Wonderland Burlesque: Rome

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...