A Sensitive Topic of Conversation

On July 13, 2017 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Photo Challenge8 Comments

Oddly enough, we have wanted to broach this subject ever since our return to the States. One of the things about traveling to different parts of the world is dealing with various bathrooms and the attitudes towards them. Obviously, this is a topic that make some people uncomfortable, but there are times when it is good to know what to expect before you go rather than being surprised, or perhaps even startled, once you get there.

In the United States, restrooms are usually tucked away in obscure locations, not to be seen and the expectation is that they are clean and there is an element of privacy. When spending time in Europe, you learn to let a little of your modesty go. The water closets are not usually spacious and don’t be surprised if the door opens to a full view of the bathroom with no obstruction for the guests outside. Occasionally you will have unisex bathrooms with private stalls, but a single washroom area. Since they are often retrofitted into older buildings, they are often small and awkwardly laid out. There will also sometimes be a bathroom attendant who collects tips although they rarely actually keep the area clean.

Eco Lodge in Bolivia – Looks can be Deceiving

That being said, the restrooms of Europe are nothing compared to those that you see when you travel to less modern parts of the world. Walking into a bathroom in India can lead you to the surprise that there is a hole in the ground and there is no toilet paper. There is a reason for the etiquette protocol that you don’t eat or shake hands with your left hand. We learned early on that we need to always carry tissues or a small roll of toilet paper with us when traveling places. In Bolivia, we stopped at place on our way to Lake Titicaca to use the restroom and were charged a dollar to once again for the use of a hole in the ground.

Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

This week’s Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is Bathrooms or Outhouses, which poses a bit of a challenge since we don’t usually take photos of bathrooms. We have, occasionally, taken some pictures at the hotels where we have stayed when the bathroom has been especially nice.

Would You Live on a Houseboat?

On July 5, 2017 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Netherlands, Photo Challenge23 Comments

When we were in Amsterdam, one of the common sights on the various canals were the different houseboats that were tied up all along the canal walls. We understand that the cost of buildings is extremely high in Amsterdam and living in a houseboat is an option to live there without having to purchase one of the townhomes that line either side of the canal. We see all of the new television shows about tiny living and having a tiny house on the water would probably suit a lot of people’s desires. We are definitely downsizing since all of our children are grown and live in various parts of the United States, but downsizing doesn’t mean having your bed in your kitchen, at least not to us. There are definitely some larger houseboats, but we’re not sure that we want to deal with all of the headaches that come along with boat ownership. Living on a houseboat might seem like a romantic way to live, but we’d rather live on firm ground. What are your thoughts?

For this week’s Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge, Motors for House or Garage, we selected a few photos of the houseboats of Amsterdam. They may or may not have working engines, but it isn’t likely that they ever go anyplace.

Hurry Up and Wait

On June 28, 2017 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Photo Challenge6 Comments

Anyone who travels with any kind of consistency knows that a lot of time is spent waiting for the plane or train to start boarding. It would be a depressing thought to calculate just how much of our lives have been spent sitting in airport lounges or train station platforms. On top of having to wait for a trip to begin, there can also be time that you spend waiting upon your arrival. Several times we have flown over night and arrived at our destination very early in the morning. There is nothing worse than arriving at your hotel and there isn’t a room ready and it is too early to start sightseeing, so you sit in the lobby, completely exhausted. Beach resorts are notorious for never allowing anyone to check in early, even if the rooms are available, but at least they have a nice area with views to have a colorful cocktail while you wait. In fact, we are so used to having to wait when we go to a beach resort that we put shorts and swimming suits in our carry-on bag so that we can change clothes and get comfortable while we wait for our room. This week’s Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is Furniture, Tables, Chairs, Sofa, etc. Here are a few photos from places where we spent time waiting for our adventures to begin.