Traveling Tidbits

Here's some quick tips for traveling in today's modern (read paranoid) society.

-Whenever you are in or around airport, try to be friendly. Everyone, from curbside check-in, to ticket agents, and especially those TSA employees, seem to be having bad days. I use my DMV technique (extra smile, ask how they're doing) and it makes my time there a little bit easier. For example, I was selected for secondary screening (read suspicious character) in San Fransisco because of my bulky ankle brace. I made sure to be overly polite to the young gentleman testing me for bomb making residue and he went out of his way to be polite and courteous through the whole process. Remember, these people are here to keep us safe, not late for our planes, so show respect and arrive early so you're not rushed and therefore cranky.

-Traveling with wine is a major hassle in the post-London liquid explosive attempt world. So how do you do it? Well, not in your carry-on. That's a big no-no that will get you cavity searched (I don't know that, but it could be). You can put some in your luggage. Try not to overdo it, beacuse any suitcase over 50 pounds will result in a 25 or 50 dollar fee. But even that is cheaper than commercial shipping (think Mailboxes Etc.), so feel free to push your luck. I usually fit three bottle in a suitcase. To do this I found some tips out on the internet that work wonders. First, slide each bottle into a cotton sock. Next, remember your suitcase is a three dimensional object, so protect the bottle from all sides. Lay down your extra shoes at the base with a few rolled up t-shirts. Next place jeans and slacks on the back of your suitcase. Then place the wine centrally and build four walls around them with other materials. Finally remember to place something over the bottle in case the luggage flips out onto the carousel face first.

-Bought more than three bottles didn't you? I'm proud. The first thing you need to do is check with wineries for a 12-bottle Styrofoam shipping crate. Many wineries are switching to cardboard inserts that I simply don't trust. Don't be green, and use the foam. If none of the wineries will sell you one, try a local shipping store. If you are really paranoid, do what I do, and bring one with you. Or in the case of our Oregon trip, I had shipped out to my aunt's house in advance. These cases will safely hold 12 bottles and come in under the 5o pound limit. Be sure to put your address on their a few times and mark it fragile. When questioned at the counter as to the contents, don't freak, they just want to know. They slap another fragile sticker and a wine one too so the guys on the tarmac know which box to accidentally "rip" open for a good buzz. Just kidding, I've never had a problem and I've done it with 4 cases so far.

-One final note. My mom wondered how I remembered everything from this wonderful trip. My best advice yet, take notes. At the end almost everyday, I sat down and took detailed notes on the wines I tasted, where I went, what I ate, and everything in between. I didn't actually take notes at the wineries (I don't people to think I'm THAT conceded about wine) but simple notes on what was good and bad later that night.

Till next time..."Don't forget, Wine from A to Zin: Night 3 is coming up October 26th!"