Traveling with Girlfriends vs. Traveling with Your Partner

Southeast Asia is the part of the world my husband wants to visit most, but he could not join me on a tour of Malaysia, Laos, Thailand, and Brunei. Fortunately, my girlfriends were ready to go. During this trip, I realized that traveling with your girlfriends (or sisters or daughters) is different from traveling with your partner.

Difference #1: Fast vs. Slow Travel

Fast travel squeezes many stops into one trip, planning to return to the place you could not get enough of later. Slow travel means taking the time to experience the local culture. Bill thinks it’s just insane to do the former. But not me and my girlfriends. We can get our photos taken at a famous landmark. Then, next!

We started with an overnight layover at the Kuala Lumpur Airport Hotel for a much-missed authentic Hainanese chicken dinner. The following day, we arrived in Vientiane, the Laotian capital. A day and a half got us to the top six attractions. We even had time for a Laotian Catholic mass. Then, off to Brunei!

We also had an overnight layover at the Dom Mueang International Airport. Even if there was a Wat just around the corner, we hired a car to see downtown Bangkok. We got awesome night views of the Grand Palace, the iconic Wats, and the home of the father of the King. The next day we were ready for our day and a half in Brunei where we visited eight top attractions.

Difference #2:  Fast vs. Slow Shopping

Women take their time before buying (huge understatement). We scour a shopping area to survey what things are available for women. When we find something we just must have, we bargain for the best value. Men don’t have the patience to do this; they would rather read a newspaper with a favorite cup at a cafe. They go to the specific store where they always like to get an item. Full stop.

At the Malaysian airport, we shopped for souvenir items. In Laos, we squeezed in a trip to a Night Market near our Ibis Vientiane Hotel. We even made it to Chatuchak, the biggest Night Market in downtown Bangkok, to buy $1 scarves. Never mind how much the car ride to get there cost us! In Brunei we got stuck in the mall asrain poured. We were able to get lovely scarves (again) for a “steal.”

Girlfriends invariably find something; then the rest of us would say, “Me, too!” Or there is a real answer when I ask, “Does this look good on me?” Shopping with them is quite synergistic. The only drawback is, Bill’s not there to pay for the item(s). The solution: have an extension of his credit card!

But there are similarities, too.

Similarity #1: Culture, History,, and Landmarks

Both love culture, history, and landmarks. Bill would also have gone to the same attractions with a big difference: it would have taken a couple more days. He would also add a visit to war memorials or play in bodies…of water. He would also not spend any time taking photos except to humor his wife.

Similarity #2: Local Food

We loved the most popular Malaysian Hainanese Chicken Rice chain in the KL International Airport food court. In Laos, we spent big bucks to savor a Laotian meal at a 5-star hotel. In Bangkok, we had a sumptuous seafood dinner at the popular Kuang Seafood Center. Finally, in Brunei, we splurged on a full-course meal at the 6-star Empire Resort. Bill would have loved and paid for them!

You are lucky if you can have both!

7 Must-Do Activities: the Best of Venice Beach on a Weekend

If you want to see the best of Venice Beach on a weekend, strap yourself in. You haven’t seen anything like this before.

Its reputation. Huge. The muscles. Huge. The personalities. Huge.

But, in terms of size, it’s actually relatively small. Stretching just three miles along the Los Angeles coastline, Venice Beach packs in about as much fun as it could possibly fit.

Yes, it’s touristy. But you’ve just got to accept that.

In return, you’ll enjoy one of California’s most energy-boosting and eccentric attractions. And if you only have a weekend in which to see it all, you should check out these seven activities.

1. People-watch on the Boardwalk

Let’s get it out the way first. You have to stroll the Boardwalk. Nay-sayers might object, saying it’s too tourist-heavy. And, yes, there are many, many tourists there.

But there are also gravity-defying acrobats, impossibly athletic break dancers, fantastic (and some not-so-fantastic) musicians, almost-unwatchable glass walkers, and future-predicting fortune tellers. And lots of eccentric bystanders.

It doesn’t cost anything to walk the mile-and-a-half paved route. But you might want to bring some loose change to reward the performers. Additionally, if you’re looking for something to bring home, there are plenty of shops vying for your tourist bucks. My advice would be to surprise someone with a tacky-yet-fun souvenir or two.

2. Go thrift shopping

Venice Beach is a Mecca for the alt-fashionistas. Hit the boardwalk and you’ll see what I mean. You can’t move for glittering piercings, full-sleeve tats, and clothes that are so bad they’re good. Yup, the Boardwalk is really a catwalk.

But, if you’re anything like me, you might need to raid a few clothes stores first to not look completely out of place. Now, there are plenty of high-end boutiques in Venice. But bargains can be found in the local thrift stores. Expect to find vintage pieces, quirky cut-offs, and super stylish accessories at reasonable prices.

3. Watch the skaters

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a journeyed skater or can’t tell your kick-flips from your pop shove-its. You must visit the iconic skate park on Venice Beach. There you’ll find an undulating concrete course filled with stylishly tattooed adrenaline junkies. Admittedly, that doesn’t sound too different from every other skate park.

But what separates Venice Skate Park’s offering is the stunning setting right on the sands. Join the throngs at sunset when the glorious rays cast a magical light over the action. What’s more, you’ll be part of history. Skateboarding was invented in California in the 1950s by bored surfers looking to get pumped while the waves were flat. It was and still is, the true home of skateboarding.

4. Admire the bodybuilders

Muscle Beach Venice. The home of ripped bros and bulging biceps. During your trip to Venice, set some time aside to watch the bodybuilders do what they do best: lifting something heavy and then putting it back down again. Of course, I’m just messing around. Those Herculean guys and gals are seriously impressive athletes.

Will you feel guilty about your unused gym membership? Probably. But shove those feelings deep in the closet where your gym card lies. Because Muscle BeachMuscle Beach is an icon of LA. At one point or another, it’s been the home gym of the world’s most famous bodybuilders, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno. And you can work out where they once flexed. It’ll only set you back around $10.

5. Ride the waves with Californian surfers

Can you really come to California and not hit the waves? Answer: No. Luckily, Venice Beach is good for beginners and experienced riders alike. Breakwater, found at the center of the Boardwalk, is Venice’s most popular surf spot. Which means lots of people. Both a good and bad thing.

It’s good because you can seek lots of advice if you’re a newbie. But bad because you’ll probably get in someone’s way. A big no-no in the surfing world. If you want to feel comfortable and progress quickly, hire a surf instructor. You’ll be conquering the waves in no time. If you don’t fancy taking the plunge, an enjoyable morning can be spent watching the pros from the safety of the shore.

6. Relax on the canals

Venice Beach is bold, brash, and full of life. But at one point during your weekend, you’ll want to take it easy. And, for that, you should take a leisurely stroll along the Venice Canals. A far cry from the fire breathers and street performers of The Boardwalk, the canals were modeled on the waterways of Venice, Italy.

They’re obviously nowhere near as extensive but they do have a wonderfully European charm. Simply go with the plan to relax, admire the reflections, and ogle the (very) expensive houses that sit on the banks. And, once you’re done, you can dive straight back into the eccentricity that is Venice Beach – fully refreshed.

7. Eat on AK Boulevard

To keep up with the whirlwind that is Venice Beach, you’ll need sustenance. And when it’s time to eat, you should head straight for Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The mile-long street is lined with trendy boutiques, colorful murals, and edgy salons. It’s also a haven for foodies.

There are many, many restaurants to choose from. But for healthy, hipster cuisine, head to The Butcher's Daughter. The plant-based restaurant (or “vegetable slaughterhouse” as they call it) offers exquisite dishes without the guilt. And when you’ve got to walk past Muscle Beach every day that – for some reason – becomes important.

And there you have it: the mysterious and magical Venice Beach on a weekend. In part, maximizing your experience in Venice Beach is about wandering and seeing where your adventure takes you. So don’t be afraid of following your gut instincts and going with the flow.

But when you want more of a structure, enjoy these seven activities and you won’t go wrong. Oh, and remember to take your camera. There are lots and lots of incredible things to see in Venice. And you’ll need some physical evidence.

***This is a guest post.

FOR THOSE ON MOBILE, SHARE BUTTONS APPEAR WHEN YOU CLICK WEB VERSION AT THE VERY END AFTER COMMENTS.

PREVIOUS POST
5 Refreshing Socially Distanced Trips to State, Regional, and National Parks

The Riviera Revival, ST Wine, and Value Shopping: Not Just Another Day in Ensenada, Mexico

For our second port of call on our Carnival Imagination Cruise, we had a hard time deciding which shore excursion to take. There were more than twenty options. At first, we wanted to see La Burfadora, a blowhole, but we had seen such things in our travels and dreaded the thought that the water does not blow or blows too short. The girl at the desk said it depends on the tide. Then we spotted “A Scenic Tour of the Gold Coast of Baja California” but we had seen a lot of gold coasts, too. We ended up with a City and Shopping Tour because we did not want to finish the tour and now know anything about Ensenada.

Riviera del Pacifico

from the top, clockwise: the imperfect tile, the wooden ceiling and chandelier,
the great corridors, and part  of the elegant bars

The first stop was the Riviera del Pacifico Cultural and Convention Center. The landmark was built and then opened in 1930 in response to the American Prohibition. North Americans needed a place south of the border for entertainment and alcohol (Tijuana, then Rosarito, and finally Ensenada). The end of the Prohibition spelled doom, however, after which it intermittently operated, and then was put to military use in WWII. At the end of the war, the only remaining owner fell in love with Marjorie Plant, an American, and gave the property to her. She ran it successfully for 15 years but legal troubles arose between Marjorie (and the man she finally married) and the original owner. The property was thereafter taken over, closed, and partly demolished by the government.

When it was going to be demolished, the townsfolk clamored to save its historical and architectural icon. Rebuilt in 1978, the hotel has reopened and includes a theater, a historical museum, and rooms for a variety of functions. The dome’s wooden ceiling and the largest of the chandeliers were thankfully preserved. It was interesting to note some imperfections such as the bizarre tile on the floor. But the large bar has retained its elegance. It is where margaritas were said to have been first served as a drink (Marjorie is Margarita in Spanish). And that’s what we were served at the tour's end!

Santo Tomas Winery wines and olive oils

The second stop was Santo Tomas Winery. The Santo Tomás Mission, founded by Jesuit priests in 1791, had reactivated large-scale production of wine in Mexico. In 1843, Dominican priests also began growing grapes at the nearby Guadalupe Valley, one of the few in the world, along with Napa Valley in California and Rhone Valley in France, for growing premium wine grapes. 

In 1888, the former lands of the Santo Tomás Mission were sold to a group that established the first large-scale commercial winery. Today, it is the earliest winery of its kind still in continuous operation in Mexico. It was then called Bodegas Santo Tomás and was producing low-quality wines. 

But today, its dessert wine just won in the 2017 San Francisco Wine Festival. In fact, Baja California now produces 90% of Mexican wine. The wine and a white, a rose, and a red plus six different olive oils with bread and cheese were served for us to taste. I liked the dessert wine so much, we brought one bottle home.

one of the wraps we considered

The third stop was what I had been waiting for. I had one big mission: to find a wrap I could wear over my swimsuit for the next day’s return voyage when we would have a whole day at sea. We were given about an hour and a half but that wasn’t enough time for getting a flavor of Mexico so we told the tour guides not to wait for us. 

Bill had a heyday, fending off the creative and insistent ways vendors tried to get us into their store to buy jewelry, clothing, and crafts. Actually, he played the good guy and I played the bad guy. He would always escape with “I am just following her.” And I would go on walking as if I was in earnest search of things other than what they were offering. Pretty soon, I found my wrap, pareos they call it, for $8.

one of the restaurants we considered

Satisfied with the bargain we found, we looked for a place to have our authentic Mexican lunch. My daughter, who was with the previous cruise at the beginning of the week, recommended the Taverna de Madrid. Unfortunately, it was closed. We finally chose the place to which a lot of the vendors told us to go. 

El Charro was on the ground floor of a beautiful old Spanish style building we had noticed early on. The chile rellenos and rez machaca were both great choices. But I couldn’t eat the Nacho chips. The salsa was oh-so-hot! But the best part is that my romantic husband got me a long-stemmed red rose for all of fifty cents!

And the day was complete. At around 3 pm, well before our ship’s departure time of 5:30 pm, we walked to where the public shuttle buses could be found. That’s when we realized the Riviera was just outside the dock. We didn’t have to pay for the $30 pp excursion fee charged by Carnival! We could have taken the shuttle, toured the Riviera, skipped the wine tour, walked to the shopping square, and eaten with gusto our Mexican lunch for just $2 each way pp or a total of $8! 

But, no, I like my souvenir wine, however expensive it turned out to be!

see the great Mexican food and the rose?

Recreational Shopping at Mesa Marketplace: Finding a Gem of a Merchant

the beautiful Judy Reber of Merino USA

Bill and I have been snowbirds in the Phoenix area since 2013, making it our base while traveling for 6- 8 months per year. There is a lot to do at the Viewpoint Golf and Tennis Resort where we stay. Some weekends we go to the Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet. The place bills itself as ideal for recreational shopping and treasure hunting. It is huge with six corridors of stalls to satisfy every fancy.

The food court sells traditional swap meet goodies. We schedule out trips to the Swap Meet around brunch time to get our fill of hot dogs, burgers, or tacos together with hot cocoa, coffee and or soda, depending on the day’s temperature. The central food court always has live country music for entertainment. The mood is always festive, but the shopping remains relaxed and hassle-free.

We have found some bargains there, from cowboy hats, homemade baked goodies, unique flavors of salsa and jams, slippers, kitchen gadgets, linens and dashboard covers for our little Saturn. But it is our hunt for stocking stuffers for Christmas that brings us there every year before Christmas. Last December 4, we made our first trip this year. That’s when we found a gem of a merchant.

Bill had been having severely cracked heels. The Arizona dry weather has been particularly hard on his skin. We have a humidifier, but it does not seem to do its job. Bill has tried every brand from the supermarkets, department stores, and pharmacies, dutifully slathering creams on his feet after his daily shower and before bedtime but alas, the cracks have persisted and sometimes even bleed.

Bill  at the Merino USA stall in Mesa Marketplace

We were simply browsing at a kiosk when we overheard another couple gush, “We’re back in town, and we’re here for our usual supply!” They were talking to this gorgeous lady, the owner of the store across from us. Curious, we asked about their products. The owner happily gave Bill a little sample jar of their Crack Blaster R&R, a combination of a thick healing salve along with fragrance-free rich lanolin cream.

The next weekend Bill could not wait to go back to get his regular supply! We were lucky the owner,  Judy Reber was there. The Crack Blaster is the flagship product of Merino Skin Care USA. Her skin care line also includes the Lanolin Skin Crème, Lanolin Lip Balm, Collagen Facial Crème, Placenta Eye Cream and Placenta Skin Crème. She also now has a line of cosmetics used by several celebrities.

One of her major testimonials is from Dr. Lewis Freed, a foot and ankle surgeon from Scottsdale, Arizona. He says, "For individuals living with diabetes, dry skin is a much more severe problem. Because certain skin conditions, such as inflammation, itching, and bacterial or fungal type infections often accompany diabetes, they can be an indicator that you are living with the disease before you are even aware or diagnosed. Due to these conditions, a simple condition such as dry skin can lead to sores, open wounds and difficult-to-heal infections, which can – in the most severe cases – put individuals at risk for a chronic disease and potentially, an amputation.”

Judy and the Crack Blaster

He learned about Merino products through one of his patients 12 years ago. Since then, Dr. Lewis Freed, D.P.M., FACFAS, with the East Valley Foot and Ankle Clinic in Mesa, Ariz., loves to recommend the products to his diabetic patients suffering from dry skin and/or scars to prevent the conditions from developing further complications, such as open wounds.

He adds, “Unlike many dry skin cream products that further dry out the skin, lanolin approaches the skin’s natural oils and protects and prevents further damage. I recommend the Merino moisturizer for several reasons. People tolerate it well, most people do not have an allergy to lanolin, it is protective as well as restorative and isn’t cost prohibitive.   So for people living with diabetes, Merino products are beyond just skin repair. They are good health care.”

Other doctors have provided their own testimonials at the website. But the owner Judy, with her engaging personality and radiant physical beauty, is the best testimonial of her products. I am so lucky to have met her. She gave me a full bottle of Lanolin Skin Crème to try. Bill and I have found another reason to be back at the Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet. This time it will be for our supplies, just like that couple we overheard.

So head on out to 10550 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ 85209, at stall B-83, Don't forget to tell the lady the secret code "rvcruising" or go to www.merinousa.com type "rvcruising" upon checkout and get a 20% discount up to April 30!