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Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Wonderland Burlesque's Travel Quiz

Wonderland Burlesque's Travel Quiz

Feeling housebound? I am. So I dream of future travel. Which is what prompted this quiz. 

Enjoy.
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1/ Do you like to travel? What do you like / dislike about it?

I love traveling. I plan on doing a lot of it once I retire, but I'm also not waiting until that day. I know of too many people who waited to travel and then something comes up - an illness - and they never get to go. Screw that. Make hay while the sun is in the sky, kids. Because dark days happen.

I love learning new things, being exposed to them. I am a sponge. Plop me down in a shopping mall or a park in a strange city and I will be totally entertained just people watching. I enjoy being exposed to other people's norms. Oh, this is what passes for food here? Oh, this is the level of hospitality to you extend to strangers? Oh, this is what you, as a community, cherish? That sort of thing.

I dislike all the logistics. Getting to and from. Airports. Trains. Ubers. Taxis. Hotels. Logistics terrify me. I fear getting swallowed up and lost and disappearing.

2/ What is your ideal day trip?

A day in Duluth. I just adore that city. There's enough tourist attractions to keep me occupied. Or just walking along the north shore will satisfy. They have a lovely rose garden I like to visit. There's the old Fitger's brewery complex, if you want to shop and graze. Light houses. Diners featuring great pies. A family sauna. And it's easy to navigate. It's two hours away. Plus, the drive is nice... especially in autumn with the fall colors. 

3/ What is the next big trip you have planned?

I know I want to go back to Cancun. All-adult, all inclusive. 

My next European excursion? Either: Paris / Barcelona / Someplace in Wales - or - Paris / London / Someplace in Wales. 

I would also like to return to Berlin, maybe Amsterdam. 

Stateside? I would like to return to San Francisco.

4/ Have you been on a cruise? Where to?

Nope. 

Don't know that I will, although I have heard wild stories about them... the gay ones and those with a mix of Europeans. So I am intrigued, but also leery. I need a working toilet. I don't want to be trapped. Food that is not fresh and/or low quality? Not my thing. So, I have big concerns. 

Also, at this point in my life, considering my balance and all the damage my noggin has taken over the years, I wonder if I would be one of those people who would be sick to their stomach the whole time?  I've noticed there are a lot of amusement park rides I can't go on anymore. I've also noticed that I tend to get queasy on small boats, which never used to happen. Also, sudden changes in height or a sudden change in perspective can cause me to feel like I am going to pass out. So?  I am thinking I am not a good candidate for this type of travel.

5/ Do you like flying?

Absolutely. I don't like that we are crunched in like sardines. I'm 6' 1", so frequently I will try to snag the emergency exit or will pay for more leg room. Sometimes that's not possible. I suck it up. 

I love flight attendants, especially the old guard - those who have been serving the friendly skies since the 1970's. Give me a grizzled, older gal and I am in heaven. You just know she has had a good time in life, just by the crook of her of her wig. I would love to sit in an airport bar and buy them drink after drink as they told me story after story. 

The other thing I like? Free movies. I watched half a dozen movies to and from Europe. 

The logistics of getting on the plane - dealing with getting to the airport, checking in, getting on the plane? Fraught with anxiety. But I am better about it now. I used to want to rush and get to my seat, but now I realize I would just be dealing with all the other anxious nellies who are afraid of not getting their carry-ons into the overhead bins. Meh. 

And brief layovers? Love them. I find a restaurant or a bar and camp. It's pricey, but worth the comfort. And, you know... cocktails!

6/ Have you ever traveled with a large group?

I have been on tour a couple times. Always bus or van situations. And, no... not fun. You really find out who you are working with that way. And no... not fun.

The last time I did that was The St. Louis Fringe Festival. I reverted to being a loner. Once the show was set, my off time was spent exploring. I went spelunking in this old hotel/asylum(?). I went to a dirty movie theater. I went to a gay bar and picked up some random. I always showed up on time and ready to work. But I managed to have a nice time, too. My kind of nice time. So, in a way, I was traveling alone while traveling with a group.

I don't know that I would like one of those tour group packages you see advertised. I can imagine getting stuck with a bunch of people who annoyed the fuck out me and what the hell could I do about it? I think it would ruin the experience. Certainly color it. And, yes... I could be a nice guy about, but traveling is dealing with so many unknowns, I feel like the people I am surrounded by? Well, they should not be one of them.

7/ Who is your favorite traveling companion?

So far, it is a tie...

I love traveling with my younger sister and her husband. She's smart. He's physically imposing. They make for good conversation and are interested in seeing and experiencing things. And they can go with the flow. Downside: my sister can get hella crabby, and my brother-in-law can't make a decision to save his life.

I love traveling with my work wife. She knows how to travel. Logistics? No problem. I feel safe with her. Downside: she is a little needy, attention-wise and doesn't like doing things on her own. Also... crabby.

The downside to traveling with me? My phone. Technology infuriates me and if my phone is not working I have a hissy fit. Same with wi-fi that does not work. Otherwise? I am a go with the flow. No agenda. What we end up doing? That's going to be perfect for this trip, as far as I am concerned. I will need some alone time... but that's what hotel rooms are for.

8/ Have you traveled alone?

Yes. To Boston. Not a good experience. I don't know that the trip was a good idea to begin with. But I didn't have any fun. Same was true of Las Vegas (there on business).

I love going to Duluth, MN. Alone. 

Chicago, alone, is good, too. Miami, too. 

9/ When traveling, do you plan everything out or wing it?

I like a combination of both. There are things I want to see/experience... a given museum, a specific restaurant or bar. 

I have over-planned, and it felt rushed and like a pain in the ass near the end. 

When I went to Europe we had a nice balance. Everyone took a city (we visited four in two weeks). We were in each city for about two and half days. The half day was for getting our bearings, settling in, a little exploring. One day was a planned, pre-purchased activity - a walking tour, a large museum, with dinner at a selected restaurant. One day was wing-it. The wing-it days were just as much fun as the pre-planned. 
 
10/ What sort of activities/experiences do you seek out when visiting a new city?

Museums. They hold all the history of a city. I also like walking neighborhoods to get a feel of every day life. I go to grocery stores. 

I also want to see what sort of park system they have. Green spaces are super important to me. 

One would think I would be all about gay nightlife. But, honestly? If it happens, yay. It can be fun. But I am more likely interested in getting some sleep so that I can explore more of the city the next day. 

11/ Favorite city you have visited?

Chicago. 

Berlin.

12/ Most amazing thing you have ever seen while traveling?

The old aqueduct system in Honolulu. I've mentioned it here before. Very Indiana Jones time. Very beautiful. The tiny waterfalls. The plush foliage. Very cool and very unexpected. 

13/ Do you pack light or bring the kitchen sink?

I adore traveling as lightly as possible. If I can get by with a small carry-on and a laptop bag and purse? I am thrilled. 

That's why I like Cancun. Swim trunks. Two pairs of shorts - one casual, one dressy (as dressy as shorts get). Tee shirts and underwear to sleep. One dressy top - usually black. A pair of lightweight deck shoes. Wear your long pants and dress shirt on the plane with nice shoes.  

Europe, I packed light and went to a laundromat once. 

14/ Best hotel? Worst hotel?

Best:
Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre

Great location. Great views. Incredibly fine accommodations. I even liked the gym.

Worst: It was this little apartment suite on 6th and Collins Avenue in Miami. I liked the location... right up the street from the 6th Street Public Restrooms, on the way to South Beach. I stayed there because my friend had a condo across the street. 

The place felt like a time capsule from Miami Vice era Miami. There was a white couch which was no longer white and with what I thought might be a blood stain. The bathroom was from the 1950's - which I adore, but I had to clean it before using it. The kitchen was creepy. In fact, the whole place felt like a horror film waiting to happen. I did not sleep well.  

I did have fun picking up guys on that two block stretch to the beach. It was easy. Catch their eye. And go for it. 

Man, those were the days...

15/ Do you buy souvenirs?

No. I might pick up something small for my mother. And for my ex, for taking care of our dog. That is all. 

All my souvenirs are the memories of the things I saw and the adventures and the guys I had.

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Okay, you know the drill. Leave your answers in the comments below, or share them on your blog and leave a link here. 

Thanks for reading!

Leaving on a Jet Plane - 
John Denver and Cass Elliot




























































































































Fly, Robin, Fly - Silver Convention

7 comments:

Jimmy said...

1. No! I dislike dragging luggage, standing in line and long waits in airport terminals.

2.Naples, Florida

3. none

4. Only a gambling ship to the Bahamas.

5. OK

6. NO!

7. my husband

8. London, UK...

9. Wing it, on vacation. Only reserve place for the first and last
night.

10. Depends where I am

11. Barcelona, (gay district)

12. Parc Guell

13. One bag, ten days. (I buy cheap underwear and socks and discard them everyday. It lightens the load and leaves room for purchases.

14. B/B's 96% of the time.

15. no

Bob said...

1. Yes, though there are some trips that,as soon as I arrive, I begin counting down to when I can go home.

2. Charleston in winter cuz it's too damn muggy in summer, and Asheville is summer cuz it can get a wee bit cold in winter.

3. Nothing until this mess ends.

4. No. The idea of being stuck on a ship--and I know they stop along the way--bores me. It's kinda like staying in a hotel and you never get to leave the hotel except for a short day trip every three of'four days.

5. I love flying. Hate the idiots, but love flying.

6.I have not. I tend to like a more spontaneous trip, rather than a completely structured group thing.

7. Carlos. Always.

8. I have and I enjoyed it.

9. I'm a planner, Carlos is a winger, so we kinda get the best of both worlds.

10. Museums, outdoor stuff, galleries, shopping, food.

11. Two: NYC and Key West, for obviously different reasons.

12. The actual house my parents lived in, just outside London, when they were first married. I saw it about thirty years later, just stumbling upon it but recognizing it from photos.

13. I have done both. The lightest I ever packed was a couple of years ago when I went to Oregon to help my father after ankle surgery. I was gone five weeks, and only took a carry-on back-pack.

14. Best hotel: Cambria in Asheville. Nice nice people. Worst was--and I cannot remember the name because I blocked it out--a hotel in Key West that left you feeling like you needed a shower just by walking in.

15. Not souvenirs, really, but a little something for the house.

whkattk said...

1. I used to; seeing new places, meeting new people, discovering other cultures. Now it's just a pain in the ass.
2. Hiking (naked) through nationals parks.
3. ABC Islands in the Caribbean.
4. Yes. Nude cruise out of Key West.
5. Love it. But the cramped quarters and the 2-1/2 hours waiting in a terminal for a flight takes the joy out of it,
6. Yes. Some of it was fun, some of it was sluggish.
7. ???
8. Yes. A lot. And I prefer it that way. Easier to do what you want, when you want.
9. Much prefer winging it for the most part.
10. Where the locals go! Especially restaurants.
11. Boston. Athens.
12. The Parthenon.
13. Always light. Only a carry-on, regardless of the length of my stays.
14. Best: ??? Worst: Wyndham in Pico Rivera (S. CA.)
15. No. Only tchatchkes for others.
I'd love to return to Greece. I'd love to travel Italy from the Alps to Sicily.

Mistress Maddie said...

I see you managed to get in my two crushes....Deigo Barros and Isior, who is a real piolet!!!!!!!! I remember when I first came out I dated a piolet. It was my first real huge cock to play with and never looked back.

Do you like to travel? Hell Yes!!! I can't usually sit still in the spring and summer. All three big trips this summer were cancalled. The packing and selection of what to take is what I hate the most. I mean I hate to leave my hats behind.

What is your ideal day trip? Rehoboth Beach. I still might go one weekend by myself to just go. It's off season their now.

What is the next big trip you have planned? It was to be Lake Cuomo and Portofino. We shall see for next summer. Kenya is next up after that.

Have you been on a cruise? No desire...way to many people....and it's like a floating petri dish these days.

Who is your favorite traveling companion? Mistress Maddie's #1 Fan. We are good friends, same interests, FWB's if we get horny, yet we can hook up with others with no jealousies, or group action. He is very good with setting trip up and navigating foreign cities, while Im good at setting up where to eat and drink and the itinerary.

What sort of activities/experiences do you seek out when visiting a new city? The whole culture, architecture, parks, gardens, museums, nightlife. Points of intrests.

Favorite city you have visited? Hands down Buenos Aires!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most amazing thing you have ever seen while traveling? A toss up between the Casa Roseda where Eva Peron lived, or traveling on the Orient Express to Vienna.

Now if I could just play with the guy in the second picture down, THAT THING should keep me busy for a week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


SickoRicko said...

OMG! So many hot men! And I love "Fly, Robin, Fly"!

Sixpence Notthewiser said...

OMG Fly Robin Fly is fantastic!
And you have got to come back to Chicago! Yay.
I don’t really like flying. Much less now.
I would love to go to Barcelona. Have friend there and in Madrid and they’ve become annoyed at this point I have not visited.
I don’t have any big trips planned. I may go West for Xmas, though.

XoXo

anne marie in philly said...

1 - travel by train! see the country, meet interesting people on long distance trips!

2- the jersey shore

3 - no trips planned while COVID is around

4 - took a 3-day "cruise to nowhere" in 1998; was not impressed.

5 - 2 words: FUCK! NO!

6 - yes; I did a fall foliage bus trip to new england in 1981. it was ok, but everyone else on the trip was older than I.

7 - the husband

8 - yes, before husband #1, and after our divorce

9 - plan out some things and wing the rest

10 - museums, restaurants (not chains), just walking around the city, ride the public transportation, historic structures

11 - chicago, minneapolis, denver, pittsburgh

12 - niagara falls & horseshoe falls; the power of water cannot be discounted!

13 - pack lightly

14 - the doral in miami (before the dump bought it) [good}; some no-name motel in watkins glen NY on honeymoon with husband #1 [bad]

15 - shot glasses are my go-to souvenirs