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Park Guell…No Straight Lines

 “There are no straight lines or corners in nature. Therefore, buildings must have no straight lines or sharp corners.”  Antioni Gaudi

That quote rings true when you walk through Park Güell in Barcelona.

Park Güell was commissioned by Eusebi Güell who wanted to create a stylish park for Barcelona aristocracy. When he acquired this large estate in the late 1800s, he deemed it the perfect place for a park worthy of his wealthy clientele. After all, the views looking out over the sea and all of Barcelona were unbeatable. His plan was to design and then sell the plots.

He hired Antoni Gaudi, a practitioner of Catalan Modernism. Gaudi already had built or was in the process of building a wine cellar in El Garraf, the church of the Colonia Gruell, Palacio Güell, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, work on the Nativity façade and crypt of La Sagrada Familia. Quite the architect.

His vision was that the 60 triangular plots with their complex network of roads, viaducts, and stairs would wind through the estate. All this while working within severe restrictions. Only one sixth of the entire plot could be built and he had to stay within the height requirements, so he didn’t disturb the views of other residents.

Gaudi respected the existing vegetation, like carob trees and olive groves. When he introduced new species, he chose Mediterranean plants. He also devised systems for collecting and storing water from the cooking systems he learned as a child.

All good ideas.

However, the complex conditions of the sale of plots, old contracts, the lack of adequate transportation, and the very exclusive character of the urbanization made it unfeasible. In the absence of buyers, the works were abandoned in 1914. Only two of the 60 planned houses had been built. The park thus became a large private garden, which Güell ceded for public events. At this time, it began to appear in the tourist guides of Barcelona as one of the attractions of the city.

Eusebi Güell died in his house in Park Güell in 1918 and his heirs offered the park to the City Council. In 1926 it was opened as a municipal park. The house of the Güell family was qualified as a public school, which took the name of Baldiri Reixac pedagogue.

Thanks to the work of Gaudí’s Friends, Gaudí’s house at the Park Güell opened to the public as a Casa Museu Gaudí in 1963.

Park Güell thus became a public park highly valued by the locals and an important focus of attraction for visitors. It was recognized as an artistic monument in 1969 and was declared World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1984.

Walk around. It’s not hard to imagine this as a planned urban development. Views are spectacular. I mean…who wouldn’t want to live here?

At the top of the park is a terraced area where you can view the entire park and Barcelona. Take some time to sit on one of the many vibrant, multi-colored tiled mosaic seats. They look hard and not very comfortable. Just sit. The way they are constructed provides a delightful seat with just the right amount of back support.  Trust me, you’ll want to sit here and enjoy the afternoon.

Gaudi’s use of colored tile is everywhere. I do mean everywhere. I love the famous Gaudi dragon fountain at the entrance. Everyone wants their picture taken with it.

Try to envision yourself living here. Even in the early 1900s, this would have been the place to be. It’s that special.

Every time we thought we had seen it all, something new caught our eye. As we left, we meandered through the central walkway, supported by twisting rock pillars that appear to be growing right out of the ground. It was easy to see how Gaudi used nature in his design. It’s evident throughout.

We planned on spending a couple of hours here. It stretched to more than that.

If You Go: Park Güell is located on Olot street in Barcelona. To reach in the most convenient and practical way in the Monumental Axis three accesses are recommended: the one of the street of Larrard (main entrance), the one of the highway of the Carmel, no. 23, where there is also the car park for tourist coaches, and a third, the one from the pass of Sant Josep de la Muntanya, which is accessed by escalators. Be prepared for a lot of walking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Why Should You Pack That?

Want some more ideas for packing? Check these:

Clothing Items

  • Hiking boots
  • Dress shoes
  • Flip-flops/shower shoes
  • Socks/long & short
  • Dress socks
  • Underpants
  • Undershirts/bras
  • Pajamas
  • Wind/rain jackets
  • Light fleece
  • Heavy fleece
  • Umbrella
  • Jeans
  • Belts
  • Dress pants
  • Dress/Skirts
  • Jewelry/watches
  • Sunglasses
  • Long Underwear/top & pants
  • Turtlenecks
  • Tee-shirts/short & long-sleeved
  • Dress shirts
  • Shawl, Pashmina, or Large Scarf

 

I know I’m being redundant. But, in case you think this is another long list, think about where you’re going and what you’re going to do. If you don’t need a heavy fleece when you travel to Cancun, or hiking boots when you’re headed to the opera in Paris…don’t pack them. Don’t wear pajamas? Don’t take any.

Customize…customize.

On a serious note, I always have a packable umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket in my luggage. The weather report may say no rain, but I’ve heard that before. As a rule, I don’t travel in jeans. I want something more flexible.

Scarves are chic, warm you up, cool you down (if dampened), block the sun, and can be worn as an accessory with different outfits. For churches that require your shoulders to be covered, a scarf is ideal. A nice Pashmina can double as a blanket or pillow and as a shawl for the evening. For me, it’s a must have in my carry-on.

As for jewelry, leave the good stuff at home. I know you like to look good and that’s okay. Get a couple of cheaper, nice looking pieces. I leave my diamond wedding ring home and wear a fake one. I travel with one bracelet and one necklace. If something happened to any of those three pieces…I wouldn’t be devastated.

Flip-flops are ideal for questionable showers, the beach, visiting temples, or homes where it’s customary to remove your shoes. They don’t take up much room, either.

 

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Trip Planning…

9 months out…

You’re excited about your destination. You could be going to visit grandkids, or you could be heading to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It’s exciting either way. What should you look at for your upcoming trip?

 

  • Check airfare. I recommend checking several sites, including the airline’s site. You’ll have a feel for what the airfare prices are now, even though it’s too soon to book.
  • Set up alerts with several different places. I like to use Kayak and the airline itself. When I receive an alert of an airfare that is in my price range…I check the airline and then book the fare. This usually happens about six months out for international and three or four months out for domestic. If your dates are flexible, you could wait and see what the airfares do for price.
  • Sign up for individual airline’s websites and special deals emails. Think you’ll have emails flooding your inbox? Don’t worry. You can always unsubscribe after your trip.
  • Inspect your luggage to make sure zippers and wheels work. If not, you might want to invest in new luggage. It’s no fun dragging a bag that should be effortlessly rolling.
  • Check hotels, vacation rentals, or B & B prices. Start looking at places where you want to stay. This will give you an idea of costs and allow you to decide what type of accommodation you want.
  • Check rental cars prices. Again, I recommend checking different sites. Prices do vary.
  • Check your passport expiration date and make sure it doesn’t expire for at least six months from your return date. It you’re traveling with others, check the dates on theirs as well. If the expiration date is close to the six-month time frame, apply for a new one now. It could take six weeks or more, depending on the time of year, to get yours renewed.
  • Check your driver’s license expiration date, and make sure it won’t expire while you are gone. You don’t need the surprise of returning, only to find you can’t drive home.
  • Check with your physician, tell them where you are going, and refill any prescriptions you will need. Get copies of all prescriptions.
  • Check the State Department’s website to see if there are any travel alerts where you plan to go. https://www.state.gov/
  • Check to see if you need any shots or vaccinations and how soon you need to get them.

 

 

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12 Months From Now

Let’s think about 12 months from now. Yes, a whole year away. Planning any travel?

This might seem like overkill to you, but if you know you’re going somewhere a year from now, you may want to do a little research. Now. Why?

Let’s say you’re planning an around-the-world trip. This would be a good time to look at these things:

  • Ticket prices
  • How long you will be gone
  • How many stops you can make or want to make
  • Where you can stop
  • When you need to purchase the ticket
  • What is included
  • How many days do you have in each stop
  • What time of year is best

This is definitely a plan-a-year-in-advance kind of trip.

Maybe this trip isn’t on your bucket list. But, let’s say you know you’re going on some type of a trip next year. If you don’t already know the destination, or at least the general area, sit back and think about these things:

  • Are you going alone?
  • Are you traveling with a significant other or friend?
  • Are you meeting others?
  • What time of year are you going?
  • Are you going somewhere you’ve never been?
  • Are you traveling internationally or here in the U.S.?
  • How long will you be gone?
  • Do you have an idea where you would like to go?
  • If it requires a passport, is yours up to date?
  • Will you be staying in one place or moving around to different destinations?
  • Are there events, festivals, classes, or family occasions you want to include or plan around?

 

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Drugs? I don’t have any drugs…

But…you might be carrying something you don’t consider a drug that is actually a drug in another country.

Did you realize some popular prescription and over-the-counter drugs are illegal in some countries? Things like pain relief, better sleep, allergies and even the common cold medicines.

The United Arab Emirates and Japan, for example, are among the most restrictive nations. However, other countries ban or restrict importing narcotics, sedatives, amphetamines, and others.

Most travelers won’t run into problems for carrying small amounts for personal use, said Katherine L. Harmon, who oversees health analysis for iJET International, a travel risk management company. But noncompliance can result in confiscation, (which could, in turn, have severe medical consequences), deportation, jail time, and even the death penalty. “Does it happen a lot? No. Could it? Yes,” Ms. Harmon said. “Consumers need to understand this and how it might adversely impact them before they book that awesome trip to an exotic location.”

Plan Ahead

Laws vary by country and there is no central, up-to date repository. It would be best to consult with your physician, travel medical insurance company, or local pharmacist four to six weeks before traveling. Another good thing to do is to check with the embassy of your destination country. The State Department website lists foreign embassies in the United States, and their contact information.

Be sure to label and pack all you medication properly and easy to read. Carry all your medication, including vitamins and supplements, in their original, clearly marked containers or packaging. Put these in a clear plastic bag in your carry-on luggage. Make sure everything including the name on the prescription, the medicine container, and your passport all match. If you lost the product information insert, ask the pharmacist to print a new one for you.

If you have any gel-type medication, let TSA know that when you go through security. You don’t need them taking it because they don’t know what it is.

 

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Credit Cards Reviews

Recently I was given some information on how credit card reviews are calculated. Do you agree? Did you know?

HOW REVIEWS ARE CALCULATED

The goal of our credit card reviews and our ratings is to provide objective, useful comparative information that will help you choose the right card for you. To do so, we’ve devised a list of factors that we believe are most relevant to cardholders within each category and weighted those factors by level of importance. We’ve then scored each factor, based on a model of the average credit card holder and compiled all of those scores into an overall 5-star rating.

The factors that go into calculating the reviews for each category are as follows:

Student cards

  • Introductory offer (20 percent)
    We look at the introductory APR, introductory APR for balance transfer and the length of the introductory period, and assign a score to them based on how they compare to other cards in the student category.
  • Interest and fees (40 percent)
    Since student cards are targeted toward new users just learning to manage their credit, the costs of missing a payment or carrying a balance gets the greatest weighting in this category. We look at the regular APR, annual fee and penalty APR, and assign a score depending on how it compares to other student cards.
  • Rewards program (30 percent)
    The next biggest factor is the rewards value. We calculate the estimated rewards value using a formula based on $1,325 per month of spend, averaged over three years. The formula includes an average rewards rate, sign-up bonus, annual fee and average redemption value for the rewards. We assign a score based on how the rewards value compares to other student cards. We also look at the flexibility of the program, considering factors such as expiration dates, point limits, minimum points required to redeem and restrictions on redeeming rewards.
  • Features (10 percent)
    We look at the quantity, uniqueness and value of the features for each card and rate them on a scale of 1-5. We look for features that are specifically valuable to students, especially features that help new cards users manage their credit.

Rewards cards

  • Estimated rewards value (47 percent)
    We give this factor the greatest weighting in the rewards category. We use a formula to calculate the estimated yearly value, assuming $1,325 per month of spend, averaged over three years. The formula includes an average rewards rate, sign-up bonus, annual fee and average redemption value for the rewards. We then assign a score depending on how the estimated rewards value compares to other cards.
  • Annual percentage rate (APR) (3 percent)
    Rewards card users generally don’t want to carry a balance, so APR is a small part of the rating for the rewards category. We assign a score depending on how the average APR and the intro APR compares to other rewards cards.
  • Rewards flexibility (40 percent)
    Rewards points aren’t useful if you can’t redeem them, so the flexibility of redemption is a large part of our scoring for rewards cards. We rate factors including expiration dates, restrictions, blackout dates, limits, minimum redemption thresholds and ability to transfer points on a scale of 1-5.
  • Features (10 percent)
    We consider the quantity, uniqueness and value of the features for each card and rate them on a scale of 1-5.

Balance transfer cards

  • Introductory offer (75 percent)
    We give the most weight to the value of the introductory offer. We compare the length of the introductory period, transfer fee and introductory APR against other cards in the balance transfer category and assign a score.
  • Net value (15 percent)
    The overall value of the card, including the costs of carrying a balance, is weighted heavily in our calculations. We compare the regular APR, annual fee, late fees, penalty APR and rewards rate against other cards in the balance transfer category to assign a score.
  • Features (10 percent)
    We consider the quantity, uniqueness and value of the features for each card and rate them on a scale of 1-5.

Cash back credit cards

  • Estimated rewards value (47 percent)
    We give this factor the greatest weighting. We use a formula to calculate the estimated yearly value, assuming $1,325 per month of spend, averaged over three years. The formula includes an average rewards rate, sign-up bonus and annual fee. We then assign a score depending on how the estimated rewards value compares to other cards.
  • Annual percentage rate (APR) (3 percent)
    Cash back card users generally don’t want to carry a balance, so APR is a small part of the rating for the rewards category. We assign a score depending on how the average APR and the intro APR compares to other rewards cards.
  • Rewards flexibility (40 percent)
    The flexibility of redemption is a large part of our scoring for cash back cards. We rate factors including expiration dates, the ease of earning and redeeming cash rewards, limits on cash back, minimum redemption thresholds and ability to transfer points on a scale of 1-5.
  • Features (10 percent)
    We consider the quantity, uniqueness and value of the features for each card and rate them on a scale of 1-5.

Low interest credit cards

  • Rates and fees (85 percent)
    We look at the overall expense of owning the card, including rates, fees and penalties. We give the largest weighting to the cost of carrying a balance on the card over a three year period, which we calculate using the regular APR, introductory APR and length of the introductory period. We also rate the assortment of fees on the card and the penalty APR.
  • Rewards (5 percent)
    Rewards programs tend to drive up rates and fees on a card, so we give them a minor weighting in the low interest category.
  • Features/Perks (10 percent)
    We consider the quantity, uniqueness and value of the features for each card and rate them on a scale of 1-5.

Business Credit Cards

  • Estimated rewards value (42 percent)
    We give this factor the greatest weighting in the rewards category. We use a formula to calculate the estimated yearly value, assuming $4,000 per month of spend, averaged over three years. The formula includes an average rewards rate, sign-up bonus, annual fee and average redemption value for the rewards. We then assign a score depending on how the estimated rewards value compares to other cards.
  • Annual percentage rate(APR) (3 percent)
    We assign a score depending on how the average APR and the intro APR compares to other rewards cards.
  • Rewards flexibility (35 percent)
    Rewards points aren’t useful if you can’t redeem them, so the flexibility of redemption is a large part of our scoring for a business card with rewards. We rate factors including expiration dates, restrictions, blackout dates, limits, minimum redemption thresholds and ability to transfer points on a scale of 1-5.
  • Features (20 percent)
    We give a strong weighting to features that enable business owners to track expenses and manage multiple accounts. We consider the quality and number of features, especially business relevant features – such as financial tracking software and free employee cards with individual limits – and rate them on a scale of 1-5.

Travel cards

  • Estimated rewards value (47 percent)
    We give this factor the greatest weighting. We use a formula to calculate the estimated yearly value, assuming $1,325 per month of spend, averaged over three years. The formula includes an average rewards rate, sign-up bonus, annual fee and average redemption value for the rewards. We then assign a score depending on how the estimated rewards value compares to other cards.
  • Annual percentage rate (APR) (3 percent)
    Travel card users generally don’t want to carry a balance, so APR is a small part of the rating for the rewards category. We assign a score depending on how the average APR and the intro APR compares to other rewards cards.
  • Rewards flexibility (40 percent)
    Rewards miles aren’t useful if you can’t redeem them, so the flexibility of redemption is a large part of our scoring for rewards cards. We rate factors including expiration dates, restrictions, blackout dates, limits, minimum redemption thresholds and ability to transfer points on a scale of 1-5.
  • Features (10 percent)
    We consider the quantity, uniqueness and value of the features for each card and rate them on a scale of 1-5.

Airline cards

  • Estimated rewards value (47 percent)
    We give this factor the greatest weighting. We use a formula to calculate the estimated yearly value, assuming $1,325 per month of spend, averaged over three years. The formula includes an average rewards rate, sign-up bonus, annual fee and average redemption value for the rewards. We then assign a score depending on how the estimated rewards value compares to other cards.
  • Annual percentage rate (APR) (3 percent)
    Airline card users generally don’t want to carry a balance, so APR is a small part of the rating for the rewards category. We assign a score depending on how the average APR and the intro APR compares to other rewards cards.
  • Rewards flexibility (30 percent)
    Rewards miles aren’t useful if you can’t redeem them, so the flexibility of redemption is a large part of our scoring for rewards cards. We rate factors including expiration dates, restrictions, blackout dates, limits, minimum redemption thresholds and ability to transfer points on a scale of 1-5.
  • Flight options (10 percent)
    We rate the airline program on the number of options it offers for flights, including number of airline partners, number of daily flights, number of destinations and the number of countries served.
  • Features (10 percent)
    We consider the quantity, uniqueness and value of the features for each card and rate them on a scale of 1-5.

Hotel cards

  • Estimated rewards value (47 percent)
    We give this factor the greatest weighting. We use a formula to calculate the estimated yearly value, assuming $1,325 per month of spend, averaged over three years. The formula includes an average rewards rate, sign-up bonus, annual fee and average redemption value for the rewards. We then assign a score depending on how the estimated rewards value compares to other cards.
  • Annual percentage rate (APR) (3 percent)
    Hotel card users generally don’t want to carry a balance, so APR is a small part of the rating for the rewards category. We assign a score depending on how the average APR and the intro APR compares to other rewards cards.
  • Rewards flexibility (30 percent)
    Rewards points aren’t useful if you can’t redeem them, so the flexibility of redemption is a large part of our scoring for rewards cards. We rate factors including expiration dates, restrictions, blackout dates, capacity controls, minimum redemption thresholds and ability to transfer points on a scale of 1-5.
  • Hotel options (10 percent)
    We rate the hotel program on the size and breadth of its hotel portfolio, considering the number of properties and the number of countries where properties are located.
  • Features (10 percent)
    We consider the quantity, uniqueness and value of the features for each card and rate them on a scale of 1-5.

As credit card offers change, we will periodically review this information and update the ratings based on the new offer terms.

Copyright 2018 CreditCards.com. All Rights Reserved.

 

ADVERTISER DISCLOSURECreditCards.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditCards.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our proprietary website’s rules and the likelihood of applicants’ credit approval also impact how and where products appear on the site. CreditCards.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers.

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Is Your Toothbrush Packed?

Do you pack any of these?

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush
  • Dental floss
  • Earplugs
  • Eye covers
  • Airplane pillow
  • Concentrated laundry soap
  • Clotheslines
  • Quick-dry towels
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Hair products
  • Comb/brush
  • Hair bands/clips
  • Facial products
  • Deodorant
  • Kleenex/TP
  • Tampons
  • Razor & blades
  • Nail clippers/file
  • Small scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Body lotion
  • Sewing kit
  • Dryer sheets for laundry bag
  • Sanitary wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lip balm

Once again…seems like a lot of stuff! I certainly don’t pack all of this. I only take what I’m going to need.

I have never used an eye cover or an airplane pillow. You may like them. Since I’m not going to camp, I don’t take quick dry towels. Make the list work for you.

I do use a dryer sheet in my laundry bag. It just helps a little to keep everything from smelling like dirty laundry if I have to stuff it in my suitcase.

Pack a small envelope of sanitary wipes in your purse, your carry-on bag, and your suitcase. Never know when you might need one.

Maybe you don’t use lip balm, and don’t want to take it along. That’s okay. But, did you know it can be used to tame frizzy hair ends, soothe dry cuticles, protect the skin from windburn, and even unstick a stubborn zipper? Yep. Lip balm.

 

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Smile…or Not!

Again…is your passport up to date?

First, know when your passport expires. Some countries require the expiration date to be more than six months from that date.

Next, the State Department tells us you are responsible for looking like your passport photo. Have you added or removed facial tattoos or birthmarks? Have you lost a significant amount weight, especially in your facial area?

If so, you may need a new photo.

Speaking of photos, here are some rules that may be new since the last time you had yours taken.

Remove your glasses.

Make sure the background is the correct color.

Don’t smile too much. Yet, look natural…if you can! I was told not to smile at all and my photo looks like I belong in the post office for most wanted!

Next, pay the correct fee if submitting for a renewal by mail. No sense getting the renewal rejected.

Make sure you take or send any supporting documents with you.

Check for online renewal. Not sure if it’s coming soon or not.

Last, check with the State Department for more rules and clarifications. https://www.state.gov/

 

 

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Do I Really Need That?

Planning your trip? Wondering what you need and hoping you don’t forget anything?

Maybe this list will help.

For Health and Fitness, think about packing some of these…

  • Prescriptions
  • Medical devices and chargers
  • First Aid Kit
    • Flex-band aids
    • Tapes
    • Gauze
    • Thermometer
    • Antibacterial Hand wash
    • Antacids
    • Nose drops
    • Eye drops
    • Antibiotics
    • Vitamins/minerals
    • Antihistamines
    • Sudafed/Benadryl
    • Analgesics
    • ASA/Tylenol
    • NSAIDS
    • Sleep Aids/RX
    • Melatonin
    • Anti-diarrhea meds
    • Antibiotic ointment
    • Sunscreen
    • Bug-repellant
    • Lip screen
    • Moleskin

Sounds like a lot. Right?

Well, you don’t need to pack a whole lot of each item. You certainly don’t need to pack things you know you won’t need.

Not going to travel where bugs are a problem? Leave the bug repellant at home. Never use prescription sleep aids? Don’t pack them.

You get the idea. These are suggestions. I do pack many of these, but in very small quantities. My vitamins take up the most room.

Speaking of vitamins… This is a tip I learned from a travel professional. Get some small, resealable, plastic bags from your pharmacy. Place your daily vitamins or meds in them, using one per day. You can label the day on them, if you think you might not remember. They’re easy to pack, you can either toss the empty bag or reuse it, and you’re not taking a large bottle of pills along with you.

Keep in mind, if you take prescription drugs, keep them in the original container. If that is too large, ask your pharmacist for a small travel bottle with the prescription clearly stated on it. You will alleviate trying to explain what those pills are.