Travel – Buckingham Palace

Posted on August 7, 2013 by barbara

My family and I were fortunate to visit London, England back in 1998. There are so many wonderful places to see when you visit London, such as the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels, the Victoria and Albert Museum with their fascinating exhibits, the Parliament building with Big Ben or Kensington Palace where Princess Diana lived and where William and Kate are now making their London residence. Of course, no trip to London would be complete without a visit to Harrods Department Store for lunch in the famous food court or afternoon tea upstairs in the elegant Georgian Restaurant. In this Travel post I will be sharing our visit to Buckingham Palace and the most iconic building in England.

A Brief History of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is actually located in the City of Westminster and it is the official London residence and administrative offices of the current British monarch. Originally known as Buckingham House, a large townhouse was built on the site for the first Duke of Buckingham in 1705. In 1761, King George III acquired it as a private retreat for Queen Charlotte and during that time it was known as the Queen’s House. In 1820, King George IV, quickly decided that Buckingham House, as it was now known as, would be the perfect location for his new London home. John Nash, the famous architect, was chosen to design and he built two new wing additions to the building which was now being referred to as Buckingham Palace. The renovations were still far from completion when George IV died and his brother became King William IV. The new king had no interest in moving from Clarence House into the unfinished palace. Nash was fired due to his massive overspending and Edward Blore was brought in as the new architect to complete the project. Finally in 1837, on the accession of Queen Victoria to the British throne, she moved from Kensington Palace into Buckingham Palace and it became the official royal palace of the British monarch since that time.

After the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert and with the birth of their nine children, Buckingham Palace went through further expansion to accommodate the large British Royal family. Blore was brought in again as the architect to design the fourth wing which added the east façade to the front of palace. After the death of her husband, Queen Victoria rarely occupied her London residence and preferred the seclusion of their other homes of Balmoral, Osborne House and Windsor Castle. Upon her death in 1901, King Edward VII moved in and extensively redecorated Buckingham Palace with a classic white and gold theme which still remains in many areas of the palace, such as the Grand Entrance and Staircase and the Grand Ballroom. During this time to honor his mother and the beloved British Monarch, the Victoria Memorial was erected in front of the palace.

Until the Second World War, there were very few changes made to Buckingham Palace. Then, during the German bombing of London Queen Victoria’s private chapel At Buckingham Palace received a direct hit and was destroyed. Years after the war ended, the chapel was rebuilt and Queen Elizabeth decided that the space would be used for royal exhibits and this area of the palace was opened to the public. The funding received was used to construct the Queen’s Gallery which now houses art pieces from the Royal Collection. Then in 1993, while the Queen was in Balmoral and not in residence at Buckingham Palace during the summer months, the State Rooms were open for public tours. This was initially done to raise funds for the rebuilding and repair of Windsor Castle which had undergone serious damage after a fire in 1992. Since then Buckingham Palace and several other royal palaces have been opened during specific times of the year and the funds now continue to maintain the Royal Collection, including the buildings, art and other objects of historical importance which are held in trust by the Monarch for Britain.

1998 – My son, Chris, at the gates to Buckingham Palace

A Tour of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, which include 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. The building is just over 118 yards long across the front, over 131 yards deep including the central quadrangle and over 26 yards high. Buckingham Palace has been the setting for many royal ceremonies, State visits from foreign leaders, Investitures and even the Queen’s Garden party. This is the place in London were the British people come to celebrate joyous occasions such as the end of World War II on VE day in 1945, the Queen’s coronation in 1953, and most recently the Diamond Jubilee in 2013.

Visitors with pre-arranged tour tickets will enter through a Buckingham Palace side entrance after passing through a security check. The first area after entering the State Room wing of the palace is the Grand Hall with the lovely Grand Staircase. Designed by the architect John Nash at the request of King George IV, the Grand Staircase has a balustrade with intricate patterns of acanthus, oak and laurel leaves. As visitors ascend the curved marble staircase the upper walls are lined with portraits of Queen Victoria and her family.

As visitors pass into the Guard Room there are white marble statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The next room is the Green Drawing Room which serves as a huge reception area before entering the Throne Room. The Green Drawing Room is decorated with a patterned red carpet and the walls are lined in green and gold silk.

As you walk through the Green Drawing Room, visitor will then enter the Throne Room. This beautiful State Room was designed for ceremonial receptions and at one end of the room there is a raised platform with two red thrones embroidered with the initials of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip and overhead is a red canopy trimmed in gold. The upper portions of the walls and the ceiling are lined with the heraldic shields representing England, Scotland, Ireland and Hanover.

Customarily formal wedding portraits are taken in the Throne Room after a Royal Wedding ceremony. Shown below are the wedding portrait of the then Princess Elizabeth to Prince Phillip in 1947, the wedding portrait of Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981 and most recently the wedding portrait of Prince William to Kate Middleton in 2011.

After the Throne Room, visitors will exit into the Picture Gallery which displays an ever changing exhibit of paintings from the Royal Collection. The four marble chimneypieces in this room have female figures holding paint brushes and artist palettes; in the center of the room is a ceiling medallion of four famous painters: Titian, Leonardo de Vinci, Durer and Van Dyck. This room is used for the investiture recipients who assemble here before entering the Ballroom to receive their awards for achievement.

The next room on the tour is the Ballroom, which is one of the largest rooms in Buckingham Palace. The Ballroom was originally decorated by King Edward VII in 1906 in white and gold with a large organ at one end and six beautiful crystal chandeliers overhead. The Ballroom is used for State Dinners such as the one held in May 2011 for President Barack Obama. It is also frequently used for investitures that are held throughout the year performed by Queen Elizabeth and the recipients are awarded British honors and sometimes knighthoods.

Exiting the Ballroom, visitors will walk through the West Gallery before entering the State Dining Room. The State Dining Room is decorated with red damask walls and a matching red with white and gold plasterwork on the ceiling. Many dignitaries from presidents to prime ministers have attended smaller dinner parties in this lovely room in the palace.

The next room on the tour is the Blue Drawing Room which is decorated with blue flock wallpaper and portraits of King Georg V and Queen Mary which hang on either side of the fireplace. This was John Nash’s original Ballroom and the first State Ball was held here on May 1838 as part of the celebrations leading up to Queen Victoria’s Coronation.

Exiting the Blue Drawing Room, visitors enter the large doomed Music Room. The room is decorated with white and gold frieze, two large chandeliers hang overhead and along the edge of the room there are sixteen blue columns. This is the room where the British Royal families’ babies are christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury. (Please check out tomorrow’s Celebration post, A Royal Christening, for details about these special British Royal ceremonies)

The final State room on the tour is the White Drawing Room, which is decorated in white and gold with four smaller chandeliers and one large chandelier in the center of the room. Along a wall are mirrors and cabinets that conceal secret doors that allow members of the Royal family to enter the room. This room serves as a Royal reception room for the Queen and members of the Royal family gather in before State and official occasions.

From here visitors exit down to the next floor and into the Marble Hall which opens into the Grand Hall. From there visitors enter the Bow Room, which is the last room on the tour before exiting through the palace gardens.

1998 – Me at the gates to Buckingham Palace

Travel – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Posted on July 31, 2013 by barbara

Today is J.K. Rowling’s birthday, she is the world famous author of the Harry Potter series of books, and in her honor I would like to share this Travel post on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter located at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. So, at the beginning of summer we finally left for a one week road trip to Florida. We had planned stops in Charleston, SC and the Kennedy Space Center before arriving at the Universal Orlando Resort.

The morning after we arrived in Orlando; we woke early, had a quick breakfast at our hotel and then headed to the Universal Island of Adventure Theme Park. We were lucky that our hotel had a shuttle bus and after a short ride we were dropped off at the entrance to the Universal Orlando Resort. (This worked out great for us because during our entire stay in Orlando we never had to move our car from the hotel parking lot!) TRAVEL TIP: We were allowed entrance into the Islands of Adventure Park one hour early; this is available for guests that book their hotel reservations/park tickets through the Universal website. If you have this opportunity, take advantage of the chance because this area of the park can get very crowded especially during the summer months!

Upon entering the Islands of Adventure Park, we quickly headed to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to begin our adventure. This magical area is truly enchanting and once you walk through the arched gates, guests will leave the “muggle” world behind and entered into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The sign above the entrance reads, “Please respect the spell limits” and as guests walk through the entrance the entire village of Hogsmeade appears complete with a light touch of snow. TRAVEL TIP: After riding all the rides in the Wizarding World, take the time to stroll through the village of Hogsmeade. Look at the shop window displays and then go into the shops to look around because the attention to all the details is absolutely amazing.

Immediately on the right of the entrance stands a fiberglass replica of the Hogwarts Express sitting at the Hogsmeade train station. We stopped to take a quick photo in front of this iconic steam train from the Harry Potter books and movies, it makes a great photo! TRAVEL TIP: If you are lucky and the train conductor is there, ask to see his pocket watch. This one-of-a-kind item is a golden pocket watch with the crest of Hogwarts on one side and the Hogwarts Express engine numbers on the other side. The unique watch not only tells the conductor the time but also where the train is located and if the train is on schedule.

Our first stop was the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction (with the early admission access we were hoping to limit our wait time, so we wanted to go there first). The ride is located inside the Hogwarts Castle and as guests walk through the corridors they will see the gallery of talking portraits, the office of Headmaster Dumbledore and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom with Harry, Hermione and Ron appearing on the balcony. Before you reach the boarding area of the ride, muggles like me that can’t ride because of motion sickness can exit here (which was fine with me because part of the enjoyment of this ride is walking through the queue area and seeing the interior of Hogwarts). After boarding the “magical benches”, the braver guests will experience a simulated flight that starts with them feeling like they are flying around the outside of the castle, and then there is an encounter with the Whomping Willow, several dementors, some giant spiders, a Hungarian Horntail Dragon and finally a Quidditch match. Both my husband and daughter enjoyed this ride and rode it several times during our stay at the Universal Orlando Resort! TRAVEL TIP: If you are riding again for the second or more times, consider the single rider line, especially if the regular wait line is too long!

Next, my husband and daughter went on the Flight of the Hippogriff, of course I passed on this ride, too! This ride is a steel roller coaster designed for families (OK, please don’t call me a wimp!!). The story of this ride is that the Hogwart’s Care of Magical Creatures, Professor Hagrid, is teaching young wizards how to fly on a Hippogriff by using a wicker replica of the creature. My husband and daughter rode this ride twice, but when we returned later in the day the wait time was just too long to ride again! TRAVEL NOTE: Look for the nest with a baby Hippogriff and Hagrid’s Hut which can also be seen from the Dragon’s Challenge ride.

By this time, we had a breakfast reservation at the Three Broomstick restaurant, the design of the building is based on the inn & pub from the Harry Potter series. After ordering our food, a waitress will conveniently help you to your table by carrying your food tray. Breakfast was very good, tasted great and the portions were generous and we even ordered a single pumpkin juice so we all could take a taste, it is definitely unusual! Then, while we were eating our meal, we looked up at the rafters and to our surprise we saw the shadows of owls flying, house elves working and even magical brooms cleaning, it was very cool! TRAVEL NOTE: The Three Broomsticks serves not only breakfast, but later in the day a full menu of traditional British food such as Shepherd’s pie and fish & chips, in addition you can get a strawberry-peanut butter ice cream which was seen in the “Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets” movie.

TRAVEL NOTE: Just next door to the Three Broomsticks is the Hog’s Head. It is based on the pub from the Harry Potter series which is owned by Aberforth Dumbledore, he is the younger brother of Albus Dumbledore who is the Headmaster at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The featured drink in the pub is the Hog’s Head Brew, a dark amber Scottish ale which is brewed exclusively for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Tip the bartender to see the Hog’s Head behind the bar come snorting to life! TRAVEL TIP: Here is my advice from someone who does not ride the attractions at the Wizarding World, is that just outside the door of the pub is a covered area with very limited seating and it is the best place to wait during a hot summer afternoon or during one of Florida’s sudden rain showers. Most guests sit and wait at the Owlery across the way, it is a larger area but I found it to be very crowded and after awhile the noise of the clock gets very irritating!!

After breakfast, my husband and daughter went on the Dragon Challenge ride (OK, don’t say it … but I know you are thinking it!!) The Dragon Challenge ride is the only simultaneous two track inverted roller coaster in the world. The ride is named for the first task in the Triwizard Tournament from the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. As guests enter the queue there are tournament banners, then you pass by the Wesley’s crashed flying Ford Anglia and Hagrid’s hut. As you enter the Champions Tent, guests will see the Triwizard Cup on a pedestal, then after emerging from several dark tunnels the guests have to decide – the red Chinese Fireball dragon on the left or the blue Hungarian Horntail on the right. My husband and daughter absolutely loved this ride!! TRAVEL NOTE: When you are in the boarding area look up at the ceiling for the projection of the dragons.

After riding all the rides (or should I say after my husband and daughter road all the rides) we decided to explore the village of Hogsmead. Each of the shops feature wonderful window displays, so take the time to take a look before going into the shops.

Here is a list of some of the shops we visited at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

Ollivanders Wand Shop – this is the most popular destination for those wishing to purchase a wand. (Remember this is not only a branch of Ollivanders, the original shop in located in Diagon Alley) This shop is unlike any other shop in Hogsmead because it admits only small groups of 20 at a time into the shop for a short inactive experience in which the wand keeper will select one special person to test out several different wands. Just like in the original Harry Potter book, “the wand will choose the wizard”.
The Owl Post – this store is adjacent to the Ollivanders Wand shop and where souvenir wands can be purchased as well as stationery, writing pens, stamps and even stuffed owls. TRAVEL NOTE: At the time of our visit, just outside the door was a small stand that will stamp a postcard or letter with the authentic Hogsmeade postmark. We had a postcard stamped and it makes a very cool and inexpensive souvenir!

Honeydukes – this store is based on the sweetshop in the Harry Potter series and it sells many of the items mentioned in the books and movies. Look for an assortment of candies such as: Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans, Fizzing Whizzbees and Cauldron Cakes but the Exploding Bonbons are no longer available for purchase. TRAVEL TIP: This shop is great for taking photos of the family holding all the different crazy selections of candy!
Zonko’s Joke Shop – This shop sells toys and joke items and it is also based on a store from the Harry Potter series. The shop is usually very crowded but if it quiet enough try to listen for the whispering from the Extendable ears hanging from the ceiling near the checkout registers, this unusual item is available for purchase. Also, available for purchase are the pygmy puffs and if you choose to “adopt” one of these creatures the clerk will ring the bell and announce the pygmy puff’s name to the whole store.
Flinch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods – located at the exit of the Forbidden Journey ride, this store sells a variety of Harry Potter themed merchandise and is also the place where guests can purchase their Forbidden Journey ride photos. TRAVEL NOTE: In a glass case in the store, look for the Marauder’s Map which actually shows the names the students and their footprints as they wander the corridors of Hogwarts.

Other shops in the village of Hogsmead include: The Dogweed and Deathcap shop which features a potted mandrake in the shop window that comes to life every few minutes. The Dervish and Banges shop which sells Hogwarts school robes and other items of clothing, copies of Advanced Potion making book and be sure to look for the Monster Book of Monsters in a special locked cage because it comes to life every few minutes. The Spintwitches shop sells all types of Quidditch and broom merchandise, look for a holographic snitch that has escaped from the Quidditch trunk and flies around. The Tomes and Scrolls bookshop sells Gilderoy Lockhart’s books “Magical Me” and “Travel with Trolls”.

TRAVEL NOTE: Before leaving the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, be sure to try the Butterbeer. This non-alcoholic beverage is available in several different locations in Hogsmeade, look for it at the Butterbeer carts, the Three Broomsticks restaurant or the Hog’s Head pub. Butterbeer comes in both a regular and a frozen drink and can be purchased in a souvenir mug which can be refilled for a discounted price. We thought the drink was delicious! The first time we tried the drink we only bought one to sample between the three of us, but later when we went back we purchase three individual drinks because it was so good!!

Brief History of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

On May 3, 2007 Universal (in partnership with Warner Bros.) announced plans that the Islands of Adventure Park area known as the Lost Continent was going to be re-themed into a 20 acre addition that would recreate Hogwarts and Hogsmeade from the popular children’s books, the Harry Potter series. By this time, five of the seven books had been made into successful Warner Bros. movies. Construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter began in January of 2008. The previous attraction, the Flying Unicorn, took almost two years of refurbishment to transform it into the new ride, the Flight of the Hippogriff. As the Hogwarts Castle started slowly taking form during construction, and a bridge was built to join the Jurassic Park area of the Islands of Adventure Park. Inside Hogwarts is the ride attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Also, the previous Dueling Dragons attraction was moved to make room for the construction of the village of Hogsmeade. By early 2010, the former ride had now been transformed into the Dragon Challenge with theming based on the Harry Potter books and movies.

The private opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter took place on June 16, 2010 and was reserved only for the cast and crew of the Harry Potter films, including J.K. Rowling the author of the world famous books. Then a few days later on June 18, the Wizarding World opened for the public and quickly proved to be a very successful addition to the Islands of Adventure Park.

Recently a second phase was announced on December 6, 2011 which will be constructed in the adjacent Universal Studios Florida in an area previously occupied by the Jaws ride attraction. This new Harry Potter themed addition will connect the two parks with a train ride on the Hogwarts Express. There will be a roller coaster themed ride based on the Gringotts Wizarding Bank and the remaining attractions will be themed around London and Diagon Alley. The Diagon Alley will feature the Leaky Cauldron restaurant and the shops will include the original Ollivanders Wand Shop, the Wesleys Wizard Wheezes, Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasion shop and the Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipement store. This new addition of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expected to open in 2014.

Travel – Tips for Traveling with Kids

Posted on July 15, 2013 by barbara

Summer – time for the annual family vacation! We have been taking our children on trips since they were very small. We’ve gone on short weekend trips that are only a few hours from our house and longer road trips when we are gone for weeks at a time and we’ve even traveled by plane to the East Coast and also Hawaii. With any travel destination, we always start with a specific travel plan and over the years I have found that organization is the key and packing lists are very important. In this post I’m going to share some tips and offer some suggestions that I have learned over the years.

Road Trip

Tips and suggestions for a road trip –

Start by cleaning out the car, then vacuum the floor and upholstery, wash the car.
Get a car tune-up, check the oil level and fluid levels, check the air pressure in the tires, replace the windshield wipers if needed, fill the car with gas.
Have these items handy – a flashlight, first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, road flares and booster cables.
Store a roll of paper, hand wipes, hand sanitizer and a box of tissues for easy clean-ups during the trip and bring a couple of plastic shopping bags for trash.
Pack a cooler with healthy snacks such as water and juice, string cheese, fruit, carrot sticks. Also bring snacks like goldfish crackers, raisins, fruit rolls – whatever the family likes to eat.
Shop ahead for small toys or a new book, movie, video game, CD or borrow a library book-on-tape to keep the kids occupied during the trip.
Pack a couple of blankets and pillows for naps in the car.
Allow time during the trip for visiting tourist attractions along the way.
If you know there will be toll, be sure to have dollar bills and coins handy for the toll booths.
Get an early start, the kids can fall back to sleep for a few hours.
Give each child their own backpack, have them pack it with their toys and comfort items.

Suggested items to include in a road trip activity bag –

Portable IPhone, Android phone, IPhone, Kindle or Tablet with music and audiobooks downloaded. (Don’t forget the headphones)
Portable electronic games.
Activity books, sticker books, etc. (Don’t forget to bring colored pencils or washable markers; they are better than crayons that can melt!)
Simple and inexpensive items for activities – a bottle of bubbles, colored pipe cleaners. (for creating shapes and even jewelry such as: rings, bracelets, necklaces)
A large inexpensive cookie sheet and a bag of magnetic letter, numbers and fun shapes.

Suggested items to bring for the hotel room –

An extension cord – for those inconvenient electrical outlets.
A couple of electrical outlet covers – to childproof the room.
A nightlight – in case the kids wake up in the middle of the night.

Plane Trip

Tips and suggestions for a plane trip –

Try to book a nonstop flight if possible; this limits the number of flights which could be good for two reasons. First, sometimes cabin pressure changes can be uncomfortable on take-off and landings. Second, this will avoid the hassle of getting on and off planes and carrying luggage through the airport for connecting flights.
On the other hand, some times on longer domestic or international flights, it might be a good idea to schedule a layover for the kids to burn off some of their energy by running around and their legs.
If you need to book a connecting flight, allow at least an hour between connections, this will give extra time in case of flight delays. (nobody wants to run through an airport with luggage and kids from one airport gate to another with only minutes to catch a connecting flight!)
Take advantage of early boarding, (and if there is no assigned seating) it is a good way to select seats in a preferred area, have the kids settled and if you are using a carseat it can be fastened into the plane seats before the other passengers board the plane.
Some parents highly recommend front-row seats known as bulkhead seating. The advantages are extra legroom and the seats are usually close to the restrooms but the disadvantages are that there is no under-seat storage and carry-on bags need to be stowed in the overhead compartment for takeoff and landings.
Prior to the trip, be sure to talk to your kids about the travel plans; discuss where you are going, what you will see and most importantly what to expect on the plane ride.
Prior to an airplane flight, it is a good idea to have your child’s ears checked for any possible ear infections because if undetected it could be very painful on the plane takeoff and landing, and it might be possible that the trip would have to be delayed until the infection is gone.
Prior to the flight, if you are using a carseat or booster seat, be sure that it is meets airline regulations.
Before the flight or if you are waiting for a connecting flight, let the kids get our all their excess energy. (maybe you will be lucky and the kids will be so tired that they will take a nap once you are on the plane!)
During the flight, keep the kids busy and entertained with items from a carry-on bag. Be sure to answer their questions and have them look out the window to play the “I spy” game.
When the plane lands, think about waiting for the other passengers to leave the plane. It will take time to gather items and, if you are using a car seat, to unfasten it from the plane seat.

Suggested items to include in a carry-on bag –

A backpack is a good choice for a carry-on because it will keep hands free to hold hands with your child. Whatever bag you select, always check to see that it will meet airline regulations.
Pack a change of clothes for your child in case of spills or other accidents; don’t forget a set of clothes for yourself. Planes can also be chilly, so be sure to bring a sweater or jacket.
Pack some healthy snacks in resealable plastic bags, such as: cheerios, goldfish crackers, pretzels, peanuts or raisins. Airport food can be very expensive and it is a good idea to have something the kids will like to eat in case of delays.
Toss in a couple of different sizes of plastic zip-lock bags to store dirty clothes, etc.
In case of emergencies, have your kid’s pediatrician phone number and insurance information handy, it is also a good idea to have your kid’s immunization record. Keep any medicine your child is currently taking in your carry-on, stored in the original container, because in case of flight delays you will have it accessible.
Please refer to the activity bag list above for items to keep your child busy and entertained.

Travel – Packing for a Trip

Posted on July 8, 2013 by barbara

When I look back on my childhood years, I remember the great times we had traveling as a family. Now with my own family, I wanted to create those kinds of memories for my children. We love getting in the car for day or weekend trips to local places or even longer road trips to other states. We visit museums and zoos or stop at National Parks and historic sites. Seeing other areas of the country can be a great experience and we have created such wonderful memories to look back on!

Throughout the years we have learned the importance of packing for a trip. Weeks before we leave, I start pulling clothes from the closet that are needed for the trip. The key is to bring just the right amount of clothing to last the duration of the trip. We have learned over the years that less is usually better since sometimes we buy souvenir t-shirts and these can be worn during the vacation so that can eliminate one or two pieces of clothing. We do wear our jeans or shorts at least twice during a trip, so that keeps the amount of bulky items down to a minimum. The most important thing to remember is that you will be carrying those heavy suitcases! Also, before a trip, I will start a couple of lists of things we need to bring, one is a list of things to remember that we already own (camera, binoculars, etc.) and the other list is things to buy for the trip (suntan lotion, sunglasses, etc.).

Organization is very important when planning and packing for a trip. To start the packing process, ask yourself these important questions:

Who is going on the trip?
What is your destination?
How will you be traveling to your destination?
What time of year will you be traveling?
What is the weather forecast?

All these answers will determine the items that you need to pack or purchase.

Travel basics:

Gather the travel documents – airline tickets, passport, maps, tour books, etc.
Clothing – have at least one outfit for each day, including underwear. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes. Depending on the weather conditions of the travel destination, don’t forget to pack an appropriate jacket, sweater or coat.
Put aside a set of “travel” clothes – be sure to select items that are comfortable and slip on shoes are easier for airport security or to take off/put on during long car trips.
Sometimes it is a good idea to pack a dressy outfit for any unexpected occasion and don’t forget to pack the appropriate shoes and a simple clutch bag.
Toiletries – use small leak-proof bottles for shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, body lotion. Don’t forget toothpaste and a toothbrush for each person, nail clippers, etc. Keep a small pouch for personal items such as: makeup or feminine products.
A mesh laundry bag – this will help keep clean clothes separate from the dirty ones! Toss in some small plastic shopping bags for muddy clothes or shoes.
Small first aid kit – include bandages, aspirin, thermometer, tweezers, etc.
Emergency kit – include a small sewing kit with scissors,, pocket knife (Be sure to store any sharp instruments in check luggage or they will be confiscated by airport security)
Small hair dryer or travel iron (check ahead because most hotels will have them in the room and these items will not be necessary to bring)
Small backpack or travel bag for daily use.
Don’t forget a phone, digital camera, etc.

Travel Tips and Suggestions

Keep important items in a carry-on bag and avoid bringing valuable jewelry. Never pack travel documents, money or credit cards in checked baggage.

Before leaving home, remove unnecessary items from your wallet, such as a library card, department store credit cards, etc. If you don’t already, keep an emergency contact card in your wallet. Be sure to include the following information – name and phone number of emergency contact, medical and auto insurance information, phone number of your doctor and dentist, etc.
When traveling internationally, don’t forget to bring conversion / adaptor plugs. The voltage in other countries can vary as well as socket sizes and shapes, so any small appliances you have pack might not work.
When traveling keep all the prescription medications in the original containers and if possible bring the doctor’s prescription as well. This is a good idea for two reasons, it proves the medication is legitimate and the prescription can be refilled if required.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to pack an extra set. I haven’t had to use them, but I am glad that they are there if I lose the ones I am wearing. Also be sure to bring a small screwdriver kit to repair any loose screws, this I have used to prevent the lenses from falling out of my eyeglass frames.
Pack a supply of various sizes of Ziploc Freezer Bags. They are a little heavier than regular or generic plastic bags. These bags can be used to store items that can potentially leak, such as shampoo, lotions, etc. The bags are also an excellent way to store wet bathing suits. Another use for the bags can be a place to keep souvenirs such as ticket stubs, travel brochures, etc.
Be sure to toss in a small packable duffle bag – this will come in handy for souvenirs or other travel purchases. This is a great idea especially if you have any fragile items to bring back home, the bag can easily become a carry-on bag for the airplane.
Even if you are traveling to a warm and sunny place, it is always a good idea to pack a small travel umbrella or packable rain jackets with hoods for each person. Be sure to toss these items into the day pack or travel bag and you will be prepared for any unexpected rain shower.
When awaken in the middle of the night in a dark hotel room can be unfamiliar and very disorientating, so it is a good idea to pack a small flashlight or nightlight.

Travel – Philadelphia, PA (Part One)

Posted on July 2, 2013 by barbara

Second Continental Congress voting for independence

For the month of July and during the week preceding our Nation’s Independence Day celebration, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share the trip we made to Philadelphia back in 2009. During our visit we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott across the street from City Hall and it proved to be a great choice because the historic and visitor sites were all located within an easy walking distance from the hotel. We would suggest starting a visit to the city by stopping at the Independence National Historic Park Visitor Center. This is the best place to get information such as location, hours and fees for all of the Philadelphia historic sites but most importantly it is the place to pick up timed tickets for a tour of Independence Hall.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall was originally known as the Pennsylvania State House which was used by their colonial government, later the building was loaned as a meeting place for the Second Continental Congress during the American Revolutionary War. It was here that the Congress appointed George Washington as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in 1775. Independence Hall is known as the birthplace of the United States and in the Assembly Room is where the Continental Congress debated and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Later, the room was used to display the Liberty Bell and original paintings of the Founding Fathers.

Independence Hall - George Washington Statue

TRAVEL NOTE: Tickets are required to tour Independence Hall; the timed tickets are available for free on the day of a visit at the Independence Visitor Center starting at 8:30 a.m. Visitors can request a specific time and are limited to ten tickets, everyone needs a ticket even small children and infants. We advise visitors to arrive early for tickets because during the busy summer season tickets are often gone by 1 p.m.

Advanced Ticket Reservations are recommended if you required a specific date and time. Visitors can reserve tickets up to one year in advance through the National Park Reservation system. The tickets are free but there is a reservation fee of $1.50 per ticket, call 877-444-6777 or see the NPS website at www.recreation.gov for more information.

The Liberty Bell Center

The Liberty Bell Center was completed in 2003 during an extensive recent renovation of the Independence National Historic Park Mall. When visitors enter the building they will see several exhibits that tell the story of the Liberty Bell through displays and video presentations before finally reaching the glass enclosed area where the historic Liberty Bell hangs from what is believed to be the original yoke made of American elm. Visible across the street is Independence Hall where the Liberty Bell was displayed for a very long time before it was moved into a glass pavilion located a short distance away on the Independence Mall during United States Bicentennial celebration in 1976 until it moved to the permanent location in the Liberty Bell Center.

The Liberty Bell, a symbol of America and freedom, was ironically cast in London, England and arrived in Philadelphia in 1753 where it hung in the Pennsylvania State House bell tower. The Liberty Bell has a circumference is 14 feet and weighs 2,080 pounds and the yoke from where it hangs weighs about 100 pounds. It is made of 70% copper and 25% tin with traces of other metals. The inscription at the top of the bell reads, “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants therof”. Unfortunately, the first time the bell was rung, the 44 pound clapper cracked the bell. The bell was recast twice by local Pennsylvania craftsmen John Pass and John Stow, their names along with the city and the date appear on the front of the bell.

TRAVEL NOTE: Tickets are NOT required to visit the Liberty Bell Center, but the security lines can be very long during the busy summer months. Along with National security concerns after 9/11, a visitor tried to damage the Liberty Bell with a hammer in 2001. Since the incident visitors are no longer allow to touch the bell and it hangs out of reach guarded constantly by NPS security.

Franklin Court

Benjamin Franklin was one of the most fascinating people of early American history who lived in colonial and revolutionary Philadelphia. At a young age of 17 he moved there from Boston. He was a printer, author and publisher, as well as a scientist, inventor, postmaster, statesman and diplomat.

Located a short distance from Independence Hall is Franklin Court which is currently undergoing an $18 million renovation. Located on the site of Benjamin Franklin’s home, which was destroyed in 1812, is a 54 foot high steel “Ghost Structure” which was designed by Robert Venturi to represent the former residence.

Also located in the area of Franklin Court is an underground museum with displays of portraits, inventions and other items associated with Benjamin Franklin. One of the featured inventions is a reproduction of an instrument known as an Armonica, when consists of a set of glass bowls which rotate on a shaft and musical tones are produced when a finger is pressed onto the moistened edges of the bowls.

Located on Market Street in the Franklin Court area is the only active U.S. Postal Office that is not required to fly the American flag since at the time that Franklin was the Postmaster in 1775 Pennsylvania was still an English colony. Upstairs in the same building is a small U.S. Postal Museum which displays a selection of Franklin memorabilia including several original Pennsylvania Gazettes and historically important U.S. stamps.

TRAVEL TIP: This U.S. Post Office in Philadelphia is the only place that uses the historic postmark of “B. Free Franklin” to cancel stamps when mailing letters and packages. Come prepared with your own pre-written postcard to mail and it will make a unique and inexpensive souvenir!)

Betsy Ross Home

Located several blocks from Independence Hall and it is one of the most visited historic sites in Philadelphia. Betsy Ross is supposed to have rented this home that was originally built in 1740 and she lived there between 1776 and 1779 after the death of her first husband. Betsy Ross was a local seamstress who has been credited as the person who created the first American Flag.

According to the story told by Betsy Ross’s grandson, William Canby, who told the Pennsylvania Historical Society at the time of the 1876 Independence Day centennial celebrations, that George Washington was a customer of Mrs. Ross while he was the General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Washington frequently visited Philadelphia to report to the Second Continental Congress and in June of 1776, he requested that Mrs. Ross create a flag according to his rough pencil drawing. She reviewed the design and made one suggestion, that the six point stars be changed to five point stars instead. As the years have passed, historians have found no documented proof to substantiate the claim but the legend still continues.

Christ Church and Burial Grounds

Christ Church is a privately managed historic site, part of the Independence National Historical Park, and located within walking distance from Independence Hall. Christ Church was originally founded in 1695 and the current building dates back to 1744. During and after the Revolutionary War many members of the Continental Congress, such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams and other prominent Philadelphia parishioners like Betsy Ross have attended services and for this reason Christ Church has been given a very significant role in the birth of the nation.

Considered one of the finest examples of an Early American church; the exterior of Christ Church has an impressive steeple which was added in 1754 making it the tallest structure within the British colonies for 56 years. Later, the interior was redesigned by Thomas Walter, the same architect who designed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Displayed with Christ Church is the baptismal font from the 1300s donated by All Hallows Church in London, England that was used when William Penn was baptized. The pulpit that was built in 1769 and the chandelier which was originally installed in 1740 is still in use today.

TRAVEL NOTE: Christ Church is currently an active Episcopal parish but visitors can enter the Church for free, but it is suggested that a minimal donation be given to help maintain the Church and the nearby Burial Grounds. Docent talks about the Church’s history, the famous parishioners and the historic artifacts are given on a regular schedule throughout the day.

In 1719, Christ Church purchased two acres of land at the corner of 5th and Arch Streets. The Christ Church Burial Grounds became the final resting place for over 4,000 of the parishioners including five signers of the Declaration of Independence. Today, over 1,300 of the historical markers still remain and in 2003 plaques were placed in front of some of the deteriorating gravestones with the words that once appeared and have faded away.

When Benjamin Franklin died in 1790, he was buried in his family plot in the northwest corner of the burial grounds. In 1858, the descendants of Franklin requested that an opening be made in the brick wall and a metal fence was placed so the public could easily see Franklin’s grave site. Today, visitors show their respect for Franklin by leaving pennies on his grave as a remembrance of his words once written so long ago, “a penny saved is a penny earned.

TRAVEL NOTE: The Christ Church Burial Ground is open every day except during the months of January, February and December. There is a small admission price, maps and guided tours are available for an additional charge.

These are just some of the historic sites to see when visiting Philadelphia. Other places to visit within the Independence National Historic Park include: Declaration House, Elfreth’s Alley, Philosopher’s Hall and Carpenter Hall. In Philadelphia, PA – Part Two there are several more sites to see, such as the National Constitution Center, the U.S. Mint and the Franklin Institute and Science Museum. Another place of historic significance, which is located within an easy drive from Philadelphia, is Valley Forge National Historic Park.

The Enchanted Manor

a lifestyle blog by Barbara Jones

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