Plumbing reached a hysterically funny new low at the Muong Chanh Hotel, Lai Chau, Vietnam. Just to clear the record, no one has ever referred to me as a "Princess" and I'm as at home peeing behind a bush along the road...squatting over holes... as sitting on a" white throne" in an average Western-style bathroom.

I've puked alongside a major highway in Pakistan while semis stopped to watch me... stayed in a Chinese dump where the toilet hole was cut into a 3-foot high, raised marble slab and a person had to lay on their back with butt in hole to use ... learned how to use and cope with an all-in-one shower. One of these usually has a wall shower head located between the toilet and sink without a shower curtain or shower door to keep the water from spraying all over the entire bathroom. Remove toilet paper before using! But just as we learn to adapt, there is always another new experience waiting around the corner.

Continue reading "Funny and Strange Plumbing in Developing Countries" »

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I can manage to pick up food poisoning or get stomach upsets at home in the United States. Everyone eats something, somewhere, that doesn't want to stay down. But at least I'm usually in my own house with my own "white throne" to be deathly sick in.

It's common knowledge that a smart traveler avoids: fruit that cannot be peeled; raw vegetables; unclean water; and raw fish/meats. Scrupulously clean hands are another important must. We all know these rules and I do my best to follow them.

Stomach upsets when traveling raises this problem to a whole new level. And, if you have the "stomach" (ha-ha) to read the following, I'll share some of my worst (and most memorable) experiences and perhaps you can avoid the same mistakes.

Continue reading "Stomach Upsets While Traveling" »

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Most people go to Italy to see ancient ruins, eat wonderful food and drink great wine. I thought that was what we were going to do when I foolishly planned a trip with "ex-Marine" (husband, Steve), and our five (two mine, three his) children. (Yes, I do have lots of "screws loose in my head.") And, if you read some of my other articles, you know that I am also incredibly naive!

Early in our marriage, I asked "ex-Marine" if...I scrimped and saved most of my earnings for one year...would he be willing to take the five "darlings" to Europe for one month? Still euphoric over our marriage, he said YES! (Silly him...)

Continue reading "Looking for Beer Cans in Italy" »

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