You might have read before about the updates to the main page of my blog, but did you notice the new page tabs? Today I want to focus on the About Me & Frequently Asked Questions tabs.
Before you rush off to check them - let me set those expectations nice and low! The "About Me" tab seems kind of silly, there really isn't that much to know about me. I'm boring! Don't get me wrong, I love being boring! But I couldn't really think of anything interesting about me.
With the dozen (or so) readers of my blog, not many questions have been posted on here, but I decided to take a stab at some of the most common questions people ask me about traveling, my job, etc.
Take a few minutes and check them out - then send some feedback my way! Comments, emails, whatever works for you! Ideas for FAQs? Something I should add to "About Me"?
New Features - About Me & FAQ!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
You might have read before about the updates to the main page of my blog, but did you notice the new page tabs? Today I want to focus on the About Me & Frequently Asked Questions tabs.
Before you rush off to check them - let me set those expectations nice and low! The "About Me" tab seems kind of silly, there really isn't that much to know about me. I'm boring! Don't get me wrong, I love being boring! But I couldn't really think of anything interesting about me.
With the dozen (or so) readers of my blog, not many questions have been posted on here, but I decided to take a stab at some of the most common questions people ask me about traveling, my job, etc.
Take a few minutes and check them out - then send some feedback my way! Comments, emails, whatever works for you! Ideas for FAQs? Something I should add to "About Me"?
In addition to the new URL (www.iowa2india.blogspot.com now redirects to www.haspassportwilltravel.com), I've been working on the general layout of my blog. Blogger has been a really helpful tool for someone like me who has zero knowledge of HTML or web design. Many of the things that I've added are provided by Blogger and allow for some basic customization in a "what you see is what you get" format. Also I can save versions of my blog so that if I try something and it screws everything up, I can reload the previous version. Its all about trial and error.
The help forums have also been amazingly helpful. I've read through previous questions to learn more about ways to improve my blog, and I've even been able to answer a couple of the easier questions people have posted. I'm also using a tool from Google Analytics that tells me how many people have visited, how long they stayed, etc. So a BIG "Thank you!" to anyone reading this! (and leave a comment while you're here!)
Today I want to spotlight some of the design changes on the main page. The left hand side now has a Google search feature, and label guide to look at posts related to a specific topic. The label gadget will continue to grow as I come up with new topics to post about as well. Below the labels, you'll see the blog archive that lists previous entries. If you are looking for a specific blog entry, this might be a good place to look.
Along the right hand side of the page, you'll see one of my favorite quotes by Mark Twain, a photo of me, and the Google follow tool. The main body of the page will show the five most recent blog posts, with the ability to look at previous posts by scrolling to the bottom of the page.
So that pretty much sums up the changes to the main page, look for more features to be added soon!
Introducing New Features!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
In addition to the new URL (www.iowa2india.blogspot.com now redirects to www.haspassportwilltravel.com), I've been working on the general layout of my blog. Blogger has been a really helpful tool for someone like me who has zero knowledge of HTML or web design. Many of the things that I've added are provided by Blogger and allow for some basic customization in a "what you see is what you get" format. Also I can save versions of my blog so that if I try something and it screws everything up, I can reload the previous version. Its all about trial and error.
The help forums have also been amazingly helpful. I've read through previous questions to learn more about ways to improve my blog, and I've even been able to answer a couple of the easier questions people have posted. I'm also using a tool from Google Analytics that tells me how many people have visited, how long they stayed, etc. So a BIG "Thank you!" to anyone reading this! (and leave a comment while you're here!)
Today I want to spotlight some of the design changes on the main page. The left hand side now has a Google search feature, and label guide to look at posts related to a specific topic. The label gadget will continue to grow as I come up with new topics to post about as well. Below the labels, you'll see the blog archive that lists previous entries. If you are looking for a specific blog entry, this might be a good place to look.
Along the right hand side of the page, you'll see one of my favorite quotes by Mark Twain, a photo of me, and the Google follow tool. The main body of the page will show the five most recent blog posts, with the ability to look at previous posts by scrolling to the bottom of the page.
So that pretty much sums up the changes to the main page, look for more features to be added soon!
The visitors center was pretty nice - but almost empty. Salt Lake City didn't have snow, but this part of the state was experiencing record levels. The Park Ranger at the gate said she hadn't seen this much snow in almost twenty years.
Due to inadequate footwear (big surprise), all of my sightseeing had to be done from the car or from the paths that had been shoveled.
The most famous arch (the one on the Utah State license plates) is Delicate Arch, but can only be seen from a look out point about three miles out. While I'm all for an adventure; an adventure in clogs through snow was not up my alley.
Overall, the road trip was fun! After lunch at a local brewery, the drive back to my hotel was pretty easy, and I was back before 8pm. Moab could be an awesome trip with the right gear!
Moab, UT
Monday, July 26, 2010
The visitors center was pretty nice - but almost empty. Salt Lake City didn't have snow, but this part of the state was experiencing record levels. The Park Ranger at the gate said she hadn't seen this much snow in almost twenty years.
Due to inadequate footwear (big surprise), all of my sightseeing had to be done from the car or from the paths that had been shoveled.
The most famous arch (the one on the Utah State license plates) is Delicate Arch, but can only be seen from a look out point about three miles out. While I'm all for an adventure; an adventure in clogs through snow was not up my alley.
Overall, the road trip was fun! After lunch at a local brewery, the drive back to my hotel was pretty easy, and I was back before 8pm. Moab could be an awesome trip with the right gear!
Last spring, I found myself in Augusta, Georgia for about three weeks on business. I also found myself in desperate need of a vacation. I had recently driven 1,200 miles as I moved from Des Moines to El Paso, Texas (previously, my longest solo drive had been under 200 miles) and I was working a bunch of hours. I knew that Augusta was pretty well situated to the coast, and a quick stop at Google Maps refined my search to Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island and Tybee Island.
March is definitely "off-season" on the Atlantic Coast, so I was able to use a few of my Marriott Reward Points and book two free nights at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa. Leaving Friday after work, I headed towards Hilton Head Island with my car packed and the GPS ready to lead me.
The hotel was beautiful, but definitely experiencing a lull in customers that time of year. Upon check-in, I was greeted and thanked for being a loyal Marriott Rewards member. Most Marriott hotels do a great job of building loyalty with their guests and this was no exception. Ever see Up In The Air with George Clooney? That stuff matters! Each time I called the concierge desk, I was greeted by name and offered excellent recommendations for sites to see, shopping and restaurants near by.
Saturday morning, I slept in a bit and then found a nearby Panera for breakfast. Instead of eating there, I decided I really wanted to go sit on the beach. Looking like a complete fool, I headed out to the sand in flip-flops, jeans and a sweatshirt for my picnic. To the locals, I was a crazy person on deck chair - but as an Iowa girl, I was loving the "warm" (high 50s) weather!
Early Saturday afternoon, I decided to do a little shopping. After a few quick stops a local souvenir shops and an outlet mall, lunch sounded good. I found a Mexican restaurant in a shopping center and walked over the foot-bridge to the restaurant when I noticed a log floating in the water. I kind of jumped and laughed to myself thinking "I thought that log was an alligator!"
Yeah, it was. I, of course, did the most sensible thing I could think of - I ran back to my car to get my camera and zoom lens to take a few pictures. When I finally went into the restaurant, I got to hear the story of these two gators. When they were small, they were left in this pond and they have been kept ever since as unofficial pets or mascots. Without any barriers between the pond and the restaurants (which included outside dining) I was a little alarmed by their "mascots" but I was pretty sure I was safe inside with my margaritas.
The rest of Saturday was spent exploring the island in my little rental car. As the sun began to set, I rushed out to the beach to enjoy every moment of it.
I watched as some of the seagulls dove down for their dinner and others sat on the beach pecking at the sand. After watching the tide come in, I retreated back to the hotel looking for dinner recommendations. The concierge desk suggested that we try out King Fisher. The name made me smile - in India, KingFischer is a large company that operates a domestic airline and brewery (awesome combination, right?)! So I headed off to King Fisher for some of the freshest seafood I've ever had. A bit over priced, but a great dinner overlooking the lighthouse.
As Saturday came to a close, I felt so rested and relaxed. Sunday Morning, I woke up and drove to Charleston, South Carolina. I didn't do too much sightseeing in Charleston, but I did visit Boone Hall Plantation, one of our countries oldest working, living plantations. Boone Hall was also where they filmed North and South with Patrick Swayze and was the exterior for Allie's summer home in The Notebook.
Boone Hall had tours of the main house, "hay rack ride" style tour of the grounds and interactive tours through the old slave quarters. The place was beautiful, and it was a gorgeous day for the wedding that was taking place there later that evening.
March is definitely "off-season" on the Atlantic Coast, so I was able to use a few of my Marriott Reward Points and book two free nights at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa. Leaving Friday after work, I headed towards Hilton Head Island with my car packed and the GPS ready to lead me.
The hotel was beautiful, but definitely experiencing a lull in customers that time of year. Upon check-in, I was greeted and thanked for being a loyal Marriott Rewards member. Most Marriott hotels do a great job of building loyalty with their guests and this was no exception. Ever see Up In The Air with George Clooney? That stuff matters! Each time I called the concierge desk, I was greeted by name and offered excellent recommendations for sites to see, shopping and restaurants near by.
Saturday morning, I slept in a bit and then found a nearby Panera for breakfast. Instead of eating there, I decided I really wanted to go sit on the beach. Looking like a complete fool, I headed out to the sand in flip-flops, jeans and a sweatshirt for my picnic. To the locals, I was a crazy person on deck chair - but as an Iowa girl, I was loving the "warm" (high 50s) weather!
Early Saturday afternoon, I decided to do a little shopping. After a few quick stops a local souvenir shops and an outlet mall, lunch sounded good. I found a Mexican restaurant in a shopping center and walked over the foot-bridge to the restaurant when I noticed a log floating in the water. I kind of jumped and laughed to myself thinking "I thought that log was an alligator!"
Yeah, it was. I, of course, did the most sensible thing I could think of - I ran back to my car to get my camera and zoom lens to take a few pictures. When I finally went into the restaurant, I got to hear the story of these two gators. When they were small, they were left in this pond and they have been kept ever since as unofficial pets or mascots. Without any barriers between the pond and the restaurants (which included outside dining) I was a little alarmed by their "mascots" but I was pretty sure I was safe inside with my margaritas.
I watched as some of the seagulls dove down for their dinner and others sat on the beach pecking at the sand. After watching the tide come in, I retreated back to the hotel looking for dinner recommendations. The concierge desk suggested that we try out King Fisher. The name made me smile - in India, KingFischer is a large company that operates a domestic airline and brewery (awesome combination, right?)! So I headed off to King Fisher for some of the freshest seafood I've ever had. A bit over priced, but a great dinner overlooking the lighthouse.
As Saturday came to a close, I felt so rested and relaxed. Sunday Morning, I woke up and drove to Charleston, South Carolina. I didn't do too much sightseeing in Charleston, but I did visit Boone Hall Plantation, one of our countries oldest working, living plantations. Boone Hall was also where they filmed North and South with Patrick Swayze and was the exterior for Allie's summer home in The Notebook.
Boone Hall had tours of the main house, "hay rack ride" style tour of the grounds and interactive tours through the old slave quarters. The place was beautiful, and it was a gorgeous day for the wedding that was taking place there later that evening.
The back side of the main house
The avenue of Oaks
Mid afternoon, I began my trek back to my hotel in Augusta, Georgia. My little trip to Hilton Head Island was a great experience - I thought it was as beautiful (with better beaches!) as Hawaii! It was such a relaxing trip, and it left me well rested for the week ahead.
Much Love,
LC
Weekend at Hilton Head Island
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Last spring, I found myself in Augusta, Georgia for about three weeks on business. I also found myself in desperate need of a vacation. I had recently driven 1,200 miles as I moved from Des Moines to El Paso, Texas (previously, my longest solo drive had been under 200 miles) and I was working a bunch of hours. I knew that Augusta was pretty well situated to the coast, and a quick stop at Google Maps refined my search to Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island and Tybee Island.
March is definitely "off-season" on the Atlantic Coast, so I was able to use a few of my Marriott Reward Points and book two free nights at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa. Leaving Friday after work, I headed towards Hilton Head Island with my car packed and the GPS ready to lead me.
The hotel was beautiful, but definitely experiencing a lull in customers that time of year. Upon check-in, I was greeted and thanked for being a loyal Marriott Rewards member. Most Marriott hotels do a great job of building loyalty with their guests and this was no exception. Ever see Up In The Air with George Clooney? That stuff matters! Each time I called the concierge desk, I was greeted by name and offered excellent recommendations for sites to see, shopping and restaurants near by.
Saturday morning, I slept in a bit and then found a nearby Panera for breakfast. Instead of eating there, I decided I really wanted to go sit on the beach. Looking like a complete fool, I headed out to the sand in flip-flops, jeans and a sweatshirt for my picnic. To the locals, I was a crazy person on deck chair - but as an Iowa girl, I was loving the "warm" (high 50s) weather!
Early Saturday afternoon, I decided to do a little shopping. After a few quick stops a local souvenir shops and an outlet mall, lunch sounded good. I found a Mexican restaurant in a shopping center and walked over the foot-bridge to the restaurant when I noticed a log floating in the water. I kind of jumped and laughed to myself thinking "I thought that log was an alligator!"
Yeah, it was. I, of course, did the most sensible thing I could think of - I ran back to my car to get my camera and zoom lens to take a few pictures. When I finally went into the restaurant, I got to hear the story of these two gators. When they were small, they were left in this pond and they have been kept ever since as unofficial pets or mascots. Without any barriers between the pond and the restaurants (which included outside dining) I was a little alarmed by their "mascots" but I was pretty sure I was safe inside with my margaritas.
The rest of Saturday was spent exploring the island in my little rental car. As the sun began to set, I rushed out to the beach to enjoy every moment of it.
I watched as some of the seagulls dove down for their dinner and others sat on the beach pecking at the sand. After watching the tide come in, I retreated back to the hotel looking for dinner recommendations. The concierge desk suggested that we try out King Fisher. The name made me smile - in India, KingFischer is a large company that operates a domestic airline and brewery (awesome combination, right?)! So I headed off to King Fisher for some of the freshest seafood I've ever had. A bit over priced, but a great dinner overlooking the lighthouse.
As Saturday came to a close, I felt so rested and relaxed. Sunday Morning, I woke up and drove to Charleston, South Carolina. I didn't do too much sightseeing in Charleston, but I did visit Boone Hall Plantation, one of our countries oldest working, living plantations. Boone Hall was also where they filmed North and South with Patrick Swayze and was the exterior for Allie's summer home in The Notebook.
Boone Hall had tours of the main house, "hay rack ride" style tour of the grounds and interactive tours through the old slave quarters. The place was beautiful, and it was a gorgeous day for the wedding that was taking place there later that evening.
March is definitely "off-season" on the Atlantic Coast, so I was able to use a few of my Marriott Reward Points and book two free nights at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa. Leaving Friday after work, I headed towards Hilton Head Island with my car packed and the GPS ready to lead me.
The hotel was beautiful, but definitely experiencing a lull in customers that time of year. Upon check-in, I was greeted and thanked for being a loyal Marriott Rewards member. Most Marriott hotels do a great job of building loyalty with their guests and this was no exception. Ever see Up In The Air with George Clooney? That stuff matters! Each time I called the concierge desk, I was greeted by name and offered excellent recommendations for sites to see, shopping and restaurants near by.
Saturday morning, I slept in a bit and then found a nearby Panera for breakfast. Instead of eating there, I decided I really wanted to go sit on the beach. Looking like a complete fool, I headed out to the sand in flip-flops, jeans and a sweatshirt for my picnic. To the locals, I was a crazy person on deck chair - but as an Iowa girl, I was loving the "warm" (high 50s) weather!
Early Saturday afternoon, I decided to do a little shopping. After a few quick stops a local souvenir shops and an outlet mall, lunch sounded good. I found a Mexican restaurant in a shopping center and walked over the foot-bridge to the restaurant when I noticed a log floating in the water. I kind of jumped and laughed to myself thinking "I thought that log was an alligator!"
Yeah, it was. I, of course, did the most sensible thing I could think of - I ran back to my car to get my camera and zoom lens to take a few pictures. When I finally went into the restaurant, I got to hear the story of these two gators. When they were small, they were left in this pond and they have been kept ever since as unofficial pets or mascots. Without any barriers between the pond and the restaurants (which included outside dining) I was a little alarmed by their "mascots" but I was pretty sure I was safe inside with my margaritas.
I watched as some of the seagulls dove down for their dinner and others sat on the beach pecking at the sand. After watching the tide come in, I retreated back to the hotel looking for dinner recommendations. The concierge desk suggested that we try out King Fisher. The name made me smile - in India, KingFischer is a large company that operates a domestic airline and brewery (awesome combination, right?)! So I headed off to King Fisher for some of the freshest seafood I've ever had. A bit over priced, but a great dinner overlooking the lighthouse.
As Saturday came to a close, I felt so rested and relaxed. Sunday Morning, I woke up and drove to Charleston, South Carolina. I didn't do too much sightseeing in Charleston, but I did visit Boone Hall Plantation, one of our countries oldest working, living plantations. Boone Hall was also where they filmed North and South with Patrick Swayze and was the exterior for Allie's summer home in The Notebook.
Boone Hall had tours of the main house, "hay rack ride" style tour of the grounds and interactive tours through the old slave quarters. The place was beautiful, and it was a gorgeous day for the wedding that was taking place there later that evening.
The back side of the main house
The avenue of Oaks
Mid afternoon, I began my trek back to my hotel in Augusta, Georgia. My little trip to Hilton Head Island was a great experience - I thought it was as beautiful (with better beaches!) as Hawaii! It was such a relaxing trip, and it left me well rested for the week ahead.
Much Love,
LC
When I found out passport fees were increasing on July 13th, I quickly filled out the paperwork to renew my passport. A quick stop at Costco saved me $4 on each set of photos (two photos for the passport, extras for Visa applications) and my passport was on its way!
My first passport was stolen at a train station in Italy, which gave me the opportunity to visit the US Embassy in Rome. The Embassy had a photo booth for passport photos...and they only cost 2 Euros! It actually ended up being a great thing - I got to visit Hard Rock Rome and check out our beautiful embassy. The woman that helped even gave us directions for some of the best pizza I've ever had.
That temporary passport was only good for a year, so I had to quickly send off for another passport. The photo on that one was...horrible to say the least. This passport earned a few stamps and two India Visas - one 1 year visa (used for my 2008 trip) and one 5 year visa (for my 2009 trip).
My most recent passport needed to be replaced, so July 8th I rushed to send off my paperwork and managed to save $30 before the rate increase! This time I was given the option to add a passport card (good for travel by car or boat to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda) for an extra $20. I weighed the pros (extra ID while traveling) and cons (limited to driving or sea ports) and decided against it.
This morning I checked the status online, and my passport is being processed. Hopefully my new passport will arrive in the next two weeks! Hmmm...it must be time to plan a trip! :)
Time for a new passport!
Monday, July 19, 2010
When I found out passport fees were increasing on July 13th, I quickly filled out the paperwork to renew my passport. A quick stop at Costco saved me $4 on each set of photos (two photos for the passport, extras for Visa applications) and my passport was on its way!
My first passport was stolen at a train station in Italy, which gave me the opportunity to visit the US Embassy in Rome. The Embassy had a photo booth for passport photos...and they only cost 2 Euros! It actually ended up being a great thing - I got to visit Hard Rock Rome and check out our beautiful embassy. The woman that helped even gave us directions for some of the best pizza I've ever had.
That temporary passport was only good for a year, so I had to quickly send off for another passport. The photo on that one was...horrible to say the least. This passport earned a few stamps and two India Visas - one 1 year visa (used for my 2008 trip) and one 5 year visa (for my 2009 trip).
My most recent passport needed to be replaced, so July 8th I rushed to send off my paperwork and managed to save $30 before the rate increase! This time I was given the option to add a passport card (good for travel by car or boat to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda) for an extra $20. I weighed the pros (extra ID while traveling) and cons (limited to driving or sea ports) and decided against it.
This morning I checked the status online, and my passport is being processed. Hopefully my new passport will arrive in the next two weeks! Hmmm...it must be time to plan a trip! :)
I can't believe it has been almost a year since my last trip to India! Since I returned home some things have changed - but I'm still on the road!
In the last ten months I've...
- flown on 52 flights
- delayed once
- lost luggage once (but quickly found!)
You might notice that I've made a few changes to the look of my blog. It has a new URL (www.haspassportwilltravel.com), I've changed the layout and added some stuff (check out the tabs across the top) but more to come!
A BIG "Thank you!" to everyone who has followed my blog so far!
Much love,
-LC
Time for a change!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
I can't believe it has been almost a year since my last trip to India! Since I returned home some things have changed - but I'm still on the road!
In the last ten months I've...
- flown on 52 flights
- delayed once
- lost luggage once (but quickly found!)
You might notice that I've made a few changes to the look of my blog. It has a new URL (www.haspassportwilltravel.com), I've changed the layout and added some stuff (check out the tabs across the top) but more to come!
A BIG "Thank you!" to everyone who has followed my blog so far!
Much love,
-LC
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