TR Nov 2012: Another Aussie mad dash - Day 10: Final posts, TR finished #932 (02/21)

[PrincessInOz]

Originally Posted by mvf-m11c

Getting excited for you too PiO.

And I'm really looking forward to meeting you, Angela and Jo in 3D.

[PrincessInOz]

A Most Important Decision – White and Black is not always Shades of Grey



When travelling the long haul route over that particularly large pond between the US and Australia, one of the things I place high on my priority list when choosing the carrier of choice is the presence of in-seat Flight Entertainment (iFE). The presence or absence of iFE can be a rather radioactive White-hot topic of discussion on some of the boards I spend time on. I do normally give the ensuing debate a wide berth, with the two camps firmly entrenched in the BC (Before Children) group and the AD (Alcohol Drip required) group that travel with kids.



Me?


I do strongly believe that this is a personal preference and that there is nothing wrong with either group choosing iFE or not and trading off for the $$ on the air ticket. Afterall, it’s not as if I’m asking anyone else to pay my ticket for me and as I’m the one forking out the money for my ticket, I get to decide whether to partake in this trade-off or not. And if I choose to pay the extra for a carrier that has iFE to entertain the family rather than choosing the cheapest acceptable carrier without iFE, it’s only my hip pocket and sanity that will be impacted. With even better luck, cheapest acceptable carrier could sometimes work out to a carrier with iFE and the debate is moot.


Sadly for me, DH non-choice for this trip was dictated by corporate policy and he ended up on United. By extension, that ended up as a non-choice for me as well; I’m on United…..with no iFE.
Yes, there is flight entertainment…the old fashioned drop-down head hazards from the ceiling that I will either be able to squint and see or not. And we won’t even talk about the audio system that goes with this!


So…..I’ve been giving serious thought to what I bring on-board for personal amusement. What the heck do I bring on board for personal amusement and how the heck am I going to keep my travel carry-on things "light"?????


I’m currently sitting here looking at an electronic device and I’m wondering if I should bring it or not. Yes, I’m seriously considering bringing my Nintendo DS. The DS would probably entertain me for about 2 hours of the trip.

Problem is….if I bring my DS on board, I’m going to need a new game. And my decision now comes down to whether I want to buy the new Pokemon Black and/or White game or not.

In typical Pokemon Black/White tradition, this game is actually a choice between Pokemon Black 2 or Pokemon White 2.
Such a great marketing ploy that…..to have the two games, ostensibly the same; but different enough that the gamers would want both.
These games are meant to be sequels to the original games so if I go down this path, I think the obvious choice for me to get would be the Black 2.

I'm really torn between leaving the DS at home and bringing it on-board with me.


Trashy magazines, a book, word puzzles and a notebook for writing down my thoughts are a given. I figure this might cover me for about 3 – 4 hours; depending on the book. Anyone have any good book they want to recommend? And please, no Shades of Grey!



My alternative is to consider getting a portable DVD player. But I’ve figured that this is taking this decision to an extreme far Red $$-wise and I’m already having enough problems with White, Black and Shades of Grey!



Phernegan, anyone?

[franandaj]

Personally, I'm no help to you. I loathe word puzzles and crosswords, but on the other hand for longer than most of my relationships I subscribed to Math Puzzles and Logic Problems. I discontinued my subscription a few years ago only because I realized that I probably had enough books from my 20+ year subscription to last the rest of my life. I am thrilled to solve Cross Sums, Logic Problems and Tri Gons, Math Mazes and "number place" (now commonly known as Sudoko) which I have been doing for over 20 years now before it was trendy. I can do these things for hours on planes (until my wine comsumption causes me to nap, it's complimentary in 1st/Business Class and before you think we're rolling in dough, we only fly on miles!)

So unfortunately I can't help. I don't even know what are these electronic devices you speak of. I have solitaire on my phone, but I bring the charger to Fran's Wound Dr. appt because the battery goes down faster than a single feature at the movies. Want some math problems? I'll scan them and email them to you? Didn't think so..... I know I"m a freak, but I bet Brandi might like the magazine I subscribe to!

[tiggrbaby]

Can you borrow a kindle fire from someone? I download books for free from my local library and have downloaded a few free game apps. You can purchase movies, but I haven't tried that as I only get the free stuff (including the fire which was a bank promo). The battery life is pretty good if you turn off the wifi.

[zanzibar138]

Are you seriously telling me there is a debate going in which people judge other people for spending their own money on flights with entertainment??? Surely it doesn't affect anyone but the people travelling in the slightest Why can't people just let others enjoy their holidays in whatever style suits them?

Ok, rant over. I just found that to be quite unbelievable!

As far as your predicament goes, I would take the Nintendo. It doesn't take up much room, and if it's going to occupy you for an extra couple of hours, I'd say it's worth it! I am also a big fan of puzzle books, but I find I can only take so much of them. I usually buy one dedicated sudoku/logic puzzle book (those are my favourite sort), and one of the general ones that offer prizes (for a bit of variety if I want it) and then send away for the prizes when I get back - I once won $50

Are you able to sleep on planes? That's a great way to kill time if you can manage it! On our flight from HK to Johannesburg, one lady in front of us slept for the whole 12 hour flight - like they had to wake her up for take off and landing!

[dhorner233]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

Alison - I'm sorry you didn't have a good check-in experience and that Fran ended up not happy; but I'm with you....this is Freakin' Awesome!

Does this mean that Star Tours v2.0 is taken care of???

Wonder what Denise and her cousin would like to ride?

We like all of the rides!! Star Tours is a good choice! Maybe Splash Mountain? Soarin'? Anything is fine with us. I'm just thrilled to be included!

You plane ride is 12 hours?! 12 hours on one plane?! That woman who slept must have had some valium or something! That would be the ideal for me, to sleep. I hate to fly. When I have to, I try to sleep but, my flights are like 2-3 hours. I can't imagine 12 but, you have a long way to go! Really, it's amazing you can get here so fast!!!!

[zanzibar138]

Originally Posted by dhorner233

You plane ride is 12 hours?! 12 hours on one plane?! That woman who slept must have had some valium or something! That would be the ideal for me, to sleep. I hate to fly. When I have to, I try to sleep but, my flights are like 2-3 hours. I can't imagine 12 but, you have a long way to go! Really, it's amazing you can get here so fast!!!!

Actually our flights to LA are more like 14 hours... Yes, on one plane That's why it's such a big deal for Aussies to go to Disney!

[AussieDisneyNut]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

A Most Important Decision – White and Black is not always Shades of Grey


Anyone have any good book they want to recommend? And please, no Shades of Grey!

Depends on what genres you enjoy reading I enjoy pretty much anything written by Marian Keyes, Janet Evanovich and any of the BritChickLit authors (eg Sophie Kinsella, Victoria Routlege, Fiona Walker). However I am no help in recommending anything in the spy/thriller genre. I don't normally read fantasy or sci-fi, however I have enjoyed Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse (aka True Blood) series. They are quite different to the TV series! Good luck with your entertainment dilemma!

[PrincessInOz]

Originally Posted by franandaj

Personally, I'm no help to you. I loathe word puzzles and crosswords, but on the other hand for longer than most of my relationships I subscribed to Math Puzzles and Logic Problems. I discontinued my subscription a few years ago only because I realized that I probably had enough books from my 20+ year subscription to last the rest of my life. I am thrilled to solve Cross Sums, Logic Problems and Tri Gons, Math Mazes and "number place" (now commonly known as Sudoko) which I have been doing for over 20 years now before it was trendy. I can do these things for hours on planes (until my wine comsumption causes me to nap, it's complimentary in 1st/Business Class and before you think we're rolling in dough, we only fly on miles!)

So unfortunately I can't help. I don't even know what are these electronic devices you speak of. I have solitaire on my phone, but I bring the charger to Fran's Wound Dr. appt because the battery goes down faster than a single feature at the movies. Want some math problems? I'll scan them and email them to you? Didn't think so..... I know I"m a freak, but I bet Brandi might like the magazine I subscribe to!

You reminded me that I actually have a "Make 10" puzzle on the DS. I played it once ages ago and finished the game. I might actually take it on the plane with me and replay that instead of buying the new Pokemon Black 2.

One of the reasons why I'm loathe to buy the new game is that it will be half the price at the GameStop in the US compared to buying it here. I might pick it up there for the plane ride home.

Originally Posted by tiggrbaby

Can you borrow a kindle fire from someone? I download books for free from my local library and have downloaded a few free game apps. You can purchase movies, but I haven't tried that as I only get the free stuff (including the fire which was a bank promo). The battery life is pretty good if you turn off the wifi.

DH has an e-book reader and will be bringing that on his flight. We do normally share but I'm travelling solo on the way over.

Everyone else that has a kindle (that I know) is using theirs and I'd hate to stop their reading.

Originally Posted by zanzibar138

Are you seriously telling me there is a debate going in which people judge other people for spending their own money on flights with entertainment??? Surely it doesn't affect anyone but the people travelling in the slightest Why can't people just let others enjoy their holidays in whatever style suits them?

Ok, rant over. I just found that to be quite unbelievable!

As far as your predicament goes, I would take the Nintendo. It doesn't take up much room, and if it's going to occupy you for an extra couple of hours, I'd say it's worth it! I am also a big fan of puzzle books, but I find I can only take so much of them. I usually buy one dedicated sudoku/logic puzzle book (those are my favourite sort), and one of the general ones that offer prizes (for a bit of variety if I want it) and then send away for the prizes when I get back - I once won $50

Are you able to sleep on planes? That's a great way to kill time if you can manage it! On our flight from HK to Johannesburg, one lady in front of us slept for the whole 12 hour flight - like they had to wake her up for take off and landing!

You know me......




Yes, I think I might take the DS with me. I'll have to do something different in terms of carry-on luggage. I had hoped to get away with just my camera bag but I don't think I'm going to be able to squeeze everything I want into it. So I may have a roller carry-on and the camera bag as my 'personal item'. I should be able to put the camera bag into the roller bag and end up with one 'bag'.

I don't normally sleep on planes.

Originally Posted by dhorner233

We like all of the rides!! Star Tours is a good choice! Maybe Splash Mountain? Soarin'? Anything is fine with us. I'm just thrilled to be included!

You plane ride is 12 hours?! 12 hours on one plane?! That woman who slept must have had some valium or something! That would be the ideal for me, to sleep. I hate to fly. When I have to, I try to sleep but, my flights are like 2-3 hours. I can't imagine 12 but, you have a long way to go! Really, it's amazing you can get here so fast!!!!

Plane ride from Oz to the West Coast of the US is 14 hours. It's even longer to get to the East Coast or to Orlando.

Looks like we're good for Star Tours and we can work out what we do for the other ride on the day. If it is warm and we'll dry fast, then Splash seems like a good choice. I also love Soarin'.

I'm really pleased to be able to get to meet you as well on this trip!

Originally Posted by AussieDisneyNut

Depends on what genres you enjoy reading I enjoy pretty much anything written by Marian Keyes, Janet Evanovich and any of the BritChickLit authors (eg Sophie Kinsella, Victoria Routlege, Fiona Walker). However I am no help in recommending anything in the spy/thriller genre. I don't normally read fantasy or sci-fi, however I have enjoyed Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse (aka True Blood) series. They are quite different to the TV series! Good luck with your entertainment dilemma!

I think I'm up to date with Marian Keyes. But Janet Evanovich is a really good suggestion. I think I finished Fearless Fourteen and there might be another four or five of the series after this one. Thanks!

[shushh]

PIO would you consider buying yourself a kindle? Price has come down since it first it came out. We often borrow Ebooks from the library, both fiction and nonfiction.

What kind of genres are you interested in?

The Nintendo sounds like a good option. Its a good excuse to buy another game!

[PrincessInOz]

Originally Posted by shushh

PIO would you consider buying yourself a kindle? Price has come down since it first it came out. We often borrow Ebooks from the library, both fiction and nonfiction.

What kind of genres are you interested in?

The Nintendo sounds like a good option. Its a good excuse to buy another game!

The Kindle is still about $50 cheaper in the US. DH wants to go look over there. We may well come home with two of them.
I'm charging the DS as we speak. Just want to check the status of a couple of my games and I haven't yet found that Make 10 game. I don't know if I can cope with playing one of the Professor Laytons again. I have been known to go for 5 hours straight when I do a Layton's puzzle.

I love fantasy and sci fi; so I tend to do some reading in that genre. Been reading Diana Gabaldon, Chis Paolini; even some Emily Rodda lately. I used to read Raymond Feist a fair bit; and I need to go back to the Janet Evanovich books. I loved Lisa Lutz...actually come to think of it, I haven't read book 5 yet.
Love Agatha Christie and I've been trying to get into PD James.

What about you?

[shushh]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

The Kindle is still about $50 cheaper in the US. DH wants to go look over there. We may well come home with two of them.
I'm charging the DS as we speak. Just want to check the status of a couple of my games and I haven't yet found that Make 10 game. I don't know if I can cope with playing one of the Professor Laytons again. I have been known to go for 5 hours straight when I do a Layton's puzzle.

I love fantasy and sci fi; so I tend to do some reading in that genre. Been reading Diana Gabaldon, Chis Paolini; even some Emily Rodda lately. I used to read Raymond Feist a fair bit; and I need to go back to the Janet Evanovich books. I loved Lisa Lutz...actually come to think of it, I haven't read book 5 yet.
Love Agatha Christie and I've been trying to get into PD James.

What about you?

Good point about buying a kindle in the US!
I read a little of everything but enjoy mystery/action type books most ie Matthew Reilly, Dan Brown, Arthur Conan Doyle etc. I loved the Millenium series by Stieg Larsson. I wish someone had told me that the 3rd book carried right on from the 2nd book or I wouldn't have read the 2nd so as to finish at 11pm...I HAD to keep reading and stayed up all night until I finished the last book. I nearly died the next day but it was worth it!

I too like Janet Evanovich. Hubby has been trying to get me into sci-fi and fantasy. I don't mind it but its not my first choice when choosing books to buy/borrow! I also spend some time reading biographies and other non-fiction books eg travel books, photography books.

I like browsing through goodreads just to get an idea of what's popular and for new things to check out. You can get it as an app on your phone to keep track of wishlists, books to read, your library etc
http://www.goodreads.com/

[tiggrbaby]

If you like the Janet Evanovitch books, you may like the Sue Grafton books. They aren't as slapstick, but have a female PI. My son loves the Game of thrones series. I read the first one for a book group. It is sort of fantasy. I'm told the first one is the hardest to get through and then the rest are better.

[PrincessInOz]

Originally Posted by shushh

Good point about buying a kindle in the US!
I read a little of everything but enjoy mystery/action type books most ie Matthew Reilly, Dan Brown, Arthur Conan Doyle etc. I loved the Millenium series by Stieg Larsson. I wish someone had told me that the 3rd book carried right on from the 2nd book or I wouldn't have read the 2nd so as to finish at 11pm...I HAD to keep reading and stayed up all night until I finished the last book. I nearly died the next day but it was worth it!

I too like Janet Evanovich. Hubby has been trying to get me into sci-fi and fantasy. I don't mind it but its not my first choice when choosing books to buy/borrow! I also spend some time reading biographies and other non-fiction books eg travel books, photography books.

I like browsing through goodreads just to get an idea of what's popular and for new things to check out. You can get it as an app on your phone to keep track of wishlists, books to read, your library etc
http://www.goodreads.com/

Thanks for the link to goodreads. Will download it as an app.

Photography books - hmm. That's another good option.

Originally Posted by tiggrbaby

If you like the Janet Evanovitch books, you may like the Sue Grafton books. They aren't as slapstick, but have a female PI. My son loves the Game of thrones series. I read the first one for a book group. It is sort of fantasy. I'm told the first one is the hardest to get through and then the rest are better.

I'll keep an eye out for Sue Grafton. I haven't yet gotten into the Game of Thrones. I did pick the first one to flick through and found it hard to get into; so I put it down again. Good to know that I'm not the only one.

[shushh]

Originally Posted by PrincessInOz

Thanks for the link to goodreads. Will download it as an app.

I'm seeing the word app so I hope I'm not making too big an assumption that you own some sort of device with a display screen? Most libraries also loan out magazines! On device apps eg iphones or ipad is even better. The magazines are downloaded so you can view them online.

eg. I've currently got Better homes and gardens, Home beautiful, and a score of others on my ipad!

The app that you need is called zinio. But you need to go via your local library so see if they provide this service.

Following on from this, you can also buy games in app form that are boardgame in type. Requires a lot more thinking/strategy. Ones that I love include Ticket to Ride, Domimion, Ra, Medici, but the downside is that you'd probably need to learn how to play the games first...If you are interested, this is something I can help you with!