itinerary, find things you can do indoors on the bad weather days. Save your
museum days for the rainy or cold days that you don’t want to be outside.
Besides all of the cool things you get to see
while traveling, the cultural experiences will blow you away. Whether it’s
running with the bulls in Pamplona or toasting during Oktoberfest, the cultural
experiences are what really make travel special. As parents, it’s fun to see
how parents do things differently in other countries, and it’s fun to watch our
kids bond and play together despite language barriers. At the end of the day,
we’re all the same, but we just do things a bit differently.
Hate
#6: Missed Connections & Travel Delays
Sometimes the worst part of travel is just
getting to your destination. A canceled flight is a horrible way to start your
vacation, especially if you have connecting flights. Rebooking your flights,
along with everyone else who was supposed to be on your plane, can be
stressful. You can help alleviate some of this stress by carefully choosing
your itinerary. Try not to book yourself a connection that doesn’t leave you
enough wiggle room. This applies to trains as well, make sure you have enough
time between trains to find your platform.
While it’s great to see the big sites and
famous cities when you travel, sometimes the best experience is stumbling on to
a smaller village that doesn’t see many tourists. I love visiting Bamberg,
Germany because there aren’t as many tourists, so it feels like a more
authentic German village experience.
Why you really should travel with your family.
Hate
#7: Travel Stink
When you’ve been traveling for a while, you
might start to stink! Whether you’ve been in transit for 28 hours and
desperately need a shower, or you’ve been traveling for two weeks and haven’t
had time to hit a laundromat, you will stink! If you’re backpacking around
Europe, you’ll notice this in your fellow travelers before you realize that you
also stink!
One of the best thins about travel is making
history come alive. Whether it’s visiting famous battlefields or even movie
scenes, it’s such a fun and unique travel experience. In Salzburg, you can
visit all of the sights from Sound of Music. And even when you’re back home,
it’s cool to see something on TV after seeing it in real life. Our youngest son
gets so excited when he sees the Eiffel Tower on TV because he’s been there
already.
Hate
#8: Driving Abroad
Some countries are really easy to visit
without driving, but other destinations make it nearly impossible to get around
without your own vehicle. Whether they drive on the left or the right, it can
take some getting used to. Driving through a roundabout in Ireland for the
first time can be tricky. Not all traffic signals are the same from country to
country.
You may have your travel itinerary planned
down to the minute, but you’re still going to have some surprises along the
way. Sometimes it’s as simple as turning a corner to find a picture-perfect setting
or jaw-dropping scenery. Even the surprises that aren’t so pleasant at the time
make for great stories later. Getting out of your comfort zone and going with
the flow is what makes travel so great.
She didn’t drop him. Promise!
Hate
#9: Travel Planning & Budgeting
Budgeting for a trip can be really difficult,
especially if you are visiting multiple countries. For example, one beer in
Copenhagen costs about $8, while beer in Portugal is about $1 per glass. Prices
can vary widely from country to country, and even amongst cities in the same
country. Besides budgeting, planning can also be overwhelming. Trying to narrow
down all of your options into an efficient, enjoyable vacation can be tough. It
helps to set a budget first, then choose destinations based on your interests
and your budget.
Besides experiencing other cultures, you get
to learn about them and understand how people are different (and the same)
around the world. World culture is about so much more than food and language,
and the more time you spend in a place, the more you will understand the
nuances of the local culture. Going to local festivals and museums is a great way
to learn about the culture and history of a region.
Hate
#10: Lack of Space on Public Transit
If you decide to travel by train and bus,
you’ll quickly realize that there isn’t a lot of space for luggage. On a lot of
European trains, for example, there’s a small overhead rack for your luggage.
If you have a large suitcase or you can’t lift it up over your head, you’ll
have to put it in the luggage area at the end of the car. This area fills up
quickly and is near the exit, so it could be stolen pretty easily if you aren’t
able to keep an eye on it. This is why we recommend packing light.
Traveling is such an
amazing experience for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a
seasoned traveler or someone at home wondering why you should travel, we hope
our travel stories inspire you to travel more. Obviously, we think the best parts
of travel outweigh the worst parts of travel by far, and we plan to keep
traveling as long as we can. Want more of our travel tips? Check out some of
our other blog posts:
Hey there, fellow space
travelers! Today, we’re in Iceland, but the landscape makes us think we’re on
Mars. With so much news about Mars lately, we thought it would be fun to talk
about the five things you would love and the five things you would hate if you
visit Mars.
Love
#1: Making History
If you decide to visit Mars, you’ll be one of
the first humans to ever do so. You’ll be remembered forever, just like Neil
Armstrong. If you like to blaze new travel paths, take risks and explore the
unknown, then Mars is the perfect vacation destination for you!
Hate
#1: Weather on Mars
No matter where you go on Mars, it’s going to
be cold. Like 200 degrees below zero cold. There’s also crazy wind and dust
storms that will drive you crazy. Then you get the solar storms and radiation
from the sun is probably enough to kill you.
Not actually pictures of Mars, but it gives you an idea.
Love
#2: Exploring Uncharted Territory
If the thought of being the “Lewis and Clark”
of outer space is appealing, you’ll love going to Mars! There are very few
unexplored areas of earth left, so visiting Mars opens up a whole new world of
possibilities for explorers.
Hate
#2: Finding Accommodation on Mars
As any pioneer will tell you, being the first
to visit a new region means you might have a hard time finding accommodation.
Until Mars travel becomes more mainstream and tourism infrastructure is
developed, there won’t be many places to stay. You might have to bring your own
accommodation to Mars. And you will need shelter because there’s not enough
oxygen to breathe on your own on Mars.
Love
#3: Running Fun Science Experiments
Being the first to explore Mars means you get
to conduct all of the experiments that you want. Dig up some soil, take some
air samples and melt some of the ice you find on Mars. You’re starting with a
clean slate on a planet just waiting for new discoveries!
Live long and prosper fellow travelers
Hate
#3: Your Fellow Travelers
When you finally get to visit Mars, you’ll
most likely be in close quarters with your travel partners. Chances are, these
travel partners will be chosen for you, so you may or may not like them from
the start. Eventually, spending that much time with anyone is bound to drive
you a little crazy. Just the trip to Mars is going to take two years, so by the
time you arrive, you might already be sick of your travel partners.
Love
#4: 2 Years of Down Time En Route
For many of us, a couple of uninterrupted
hours on a plane is pure bliss. It’s a chance to catch up on the book you’re
reading or the Netflix series you’re watching. Now imagine having two years on
a plane! Think of all the shows and movies you can catch up on!
It’s very barren on Mars; there are no locals
to meet. (That we know of!) Even communicating with your friends and family
back home can be challenging. Communication between the Earth and Mars can take
anywhere from four to 24 minutes, so don’t plan on getting any FaceTime calls
on your birthday! Better brush up on your email writing skills.
Love
#5: Body Changes
You’ll have zero gravity en route to Mars, and
low gravity once you arrive on Mars. With shrinking bone density and muscle
mass, you’ll probably weigh a lot less when you return to Earth. It may not be
the best way to lose weight, and it’s certainly not the cheapest!
Hate
#5: Mars Travel is Expensive
Looking for a budget vacation? Mars is not it!
A trip to Mars can cost billions of dollars. The flights are long and
inconvenient, and you’ll need a lot of money to cover your expenses once you
arrive. It takes so long to get there, that you’re going to need a lot of
vacation time. Flights are limited to a few days every 26 months, so your
timing better be just right!
While it may be a while
before we can actually travel to Mars, it’s fun to think about the
possibilities. And by supporting NASA and encouraging science programs in local
schools, Mars travel may not be as far away as you think! Want some of our
actual travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:
Five Things You’ll Love and Hate
About Visiting Buenos Aires
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we’re talking about Buenos Aires, Argentina! I used to go to
school here, and I love this city! As much as I enjoy visiting Buenos Aires,
there are also some things that I don’t love about Argentina’s capital city.
So, today, I’m sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll
hate, about Buenos Aires, Argentina!
Love
#1: Buenos Aires Neighborhoods
Buenos Aires has so many different
neighborhoods to explore. La Boca is a colorful neighborhood with painted
houses and tango dancers. San Telmo has Sunday flea markets that draw people
from all over the city. Recoleta is famous for the Recoleta Cemetery, which is
a must-see in Buenos Aires. Each neighborhood has a different feel, so it’s fun
to explore several of them when you visit Buenos Aires.
Hate
#1: Argentina Time
Everything runs a bit later in Buenos Aires,
and the locals have a pretty relaxed attitude when it comes to schedules. If
you’re an early morning person, you won’t find much going on in the morning.
It’s a nice time to admire the architecture and enjoy some quiet time before the
city wakes up, but not much will be open in the morning. The Natural Science
museum doesn’t even open until 2 in the afternoon! This applies to mealtimes as
well. Dinner is usually around 8 or 9 pm in Buenos Aires.
There is so much cool architecture in Buenos
Aires. There are buildings from the 19th century, like the Palace of the
Argentine National Congress. Each neighborhood has a distinct architectural
style, so if you enjoy architecture, you’ll love Buenos Aires!
Buenos Aires is worth the visit.
Hate
#2: Inconsistent Service
We’ve had some amazing, attentive service in
Buenos Aires. But we’ve also had some very lackluster, inattentive service at
some Buenos Aires restaurants. So, just be patient and lower your expectations
a bit and you’ll be fine. The people can also be a bit brisk, but that’s pretty
typical for larger cities.
Love
#3: Things to Do in Buenos Aires
There are so many things to do in Buenos
Aires. They have excellent museums, including the National Science Museum and
the Latin American Art Museum. The individual neighborhoods have festivals and
markets, and there are a TON of great bars and restaurants in Buenos Aires. You
can even take a quick day trip over to Colonia, Uruguay.
Hate
#3: Taxis and Travel Scams
There aren’t really a ton of travel scams that
you need to look out for in Buenos Aires. But there are a few little tourist
rip-offs to be aware of. Most of them have to do with the taxis in Buenos
Aires. They may claim to not have any change and try to force you to give them
a larger tip because they can’t make change. That’s why it’s always good to
have small bills on hand. Other places may try to tell you can’t use your
credit card because you were given the “deal of the day,” when they clearly
take credit cards.
Taxis in Buenos Aires don’t have to pick you
up, so I recommend booking a car service or a taxi through your hotel.
Strolling through the cemetary.
Love
#4: Affordability in Buenos Aires
While Buenos Aires is not a super cheap
destination, it is very affordable for a family of four. With so many diverse
things to do, it’s really worth your tourist dollars, and you’ll get a lot of
bang for your buck. As a bonus, if you happen to have small bills from the US,
you can often pay in US dollars.
Hate
#4: Street Obstacles
As much as I love to roam the streets of
Buenos Aires, you have to be careful! For one thing, there’s a lot of dog poop
in the streets! The sidewalks are also uneven and it’s easy to trip on broken
cobblestones.
Crossing the streets is actually the worst
part, though. It can be dangerous to be a pedestrian in Buenos Aires. Even if
you have the walk light, you still should make eye contact with the drivers to
make sure they are going to stop.
Love
#5: Argentinian Food
Specifically, beef, wine, and ice cream are
some of my favorite things about Argentina. Argentina is known for its beef and
it is fantastic. It’s also a major producer of red wines, so you’ll have to
have those to go with your steak. The ice cream is the icing on the cake when
it comes to eating out in Buenos Aires. Try the dulce de leche, it’s amazing!
Hate
#5: Buenos Aires Safety Issues
Many people wonder “Is Buenos Aires Safe?” As
with many cities, there’s no clear yes or no answer. There are safe neighborhoods in Buenos Aires,
and there are neighborhoods to be avoided. Talk to the people at your hotel and
ask them which areas to avoid. For example, La Boca is a cool area in Buenos
Aires, but I don’t recommend staying there after dark. Generally, if you stick
to the usual travel safety precautions, you’ll be fine.
The steaks come well done
It’s hard not to love
Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s affordable and there are a ton of cool things to
do. I really hope you will decide to visit Buenos Aires because it’s worth it!
Want more of our South America travel tips? Check out some of our other blog
posts:
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Belize. While many travel blogs
will tell you the best things to do in Belize, we want to be sure you know
about the things you should NOT do during your trip to Belize!
Don’t
Worry About the Crime Statistics
Most people worry “Is Belize Safe?” and will
google this to find out. Yes, Belize has issues, and the crime statistics do
seem high. However, as a tourist, you likely won’t run into any of this crime.
It’s mostly concentrated in the cities, not in the tourist areas. Of course,
you have to use the usual travel smarts that you would use anywhere in the
world.
Although all of Belize is not an island, they
definitely operate on “island time.” After a few days, you get used to it, and
can even start to enjoy island time, but it does take a few days to get used
to. You’ll hear “Go Slow” a lot when you visit Belize.
English, great food, amazing water, you should really consider Belize.
Don’t
Pass Up The Beach Grills
There are lots of restaurants in Belize, but
they also have pop-up grills in these huts along the road and on the beaches.
Don’t be scared to try these little shacks. The food is actually really good,
and it’s usually way cheaper.
Don’t
Worry If You Don’t Know Where Belize Is
A lot of people have heard of Belize but have
no idea where it’s actually located. That’s pretty common. It’s in Central
America, on a small strip of land between Guatemala and Mexico on the Caribbean
Sea. It only became an independent country in 1981, so it’s a relatively “new”
country.
Don’t
Worry About Speaking Spanish
You might assume that Belize, like most
Central American countries, is a Spanish-speaking nation. English is the
official language of Belize. Everything is in English, which makes it a great
international destination for first-time travelers who might be nervous about
dealing with language differences.
Even though you’re both speaking English, you
still might have some communication challenges with the Belizeans. They may
throw some Creole or Spanish in there and tend to have a heavy accent. But
you’ll get through it, just speak a little slowly if needed. It’s no different
than traveling in Ireland and trying to understand their English. Or the Deep
South, for that matter!
You will eat well in Belize. Come during lobster season.
Don’t
Forget Bug Spray & Sun Block
Belize is in a tropical climate and it’s
buggy. The bugs can be pretty bad, especially if you are visiting Belize rainforests
or doing any activities inland. You also need sunblock to protect your skin as
the sun is pretty strong. Chances are, you’ll be enjoying the Belize beaches
during your trip, so make sure you don’t get a sunburn and ruin your trip! Even
if you’re not at the beach, but out exploring Mayan ruins in Belize, you’ll be
in the sun.
Don’t
Miss Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
If you’re able to, make sure you get out in
the water for snorkeling or diving in Belize. Belize has the second-largest
barrier reef in the world. Our kids loved it, as you can see a lot of cool
marine life underwater. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s pretty easy
to snorkel. However, when you sign up for an outing, don’t overstate your
abilities. Be honest with the guides about your swimming or diving skills. They
will help you choose the right equipment for your skill level.
Don’t
Assume Every Tour Company is the Same
If you’re going to sign up for a day tour in
Belize, make sure you do your research on the tour companies. Some Belize tours
are geared towards younger travelers, while other tours are more
family-friendly. Prices are pretty similar, but experiences can vary greatly.
Don’t
Take Anything From The Reef
This should go without saying, but don’t take
anything from the reef when you are out swimming. Don’t even touch it if you
can help it. It’s a protected area, and the coral is very sensitive and easily
killed when disturbed. You should even try to wear reef-safe sunscreen to
minimize the damage done.
Seriously, go slow. Everything happens a bit slower in Belize. And that is the best part.
Don’t
Expect to See Wildlife in the Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is one of the most famous places
to go in Belize. It’s really cool to see, but it’s not the best place for
viewing marine life underwater. If you want to really see cool underwater
activity, the coral reef is a much better spot.
Don’t
Worry About Walking Around With Your Drinks
In Belize, it’s totally legal to walk around
with a cocktail. As long as it’s in a plastic cup or a can, not a glass bottle,
you’re free to enjoy a drink as you stroll the beach.
Don’t
Think Marijuana is Legal
You will more than likely smell marijuana in
Belize. Don’t assume that it’s legal just because you can smell it. The drug
laws are actually pretty strict, and as a foreigner, you really don’t want to
get busted for drugs. It’s not worth it.
Don’t
Think Belize is Just Beaches
Although Belize beaches are amazing, there is
so much more to see and do on your Belize trip. There are Mayan ruins in
Belize, and you can even make a day trip over to Tikal in Guatemala. There were
over one million Mayans here at one point, which is more than double the
current population of Belize. There are jungle tours and spelunking tours.
Don’t
Expect to See Jaguars
You might see warning signs around Belize to
watch out for Jaguars. They’re actually pretty rare, so unless you are out in
the jungle at night looking for them, you’re not likely to see any jaguars in
Belize. You will see other animals in Belize; don’t mess with them!
Don’t
Expect to Find Any Chains
If you like to travel with hotel points, you
might have a hard time finding a place to stay in Belize. There aren’t a lot of
chain hotels or chain restaurants in Belize. Most of the hotels are small,
independent hotels and resorts. This means you have to do a bit more research
before booking your Belize accommodation.
Don’t
Worry About Exchanging Money
If you’re coming from the United States, you
don’t even have to worry about exchanging money in Belize. Belize has its own
currency, the Belize Dollar, but nearly anywhere you go will accept US Dollars.
The Belize Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar 2-to-1, so whatever the price is
in Belize dollars, you can pay half that in US dollars. It can be hard to find
ATMs, so it’s nice to be able to bring money from home and not worry about
getting cash when you arrive.
Don’t
Expect Latin America Prices
Most Latin American destinations are very
affordable and make for a good budget vacation. Belize is more expensive than
other Central American countries we’ve visited. Like Costa Rica, there are more
tourists here, which drives up the prices a bit.
Don’t
Forget the Seasons in Belize
While Belize is close to the equator and warm
year-round, there are distinct seasons. Hurricane season is from June until
November, with September and October being the rainiest months in Belize.
December through March is the busiest tourist season in Belize.
Don’t
skip out on a trip to Belize! It’s a great place for outdoor adventure, lazy
beach days and a laid-back lifestyle. Our whole family really enjoyed our
Belize vacation. Looking for more tips on visiting Latin America? Check out
these blog posts!
Hey
there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what I pack for a trip to
Europe in the summer. There are lots of blogs out there with fashion tips for
traveling women, but what about the guys? Many of our readers have asked us
what to pack for a trip. Whether I’m traveling for two weeks or seven weeks, my
vacation packing list pretty much stays the same.
Before you start packing for your Europe trip,
there are 3 “W’s” to consider:
Weather (check the 10-day forecast right before you leave!)
When Are You Traveling? Shoulder season may require more layers to pack.
Where Are You Traveling? Ireland requires different clothes than Greece!
The
Rule of Five
No matter how long your trip is, you pretty
much only need five of everything. Five tops, bottoms, underwear, and socks.
That’s also about how much will fit in a carry-on suitcase. And we always try
to travel carry-on only, as it really simplifies your travel. This doesn’t
include what you wear on the plane, which gives you another outfit to recycle
throughout your trip.
Even if I’m traveling in May, when I’ll need
long pants and shorts, I still stick to the rule of five. If you purchase
specific travel clothing for men, pants are usually lightweight, easy to pack
and not too heavy for hot weather.
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of pants
1 pair of jeans, worn on the
flight
A packing list for men that men will actually follow.
Pajamas
It’s always good to have a dedicated outfit to
sleep in, or to lounge around the hotel room. Depending on the weather, I’ll
either bring shorts and a t-shirt or flannel pajama bottoms.
Swimwear
I almost always have a pair of swim trunks in
my suitcase. Whether I’m going to the
beach or just planning to use the hot tub and pool at the hotel, it’s always
good to have swimwear on a trip.
Tops
Again sticking to the rule of five, I bring
five options for what to wear on top. (That might also include an undershirt
that isn’t counted in the five.) I usually bring 3-4 t-shirts and two collared
shirts. The t-shirts are sometimes used as undershirts under the collared
shirt. I typically wear a half-zip shirt on the plane, which layers well when
it’s cooler outside.
Want to
sport your own Wolters World Gear? Shop here!
Socks
& Underwear
If you need to be more lenient on the “rule of
five” this is the place to pack more. I usually pack five pairs of socks and
then wear compression socks on the plane. I highly recommend compression socks
for long flights. Socks and underwear don’t take up that much room, so if you
want to bring more, go for it!
What you take will depend on where you are going. But always pack light.
Toiletries
I keep all of my toiletries, like shampoo and
shaving kit, in a separate bag that can easily be pulled out at security. If
you wear glasses or contacts, it’s always a good idea to have a backup pair in
case you lose or break them.
Extra
Bags
I usually throw a couple of extra bags in my
bag. You can never have enough Zip-Loc bags on a trip. They are great for
separating dirty laundry, keeping your liquids from leaking into your suitcase,
and even using it as a waterproof bag for electronics on a rainy day. I also
like to have a compact drawstring bag for laundry. These are great for hauling
your clothes to the laundromat.
Rain
Coat
Even if you don’t think it will rain, always
have a raincoat. Something thin that will pack easily, and even if it doesn’t
rain, you might get a windy day and be grateful you have it.
Everything listed above goes in my carry-on
suitcase and gets stored in the overhead bin when I’m flying. For my “personal
item” I carry an Osprey backpack filled with travel essentials. This holds
everything I need during the flight, and valuable items I don’t want to have
out of reach. My backpack holds:
A folder for travel documents
Eyeglasses (in a hard case for
protection)
Tripod and camera
Batteries, chargers, power bank,
and memory cards
Headphones
Passport
USB Drive
Flashlight
Nail clippers
Luggage locks (I recommend combination
locks so you don’t have to keep track of a key!)
Computer or tablet
Prescriptions or medicine
Pens and paper
Guidebooks (yes, we still buy
guidebooks sometimes!)
That is all I took with me for seven weeks in Europe.
If you
see me anywhere in the world, I’ll be carrying these items! If you use a
packing checklist like this and continue to refine it after every trip, you’ll
have packing down to a science in no time. And it doesn’t matter if you’re
traveling for two weeks or two months, you don’t need to pack any more things!
Hey
there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re answering a travel question from one of
our viewers. Mark Finley wanted to know if we have criteria to decide whether
to fly or drive on a family trip. What’s the cutoff point where you will decide
to fly instead of drive? Obviously, a lot of our trips are overseas and we have
to fly, but we do have criteria to help us decide whether to fly or drive on
our domestic trips.
Time
Spent in Transit
One of the biggest factors when deciding to
drive or fly is the time factor. We weigh how much time we would spend flying
vs driving. Of course, flying involves getting to the airport early, checking
in through TSA and waiting for a flight, so there’s more than just the flight
time to consider. Six to seven hours is usually a good cutoff point where we
would start considering flights.
For example, Nashville is about a six-hour
drive for us. If we decide to fly, it’s a 90-minute flight to Atlanta, followed
by a 45-minute flight to Nashville. So, 2 ½ hours of flight time isn’t so bad,
but that’s not all we account for. It’s one hour to drive to the airport, 90
minutes to allow for check-in and security, plus time on your layover, which is
usually at least 90 minutes. So, now the six-hour drive is pretty reasonable.
To drive or fly, that is the question…
Length
of a Trip
The length of our vacation also factors into
our decision to drive vs fly. If we’re on summer break and we have a few weeks
to spend, we’re more likely to drive. When driving vs flying, we can stop and
explore more along the way, and we’re not in such a rush to get from Point A to
Point B.
We love to visit Savannah, which is about a
12-hour drive from our home. But there are so many cool places to stop along
the way, that we will gladly drive if we have the time. You can break up the
long trip into several days, with stops in Nashville, Knoxville, or even
Atlanta.
If we are just off for a weekend getaway, then
we’ll usually choose flying as the faster option. This allows us to spend as
much time as possible at our destination.
Trip
Cost
We also have to factor in prices when we
decide whether to fly or drive. We’ve found some great deals on airfare that
make the decision to fly an easy one. But there are also four of us to
consider, so we have to buy four seats on a plane. If we drive, the cost
doesn’t increase by four as we’re all riding in the same car.
However, driving can sometimes be more expensive.
If gas prices are up, that’s a big factor. On a longer trip, we’ll probably
stay in a hotel room along the way. Then you have to factor in the stops for
food and snacks too.
It’s not always just about the bottom line.
For many people, time is money. If you have limited vacation time, you may want
to maximize it by taking the fastest way possible.
Flying vs Driving
Airline
Preference
We tend to fly Delta as much as we can, in
order to maximize our airline status and earning potential with miles. So, yes,
we do consider whether Delta flies to a destination or not. If we can book a
trip using miles, then we’re going to spend a lot less than we would if we had
to choose another airline.
Convenience
of Having a Car
Another thing to consider is whether you’ll
need a car at your destination. If you’re visiting cities like Chicago, New
York, or Boston, you don’t need a car once you arrive. In fact, having a car in
these cities can be more of a headache than a convenience.
However, if we’re visiting Arizona or Texas,
we will want to have a car as the attractions are spread apart and there’s no
real public transportation. In that instance, we have to also factor in the
cost of car rental on top of our flights.
Looks comfy
While we
don’t have a set cutoff point to decide whether to drive or fly, we do have a
decision-making process that helps us decide. As you can see, there are many
factors that go into it, with time and money being the biggest decision point
to drive vs fly. Want more of our family travel tips? Check out some of our
other blog posts:
Hey there, fellow
travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Finland. While many travel blogs
will tell you the best things to do in Finland, we want to be sure you know
about the things you should NOT do during your Finland vacation!
Don’t
Be Loud
The Finns are very quiet, reserved people.
It’s pretty quiet in Finland, so if you are a person that talks loud, you will
stick out in a crowd. If you want to blend in on your Finland trip, be aware of
your surroundings and try to match the volume of the people around you.
Don’t
Insult Finnish Pride
Finns love their country and have a lot of
national pride. A big part of Finnish culture is the sauna, which is pronounced
like “sow-na” not “saw-na” as we say it in the States. Make sure you say it
correctly or you will be outed as a tourist immediately.
You will have no shortage of nature or saunas in Finland.
Don’t
Be Modest in the Sauna
When you go to the sauna, and you should
absolutely experience a sauna in Finland, you will most likely be in the nude.
They are generally divided by gender, so you don’t have to be worried about
that. You can wear a towel if you want to, but the general style is to be nude
for the sauna.
Don’t
Be Scared by the Language
Learning Finnish is nearly impossible, as it’s
a very difficult language to learn. But that should not stop you from visiting
Finland because many of the people in Finland speak English.
Don’t
Skip Learning a Few Finnish Words
Having said that, it always helps to learn a
few words of the local language, no matter where you are traveling. Even just a
few basics, like hello, thank you, and please, will go a long way towards
helping you meet locals and getting to know the local culture a bit better.
Finland actually has two official languages;
Finnish and Swedish. So you’ll see most signs in both languages. So, the city
of Turku is Turku in Finnish but is Abo in Swedish. They aren’t even similar,
so it can be very confusing when you are traveling around Finland.
We all love Finland.
Don’t
Lump Finland in With Scandinavia
This applies more outside of Finland. If you
are in Sweden or Norway and you refer to Finland as being part of Scandinavia,
the Swedes and Norwegians might get in a huff about it. Technically, Finland is
not part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, it’s more of the Nordic region.
Finland was controlled by Sweden for a long
time, so there’s a lot of history there between the two countries, and a
rivalry remains today. But more importantly, there is a huge hockey rivalry
between the two countries. If you’re in Finland, you better side with favoring
the Finnish teams.
Don’t
Wear Your Shoes In a Finnish Home
If you are lucky enough to be invited over to
a Finn’s house for dinner, do not wear your shoes inside. It’s considered rude
to wear your shoes indoors. Many homes will have slippers you can wear inside.
Don’t
Forget to Bring a Small Gift
It’s also a tradition to bring a small gift
when you are invited to someone’s home. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, just
a small token of appreciation. Candies, flowers or wine are all appropriate
gifts to bring to someone’s home.
Don’t
Eat Black Salmiakki Candy (Unless You Like Black Licorice)
You’ll find a ton of great candy in Finland.
But a local may try to trick you into eating salmiakki, which is a really salty
black licorice candy. If you’re not used to it, it’s quite a shock. In all
fairness, you should give it a try, but I don’t recommend buying it in bulk.
One piece is probably enough.
Don’t
Expect One or Two-Cent Coins
They don’t use one or two-cent coins in
Finland. So, if you are paying for something that comes to 1.98, they will
round up and you won’t get any change back.
Don’t
Steal the Moose Signs
For some reason, tourists love to steal the
“Moose Crossing” signs. Don’t do that!
They liked it so much they even let me take silly pictures of them.
Don’t
Worry About Tipping in Finland
The wages in Finland are pretty good, so
tipping your waiter is not customary here like it is in other countries.
Don’t
Disobey Rules and Laws
The reason Finland is such a safe travel
destination is that they are very much law-abiding people. They take rules
seriously, including not jaywalking or cutting lines.
Don’t
Forget Your Bug Spray
A great part of Finland is the Lake District,
but don’t forget to bring bug spray!
Don’t
Miss Out on Nature in Finland
Helsinki and Turku are great, but don’t miss
out on all of the other places to visit in Finland! There are so many islands,
lakes, and forests to explore. If you visit in the winter, Finnish Lapland is a
winter wonderland and a great place to experience the Nordic culture and the
Northern Lights.
Don’t
Forget to Pack Layers
Finland weather can be finicky, so be prepared
for any weather, no matter the season. Even in the summer, you’ll need a few
layers of clothing as it can get pretty cold.
Don’t
skip out on a Finland vacation! Very few tourists come here, but they are all missing
out by not visiting Finland. It’s such a beautiful country with nature and
cities and wonderful people. It’s not as expensive as you might think! Looking
for more tips on visiting Scandinavia? Check out these blog posts!
Y’all I am exhausted. I woke up and ran, literally, I actually
ran. This is highly unusual. But I didn’t stop there, I walked the dog, I did a
lot of landscaping (because most years I am traveling too much to pay attention
to my yard), I planted a bunch of seeds (also and unprecedented happening in my
world), I have been sewing and starting a handyman project that has been on my
radar for two years. All that said, I am too damn tired to write today’s blog.
So, my brilliant, charming husband is going to do it for me. I am telling you,
I won the dang lottery… jocelyn
Quarantine Day 13 March 26 2020 – The Mark Chronicles
Hey there fellow travelers! Well, I should say hey there
fellow stay at home travelers! That’s better! Today, Jocelyn is taking a break
from writing the quarantine blog and I am trying my hand at blog writing. I think
you will see that my skills are better placed talking in front of the camera
than typing out a blog. That may explain why our videos have always done better
than our website ever did. Anyway, onto our 13th day of self-quarantine.
What happened last night
So, for those of you who didn’t know, we have been doing
live feeds on our main YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/woltersworld
every Wednesday night at 8pm (and Saturdays at 9am) just to give our fellow travelers
a chance to have some sort of normalcy during this very not normal time.
Honestly, I have begun really looking forward to these live feeds as it gives both
Jocelyn and myself a chance to interact and socialize with other adults. Don’t
get me wrong, we love each other, but being stuck in the house with just the
four of us… we all want some new stories to hear. So, we have really enjoyed talking
about travel and all things not coronavirus.
It is fun seeing all the other travelers’ comment and grow
friendships via a chat window (shout out to our moderators who keep the trolls
and mean people off the chat). We have so many great fans that it really gets
me sometimes how many people we have been able to help travel better, and how
many people have let us be a part of their travels. It really is an incredible
feeling, and so when people are online chatting it just brings a huge smile to
my face. So, please pop on sometime. You don’t have to ask questions if you don’t
want, as there are plenty of questions and tangent stories that pop up during
the feeds. It’s funny, when we first started doing live feeds if we got 45
minutes we thought, wow we did a long feed. Now we are doing over two hours and
honestly, I think we would go longer, but an 8pm start means we get a wee bit
tired when we hit 10:30pm. So, I am looking forward to Saturday’s 9am chat this
weekend.
Anyway, the theme last night was drinking with fellow
travelers, so we had a few drinks and let the stories flow. It was a really fun
time. Thank you everyone who took part. There were more than a few comments how
the more the Glenlivet flowed the more chatting I became. Who knew?
You can watch it for yourself if you like.
Jocelyn’s day
So, I know a lot of people are asking why isn’t Jocelyn
writing today’s blog. Honestly, she spent the day digging up the yard and
planting flowers and vegetables, and she is just tired. So, I said I can write
this one for us. It is probably nice to have multiple perspectives on what it
is like being in this quarantine. So, don’t worry. Jocelyn will be back tomorrow
with her wit, humor, and way with words.
The Boys
Well, the boys were rather docile today. We think they did
their work. They said they did their work. They promised us they did their work.
We gave them work to do. We saw them at the table working… but we are still not
sure if they actually did their work. It is a weird feeling a parent gets when
their kids say, “Homework done” and you just don’t feel like they spent enough
time on it. But we are letting them be responsible for their homework and they
have to turn it in via email, so they will feel the consequences in their
grades if they are not doing what they said they were doing.
Aside from school work the boys enjoyed a bit of “monkey in
the middle” as they call it. Basically it is just keep away. It was funny
watching Caleb trying to explain to Liam how to best catch a football. Liam is
a big conspiracy theory kid, and whenever he sees a triangle he has to point, “It’s
the Illuminati” so Caleb said, “catch it like the illuminati sign” and I will
be darned, it worked. I think the boys are starting to feel a bit on the down
side with all this time at home. Their spirits have been high for the most part,
but not having friends to play with is getting to them a bit. It sounds weird,
but I am happy they have some of the online games they can play with their
friends. Even if it is Liam yelling with his buddies Anthony and Lela playing Fortnite,
at least they are still staying connected.
We have had dreary weather lately and they haven’t had a
chance to really get out and play. So, we have been dragging them out when it
is nice to go for a walk or just something outside. We try, for example Liam
and I hit some tennis balls for a bit today, but in general I think we are all getting
a bit worn down from it all. But I am glad we are doing our part and staying
home. Oh, the boys got out Caleb’s old Taikwando gear and boxed each other for
about half an hour. I think they still have too much energy left in them.
Back when I had a real classroom.
My Work
Well, work continues along. I had two live feeds for my
university job today where I had office hours and helped my students prepare
for their exams. There was maybe 10% of the students online, and I am OK with
that. I have been filming my lectures and topics videos for a long time on http://www.youtube.com/professorwolters
and I have been sending them the YouTube video lectures. I think that gives my
students more leeway on when they can study.
I know some professors are only doing live classes and if a
student misses the live feed, they are not able to make up the lost information.
That really irks me as there are so many students who are back home now living and
working from home with their parents who are also working from home, not to
mention the other siblings who may be home as well. I mean there is only so
much bandwidth to go around. So, I feel by giving my students the option to
watch the videos when it works best for them, I am hopefully giving them a better
chance to actually learn the material. I could be totally wrong, but I just
really want to give my students a bit more grace than usual these days.
How is it going though?
Well, considering we are all healthy I cannot complain.
There are many people who cannot say the same. For that we are blessed. It
looks like the weather may warm up, so the boys can play outside more. I don’t
know if it is physically possible for me to go on more walks than I am now. I
think I am at four or five walks a day. Though, these quarantine blahs have got
me snacking too much. I lost 50 pounds and hit the 50 pound mark last week, but
the snacks are calling me hard. I think I am doing better than I was the last
couple days (that could be because we have no more Hostess products, but I
digress). So, I am feeling better. I think I am getting a grasp on how I will
work with my class online which was really bothering me, because those students
pay so much money to have my classes and I want them to still get the best
class possible.
Anyway, I understand a bit better now why Jocelyn writes
these. It really does help to deal with the isolation and uncertainty of this
coronavirus pandemic. Just putting your words down helps you refocus on what
you should be doing. I know now what I will do with my students, with our
travel videos, with a lot, and for that I thank Jocelyn for not wanting to do
this today. Thanks sweetie!
I’m just saying… It has happend before.
Going forward
Well, going forward I think I have a better grip on things.
I see my digital marketing slides adding on another 50 slides tonight and 100
tomorrow. I see me recording a podcast with Hawkeye down in Texas. I see Caleb
and I fighting over his math lecture tomorrow as I go through three homeworks
with him in one go. I see Liam wanting to sneak his Nintendo Switch to he can
play instead of doing homework. I can see Jocelyn reading this and going… Mark,
you are not writing any more of the blogs, because you are just a rambling
fool. And then I see her giving me a big smooch… you never know 😊
Anyway, I am glad I could write something for today March
26, 2020. Another day in quarantine, but also another day I am with my family
and we are healthy, happy, and still more or less sane.
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