Three weeks on the road, in two foreign countries, with kids. What made our lives easier? Here is my honor roll.
1. Moleskine Paris Journal
Nicole Iwawaki gave us this nifty little notebook, which combined all the features of a compact journal with detailed maps of Paris and the a foldout map of the Metro. Best of all it is all wrapped up in a low key black cover, so it doesn't scream, 'Im a tourist!' Bob used this constantly while we were in Paris. Thanks Nicole, we really loved this.
2. Ziploc bags, 2 gallon size
I'm not normally one to advocate using Ziploc bags for anything, because they're expensive, creepy chemical-laden plastic trash machines. But for managing the kids suitcases and clothes, they're money. One bag for shorts, one for shirts... you get the picture. You can easily grab whatever you are looking for without digging through the whole bag. It helps keep things from getting wrinkled, and you can compress each bag to help you get everything into the bag. Thanks to Barb Shoop for this idea, and to my mom for passing it on to me.
3. Konsyl Psyllium and shaker cup
Three weeks on the road, without our daily fiber shot from our steel cut oatmeal breakfast routine. This kept adults feeling healthy.
4. Black cotton nightie from Gap
Modest enough to be seen in by my mother in law, cute enough for vacation. This was a step up from my usual borrowed tshirt from Bob. Logan was thrilled to see me in something feminine for a change. Also comfy for changing into after a European gut bomb meal in the evening.
5. A well stocked art set and art packet (one for each kid)
A definite must for restaurants. The big packet was stocked with blank paper, and the fresh air supplies let their creativity run wild. Over time we amassed quite a collection of original art, that if I was any kind of good mom I would create an album from. I stuck in a glue stick hoping they might incorporate things like Metro tickets, or museum maps. Apparently my kids are about as creative as me: they never touched the glue stick.
6. Bob's man purse, or Murse
Also known as a European carrying bag to the Seinfeld fans out there. We found this cool bag at REI. He kept the camera, maps, water bottle, wallet, and change all in one place. I loved not being in charge of schlepping everything in my bag.
7. The Dossier
This packet contained the master itinerary, copies of internet reservations, important contact numbers, copies of our passports, and any other important paperwork. If anyone was going to give me any trouble I was prepared to wave a confirmation statement in their face. Because, nobody puts the Europe 2010 project manager in a corner! In a true Murphy's Law type of situation, I never needed an internet confirmation, because I had them... had I not, you know I would have. Doesn't it always seem to work that way? But the itinerary and the contact numbers helped me keep my sanity.
8. The Mac Book
I felt a little sheepish bringing a computer on our trip, especially when I needed to unplug and connect with my family. But it was really useful. We were able to stay in touch with family at home, research restaurants, find the best baguette in Paris, get directions, weather reports. And it was fun to blog. Wireless access was pretty common, and Macs make connecting really easy.
Not pictured, but also on the honor roll
Big enough to hold everything they needed, small enough for them to tow themselves (although not particularly well, much to the chagrin of the fellow travelers in the RER station and the airport). They have good compression straps and will be excellent carry on bags for the future.
This bag held a lot of bottles and had really good pockets and other cool features.
We are not at all worthy of this camera, but it is sweet! Small, idiot proof, and it takes great pictures. It is nice to have a digital with a faster shutter speed. It was nice to not have to lug around some big ol' SLR model too.
Our friends and family in Europe were surprised we didn't opt for a GPS unit for our rental car. Where's the fun in that? That doesn't seem very sporting... and it also makes you completely dependent on some little gadget without any sort of context. I need more information.... I need more control. Give me a map any day over some little box with a woman in British accent telling me where to turn. We had one for France, one for Germany, and one for Burgundy. It should be noted that the Germany map wasn't quite as good as the France map (hm, wonder why?)
I heart Google. I'm a huge fan. I uploaded all of our pictures to Google docs after I pulled them off the camera. It gave me great peace of mind to know that all of our memories were backed up in case the Mac disappeared, or lost (yet another) hard drive during our trip.
And, the dishonor roll....
What wasn't very helpful? Turns out the cell phone was kind of a waste of time and money. The nice man at the Orange cell phone store in Paris gave us a bum steer when he told us the model we bought was unlocked and would work in Germany with a new simm card. We had to visit a few different stores and wait in a few long lines before we determine it was only going to work in France. We ended up spending about 60 bucks for something we used about 6 times. Pox on you, Orange cell phone guy. That said, anyone going to France, I have a phone with 10 minutes on it, and a very good understanding of how to use it. You want it, it's yours.
Next up, kid travel techniques, the World Cup, and food tourism. I'll probably post every other day at this point.
you are welcome. i loved reading of your adventures...can't wait to hear more.
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