The most difficult part of my trip to Spain was coming home, though I had missed my husband and looked forward to seeing him and my family. The return flight felt like a blood bank extracting my vital life blood sending it to flow upon the dusty arid plains and mountains of Spain, feeding the exotic and soon to be distant world. The farther the distance grew, the less settled I became and upon landing in Chicago, I felt listless and drained. Many would say the feeling was the result of “jet lag”, but I felt it more akin to being given something precious then, after a moment’s jubilation, having it snatched away and being left with an empty palm. It is with this in mind that I write my Spanish impressions and share the amazing experience I encountered in a country whose language I didn’t know and whose history I could barely fathom. I feel fortunate having the ability to make this trip, one that many people can only dream of.
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Archive for the ‘Touring Tips’ Category
Viajar por España – Part 1
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Packing for Spain…amazing!!
I found an article in the NYT that had a flight attendant’s demo of packing a carry-on bag. I decided to give it a shot and see if I could pack for a 15 day trip in one bag. It appears that I can!
First off, I looked up the airline regulation for the proper carry-on bag size and then I bought a proper sized bag from Ross for a whooping $39.00. Then I grabbed everything I wanted to take and placed it on my bed.
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Travel Gear for Spain!
Well, I leave next week for España! I can’t believe how quickly the time has passed, so it’s now time to make a test list of gear and pack it into a checked bag for the airport.
Here is what it looks like and here is what there is in that mass pile!
Riding Stuff to go to Spain–weather 90s to low 60s colder in the mountains
3 underpants/ 1 bra
3 shirts
1 Nike pant
1 UnderArmor long underwear shirt and pant
fleece vest
3 riding socks (two wool)
2 hair headbands
vented gloves
warmer gloves
vented boots
windproof water proof liner
Mesh jacket w/armor
Mesh pants w/armor
Helmet
camelbak
spot
cell phone
ipod
chapstick
ibuprofen & benedryl
ear plugs
Garmin & powerlet & mount
camera
card reader
spare card
extra batteries
first aid kit w/manual
tire plugger kit w/air
leather man tool
credit card & cash
passport
International driving license
Health and Life insurance card
Spanish phrasebook
So my friends and readers, what have I forgotten!!
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Lightening: a motorcyclist’s nemesis!
I found this article on Think Bike And felt it was worth reprinting here, for those that follow my blog.
I was of the false impression that you were relatively safe on a motorcycle in a lightening storm, for what reason? Mostly because of what I had heard about being safe on rubber. Well, as it sez in the article the little bit of rubber we are riding on compared to the amount of power generated in a lightening strike, is about like feeling safe riding at night with a pen light or NOT safe at all!! Please everyone read this article. It is truly beneficial to know what to do well in advance of the occurrence.
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Reviewing the Night Ride
As it gets darker earlier now, I thought it a good time to review some facts for better, safer night riding.
FACTS:
1) Depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision are compromised after dark.
2) Perception and reaction times increase.
3) Your normally wide field of vision is narrowed to the field illuminated by your headlight.
4) Your ability to assess the speed and position of oncoming vehicles is reduced at night requiring an extra safety margin.
5) Most high-beam headlights (maintained properly) shine no more than 450 feet ahead. Low beam is about 150 feet.
6) You can get useful information from the front and rear lights of other vehicles.
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