Stepping out on a bridge

Keeping fit while traveling doesn't have to be a chore, or let go completely with a ton of excuses no one else cares about but you. There are ways to keep at it for free, and incorporate it into your plans for the day.

Here's how I suggest you wipe away the guilt.

Walking the San Francisco or Brooklyn Bridges are great challenges, and even if heights are not your thing, you don't feel that exposed. There are tons of others doing the same thing for exercise or a commute back and forth to work.

The Brooklyn Bridge is 1.1 miles. The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge is 1.7 miles. How long it takes depends upon your pace and purpose.

As an example, I did the walking bridge level in Sydney, Australia - it took about an hour - and felt comfortable for picture taking along the way. (No selfie picture to prove it here.) The pararomic view of the harbor and the Opera House were amazing at sunset and worth the effort. ( I did take many pictures.)

Now try a suspension bridge that moves and sways along with you, and I have to tell you my heart beats a bit faster looking down into a deep river gorge surrounded by the jungle. That's not my cup of tea. Usually, I keep putting one foot ahead and looking to the other side for reference. Rarely am I one to stop and take photos.

Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge

Getting it right... not

There are certain subjects that I will never write on if my life depends upon it.

Okay. That’s a slight exaggeration to make my point.

You might expect a post about advice on packing a suitcase. Wrong. I almost did once, and then I thought better of you. Either you are a traveler, and it might prove helpful; or, you simply have no interest.

Besides, as for packing a suitcase, I never get it right like my failure to check my umbrella before I left for New Zealand – I put it away broken from the previous trip – and I packed a flimsy rain poncho. To top it off, at the last minute I took out my second fleece, and that was a huge mistake, too. I shelled out for new stuff on the trip much to my own annoyance.

I keep a standard packing list and it works well enough if I stick with the layering technique to prepare for a variation in temperature. Then again, who can forecast for a heatwave in Southern Spain three weeks into a trip, or a pair of sneakers that don't perform as advertised?

See. I’m no expert.

Like the rest of you, I am an ordinary person who is always on a learning curve. I change suitcase types and sizes like a revolving door. I roll my clothes or pack in cubes depending upon my mood. I bring way more electronics than I need. I run out of mouthwash.

I can’t help you with jet lag either. I pre-plan my sleep time on long flights – thank goodness for movies, too - and usually come out feeling decent enough to get by for a few more hours. A little walking in the fresh air helps, and also, not letting my mind take control over my weary body.

Being a people watcher, whenever I have time to kill in an airport - all too frequently it seems - I check out possibilities for travel outfits, suitcases and any other handy tips that appear to make things run smoothly for others that could work in my case.

When all else fails and your mood is iffy, take time for yoga.

Look behind you for the unique photo

I was in Northern Ireland touring the Belleek Pottery Factory and the photo of the outside was not very inspiring, although the inside was a different story. Artistic craftspeople demonstrated their talents down to the finest detail.

I remembered a photography technique from the professionals and turned around outside. That was my memorable shot from the morning. Love those lupins.

You never know what you will find right behind you.

#travelphotography #internationaltravel