Saturday, May 31, 2025

Traveling Tips

 



Things to do before you travel:

1. Contact your bank and credit card companies to inform them of your trip dates and locations. 

2—Learn about the culture and history of the place you want to visit. Watch DVDs and read. The more you know about a culture, the more you will enjoy your travels.

3—Pack lightly. Take basic colors and layers. Even in summer, some countries have cold and rainy days. Always have closed shoes for rainy days and comfortable walking shoes for everyday use. Take layers, jackets, and cardigans. During summer, some churches in Europe and temples in Asia expect you to cover your shoulders and arms (especially for women).

4. Pack your electronic gear: camera, mini-laptop, cell phone, and plugs for foreign countries.

5—Always have some cash. Cash is power. Carry small bills, too. Leave some cash for your return; you never know what might happen. You might need to take a taxi or pay for an exit visa in a foreign country.

6. Take a photo of your passport’s first page and your driver’s license. Email the photos to yourself and save a copy of the information in an album called 'Info' on your phone. Make a few copies of your passport and driver’s license, keep one copy in your luggage, and carry one with you at all times. Leave one copy with a close friend in the U.S. Just in case you lose your passport, they can find the number.   On a small piece of paper, write your credit card numbers and contact information.  Keep a copy in your suitcase and another copy with you.

7—Take care of your bills. If you already have monthly deductions from your bank account, ensure that you pay all outstanding amounts in advance to avoid any issues. You want to avoid surprises when you return.

8—Put a timer on a light near the window so that in the evening, it appears as if someone is home.

9-  If you receive the local paper, put it on vacation hold.

10- Buy mini locks for your suitcases.  Lock the checked-in bag.  If TSA breaks it, then you will have an extra one to lock it later.

                                                         During your trip:

1-  Be open-minded.  Respect the local culture. Talk to locals.  Ask questions and listen.

2-  Get up early.  Walk a lot.  Use your time nicely.

3- Drink lots of water.  Drink Emergen-C or Airborne to help prevent dehydration.

4—You can keep a small notebook to track your expenses, cash withdrawals, and credit card charges. You can also create a Google Document and keep track of your itinerary or places you visit. You may share the document with close friends.  

5. Have a calendar page to record the places you visit each day.

6- Carry a colored copy of your passport and ID with you.  Please leave your original passport locked in the hotel safe.  If there is no safe, put it in a locked suitcase. Always lock your luggage in the hotel when you leave the room.

7- Be prepared for the unexpected.  I was in Spain on April 28 when a nationwide power outage occurred across Spain and Portugal.  Nobody could use credit cards.  I had some U.S. dollars, but not enough Euros.  Always keep some extra local money.  Spain has a fantastic infrastructure.  This situation was a big shock to many. 

                                                         After returning:

1-  Unpack, do laundry, and organize your souvenirs.

2- Download the photos.  Keep them organized.  Having a small album can be fun, too.

3. File your maps and information.

 

 

 

Monday, April 14, 2025

My Hotels in Spain in 2025

 








  1. Madrid: Hotel Miau

  2. Aloft Gran Via

  3. Principe Pio

  4. Hotel Emperador.

  5. Toledo: AC Hotel.

  6. Valencia: AC Hotel

  7. Hotel Miramar Valencia.

  8. Denia: Maison Marineta

  9. Barcelona: Catalonia Avinyo

  10. Zaragoza: Hotel Oriente

  11. Pamplona: Maisonnave

  12. San Sebastian: Interlier Villa Katalina

  13. Bilbao: Hotel Miro

  14. Santander: Gran Hotel Victoria

  15. Leon: Camarote Hotel

  16. Salamanca: Gran Hotel Corona Sol

  17. Segovia: Hotel Infanta Isabel 


I stayed two nights in Cuenca at a friend’s apartment.

I also took day trips to Irun, Guernica, Lugardia in Rioja, and Vitoria, the capital of Basque Country. 




Sunday, February 16, 2025

A Poem

 


Don’t Try to Change Me

Be careful brother

I am not a girl anymore

Stop labeling me

Marxist, liberal, leftist

 

Be careful darling

I am mad like a woman

not like a little girl

I am a feminist

 

I was not born with anger

Boys playing with my nerves

You can't do it, girl

Made me mad and powerful

 

Laugh at me one more time

Be sarcastic again

Awaken the beast in me

I am an angry feminist!

 

July 20, 2020

Friday, February 7, 2025

Cousin Melody

 Cousin Melody 



Melody and Liam, December 31, 2018


October 25, 2022


Melody was born with a heart defect

Yet she has a kind heart 

Hospitals, oxygens, surgeries

I am thankful for healthcare workers


Melody was our Mozak 

The Mosquito who cried and smiled

She played with her cat

I am thankful for her joy 

 

Melody was born on October 31

Iran’s Prince’s birthday

Trick-or-treat give candies

I am thankful for her celebrations


Melody was born as the director’s niece

Legendary filmmaker Samvel Khachikian 

Iranian actors donated blood for Melo

I am thankful for compassionate artists


Melody was born with health issues

British doctors gave up hope

Miraculous surgery took place in Tehran

I am thankful for resilient doctors


Melody was born with a golden heart

Rescued dogs and pampered them

Animals sensed her kindness

I am thankful for her passion


Melody was born to become a mom

Liam was a heavenly gift

Mom and son play with their dogs

I am thankful for her motherhood


Melody was born with challenges

She played, danced, and sang 

Overcame judgments and thrived

I am thankful for her spirit 



February 7, 2024



My Brother Vazrik

 To My Baby Brother Vazrik





I miss walking you to school

Left home when you were only five

Unknown beginning for me in the new land

Culture shock or noticing differences


I miss kissing you as a baby

Hugged my pillow and cried

Holding you on my lap like a doll

The warmth of your little legs 


I miss dressing you up as a toddler

Your socks and sandals were my toys

Mini shirt with matching pants

You were a mini gentleman


I miss telling you stories with expressions

Your face changed listening to me

An active and engaged listener

You became a theatre actor later 


I miss playing sad music cassettes  

You cried but stopped when I changed it

Such an observant little boy 

Noticed my hair and dresses


I miss hugging you and kissing your cheeks

Your long golden hair and cute nose

Kissed your pictures caressing your hair

Wished to be a Super Woman to fly home 


I miss walking you to the market

It took me four years to return 

You were in third grade in May 1981

We walked hopped and talked 


I miss watching you play

You grilled corn in the backyard

Sold them to relatives 

Started the salesmanship at five


I miss dancing with you 

Returned when you turned eighteen

Loved your shirt and suspenders

Hopped on your motorcycle and screamed


I miss telling you stories

You listened and smiled 

We met in Amsterdam 

Walked and talked and cried


I miss listening to your songs

We met in Glendale in 1996

You are the kindest car salesman

My Baby Brother Love you 


February 6, 2024