GREEN’S TRAVEL TIPS
November, 2006

Planning

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I like to plan ahead and usually I’m pleased with the results. I was not happy with one part of my planning for the recent Mediterranean Cruise.

My friend Doug Hlousek was good enough to offer me his bird book of the Mediterranean and some data sheets to record what I saw. Since I enjoy birding I was very pleased. At our first docking in Naples, I saw a rather interesting bird…it was then that I remembered I did not pack any binoculars! We only have 5 pair. Because of this I am going to print and use a checklist. Here it is.

LEAVING HOME CHECK LIST
Things to Pack and Do
His		Hers		Miscellaneous		Things to Do
	Suit		Slacks		Binoculars		Stop Mail
	Sport Jacket		Blouses		Umbrella/Ponchos		Stop Paper
	Jeans		Jeans		Glasses		Arrange car to Arpt
	Shorts		Shorts		Sunglasses		Notify Cr Cd Comp
	Dress Shirts		Jewelry		Credit Cards		Pay Outstanding Bills
	Ties		Cocktail Dress/Form		Toiletries		Key to Neighbor
	Casual Shirts		Underwear		Medication		Check Fans
	Slacks		Hose/Socks		Sunscreen		Check Iron/toaster
	Underwear		Sweaters		Insect Spray		Turn down air/heat
	Sox		Jacket		Money		Water Htr on Pilot
	Handkerchiefs		Cap/Hat		Traveler’s Checks		Set inside lights
	Sweater		Sleepwear		Passport/ID		Turn on outside lts
	Jacket		Swimsuit		Cell Phone		Turn off home water
	Cap/Hat		Casual Shoes		Tickets		Lock Garage/House
	Pajamas		Dress Shoes		Tour Documents
	Swim Suit		Dress Jacket		Carry-on Case

Note: If you wish to print the above, highlight the table with your mouse, and click “Selection” when you print.

Foreign Travel

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Many of us have never really enjoyed the opportunity of foreign travel. Some of us only had the opportunity while in the service and that was a far different environment than leisure travel.

Foreign travel is an opportunity to rebuild some of the negative reaction to Americans. These are just some of my observations.

Every country does not wish to become a democracy in spite of what our leaders think. Yes, they do want freedom and respect as well as the chance to provide for their families. Many people on earth, in fact the large majority, live much differently than we do. Their customs and economy differ. It would be best if when you travel you make every effort to fit in rather than try to show them they are wrong. Every culture has its good and bad points and I don’t feel smart enough to judge them, but rather take what I find best and enjoy the visit.

There are armed soldiers in most places in the world; USA is no exception. When we reach another country it is easy to be afraid of the unknown. I do not have an unreasonable reaction to finding armed soldiers in China, Vietnam, Italy, Poland, or even when I encountered the Peoples Police in occupied Germany. The government feels they need the soldiers and I am pleased to know they are also offering me some protection. There were many young soldiers in Tiananmen Square in China, but they were no threat. Their actions were the same as mine was when I was a soldier; do your job in a professional manner. The most difficult part of course is in not being able to communicate in their language.

I recall visiting Poland some years ago and taking many pictures with my old 35mm camera. When I reached the airport I was hesitant to put my camera and film through the x-ray machine. As the Polish soldier nudged me with the barrel of a machine gun, I realized it was best to follow the instructions. On looking back, he was also protecting me from someone wishing to take contraband on board the same airplane I was using. His actions were actually beneficial to me and the other travelers.

We have visited 48 countries and are thinking about Egypt next year. I wouldn’t trade those visits for anything. And I am hoping that I did not do anything to make anyone in those countries look at Americans in a bad light. May you also have that attitude with you as you visit foreign countries. Remember you are being blessed just by being able to visit their country.

New Technology

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Crystal Cruise Line is the first, it appears. They will initiate a new service with SeaMobile, which will allow their passengers to use their own cell phone for calls from ship and also text messaging at a reasonable rate. I would expect other lines to follow.

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Member Bob Green,

480/664-7354

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