My Trip to my hometown Columbus, Ohio

MY FAMILY


Hello Everyone,

I visited my hometown, Columbus, Ohio last week. It's been two years since I lasted visited. My immediate family still lives in Columbus. My mom, brother and his family, one of my sisters and her family and all of my aunts. A lot of my friends have left Columbus, but I still have a couple that are still there. I enjoyed seeing them all during my visit. My mom talked about our move to Las Vegas or somewhere in Arizona next summer. My mom and I have decided to move out West together. My mom can hardly wait to get out of Columbus so that she can experience new and different things. She is in her sixties and definitely ready for a change. My sister talked about finding a new job. She hates where she works currently. Especially the management. I mentioned to her that it is up to her to make a change for herself, especially if she is unhappy. I mentioned to her that life is to short to be unhappy at a job you spend 8 to 10 hours a day. She agreed and made a commitment to herself to find a new job. My niece just had a baby boy that is not quite a month old. He is so cute. I attached his picture to this blog below. My niece is trying to get use to his sleeping pattern. He thinks night time is daytime(lol). This is my nieces first child, so it is definitely an adjustment for her. I visited with my brother, his wife and my niece. They are doing well. My niece is 4 years old but seems like she is much wiser in years. To be 4 years old, my niece is very smart. She let me hear her count to 20 in spanish. She also loves the piano. She will play her own songs and give you titles of each song she plays. My brother mentioned that they will provide her with piano lessons soon.

THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
The City of Columbus did go through some changes since my last visit. For one, they closed down a major shopping mall. There was a mall built downtown Columbus, but it has since closed. It was only open for a few years. I guess they were not getting the shoppers they expected. I grew up on the northeast side of town and everything still looks the same since I left. Same housing and stores. No new development.

THE PEOPLE OF COLUMBUS
The one thing that I like and have always liked about Columbus is the people. They are very friendly and will speak to you even though they may not know you personally. When I left Columbus and moved to Philadelphia, it was an adjustment that people did not make eye contact and speak. When I would speak to people in Philadelphia, they looked at me like I was from another planet(lol). So I had to adjust. My family are down south people. My mom is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. To this day, my mom has a down south air about her. Very friendly and hospitable. I'm not putting down the people of Philadelphia, just wanted to point out the one main differece I noticed when I moved here. If I had to choose between living in Philadelphia or Columbus, my pick would be Philadelphia. I'll just say Philadelphia is a GREAT city filled with lots of culture.

DRIVING IN COLUMBUSYes, the people in Columbus still drive SLOW(lol). I drove a few times while I was there and had to be reminded that I was not in Philadelphia. It's like the drivers in Columbus have all day to get to their destination. I did adjust though and drove the speed limit of 55mph on the expressway.

Things I did in Columbus
I will admit, I did spend a lot of time on-line. Had to keep things going from a business perspective. Me, my sister and niece went swimming. We had lots of fun just playing in the pool and talking. Me and my mom went shopping a couple times. I picked up a couple pair of Diva shoes(lol). We then went to eat at the spaghetti warehouse. The food was VERY tasty. I was so stuffed, I relaxed for the rest of the day. My aunt Shirley had a dinner at her house where she invited all the family. I had a good time visiting with the rest of my family. We talked about our kids, jobs and businesses. My cousin started a carpet cleaning business in Columbus about 3 years ago and is doing really well. Other family members assist him in the business, which is a GREAT thing.

Well, I must be going now. Just wanted to share my Travel experiences with you. Enjoy!

What To Pack for Your Trip

The number-one rule in packing for a trip, unless you have hired several football players to carry your gear for you, is to pack lightly. You will be moving your luggage into the trunk of your car, out of the trunk of your car, through the airport, off of the luggage carousel, to the train station, to the bus stop, onto the bus, off the bus, back two kilometers because you overshot your stop, up six flights of stairs, and onto the dresser.

While this might be a great exercise, you might rather save your energy for climbing up to the top of the cathedral. Leave the bowling ball at home.

Below is an initial list of recommended items to pack for your travel. Feel free to add or take away items from the list based on your travel needs.

Clothes:

• 2 Pair Trousers, one casual/nice-ish type, one casual/jean-ish


• 1 Long, lightweight, travel-type skirt--optional, as trousers are acceptable in most countries now days ("packable" and non-wrinkle)


• 1-2 Pair lightweight shorts (can double as swimsuit and pajamas, though maybe not in the same day!)


• 2 Lightweight, nice (not old), not white T-shirts or polo's


• 2 Nice (dressier) shirts/blouses, long or short sleeve, your choice (depending on climate)


• 1 "Layerable," lightweight, long-sleeve shirt such as a Henley, turtleneck, or a lightweight sweater (can wear if arrival city is a little chilly)


• 1 Rain jacket, waterproof, packable, & lightweight (always plan on rain...); When traveling by plane, it tends to get a little cold on most flights; plus, it can make a nice pillow


• 1 Swim suit (if don't want shorts to double)


• 7-9 Underwear (small to pack and clean underwear make a world of difference!)


• 7-9 Pair of Socks (small to pack and clean socks make a world of difference!)


• 1-2 Shoes. A pair of comfy, low-profile tennis-type shoes and/OR a pair of waterproof-breathable shoes that can be used for moderate hiking and playing activities with kids in the street. Unless you are planning on hard core trekking in Patagonia, you don't need anything special.


• Never skimp on shoes. A pair of comfy shoes is essential!


• 1 Walkable sandals (not flip-flops) for shower floors, beaches, etc. (aqua socks are nice).


• 1 Belt (reversible is nice)


• 2-3 Brassiers (bras), women only (I hope!)


• 3 Scrungees or hair clips, long hair only

Other Items:

• 2 pair of earplugs; these are INVALUABLE!!


• 1 Map of the region; A GOOD MAP IS ESSENTIAL!!


• 1 small, reliable, tough flashlight w/new batteries


• 1 Shampoo; small squeeze bottle! (Dr. Brommer's Castile Soap can be used for everything from washing clothes to brushing teeth...I like peppermint flavored...)


• Soap - (I recommend custom made and natural soaps from Majestic Events & Gifts - http://www.majestiqueevents.com/)


• 1 Pit Jit (deodorant - I recommend Essential Deodorant 2 oz from http://smellgoodspa.com/)


• 1 Each: Comb/Brush, Razor, & small Travel Tooth-stuff (if you run out, just pop into a neighborhood department store -- usually a great cultural experience in itself!)


• 1 Camera, loaded with film


• 1 Film (1-7 rolls, depending on length of stay)


• 1 Each, Travel Journal & small notepad


• 2 Pens...make sure they write in hot, humid, & cold weather


• 1 Pair of small binoculars (Great to get a close-up look at ceilings, architecture, and art in cathedrals, galleries, and museums and birds, animals, landscapes...)


• 5 Yards small nylon cord/rope, for clothesline & other uses (optional)


• 1 Sunglasses


• 1 Prescription glasses or contacts and solution (if necessary...I take a back-up pair of glasses as well)


• 1 Small towel &/OR large washcloth (optional)


• Several small packages of Kleenex, very handy! (optional)


• 10-15 small "wet naps" (like from KFC...you can also pick these up en route sometimes...) -- optional, but very handy!!


• Any prescription/OTC medicine you need, clearly labeled and in the original bottle


• 1 "Ditty" bag for ladies' supplies (make-up, etc. - Recommend Fugly Lab - Sample Size Cosmetic products - http://www.fuglylab.com)


• 1-2 Really, really good Guide Books (Blue Guides for History/Art/Architecture/Archeology; Green Guides for driving and a good overview; Rick Steves, Rough Guides, or Lonely Planet for travel info; Footprint for South America); Always buy the most recent edition of the guidebook


• 1 Waterproof, reliable watch with alarm

Make sure you do NOT forget these items (should be kept on your body):

Passport

• Wallet w/credit cards (ATM/Debit card, 1 each VISA & Master Card, make sure one is GOLD status or higher) and Cash (US$100 emergency fund)


• Plane/Rental Car tickets/rail pass/reservations (or receipts if you have e-tickets)
  Luggage Recommendations:

Luggage Brands - I love Samsonite and Eagle Creek luggage. Not too bulky and lightweight. I have not used the other brands listed, but they have very high reviews.

Samsonite
Briggs & Riley
Eagle Creek
Hartmann
Kipling
Tumi
Bric's
Victorinox/Swiss Army
Vera Bradley

Girlfriend Getaways - 2008

Girlfriend Getaways 2008

The only thing more fun than a girls' night out is two in a row—or three, or five. Whether you and your friends are looking to party all night, max out your credit cards, or enjoy a relaxing massage or a glass of wine, ProfessionalTravelGuide.com has the information you need to plan a fun and memorable Girlfriend Getaway.


Miami

Miami's beaches are famous. Go, relax, soak up the sun. But if you and the girls need a break from the sand and surf, check out the rest of lively Miami: international restaurants, trendy nightlife and shopping galore. And who says professional sports are just for the guys? Miami has football, baseball and basketball teams, as well as horse racing.

Hotel Recommendations
If there are golfers in your group, the Doral Golf Resort-Spa is the perfect setting. Nongolfers will have plenty of options there, too. At the spectacular Mandarin Oriental, Miami, you and your girlfriends can sample 250 different martinis in the lobby lounge. For the health-conscious, the Mandarin offers special Spa Lifestyle Rooms.



Phoenix/Scottsdale

Phoenix and Scottsdale are prime pampering destinations. These youthful neighboring cities offer spas to suite every taste. To feel like you've earned your massage, spend your days in the desert: Take a Jeep tour, go hiking or biking, or take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. For a little culture, choose from an abundance of performing arts venues.

Hotel Recommendations
At the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, the staff will treat you and your girlfriends like queens. At the lovely Roy al Palms Resort and Spa, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a Mediterranean villa. Eclectic art and antiques accent the public rooms.


Los Angeles

Hollywood stars. Disneyland. The Pacific Ocean. What could be more fun than exploring this city of sunshine and palm trees side by side with your best friends? Partake in pop culture at its most glamorous, from Hollywood Boulevard to the clubs of Sunset Strip to the shops on Rodeo Drive. Los Angeles is full of the stuff legends are made of.

Hotel Recommendations
You’ll be in the company of plenty of celebrities at the Hotel Bel-Air, but this refine d property is far from pretentious. And the gardens are gorgeous. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel also offers plenty of opportunities for celebrity-sightings, and it’s close to local attractions, as well as Hollywood and the beaches.


Napa Valley

California's wine region is the quintessential girlfriend getaway. It has one of the best grape-growing climates in the world—some say even better than France. The big-name vineyards are obvious choices, but be sure to tour some of the small, family-run wineries as well. If you need a day to sober up, San Francisco's sights are an easy drive away.

Hotel Recommendations
After a day of wine tasting, the girls will enjoy relaxing in the spa or by the pool at the Villagio Inn & Spa. Rooms at the world-class Carneros Inn are designed for elegant comfort, and the grounds are breathtaking.



Las Vegas

Las Vegas is constantly changing and never dull. Casinos, nightclubs, luxury hotels, every kind of entertainment imaginable and fabulous restaurants provide plenty of opportunities for girlfriends to reconnect and let loose. Good museums and the nearby Red Rock Canyon provide a respite from the buzz of the Strip.

Hotel Recommendations
Since it’s a special getaway, you may as well go for the top: the Bellagio has long been considered the cream of the crop in Vegas. Other excellent choices include the Wynn Las Vegas, the Mirage, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Caesars and the Venetian.


New York City

Ladies, take your credit cards. Regardless of your taste or budget, New York has a store, boutique or district perfect for you. Spend the days shopping and seeing the sights and the evenings at the theater, opera or symphony. Dining options are limitless, but don't overlook the hole-in-the-wall diners and pizza joints.

Hotel Recommendations
The Hilton Times Square is right in the middle of the action, close to theaters, cinemas and shopping, and its nicely sized rooms are clean and the staff is attentive. Indulge all your senses with a treatment in the spa at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, New York or swim in the panoramic 75-foot lap pool that has a view almost as grand as from the 35th-floor lobby. The Renaissance New York Hotel Times Square is ideally located for visiting the theater, and it offers outstanding views of the city. For trend-seekers, the W New York Times Square is the top choice.



New Orleans

Mardi Gras, street performers, Cajun and Creole food, historic architecture, voodoo vendors and Bourbon Street bars all collide to create the festive atmosphere that is New Orleans. Book a room in the French Quarter and explore on foot; there are enough shops, restaurants and nightclubs to keep you busy for days. Be sure to catch some live music.

Hotel Recommendations
For comfort, convenience and charm, try the Dauphine Orleans Hotel, a delightful inn in the French Quarter. In the heart of the action and next to the Ritz-Carlton, The Iberville Suites may be just the pl ace for a girls getaway. The suites provide distinctive living and sleeping areas.



Charleston

Charleston is steeped in history. Stroll along Rainbow Row to admire the historic architecture; visit Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began; enjoy the views from Riverfront and Waterfront parks; and shop at the Old City Market. In the evening, stuff yourselves on seafood and enjoy a cocktail on a patio downtown.

Hotel Recommendations
For a true taste of the Old South, stay at Charleston Place in the hi storic district. Southern living doesn’t get much better than this! Wentworth Mansion also is an excellent choice for an authentic experience.



Chicago

Chicago's biggest draws are architecture, museums and shopping. Take a city tour to view the famous public sculptures and landmark buildings, then buy a CityPass for everyone in your group and enjoy admission to five of Chicago's top attractions. After Michigan Avenue shopping, venture out of the city to enjoy the area's parks, gardens and zoos.

Hotel Recommendations
The luxurious Fairmont Chicago offers excellent value and is perfectly situated for Chicago’s many attractions. Other excellent choices include Park Hyatt Chicago and the Omni Chicago Hotel, where suites may be just the thing f or late-night group talks.


Seattle

If you're coffee-culture gals, don't miss Seattle. Visit the original Starbuck's location, but don't get stuck there. Seattle has dozens of excellent coffeehouses to peruse. Stroll through century-old Pike Place Market and explore the city's diverse neighborhoods. Take a ferry ride into Puget Sound or check out some of the city's excellent parks.

Hotel Recommendations
If you and your girlfriends are most comfortable in a historic setting, then The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is your best bet. If your comfort zone is sleek and contempo rary, then your top choices are Sorrento, Hotel Monaco and W Seattle.



Savannah

Savannah is the Old South incarnate, full of cobblestoned streets, historic homes and even horse-drawn carriages. Feast on southern cooking and seafood in River Street’s restaurants, and stick around after dinner for the party atmosphere. Excellent beaches, including Tybee and Hilton Head islands, are within an easy drive.

Hotel Recommendations
Traditionalists will love the authenticity of the Ballastone Inn, located in the heart of the historic district. This luxurious B&B is full of southern charm. Overlooking beautiful Chippewa Square, the centrally located Fole y House Inn also exudes southern warmth and style. Both of these B&Bs are within walking distance of restaurants, shopping and sightseeing.