Dealing with the unexpected while traveling abroad is bad enough, but when things go wrong overseas it’s not only frustrating, it can be scary. Different culture, surroundings, language and currency all heighten the chaos in a bad situation. However, if you stay calm and treat these problems as just part of the experience, you’ll find they’re easier to manage.
Certain issues, while inconvenient, don’t have to be entirely unexpected. For instance, if you forget your adapters or converters, you should be aware that duty-free shops in airports are a great place to stock up on these gadget-aids. If you don’t notice until you’ve reached your hotel? Ask the concierge! The hotel may have extras you can use, and otherwise, the concierge can direct you to the nearest hardware store. If you feel homesick, head straight for comfort food or retail therapy. Try an Egg McMuffin, a Starbucks latte, or pull out the iPad and watch a little American TV.
Yet there are more disconcerting issues you might face. You might walk into a public toilet and find it’s a hole in the ground. While this is a reality you might more readily expect while outside of the first world, this can surprise you anywhere from England to China. Things to do about it: Check the bathroom sign (often it will tell you if it is a squat toilet) and carry a small pack of toilet paper or towelettes in your bag.
In the event that your client takes you to what you thought was a nightclub, but turns out to be a gentleman’s club, you should remain respectful but true to yourself. In some countries, this type of entertainment is accepted as part of a normal business day. As a woman, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. You can grin and bear it, or bow out gracefully. There is not necessarily a right answer, but as a female business traveler you should be aware that you might face this dilemma. Never force yourself into a situation in which you feel uncomfortable.
In another example of the expect-able unexpected, transportation strikes are not uncommon, especially in Europe. Generally, the public is given advance notice of strikes (a quick internet search can give you some information about strikes in your area – try GoneOnStrike, SummerInItaly - for strikes in Italy only, or FCm Travel Alerts) but there occasions when the public is caught off guard.
Here are some tips on how to deal:
If you learn of a planned airline strike, and are scheduled to fly on the day of the strike, call to see if you can get a flight change (free of financial penalty, of course).
Public transportation strikes may require a lot of walking. Ask the concierge or local friends for tips and advice – they know the more about the transportation system, but they also know shortcuts.
If you lose your passport, contact your country’s nearly embassy or consulate for help (here is the list of US embassies and consulates). If you are a United States citizen, you will need complete the lost-passport application you will get from the embassy or consulate. You will need proof of citizenship (this is where having a copy of you passport comes in handy!), two passport photos (get replacements before going to the embassy), and proof of identity (driver’s license or birth certificate). There will also be a fee for a replacement.
Getting a traffic ticket abroad is not much different from getting one at home, except you won't be able to contest it (check out this article on fishy traffic tickets). Stay aware of the customs and road laws. Of course, there will always be the truly uncontrollable. The best fix is to keep calm under pressure and stay hyper-prepared - true Woman Road Warrior words to live by.
While it's hard enough to plan a trip to another town or state, going overseas presents a whole new set of challenges for a business traveler, including safety and security. But with careful planning, you can keep your worries to a minimum.
A Woman Road Warrior never leaves home without:
Verifying that all travel documents are up to date.
Passport
Visa
Vaccinations
Leaving one copy of your itinerary, travel documents, and credit cards at home and another with you in a secure place.
Making sure all international aspects of your trip have been planned:
Key foreign phrases you should know
Local currency
Customs of the city/country you're going to
Any sanction/risk warnings about your safety
Business etiquette
Time zones
Weather
Adapters and converters you'll need to run/charge your computer/iPods/smartphones
Carefully planning and packing your carry-on bag. Bring medicine, snacks and plenty of water!
Alerting your credit card company to your international travel plans.
If you find yourself in a jam while overseas, the best advice I can give is to stay calm and treat solving the problems as part of your experience. You'll realize you can deal with anything that comes your way. See you on the road!
If you are creating a budget for your next business trip, be sure to include tipping! Travel is an industry made up largely of strictly service employees – many of whom rely on your tips. Tipping can lead to better service and easier days.
Since the etiquette of tipping can be a little confusing, here’s the Woman Road Warrior guide to airport and hotel tipping that may help. If travelling abroad, be sure to learn about your destination’s customs and tipping idiosyncrasies (here’s one great guide ).
Tipping at the airport is very simple: You need to do very little of it. In the case of most airline services, tipping is frowned upon. However, if you use curbside check-in it is customary to pay the skycap $1-$3 per bag, in addition to paying the standard $2 a bag charge. The base fee goes to the airline, not the person who checks your bag. If a skycap or baggage handler helps you carry your bags after the flight, out of baggage claim and to your transportation, a $2-$3 tip per bag is similarly customary. If, for any reason, you require wheelchair services or a ride on an electric cart, tipping may also be required ($3-$5 for a wheelchair attendant, $2-$3 for an electric cart driver).
Of course, if you go to a full service restaurant or coffee shop, get a manicure or grab a drink, then you should tip in the same way you would if you were outside an airport.
Hotels require a bit more tipping than airports. While you should not feel obligated to tip someone who provided less than adequate service, most hotel employees rely on tips for their living. Therefore, hotel employees expect tips, and you’ll generally both be better off if you give them. You should also take into account the city and nature of the hotel in determining the amount.
You should tip a doorman $2-$3 if he hails a taxi for you or assists you with your luggage. Otherwise, no tip is expected. Bellhops should be tipped $2-$5, depending on (1) whether he brings the luggage to your room, (2) how many bags you have, (3) if he offers other services, such as bringing ice. If the bellman delivers a package, or housekeeping delivers an extra pillow, give one or two dollars tip for the delivery. If gratuity is not already added to room service, a 15 to 20 percent tip is customary, in addition to the $1-$2 dollars for the attendant who delivers the meal. You should tip your valet at least a dollar each time he brings out your car. And although they work out of sight, remember to tip your maid service $1-$3 per night. You can leave that in an envelope marked for housekeeping, or leave your change on the table. Leave it each day as housekeepers can change during your stay.
So the Quick Stats on who and how you should tip in airports and hotels:
Skycaps: $1-3 per bag
Doorman: $2-3 for specific services
Bellhops: $2-5, or $1 per bag
Hotel Deliveries: $1-2
Room Service: 15-20 percent gratuity
Hotel Valet: $1-2
Maid Service: $1-3 per night
Tipping for on-the-ground transportation is generally simple.There is no tipping involved in renting a car. If you are particularly happy with exemplary service, you may want to write to the company with your compliment. You shouldn't tip when you use public transportation either.
It is customary to give your taxi or limo driver a tip of 15-20% of the fare. You should give shuttle drivers $1-$2 per piece of luggage, and a dollar or so to a valet who brings your car around when you leave.
If you have been particularly impressed by someone’s service, you should write a note or contact the company's manager to praise that person. In addition to it being a nice gesture, you might be helpful to someone's career.
So you've printed out your boarding pass, packed your bag and double-checked your hotel reservation. Now comes the big question - how are you getting to the airport? You have several choices: Driving yourself, taking public transportation, taking an airport shuttle bus or using a limousine or taxi service.
Driving yourself is probably the easiest and most convenient choice. But you do have to worry about paying to park and dragging your bag from the parking lot to the terminal. Depending on the the airport, you'll probably have a few parking choices, varying in cost and convenience: Onsite, onsite remote and offsite. Of course, the longer your trip, the more parking will cost if you park your car at the airport. So you may want to consider another means of transportation.
Onsite remote and offsite parking are less expensive but can risk your safety. Because they are generally a greater distance from the terminal, you may find yourself alone and unprotected in a far-away parking lot at night. Check to see if the operators offer a shuttle bus to and from the terminal to alleviate security concerns. Consider the time of your scheduled return when deciding where to park as well.
I like to get into the airport as quickly and as painlessly as possible so I always park on the airport grounds, close to the terminal, even if it costs more. I'm willing to pay for piece of mind. Wherever you decide to park, make sure your car is in a well-lit area and if you're in a garage, as close to the elevator bank as possible.
Once your car is parked and you're about to leave the vehicle, check and make sure of the following:
All valuables left in the car while you're away are stored in the trunk. Always put your valuables in the trunk before arriving at the airport lot. You never know who is watching. If you can leave your stuff at home, do so.
Note where you parked your car and write the car's location on your ticket and be sure to bring it with you. If you forget where you parked, check with garage security. They may have it recorded.
When you're returning to your car after your trip, follow these tips to protect yourself:
Have your keys out and ready before you get to the car. You do not want to have to put your bags down while trying to find your keys. Doing so not only takes your eyes off the car and surroundings, but it allows someone to sneak up behind you undetected. Don't give anyone that chance!
When walking up to the car, look around to see if anything seems out of place. Before getting into the car, look into the front and back seats to make sure there's no one in them. If anything looks wrong, turn around and get to a secure, well-lit place as quickly as possible. Call security immediately and have them handle the situation.
Ask for an escort to your car if you're the least bit uncomfortable. Some larger airports provide this service so don't feel silly or embarrassed about asking for help. Trust your judgement and intuition. I may feel like I can conquer anything on the road but I've also learned when to ask for help.
And one more thing, if you're running late and don't think you're going to catch your flight if you have to park your car - see if the airport offers valet parking. It may cost you extra but it will probably be worth it to avoid missing your flight.
Woman Road Warrior Checklist: Packing to Prevent Problems
5/26/11
One of the top Woman Road Warrior rules to live by is to NEVER check your luggage. That way you don't have to waste time at baggage claim and you never have to worry about it getting lost by the airline. But sometimes, checking is unavoidable: You're going on a longer trip, you have to take work products along or you're just packing-light challenged. Never fear. I have some simple tips to help make sure your bag makes it to your destination plus how to avoid trouble in the security line with your carry-on.
1. Be sure proper identification is attached to luggage both inside and outside. You can affix a business card so that you're not revealing your home address. You'll also want to put some kind of unique identifier on the outside of your luggage, such as a ribbon, sticker or handle wrap. I learned my lesson the hard way about the identifier. I once picked up what I thought was my bag one Easter weekend and when I got to my destination, I opened it to find my Easter bonnet had been replaced by chocolate bunnies.
2. Always place a copy of your itinerary on top of your clothing in your checked luggage. If the destination tag goes missing and a baggage carrier has to open your bag, he will know where you are going and be able to get it to you much more easily.
3. Double check your packing list to be sure you have included everything you need. I know some colleagues who swear by a list because they've forgotten something important (underwear or hose) one time too many.
4. If you're traveling with someone, exchange outfits in your checked luggage. That way if one of your bags is lost, you will still have at least one change of clothes.
5. Put all your critical items in your carry-on. This includes:
- Prescriptions or any over-the-counter medical items
- Personal hygiene items (those that can't be easily replaced if lost)
- Passport or identification documents
- Important documents such as birth certificates or legal documents (anything considered difficult to replace if lost)
- Valuables such as jewelry, cameras and computers
- Cell phone and cell phone charger
- If possible, anything for which the airline is not responsible if it gets lost or stolen in your checked luggage
- If possible, whatever you need to get by if your luggage is lost or stolen
6. That being said about keeping critical items in your carry-on, you should review the TSA website to determine if any of them are on their forbidden items list.
7. Always take a photo of your luggage. You need a description of your luggage when you file a lost claim report. A picture may make your bag easier for airline personnel to identify. Use your smartphone to take a photo so you always have it with you and can easily pull it up if you need to show it to anyone while you're on the road.
8. Make sure your checked bag is prepared for being searched: It should not be locked; if you do, someone may open it forcibly and ruin it. And your toiletries and other non-clothing items should be in clear packaging so security personnel can inspect them easily.
And one more tip: If you are checking a bag and your carry-on will not hold a change of clothes, travel in clothes you will not find embarrassing if your luggage is lost and you have to wear them to a business meeting. It's never fun having to meet a new client in a t-shirt and yoga pants.
It’s official: ‘Uncle Mo’ has been scratched from running in tomorrow’s race. That leaves us with the following:
We still like Dialed In – unfortunately so do the odds makers so a bettor won’t make much even if he wins.
We can’t discount Brilliant Speed and Santiva
Calvin Borel, who is a hometown favorite as a jockey, is riding the number 3 horse (Twice the Appeal). Calvin’s nickname is ‘Bo Rail’ because he stays so close to the rail (the inside of the track, where the distance to the finish is the least) while riding at the Derby. Since he’s starting so close, he will find it easy to get to the rail and look for an opening down the backstretch—which is what he likes to do anyway. So we’re kind of inclined to bet on his horse.
Twinspired is not only our ‘grey horse’ pick, but he is also a long shot, 30-1 as of this morning. If you are feeling lucky, consider betting him to show (3rd place).
The Mint Julep is the classic Derby drink.
Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients
2 cups water
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon
8 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish
Directions
1.Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool, approximately 1 hour. Pour this mint syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves.
2.Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. (Proportions can be adjusted depending on each person's sweet tooth). Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw. Trim straws to just barely protrude from the top of the cups. Serve juleps on a silver platter.
Woman Road Warrior Diary: Flying after Osama Bin Laden's death
5/3/11
Just a quick post as I get ready to fly out of Chicago this morning.
Passengers at O'Hare are in a serious mood. Passenger traffic is light and it took no more than 5 minutes to get through security. I even checked a bag - something I rarely do. What has your experience been?
We've been getting some great tips and comments from our Woman Road Warrior LinkedIn group and on our Facebook page about my blog post on keeping yourself safe on the road. I wanted to share the responses here for all of our readers.
"Good article Kathy. One item I would add relates to rooms with connecting doors. This is probably due to watching Law & Order and an active imagination. I normally set up the ironing board in front of any connecting door as an extra security measure. It won't stop anyone coming through, but will make noise that would alert me of an intrusion." - Linda Robertson
"Kathy - I think one of the most important is your last point - make sure you are comfortable with the room. The women I traveled with used to laugh when I said my technique on entering a hotel room for the first time was to treat it like a blind date. I didn't sit down (because it's too much energy to get up and go back to the front desk after you get settled) until I had walked the room - do you have all the towels you need, is the room clean, are you comfortable with what's outside the window on a lower floor? If you need something that's missing, get it all done in one call or if too many things are not ready or clean, march back to the front desk.
I also find that some hotel rooms don't have doors that close / lock easily when you enter / exit. Make sure to pull the door closed so it doesn't sit ajar while you are in or out. All too tempting when the slow elevator is finally there to dash for the elevator without physically pulling the door shut." - Beverly Wyckoff
"All of this advice is terrific. I have a couple of additions. I usually put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door and leave the TV on when I'm out of the room (I know the latter isn't green, but there are trade-offs). Also test the deadbolt lock when you first get in the room to make sure it actually unlocks. I have a long story about how I was stuck in the room and the door had to be sledgehammered down. Also from others' experiences - I often take my cellphone into the bathroom if there isn't a phone in there if I plan to close the door (I know people who've been locked in) and cover the peephole." - Celene Peurye-Hissong
"Get a map of the hotel and complex and do a quick run through to the key locations as to not waste time later searching (usually when you don't have time!) ex: front desk, ice, spa, close exits, pool, restaurant. If you are traveling with children, this will also give you and them extra confidence if something were to come up that may separate you." - Danielle Bradley
Thanks for all the fabulous suggestions. We'd love to hear more. Please leave yours in the comments.
I couldn’t believe it. Here I was on an 8a.m. Saturday morning flight at the height of Spring Break. What was I thinking? The security lines were packed. Silly me, I thought Saturday morning would be quiet. I took my place in line, boarded the plane and then the unimaginable happened. The flight attendant on a United Airlines flight was fabulous. She was funny, helpful, attentive – what a refreshing experience.
How many times have we gotten on a plane only to be ignored, told to hurry up and stow our bags, made to feel that we were a disturbance? I’m a believer that if you treat people with some respect, they will respond in kind. Traveling is stressful enough and a person’s attitude directly impacts the entire experience. This flight attendant greeted each passenger as if they were a human being, smiled, and had a kindness in her voice and demeanor.
Thank you to Trish, the first flight attendant on UAL’s ORD to PHX flight Saturday morning, March 19th - for making the flight enjoyable, despite the 150 mph head winds. What a refreshing change. Are you taking a page out of Southwest’s playbook? Whatever the reasoning, keep it up.
Some of my favorite moments included: - Asking the kids where they were going and then saying to them “Oh, no, we aren’t going there. Phoenix is closed." - Reaching behind a few unsuspecting ears and pulling out a quarter. - Letting a few of the younger generation make an announcement on the intercom. - During the initial announcement, asking a passenger, "where are we going again?" - She was a green tea fan; we swapped stories and tea bags.
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And it went on…
I happened to be on a Southwest flight back to Chicago (the following day) and not only was their humor missing, when we arrived at Midway, we had to wait 10 minutes until the ground crew could guide us to the gate. We were told “they were busy” – really! That’s an excuse at O’Hare not Midway.
The turbulence involved in flying these days - frequent delays, overcrowded flights and reduced service - keeps in-flight etiquette constantly in our thoughts. The Wall Street Journal's travel editor Scott McCartney brought it up again with his post "So Who Gets the Armrest?" He asked frequent fliers, airline industry leaders, flight attendants and etiquette and ethics experts to offer advice on how to deal with on-board aggravations, such as armrest sharing and stinky food.
Though no one asked us Woman Road Warriors, we have a few thoughts on how to keep the peace on the plane:
Share the armrest! It's big enough for two.
A true Woman Road Warrior knows not to recline her seat all the way.
If someone encroaches on your seat - assert yourself. You paid for your space!
Always pack a mini fan in your carry-on and don't be afraid to use it if someone whips out a smelly sandwich.
Though the issue of dealing with noisy neighbors (kids specifically) has been done to death, we still like putting on the noise-canceling earphones and drifting into silent bliss. Or put on your sunglasses, even if it's dark out - that will help block out all the distractions.
And, if you find yourself stuck in the window seat with a full bladder and sleeping row-mates, climb over them or gently wake them up. Treat them the same way you'd like to be treated if the situation were reversed. Having this happen more than once should be a good reminder to hit the bathroom BEFORE you get on the plane.
No one likes to pack and having to do it regularly doesn't make it any easier or more enjoyable. But there are items you should always have available or include for your safety and sanity.
- Keep a duplicate set of makeup and toiletries in a separate case or other container. If you usually travel with a particular suitcase, you can put these items in that suitcase or nearby. If they are not all in one place, you can easily forget something.
- If possible, keep a duplicate set of medicine for travel use as well. Keep it near or in your suitcase. Watch out for expiration dates, especially if you're not traveling frequently.
- Keep a spare set of some clothing items that you can dedicate to a "travel set" (such as gym shoes, sleepwear, workout clothes and swimsuit) with your luggage. The fewer items you need to be concerned with about on the day of packing, the better.
- Have a portable clock in your travel bag, preferably one that illuminates. All too often the clock is located in the television set across the room, which makes it very difficult to see in the middle of the night, especially if you wear glasses. Although I usually arrange for a wake-up call, I use the alarm on the travel clock as a back-up.
- Have a flashlight in your travel bag. It's nice to have with you in a dark, unfamiliar hotel room where you may be unable to find the light switches.
- I don't usually bring a hair dryer. I have always found the dryers in the rooms to be satisfactory and I don't want to carry the extra weight or take up valuable space in my bag if it's not necessary.
- Always bring an umbrella. There are plenty of small models that take up very little space in your bag.
- Don't forget the charger for your mobile phone, iPod, iPad or Netbook. Better yet, have a spare charger that you keep in your travel bag.
- Take earplugs and an eye mask with you on every trip, especially for use on an airplane. They will help you ward off noise and light when you are trying to sleep. Keep them in or near the bag you usually use as a carry-on.
- Take a sewing kit and stain remover; again, keep them in or near your regular travel bag. If you can't remove a stain from that skirt you wanted to wear to your big presentation and you have no other alternative, ask the hotel for the use of a uniform, which is usually a pantsuit.
- Take a zip-top or similar plastic bag and fill it with spare plastic bags. These bags can be very handy in all kinds of circumstances - to hold a broken watch or jewelry, ice, stationery and store snacks.
Some other items that might come in handy:
- night light for the bathroom
- anti-bacterial wipes for the remote, phone and other surfaces
- pillowcase to bring a feeling of home
Whatever you pack, don't over do it. Remember the Woman Road Warrior mantra: Pack Light!
This week finds me in Scottsdale, AZ. Since pitchers and catchers reported this week, I HAD to walk by the Giants practice field. Who knows maybe Tim Lincecum needs help with his change up! I was delighted to find Field 1 with players working with their trainer. As he had them doing sprints around the outfield, the trainer said "if your going to puke, do it now, otherwise let's go!" Ahhh ... the sounds of spring in the desert.
Is this your version of the perfect flight? Relaxing quietly in first class, reading a magazine? No disruptive children screaming or kicking your seat? That's the dream of some recently surveyed fliers in the U.K.
The Business Travel and Meetings Show polled 1000 business travelers about what annoyed them most about flying first class. 74-percent said children. This is not a new topic for debate but it continues to rile people up.
Business travel writer David Richardson likes the idea of keeping kids out of first class. “I definitely think introducing an adults-only cabin or service is a good idea and it would work well on high-frequency routes so that families could be accommodated on other services.” He suggested that airlines such as British Airways or Virgin Atlantic add an adults-only cabin.
I have no problems with kids on a plane. My frustration is when the parents expect everyone else to take care of their children instead of themselves. AND new mothers - babies scream on the descent because their ears get clogged due to the pressure. You'd scream as well with that kind of build up. Bring a bottle; give a toddler something to suck on. Help them out.
I also think flying with your children on a business trip can be beneficial to them. In my book, The Woman Road Warrior: An Expert Guide to Domestic and International Business Travel, I talk about how many woman road warriors take their children along on the road. It allows the kids to see Mom balancing family and work demands in a new context and how well it can be done. And they learn travel skills such as how to pack and take responsibility for their belongings. It also is a chance to practice their manners – how to quickly clear the airplane aisles when they get to their assigned row or how to store their items in the overhead bins immediately and take their seats. All good lessons for future road warriors.
As we face Snowmaggedon in Chicago, the New York Times has a good article about how to deal with a canceled flight. It suggests using social media to stay in touch with your airline. We agree - many airlines are using Twitter to keep their passengers up-to-date on cancellations and delays. You'll often get a much faster response than trying to get through by phone.
The Times also says to read the fine print - you have the right to demand a refund on a canceled flight - even because of bad weather - from any airline if you decide not to take the trip.
Werecommend buying a new ticket if your flight is canceled. You'll have priority over those trying to re-book. The airlines like fresh revenue! You can use the old one at a later date.
In addition, keep the number of your favorite hotel chain on your speed dial and partake in lots of food therapy (comfort food that is).
I’m still recuperating – well kind of.Now, it only takes three steps when I get out of bed in the morning before the back/leg pains subside and I’m not limping or walking on tip toes.A week ago all I wanted to do was stay in bed and take Advil to reduce the aches – stretching helps to a point – maybe it’ll be better tomorrow.
Let me digress. We (my husband and I) head to NYC and then New Haven, CT each year for Christmas.By December 1st, we each have collected enough air miles to keep our elevated status - a record 15+ years and counting – not sure if that is a level to be proud of.The last thing we want to do is get on another plane, this time bringing gifts, winter clothing – you know the drill.
It’s a 14-hour drive from Chicago to New York City. This year we made it in 13.I drove the entire way and thought nothing of it – after all our kids and grandson was the prize at the end of the trip.Who wouldn’t drive fast to see them!I woke up at 4am the next morning with my hands, legs and arms cramping up.Other than the lake effect snow in Indiana it was clear sailing. Guess I was gripping the steering wheel tighter than I realized.24 hours later I was good to go and the only memory of the trip out was the left-over napkins from the rest area.
By the 26th the NY City region was under a winter storm warning.The snow started falling at 11am and we left New Haven, CT at 2pm heading into NYC and right into the snow storm.Traffic on I-95 was bumper to bumper at times but we were moving.Heading off I-95 onto the BQE (Brooklyn Queens Expressway) we were met with snow covered roads and very light traffic.Hadn’t anyone heard of plows in NY?I live in Chicago where our mayors don’t get re-elected if they aren’t on top of the snow.Mayor Bloomberg needed to take a page out of Mayor Daley’s playbook.
I kept assessing the situation:On the one hand, there weren’t many cars on the road. On the other hand, I had no clue how my car would handle itself with a foot of snow already on the ground and night having fallen.Since STOPPING wasn’t an option I did what any road warrior would do when faced with a dilemma - I made my own lane on the freeway and plowed ahead.By the time we pulled into the Brooklyn Marriot we had been in the car for 4 hours (it’s usually a 1 ½ or 2 hr trip), visibility was down to 10 feet, ice had built up on the windshield (did I mention the 30 mph winds?), the roads were covered with snow and the streets were deserted.It felt great to get out of the car and know we were in for the night. OK, not quite.
Have you ever been out on deserted streets in a blizzard with 30 mph winds?It’s GREAT.We had so much fun – walking in the middle of the street, snow falling all around us, light twinkling off the icicles that formed on the trees and knowing we were virtually alone. The few people we ran into on the street smiled and there was a mutual respect and acknowledgement that being outdoors was not for the faint of heart.
21 ½ inches of snow were recorded in Central Park on the morning of the 27th.The city was waking up from a Christmas hangover only to be greeted with unplowed streets, closed airports, stranded people, delayed public transportation and deflated holiday spirit.We forged our way out into the streets of Brooklyn on Monday and although it was pretty it was just not the same as when the first snow blanketed the ground and we were out virtually alone.
We headed back to Chicago on the 28th of December.We had picked up another passenger in the car. Our son was to fly back to Chicago on the 26th only to have numerous flights cancelled. Needing to get back to work, he hitched a ride.It was nice having an extra driver for the return trip.
Getting out of NYC and onto I-80 for the trek home wasn’t as bad as we had anticipated.For the most part the roads were plowed (except for NJ) and once we hit the Pocono’s in PA there was no snow on the ground.I don’t know if it was the drive or sitting in the back seat (the car was packed with extra luggage), maneuvering over the city snow banks or my body finally relaxing after we got home but the muscles flared up the day after our return.Or maybe it’s just a pleasant reminder of the Christmas Snow Storm of 2010.
