While I’ve Been Grounded. . .

So, I’ve been on assignment recently, and “grounded” of late.  If I can’t roam the world for the moment, I can do it vicariously!  I’ve been reading my favorite type of non-fiction, travelogues.

The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost by Rachel Friedman (NY: Bantam, 2011) is, alas, a Coming of Age story.  Yes, Rachel roams Ireland, Australia, and South America – mostly in the company of an Australian friend.  We end up knowing all about Rachel and Carly, snippets about their backpacker adventures, and little about the countries they roam.  As a coming-of-age story about turning 21 – 22, it’s fun and fascinating.  As a real travelogue, a real feel for these countries is a wee bit sparse.

Rita Golden Gelman, writer of children’s books turned Road Warrioress, presents a far more interesting tale of her travels.  Suddenly faced with divorce in middle age, she flees first to Mexico, then onward around the world.  Tales of a Female Nomad (NY: Three Rivers Press, 2001) is much more than a Coming of Middle Age story, however.

A true Perpetual Traveler, she often has no home at all.  Sometimes she couch surfs or finds homestays with people she meets on the road.  Others, she rents temporary accommodations, albeit for longer stays. 

But Rita gives you a more satisfying insight into countries, cultures, and the humans living within them.

Don’t expect the same from Rita Golden Gelman’s sequel, Female Nomad and Friends, however (NY: Three Rivers Press, 2010).  Here she shares brief tales written by other Road Warrioresses, along with a few recipes picked up around the world.  The recipes are really juicy.  Some of the tales are more about World Improvers out to save the world than about countries and cultures as they are.

Got any good airplane-reading or while-grounded reading to share?

May your road rise to meet you!

Ann

Nifty Tricks with Fabric Softener Sheets

Packing for a week, month, or more?  Sooner or later, the Road Warrior-ess, Perpetual Traveler, backpacker, business traveler has to do laundry.  Wash-outs in the bathroom sink work about twice, but simply don't do a proper job of it.  But whether you will hit the laundry facilities or not. . .

Pack a batch of fabric softener sheets!  These sheets, the kind which work in the clothes dryer, are a multi-purpose item which belong in every suitcase.

Tuck one into each pocket and compartment of your suitcase(s) or bags.  Lay one or two in the base before you add clothing.  As you fold or roll clothing to pack, lay a sheet on at least a few of the garments you’re taking.  A dozen can easily slip into one suitcase or carry-on bag.  You’ll find them very handy.

Fabric softener sheets have several nifty uses:

1.   They keep your suitcase and clothing smelling fresh while traveling.

2.   Use one each time you do laundry on the road.  Save the cost of fabric softener, since laudromats charge a small fortune for one or two sheets.  And save the trouble of finding them on the road.  You don't want to lug a boxful.

3.   Forget your bug repellent?  Or forego it due to TSA regulations?  Take one sheet, rub it on arms, legs, neck, then stuff the sheet in your pocket when you head outdoors.  The scent helps repel mosquitoes, gnats, sand flies and such pesky critters.  No, it’s not as good as bug repellent spray, but it certainly works in a pinch!

4.   Slip some into empty suitcases before you stow them away between trips.  It helps prevent musty odors travel bags develop while closed and stored.

Got any more ideas?  Share them with us!  Meanwhile, don’t forget to pack them before you head out on your next sojourn.

May your road rise to meet you!

Best, Ann