MK forum

The lovely Mrs Bemused and I are considering an overseas trip. So I thought, here is a site with a lot of well traveled MKs, who no doubt have a wealth of knowledge about many parts of the globe, why not exchange tips and info to help each other.

I know this is a departure from the original intent of Fanda Eagles, but it could be a welcome distraction from heavy subjects and you never know we might even get to meet in person (oh maybe thats not such a good thing, Mrs Bemused is truly wonderful, but the person she's married to, takes some getting used to )

Are you thinking of some particular destination, or is that the kind of information you are seeking?

What I'm thinking is a general picking of each others brains. Obviously I know New Zealand pretty well, so I'm quite happy to pass on anything that anyone wants to know about visiting this neck of the woods. For example, most travel agents will tell you New Zealand is fine to visit anytime of year. What I'd suggest is February-March are the best times (unless you like skiing), because the weather is more settled and the kids are back at school.

Mrs Bemused knows San Francisco well as she lived there. But we are thinking as its a long way from NZ to the U.S. might as well make a decent trip of it and there is the possibility of a conference next April. Obviously the easiest way to get from San Fransico to Chicago is to fly, but we figured we might as well see the country while there. Now there are several options we've come up with. a) Rent a car. b) Buy and then sell a car. c) Buy a Greyhound bus pass d) take the train. We've worked out that option "c" is the cheapest at a quick glance, but it does have limitations in that accomodation is limited to within relative distances to the bus depo, whereas if we had a car, we'd probably stay in national parks in a tent or cabins. At this point you are probably thinking, "oh boy these two don't have a clue", which is of course where local experts are the best source of info.

This is of course a year away and we will work out more a more specific itinerary closer to the time, but thought why not put a few feelers out and see what more qualified MKs would suggest.

Now if you are coming to New Zealand, you'll probably land in Auckland, which is the North Island. Give it a miss if you want to see the real beauty of the country. Jump on the next plane and head to the South Island. It's got more mountains, less population and of course the lovely Mrs Bemused. But if you come in your summer break, it is cold, because it's the middle of winter here.

What I suggest if you go to America is go inland as that is the true America, Iowa for instance. I reckon renting a car is the best as you can do what you please. Of course make sure you stay on the right (opposite of left) side of the road. The Grand Canyon in Arizona is great, Pikes Peak in Colorado is great and then on to Niagara Falls, the Canadian side is wonderful. I could go on forever but thought I would name my favourite spots. Full stop.

You mean, we might get to meet you!
Oh, how lovely.
We HAVE to try to get there, too.
Greyhound is not so pleasant. Especially the depots.
Suggest some sort of a car option.
In mid-April, the spring should be beginning in Chicago.
And it is lovely when the weather cooperates.
The city is GREAT!
March would be better farther south---New Mexico etc.
After the conference, the upper U.S. would be beautiful if the spring is going on.
Should be......

First of all:

Do NOT go Greyhound!

We love you and Mrs Bemused too much to let you try that option!

First of all, Bemused, You have soooo many brothers and sisters over here, that sleeping quarters shouldn't be a problem. You probably have family in every State.

From NZ to US. Mrs Bemused needs to sew a little pouch in the old brassiere to hid the cash in while flying once here, rent a car and head to the nearest relative! If it is all planned out you can treat it like deputation and have free food and lodging.