Tuesday, October 14, 2008

In the palm of my hand . . .

Well, I finally transferred all my notes to my iTouch. Took me a little longer to figure it out. I then scanned some select pages from a couple of heavy guidebooks and then copied and created pages of some of the more useful websites I found on Spain.

I had to take some time creating multiple folders on my iTouch organized by city and then by category. That took a while. Then to transfer the files over, I just dragged them and voila! Cool! I decided that I will still take one guidebook that covers Andalusia, but that's it. Everything else will be on this little and I mean little gadget. We'll see how this all works out! Thank you Roz!

Actually, if there is a Wi-Fi hot spot, I might even be able to use it to blog. I wonder if I take a photo and then blog if I will be able to post it. I’m going to have to test this theory out!

I still need to transfer my hotel/apartment confirmation copies and then a few more notes and I will be done (I'm still printing a hard copy of my hotel confirmations just in case). It shouldn't take me too long. Late last night, I also pulled out my luggage and packing cubes and got out my packing checklist. I honestly can’t stand the stress of last minute packing, plus I usually change my mind several times before I am completely satisfied with the end result. Gosh, I just realized that I haven’t been on a 3 week trip since 2005!

I really want to have everything organized and done a week before my departure date. If I can manage that, I will be able to relax and just do some last minute fun reading. Whew! It does feel good to have accomplished a lot yesterday and last night. So glad I didn't get distracted!

Well, I'm still off from work and it is absolutely gorgeous outside! So courtesy of several very creative Slow Travel Photo hunters this past weekend, I think I deserve a lazy day at the beach today! :)

23 days . . . .

16 comments:

  1. Hope you had a wonderful lazy day at the beach! It's 80 degrees here in NC -a beautiful warm fall day.

    Sounds like you've gotten a lot done. 23 days!

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  2. Hi Annie, 80 degrees is pretty warm! I just got back. It was sizzling hot, I think warmer than your weather in NC. But I had a very wonderful lazy morning.
    After seeing all of your theme photos over the weekend . . . well I just had to have a lazy day too! See how I always learn something from reading everyone's blogs! :) Now, I may have to practice my "siesta" technique and take a nice nap right now. Ha, ha!

    For the very first time I think I really feel pretty good about my preparations. I think it's because I got so much done. Stuff that I have been putting off doing for a few weeks now.

    Thanks again for your comments. Have a nice evening Annie!

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  3. I am happy to hear that you were able to transfer all of your files onto your iTouch. Once I finally get one, I will probably be asking you a few questions. Have you heard if there are free wifi spots in Spain? I hear France has lots but Italy does not. I haven't heard much about Spain though.

    I cannot believe you only have 23 more days!! How exciting!!!

    I hope you enjoyed a glorious day at the beach today :)

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  4. Hi Girasoli, thanks for your comments. I'm not a real techi so it really took me a while to figure it out. The instructions from Air sharing was a bit technical so I googled and found a message board that had some basic instructions. I'll be happy to answer your questions when you get yours.

    Yesterday, I went to the beach and tested it out. First, it dosn't have a camera like I thought it did. oops! But with the nearest building quite a ways away from where I was at, it did pick up a signal rather quickly (unfortunately it was locked so I couldn't get in). But when I viewed one of my documents it worked really well. Fast and even in the sun it had a pretty good display.

    I think 3 of my hotels have free Wi-Fi in their hotels. My Madrid hotel has free Wi-fi so I'll be putting it to quick use and posting something on my first day there. I'll probably still need to use an internet cafe for longer posts though. I can only type so much and for so long on one finger . . . :)

    I did some research and wi-fi is not as universal as here in the US or in France. However, I read that the phone company there (Telefonica) is working on creating more wifi hotspots. There are a couple of cafes in Madrid that offer free wifi with a cup of coffee or something. I'll probably just mainly rely on the free ones in my hotels and any internet cafes that I can find.

    I will definitely post something on the road to let you know how it is working out.

    Have a great day!

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  5. The iTouch sounds so cool, I have to check this out! I swear, half the weight of my luggage is due to various notes and photocopied pages and confirmation printouts and guidebooks -- there has to be a better way!!!!

    And only 3 weeks until you leave, that is fantastic! I am so envious, your itinerary sounds fascinating. I hope you are able to post from the road, I'd love to hear about all of your experiences.

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  6. Hi Sandra, thanks for your comments. When I first read Roz's post on the new air sharing software for the itouch, my ears perked right up! What I like about the iTouch is you can control how to organize the information so it will be accessible and at your fingertips while on the road. It has definitely lightened the load for me for sure. But the true test is going to come when I am there and actually using it. I will be glad to report back on how things are working out for me while on the road.

    3 weeks! It does feel pretty fantastic. I will totally enjoy posting while on the road. I may be able to use my iTouch Wi-Fi feature to post, but hopefully, I'll also be able to find some internet cafes too.

    Have a great evening Sandra!

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  7. Hi Kathy, just wanted to share this great quote I just read. Woo hoo!

    "In short, in the World Series of Debate, the Democrats won 4-0. There will be no game 5. Obama was already ahead when he started and he increased his lead in every area that matters to the voters. Many observers have said all along this is Obama's race to win or lose and there is nothing John McCain can do about it. The voters are sick and tired of George Bush and his enablers and angry about the direction the country is going. They desperately want change. The only issue is whether Obama is up to the job. The Republicans have thrown everything including the kitchen sink at him, but he has come off as cool (in at least two ways), knowledgeable, and completely unflappable. There will be more complete polls in the next few days, but Obama probably closed the deal last night."

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  8. Hi Annie! Whoo Hoo! Thanks so much for passing on that fabulous quote! I missed the first 15 minutes of the debate last night but I am so glad I made it home in time to watch most of it.

    Did you get the "health" comment! I think McCain lost a truck load (maybe) more of women votes just on that alone! Obama as usual was cool as can be and so direct and clear with his message and plans for our country.

    I was bracing myself when the VP question came up! :) I thought Obama was a class act and very generous in his response.

    Yes we can! Go Obama-Biden!

    Have a great evening Annie!

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  9. Yes that "health" comment was so snarky. I agree that Obama took the high road when asked if Palin was qualified to be President. Could you believe that McCain said that Obama has been running the most negative campaign in history?!? What planet is he from?!

    It's going to be a long 2.5 weeks. I am excited and nervous. I need to quit checking the Electoral Votes every five minutes, LOL, and start thinking about Venice!

    Hope you have a great weekend!

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  10. Great stumbling onto your blog today. Looks like we've got the travel bug in common, although I really love Switzerland and the surrounding countries the most...

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  11. Hi Annie, I know what you mean . . . when he said that with a straight face I couldn't believe it too! I was like huh? I liked how Obama said that the negative attacks on him says more about McCain's campaign than they do about him! So true . . . which explains the polls after the debates. I think all that negative talk is a big turn off.

    And yes, I think you should start thinking about Venice. Your trip is coming up fast too! I miss Venice so much, sometimes I look at my photos and my videos just to remember. But no matter how hard I try it's just not the same as being there. Lucky you! I'm really looking forward to hearing about your plans. I read on Leslie's blog that you might visit Torcello. That's pretty cool! Have fun planning!

    Have a great weekend Annie!

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  12. Hi Expat, thanks for stopping by! Yes, that travel bug is pretty contagious. For me Italy has my heart, but I also think that Switzerland is a very beautiful country too ... you've got excellent taste.

    I've only spent time in Lucerne and I loved it. I really hope to return soon.

    Thanks for your comments and enjoy your travels where ever they may take you.

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  13. Hi Kathy,

    Thank you so much for letting me know that you watched Sister Wendy's Grand Tour! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. She has really helped me with art appreciation and I'm so glad that you were able to see her before your visit the Prado. I can't wait to read about your impressions of the Prado, it's supposed to be such an amazing museum.

    Sister Wendy is one cool nun, isn't she? I love her!

    Thanks so much and hope that you have a great week!

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  14. Hi Annie, I totally enjoyed Sister Wendy. I wish I had someone like her guiding me through the Prado! I really enjoyed how she would explain a little about the artist (even a bit of the history) and then explain the painting both from her perspective as well as the artist's. Really fabulous. And it's also her demeanor . . . I don't know quite how to explain her style. Kind of low key, enthusiastic and funny when it came to certain paintings. She really knows her history and her art. And yes, I would say a definite 10 on the "cool" scale.

    Thanks so much. I feel so prepared and ready to appreciate all the art that I will be seeing at the Prado. I'm so excited!

    Have a great week too Annie!

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  15. Hi Kathy, I was glad to read "15 days and on schedule" and learn that your preparations are going so smoothly. I'm sure you're glad to have the dental visit over with!

    And I'm so glad that you mentioned your ATM plan. With this financial crisis, it's a great idea to have some back-ups. I'm going to put that on my Venice "to-do" list. So thanks!

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  16. Hi Annie, thanks for your comments. I'm glad to report no cavities! :) And all but one hotel (my Ronda hotel) has re-confirmed my reservations. I'll work on getting Ronda tonight before I hit the sack.

    I think it is good to have back up ATM's and would definitely recommend it for your Venice To Do list. I also take some US cash as the ultimate back up. :)

    Hope you have a great day!

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It's me Trekcapri (aka Kathy). Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment.