Different Slants

2004080929, originally uploaded by richard_munden.

One of the things we love to do when traveling is to explore the places we unexpectedly come across. We were on a bus returning from a day at Sanssouci Park in Potsdam, Germany when we spotted this pedestrian street. We jump off at the next stop and spent an hour or two just walking along and enjoying all the interesting little shops and cafes.

Our style of travel involves a minimum of planning. I usually reserve my hotel the day we arrive at an overseas destination because I know I will be too tired and jet lagged to think. I may also plan our departure so there is no hassle getting to the airport on time. Everything in between is part of the adventure of travel.

On this trip we knew our arrival date in Amsterdam and our departure date from Salzburg, Austria six weeks later. I also had a date for a speaking engagement in Belgrade, Serbia. The rest of the trip was extemporaneous. Sometimes we would use the web to research accommodations one stop ahead. Other times we didn’t start looking until we got off the train. It always worked out and we met great people everywhere - although less planning seemed to result in meeting more people.

So, this column’s advice is, “Take your time and don’t over plan your trips”.

2004080413, originally uploaded by richard_munden.

Amsterdam. The Red Light District. Prostitutes, Porn shows. Marijuana Museum. Legalized drugs. A world renown den of inequity. How does a culture that permits such abominations survive?

Quite well actually. (Read on …)

Mary and I love to travel. Our first trip together lasted nearly nine years. In our 32 years together, we have been to 43 countries that I can think of.

Over that time we have developed a particular style of travel that we find most enjoyable. It includes taking no more stuff with us than we are comfortable carrying on our backs. In the photo above, we have everything we are taking on a 6 week trip to Europe. Immediately after the photo was taken, we walked to the train station to board a train to SFO.  The only things bought in Europe (that we could have packed) were a light jacket and an umbrella that we needed during our last week in Austria when the weather turned cold and rainy. Everything fit neatly in our backpacks with enough room left over for the souvenirs we brought home.

Our goal in travel is to experience the place we are visiting as fully as time allows. This leaves out the 5 star international hotels - they are the same everywhere. Besides, we are not wealthy people. It also means no cruise ships or tour buses. To the greatest extent practical, we travel on local public transportation and on foot. We have traveled by aerial gondola, automobile, bicycle, boat, bus, elephant, ferry, inclined railway, inner-tube, jeep, motorcycle, pickup truck, subway, train, tram, tuk-tuk or whatever else was available. (Read on …)