Today finally came, had car pick me up this morning. Decided to take my netbook (HP, of course) with me because I really didn´t feel like dragging the larger laptop all over the place. And also, I can easily carry it in my purse, for better ease of use, and least likely to be stolen.
Met my travelling buddy – Denise W. at the airport in Atlanta, GA and then we were off. Denise recently had major surgery on her ankle and is on crutches. But that does not slow her down one bit.
Denise and Malc
Here is a picuture of Denise W. and Malc. Today was a very busy day. We had to get acclumated to the new surroundings. Here are a couple tips for Newbie travelers that might save you some frustrations on your first journey.
1. Make Sure you know all cost concerning using you cellphone, not just calls but the internet, GPS, text messaging. they can cost a lot. My service is with Sprin, the simply everything plan. However that does not work in other counties. Will be speaking with Sprint customer service this evening to find out what the costs will be. In the meantime I purchased 700 minutes for 5 euros and used the hotel phone to call Mom, and Sprint.
2.Even after you call your bank to let them know you will be using your ATM card out of the country. Call them again to make sure they made the transfer. Denise W. had a surprise today when she went to get her Euros from an ATM machine and it was declined. She has contacted her bank several days ago and request the use of the card in Spain. It was not a pretty sight. So this afternoon she had to call them on her dime, (many dimes). The time involved took 30 minutes call from Madrid, Spain to her bank in the US. They finally got it right. But it was a stressful and scary situation. BTW her cell phone charges 1 buck per minute.
3. All phone cards are not alike. We purchased a phone card early in the day, however, it did not work. So we took them back and got our 5 euros back. I found a convenience outdoor stand near the hotel and bought another card…5 euros again. Thank God this one work. So I called my Mom (alias Mommy) then called Sprint. I just recently got a HTC2 phone so needed some help.
The weather today was about 78-80 degrees in the daytime, but dropped a lot at night. Tomorrow, we have to get up and go to Soria to start the program.
Adios, talk to you tomorrow!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow Dee, You’ve already learned some valuable travel lessons. Your blog is going to be so useful for when I take my first overseas trip with my girls. I am having a ball experiencing this trip to Spain vicariously through you. Can’t wait to see photos.
Hi, Not sure that this is true:), but thanks for a post.
Eremeeff