Yeah! Good times. My mom, who traveled the world a lot after my dad died and left her a nice inheritance, has maybe at least one story of how she was robbed or tricked in every major city on earth. You'll understand why the warnings seem so paranoid when you get there! (Forgive me if you already are a seasoned traveler.)
Yeah, I don't know why I went so cheap on the camera card. I can always get another one in Europe.
Are you bringing a computer? I would, just to keep my photos safe. Make sure that you have some way to transfer the photos to a computer, and be religious about uploading them. I'm sure that lots of RPeeps can recommend Internet upload sites if you don't have one. If you're willing to learn how to use a SCP client (you can put the software on a thumb drive, and use it at an Internet kiosk), I can set you up with an account on one of my servers. Just PM me.
Last year, mom and I took SO many photos that we still haven't put them into a scrapbook! It was a little overwhelming.
My mom was a photo album making machine. She had so many photo albums. When they sold her home out from under her, and put her in a rest home, the family lost countless collections of photos from since she developed her own photos in high school, all the way up to her last trip abroad.
I had been soft-pedaling the idea that my mom should slow down a bit, and take some time to get her photos and old 8mm movies transfered to digital media. Today I wish that I had just taken them all and promised to do it myself! She had 70 years of photos! Maybe 100 years including the ones from her parents. All gone, thrown away by a bunch of greedy bastards pretending to be her friends...
Yeah, I don't know why I went so cheap on the camera card. I can always get another one in Europe. Last year, mom and I took SO many photos that we still haven't put them into a scrapbook! It was a little overwhelming.
And I bought a big 2GB camera card, so i'll be able to take about 4000 photos.
Only 2GB? You can get 8GB cards for ~$20 now! You should have at least two memory cards, especially when you travel abroad. If you get some priceless photos, immediately swap cards, and keep the "priceless" card in a very safe place, then as soon as you can, upload the photos. Repeat.
When I visited East Berlin, someone stole my camera, and I lost not only the coolest camera this side of a Minox, I also lost the roll of film that had priceless shots of me having a beer with an East German soldier, a bunch of VERY enthusiastic Soviet soldiers (not much older than I was) who all wanted to practice speaking English, and have their pictures taken with a real American (they all loved America and Americans!!!), a Mata Hari-like woman who I caught watching me from a distance many times, the Berlin Wall from the other side, and many other priceless sights that would be so cool to have.
When I was in Israel, I took a photo of a nice lighthouse with an interesting-looking radio antenna on it. When I saw a military vehicle speeding towards me, coming very fast, I quickly turned away, pretended to be taking photos as I quickly rewound the roll, and swapped in a blank one. Sure enough, the vehicle held a very aggressive IDF officer and two Uzi-toting soldiers, and he demanded my camera, tore the film out of it, and warned me to leave the area and take no more photos "this is a military area". My quick thinking saved my innocently-taken photo, as well as lots of other photos that were of no consequence to anyone.
After 9-11, I don't think you can be too protective of your stuff. Whether it's a thief, a soldier or even a mistake on your part, being able to quickly secrete your photo cards and other things is a must. Be prepared to have things stolen by some very crafty thieves! Really, do get at least one more memory card, and an adapter if your laptop can't take the card directly. Make sure it works before you leave. You will not be sorry for doing it!
Just now, on the TV: "Traveling overseas is exciting, but make sure to protect yourself and your valuables. Always wear a money belt or pouch that goes underneath your clothing, to keep your money and documents safe. Remember to make copies of your passport, and only carry the copy—leave the real one locked up at your hotel. And separate money and documents into two packs: one to go with you, and one to stay at your residence. Check travel restrictions before you go. Remember that some thieves target tourists exclusively, so don't dress or act in such a way that would immediately identify you as a tourist."
The upcoming weather in Denmark. Netherlands looks about the same. i might have to bring another pair of long pants... but I hope Weather Underground is a wrong as they usually are!
This is what the metoffice/BBC thinks for Amsterdam. It gorgeous here again with more gorgeousness forecast.
The upcoming weather in Denmark. Netherlands looks about the same. i might have to bring another pair of long pants... but I hope Weather Underground is a wrong as they usually are!
I want to see the public men's urinals. What a concept. ...well, that and all the art. I read somewhere that there are more museums and galleries per square mile in Amsterdam than anywhere else.
Then although I don't drink coffee I would go to a coffee shop.. Yee Haw !!
I have a friend in DK who has traveled extensively. I'm trying to get her to do a book on bathrooms of the world.
And I bought a big 2GB camera card, so i'll be able to take about 4000 photos.
I want to see the public men's urinals. What a concept. ...well, that and all the art. I read somewhere that there are more museums and galleries per square mile in Amsterdam than anywhere else.
Then although I don't drink coffee I would go to a coffee shop.. Yee Haw !!