Our Fair Dinkum Life

I am still going to post info about travel on this blog.. 

This last year, my husband retired and I have cut back on my work as well. As much as I enjoy travel info and planning, I have let some of this go and We are now enjoying more and planning less.

I have started a youtube channel that will be updated when there is something to update.

Our Fair Dinkum Life

Please know if there is something Big travel wise , I will continue to post and tweet here are well.

Kendall

BLOOMBERG BUSINESS ARTICLE: THANK YOU.. takes tons of time out of the research

I am not posting as much about travel.. BUT This article came in the other day.. and I love it..
It answers all of the questions about when to go and why...
Had to share.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2019-01-02/where-to-go-in-2019-best-places-to-travel

Friend-Free Travel... Follow your passion!!!

I love to travel and explore.. My husband does also... We do travel together but we also travel alone.. we have different PASSIONS.. his for Music mine for Mandarin... We both love to travel alone...

Even if you do not have a partner.. doing activities, travel or learning a skill Friend-Free is a wonderful experience.... There are great articles out there about how to travel solo.. BUT here is a great article about the Perks of being Friend-Free

Exploring the World and your passions #Friend-Free

Small group travel is not so bad

I arrived back from my mini trip to China a few months ago... I have to admit, it was wonderful. The group of people I met and explored were like minded, open and adventurous. The travel company was lacking.. but that will be for another post.

What I learned about was how to be ready to pick up and go, ways to maneuver a different city and how very friendly people can be when you are also friendly to them. The best trick I learned.. so simple but I had not thought of it... a small group of us took the subway in Beijing to the Summer Palace. Jay and his wife, very seasoned travelers.. took a picture of the station sign we were at and then upon arrival at our destination took another one.

On our way back, he was able to show the picture.. and directions were easy...

Second, tip as always, Go Local.. eat, hang and interact with the locals. Again our small group within a small group, would go out and visit the local shopping areas, night markets and malls. We were the only foreigners, which made for some funny looks, but was nice to be in real life not tourist central.

I do have to post my travel videos and pics ... time has gotten away from me..

Our next Adventure is to Iceland in September...

What the heck was I thinking?? And Excited to Go!!

I consider myself a semi seasoned traveler. I have traveled solo to Taiwan, Australia and parts of the USA. With family I have traveled to lesser known parts of the world... and yet this trip is a bit different.
I realized this is my first solo trip to a country where I do not know anyone. I have extended family in all the parts of the world I have traveled sans hubby and in the USA it has always been to a conference.. so easy peasy..
My hubby had said when I started to plan this that I should be in a group.. I wanted to go rogue and do AirBnBs... (next trip with hubby we will do that).. but I did listen and now I am realizing even with a group there are items to this trip that I have not had alone before.

1. I do not know the language. I am going specifically to practice and improve my limited Mandarin. But foreign country and big cities.. a bit nervous

2. After our Thailand trip almost 15 years ago, I am very conscious of the health issues.. for this trip I now have enough snacks to get me thru a week.. but only after I booked my mini China tour did I realize how many health/food risks there can be. I will be careful, but after having brought every "friend" home from Thailand.. I am very cautious.

3. I have never been on a group tour... I have visions of walkers and depends being loaded on the van... but also as a single female traveler.. I am hoping to just do my thing. But being herded will be an experience that I am prepping for...

4. One week away and because my only focus is to practice Mandarin, I have not read up on the historic and landmark sites we will see. The plan was to practice speaking where ever I went.. BUT.. others have said I really should check out the sites.. and they are right... I am a cultural lop so maybe just read the info on the sites sent by the agency.

5. NO: Google, Youtube, GMAIL, Instagram, Facebook... not having my easy to connect apps is a bit off putting. I do have an I cloud account and can use the Internet at the hotel to contact home. BUT letting my office know.. no emergency calls or emails.. I will be from a realistic point of view Off the Grid...

So, as I woke up in a cold sweat this morning going this time next week I am gone.. I am working on letting go of my need to know the full plan and see this as an adventure.

BECAUSE of the NO Google thing, I will be writing and saving to upload upon my arrival home.
 再 见

Packing for CHINA..

OK, with less then a month before I leave.. it is time to start to prepare.. 
I came across this great blog that I wanted to share with you...
https://www.tripsavvy.com/guide-to-packing-trip-to-china-1495220

Packing light, all my personal essentials and electronic adaptors.. this site covers it all.

Xia Jian

Kendall

learning to edit preparing for my china trip

Eating and China

I am so excited to be going to China for a quick trip later next month. My only concern is food safety and my health. We have lived and stayed very healthy in Mexico for years but about 10 years ago we took a trip to Thailand and I got very ill. It took about 4 years to fully recover.
Having traveled to Taiwan a few years back, there were no issues. It wasn't until I started reading for this trip that I realized, we are 
on the Mainland now.
As I will only be in China for just over a week, there will be very little packing that I will need. To be safe, (over cautious) I will be bringing protein drinks and granola bars... and other snack items to fill in the gaps. I will also be bringing a round of antibiotics just in case.
The things to remember:
1. NEVER drink the water unless it is bottled and you see it unsealed. (this means no ice)
2. No fresh fruits or vegetables as they can be washed in the tap water.
3. Use bottled water to brush your teeth and be careful in the shower.. (this was how I think I got sick in Thailand)
4. No Fried foods, they use recycled oil..
5. Look for what is safe. Fully cooked eggs, breads and boiling soups...

I will provide an update once I meet with my Dr. later this month.

Never let speed bumps stop you from traveling.. Just be creative in how to go around them.

China: First things First... the Visa Application

It has been over a year since I have posted. There are lots of reasons...

1. My real job got busy and worked on a new course of training that is now complete.

 2. As a family we have re arranged our lives to begin to travel again...

My first trip that I have planned is a very short overview of China. As much as I love AirBnB the many facets and requirements for traveling and enjoying my short trip led me to sign up for my first group tour.... Stunning China 

We (hubby) and I plan to go back and be more independent.. but being on my own, this seems to be the best way for a sampling of Mainland China.

So this is the first time I have traveled and needed a Visa.. The Application process for the Chinese Visa can be a bit daunting... I chose to have the tour group leader complete the process for me. Travelers are required to deliver their passports, drivers license and documents to the Chinese consult in person. The cost of the Visa is $140 (Feb. 2018) and the fee for the travel company to assist and take it to the consulate was only about $75. Well worth it!

Looking forward to getting back to my travel writing and Fair Dinkum Travel experiences... through out 2018..


再见      "Good Bye"
(Zài jiàn)

Love Train Travel... AMTRAK customer service is BAD

Here is my update of my #Amtrak issues.

#amtrak Ok, we had a great get away the other week, on the way home got hit in the nose by an amtrak object.. Not bad, but I should have had an xray.  I  filled out an incident report. Called Amtrak and have been told.
1. go to your dr. and we will decide if we will cover it.
2. NO ONE had called to ask what happened or see how I am.
3. When I have called. was told, it is 3 or 4 weeks, before I will get a letter. Still waiting to have my nose x-rayed or checked.

4. Got the letter, it is from Medicaid asking to release all medical records and SS records to AMTRAK.( (there is no reason for Amtak to have all medical records.)
5. Called Amtrak, unless I release all records I will not be assigned a person for my case.

So where is Customer Care? As a travel junkie, this has been a shock. A simple incident has escalated due to no care on Amtrak's part. So sad, and angry. They cont. to stone wall me when I ask to have a person assigned. Not until I release all medical records.

see me yell right now..

Heal The World

Here is an amazing song done by the band Maati Baani this is a collaboration. And brings together all that I love about travel.
Heal the World

When we travel and see the world as a whole, we all grow.

AirBnb for culture and a full experience, how to find the right spot.

I am not the only travel writer or person that is in love with AirBnB. We host and are travelers.
As for hosting, our only problem is getting travelers as AirBnB is so popular. Last week , I switched on the can book same day permission.
I got up in the middle of the night and my ipad was blinking. We had a guest coming the next afternoon. Awesome. We keep our two Guests rooms ready, so nothing to do but check the fridge (we offer a light breakie). Anyway, they checked in for two nights and now are staying four. Airbnb makes is very easy to extend a reservation by either party. I do not think they will be booking a fifth night as they do have to fly back to Germany.
Our guests are travelers that enjoy exploring. We are fortunate if we meet them a few times during their trips, I have had the same experience when we are the travelers.
I came across this article about how to find your perfect apartment thru AirBnB. I will write later about how just a small few that book a whole home or apartment have given this a bad name. BUT, in general it is great, you can rent a room, shared room or a whole place to yourself.
Please enjoy this guest article by Stefan: How to Find the Best AirBnB Apartment.

Next up, We are AirBnbing it to Los Angeles (Hollywood) The big challenge is we are not taking our car. We will be there for two nights. Will write about our adventures upon our return.

What to do in a Medical Emergency while away from home.

This is a guest article from Travel Insurance Center. As most of you know, I spent a few years as an actual travel agent. During that time I helped several groups go on tours. Most were from a local church and although not seniors they were not in their 20's. I always encouraged the travelers to purchase travel insurance and Medical travel ins. On a group trip to Italy, the leader actually twisted her ankle and had to be evacuated and brought home via a special seat and with medical assistance. Obviously it was more then a twisted ankle, but the was the start.
She was able to go to the hospital and give them her travel ins. card, they then called the ins. and kept them informed and worked together to co ordinate her early and specialized trip home.
This article is a great overview. What to do in an Emergency Medical Evacuation.


 I do want to mention, for parents of 20somethings out there. "It is worth your child's future to buy the medical insurance when your extreme sports son or daughter is in another country hiking, climbing, jumping or swimming". They may not see the need. Of course not they are in their 20's.. BUT one injury and/ or medical evacuation could put them so far behind financially or as many young people do, they will try to cut corners in their short sighted way to save money. Causing long term problems.

Go Travel and Be Adventurous, BUT pack your backpack with all the needed items.

AirBnB Follow Up.

It has been some time since I wrote about my love for AirBnB. I wanted to do a follow up as we have now hosted our first AirBnB guests ourselves. If you are ever in Carlsbad, Ca. feel free to check us out.
Our AirBnB spot.

Given the name of this blog, my old travel agency and email and twitter handle is Fair Dinkum Travel
I have a very soft spot for AirBnB.

Over time it has grown up a bit and the just hanging out with locals may have changed a bit..because more people are getting better about how to present their homes and it is becoming a big business.
We still love AirBnB and we were so excited to host our first guests.

Where there seems to be problems are:
1. Renting out a whole home. If you are going to do this, I would suggest a vacation property management company.. much easier and less problems.
2. Immediate bookings make me nervous. We have had a few that want to bring children or extra people or have not been verified fully. Having the time to email back and forth creates a relationship before others come into your home.
3. Be clear of the expectations and realize they are paying to be comfortable and relaxed. Although less cost then a hotel, people are still paying for lodging. Lowering your price Never should mean lowering your standards.

What I love:
1. Meeting others that have a sense of adventure and hospitality. Both sides are agreeing to share a home and common spaces.
2. Taking walks thru nieghborhoods and communities and feeling at home. Love the AirBnB commercial about not doing a place but living there. That commercial nails it.
3. Saving $$ and yet going to amazing places and really living there.

Remember we always stay at Bed n Breakfasts and now AirBnB's.. if I go on a business trip, unless I have to stay in a hotel I don't. We do not travel for the hotel experience. If you do, (which is fine) then AirBnB is not for you..
Again, Fair Dinkum Travel means original or genuine travel.. So we want to really immerse ourselves in the culture of where we are and we hope others do the same while staying with us.

Finally: If hosting or guesting.. read the reviews, check out the pictures and make sure they have multiple verifications thru the site. Email with questions and get a feel for the people.
If you are this type of person.. you will love it.

Happy travels

San Diego Fair

This summer I bought the $26 full fair pass. I have been twice and it is so much fun. The reason?? I do not have to rush thru, eat everything in sight and fight the crowds. When our son was growing up we had Disneyland passes. It was the same thing.
So far this year, my recommendations are:
1. in the infield: there is an outdoor area that has horses, butterflies, bees, caterpillars and more. Great area way from the crowds and more reminiscent of the county fairs we think of from days gone by.

2. Best secret inexpensive eats. In O'Brian Hall, there is Dixie's mini donuts. OMG. They make them as you wait, Hot and sprinkled with cinnamon/sugar. Only$2.50 for 6 but just pay the $5. and get a dozen. Warning, You will not want to share. (the link is to a great article about Dixie and her donuts.)

3. Parking tip. Park off site. Easy, free and less of a hassle.

4. Best thing to buy. By the exit of the garden area by the O'Brian entrance are these beautiful plates. The artist Lisa Brown is there. Leaf ART

There are some competitions that you can still sign up for.. enjoy and explore.

For today, that's all folks.

San Diego County Fair

OK, ready to start to travel and post again.

As many of you know I have taken off the last 4 months to study Mandarin. I have a long way to go.. But with the class over, I am planning short outings from our home in Carlsbad, Ca.
One challenge I have always wanted to do.. (not sure why) is to write and explore the San Diego county fair.

This year, I have purchased a full fair pass, meaning I can go everyday. I do not plan on going Daily, but am planning on really checking out everything this year. I don't do rides, so will only post pics.

Other trips planned for this summer, a Summer in South Lake Tahoe trip. A couple of train rides, one to Chinatown in L.A. and one to Santa Barbara.

Other outings to come.

Welcome Summer, 再见 普通话!

Preparing for travel and becoming a local via the radio

I haven't posted for sometime. One of the reasons is that I have been in Mandarin class. I came across this article..it talks about how radio can help with language.. Here is the article about learning Chinese (Mandarin) and how the radio helps.mandarin-chinese-radio-online/

It reminded me of another tool my husband and I use when preparing to travel,even within the USA or other local travels. Listen to local radio, before you go. With the invention of the Internet.. the world is at your fingertips. This includes radio online. Either English stations abroad or those in the native languages. 
When we go to Hawaii or Australia, we research and listen to local music and news before we arrive. 
This way we are up to date with local activities and issues. This allows you to chat with locals and blend.. Others also appreciate your willingness to learn about their city or culture. 

One other perk, if you have children, play children's radio or get children's music in the local language, not only will they pick it up, they will be less thrown upon their arrival.. 

If you want to travel like a local, listen like a local. 
幸福之旅 (Happy Trip)

Xìngfú zhī lǚ

Traveling and Medications.

When traveling there are a few things to remember if you are on any medications, have Diabetes or other long standing diagnosis.
1. Carry your meds with you, not in your checked bags.
2. Make sure the airline staff know you will be taking meds while on the flight.
3. Carry your own snacks if Diabetic incase your sugars run too high or low.
4. Make sure all meds are in the original containters
5. If traveling overseas or out of the country,  Check the legality of your meds in the country you are visiting.
    A Dr.'s note also that states your diagnosis is very helpful.

Planning ahead will allow you to put your physical issues aside and enjoy the adventure.

Christmas Travel, Rental Cars and Snow!... Oh NO, Ho Ho Ho!!

We were planning on flying from San Diego to Reno on Christmas day. Then getting a rental car and driving up the mountain to South Lake Tahoe... Tons of issues, and I will know better next time.
First, the nonstop doesn't land (Southwest airlines) until almost 2. Then you need to pick up your luggage and head over to the Rental Car desk. Here is the problem..
Rental car companies do not rent chains, so if you are going into snow and you do not have a four wheel drive vehicle, then you must stop at Walmart or somewhere and buy them. (this is in the winter of course)..

Rental car companies cannot guarantee your car until arrival so you have to guesstimate the tire size and bring snow chains with you... Will TSA let you bring them? Great question..

I first called Southwest, they said not on your carry on but you can check them. (the weight alone makes it an issue). Second she said to call TSA. So I did. They were very nice, there final answer was it should be fine but it is at the discretion of the officers at the airport.

So, we will be driving half way on Christmas Eve, then driving up the safer way thru Sacramento on Christmas day. Arriving 4 + hours before the planned arrival if we flew.

This has been very, very stressful. Southwest is a great airline, we have a lot of credit now to use on other trips. Second, since it is Christmas, Walmart will not be open, and spending Christmas looking for chains is not going to work for me.

So, if you are traveling on Christmas and renting a car. Please plan ahead...

I would like to thank my hubby for being willing to change the plans.. Not knowing until the last minute if we were going to be able to get to our destination is not a great holiday memory.

We will fly in the spring, and there is a shuttle that can take you to South Lake Tahoe, but will pass this time.

There is my holiday tip for today.
Happy Holidays.

BiNational Border crossing and airport now open! YEAH!!!!!!

Here is all the info via an article by USA Today.
Bi-National Airport article.

Here is also the website for all you need to know to travel in and out of the Tijuana International Airport.

For years my parents traveled via the International Airport in Tijuana.. Now with the new bridge it is easier for anyone to chose either the San Diego or Tiajuana airport.

Here is another article (sorry, it is wikipedia) with the history and cost. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Border_Xpress