London / Paris Here We Come!!! 9/2 - 9/10/11

[k5jm]

Soooooo, OUR BOXES WENT OUT TODAY!!!!!!!

 

[OKW Lover]

Soooooo, OUR BOXES WENT OUT TODAY!!!!!!!

Is it Boxing Day already?

 

[belle41379]

So, after all the talk yesterday about outlets, convertors, and adaptors (oh my!), I said to my husband, who has a Masters degree in Information Communication Sciences, "did you know...". He stared blankly at me with eyebrows raised. Yep, guess that was a dumb question to ask Mr Technology!

 

[DisneyKevin]

Soooooo, OUR BOXES WENT OUT TODAY!!!!!!!

I got mine today!!!!

 

[DisneyKevin]

Okay....not really.

But I bet I had ya going didnt I?

 

[mattincanberra]

Okay....not really.

But I bet I had ya going didnt I?

Such a tease - of course mine will have to come around the world on some kind of slow boat - i expect it to arrive by the time i get back...

 

[dcayz]

First, let me say that this is James, not Denise. I'm borrowing her account, since she's logged into Disunplugged all the time, and well, I've just started reading the 94 pages of posts. And yes, I read them from 1 to 94, and I needed to make some comments and have some questions. I'm hoping that with under 30 days to go, I haven't waited too long....

------------

First, WTR to the power strip someone purchased - it is NOT a converter. From a review on Amazon "The USP600 solves that problem by turning one 220 volt grounded outlet into six 220 grounded outlets." What you are basically buying is something that turns 1 outlet of X power / US 3 prong, NEMA 5-15, and connect it to 6 multi-format US/UK/etc jacks AT THE SAME POWER RATING.

So, if you wanted to use non-international rated US devices, you would need a CONVERTER (240v -> 120v) for each device. You'd also find you could maybe get 4 plugged in unless you have slim-line converters. Now, many devices (Apple i*, shavers, BlackBerrys) ship in the US with chargers with US 120 plugs, but actually work in both 120 and 240 locations. Your individual device has GOT to say Input 120 - 240V 50-60Hz, or you risk damaging the charger, the device, the circuit, the room, the hotel. The last 3 can get costly

Now, as mentioned before, there are adapters (basically, the same as the power strip, but in reverse - multiple plugs and 1 US jack), and there are converters - adapters with power lowering capability.

You might think - hey, I'll get one Converter, plug a US power strip into it, and I'll be set. BZZZZZZT. If you do that, and plug an international charger into it (again, i*, Blackberry, etc.), I have heard that that ALSO will damage the charger. My converter SPECIFICALLY STATES "DO NOT USE UNIVERSAL CHARGERS / ELECTRONIC DEVICES WITH THIS, OR RISK ....". Something about the two chargers doing battle over which frequency to use.

Right now, Denise & I are taking only international-rated devices. I figure to pack a standard US ext cord (not power strip) with UL & CE (240V) ratings. I'll plug it into an adapter (change the plug from UK/France to US ONLY), run 240 through the ext cord to the intl-rated devices. I've always been a little leery of 240 since watching a cousin getting blown across the basement after hooking up our dryer wrong, but that was 4-wire 240 @ 60A, not 2 wire 240 @ 5A, so it should be just fine.

Does anyone out there have first-hand knowledge if this will or will not work?

Does anyone know if I can buy a US-plug extension cord over in UK? I don't mind not packing / carrying one?

--------------------

Second: Dress Code for the trip. We're doing the whole enchilada: Foxtrot. other group things. Lion King. My typical non-work is jeans (blue or black) and a nice collared shirt (maybe like a polo or 3-button tee), clean sneakers. I "dress up" for work, khakis and button down shirts, no tie, non-lace shoes. I only go to weddings and funerals dressed any better.

Please tell me that I can get away with non-work casual for most time (I can't see bike riding in my work monkey-suit ), and a change or two of business casual? If I need to pack a tie & a shirt that works w/ a tie, I'll be a grumpy old man on the trip.

------------------------

Third - Language. I can handle UK, I know my pants from my trousers. But, I've had a borrowed a friends computer language learning software for over a month, and I can barely say where the damn cat is. Much less understand why a man is just a l' homme but a woman is always le {something} femme. So, I know I will look like a tourist and sound like an American, but will I get poisoned or otherwise abused if I just can't wrap my head around French enough to even say "I can't speak French?"

There's a saying - you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Same goes for language, I have a feeling.

--------------------------

Has everyone but me already started packing? I've not even decided what kind of luggage I need to buy, much less pack..

Just Wonderin'...

And yeah, reply to Denise - she's sure to see her own post and the replies to it.

Thanks.

James

 

[Circusgirl]

Okay....not really.

But I bet I had ya going didnt I?

Doh!

 

[Chropistopy]

OK...I've been spending money tonight.

I've now purchased a dual voltage flat iron (yay!), the universal power strip that Mike posted, adapters (UK and EUR), a compact umbrella w/case...and threw in a couple seasons of Monarch of the Glen (cute BBC tv show) for good measure.

I'm feeling a bit better about the whole power / electronics issue now.

 

[sayhello]

OK...I've been spending money tonight.

I've now purchased a dual voltage flat iron (yay!), the universal power strip that Mike posted, adapters (UK and EUR), a compact umbrella w/case...and threw in a couple seasons of Monarch of the Glen (cute BBC tv show) for good measure.

I'm feeling a bit better about the whole power / electronics issue now.

Did you buy the flat iron from Travelsmith? I've been eyeing that one...

I think I'm going to buy this power strip; I think it's enough for just me:

http://www.amazon.com/Simran-SM-60-110V-250V-Universal-Protection/dp/B003UHYDYO/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i

Mike does that one look OK? I've also picked up UK & Europe (France) adapters for it.

Sayhello

 

[dcayz]

@Sayhello, others, I'm confused - the power strips you are buying have standard US plugs (the part you plug into the wall), and have international jacks (where you plug your camera/phone/flat iron/steadicam).

I'm assuming that the majority of the ABD groups is coming over from US ('cept the Aussie, of course). Why would you need a power strip that has anything but US Jacks? Wouldn't a standard US power strip (no surge protection/no MOVs) be a better / cheaper solution, and then just tack the UK/Eur adapter on the front (between the power strip & the wall?).

I did a little math, and a standard US $2 cord from WalMart is UL listed for 13A @ 125V, but more importantly, 1625Watts. V * A = W.

So, if I have 3 International Chargers, all running @ 240V, #1 is .2A, #2 is .15 A, and #3 is 1A, that is 1.35A * 240V = <1000W, which is means the $2 cord from Walmart is more than sufficient.

Right?

Any EE / Electricians out there want to weigh in on this?

James (again).

 

[dcayz]

Just another random post about power converters - I just purchased an adapter (not converter) from a local Big Box store, and it had a USB output on it as well - I thought, great, I can charge my iPhone on it while running my CPAP at night using 1 socket.

Went to try it using US power (no UK/Eur socket change). The USB doesn't generally provide enough umph to charge hi-drain devices such as blackberrys and iPhones. And, it got real hot after I plugged it in / unplugged it quickly to try and con it into working - it worked, but almost overheated. I ended up using the standard Apple USB adapter.

Unless it specifically says it will work w/ an iPhone/iPod, I wouldn't trust it!

Just a warning for people like me trying to think about saving luggage space by cutting down on adapters!

James (again)

 

[belle41379]

Hi James!

I can't speak to any if the adaptor stuff...I'm just going to leave it to my husband to handle.

As far as packing, we haven't started yet. We've put some thought into what we want to bring, but that's it. It's my understanding that when we get our box from ABD, it will have more specifics in it as to attire. Is that right, everyone??

We will be bringing 2 Travel Pro duffel bags with us. When we first got them, I climbed into one...they are that big! We've used them several times this year and absolutely love them.

Language...we are lucky in the respect that we don't have too much free time in Paris to get ourselves into trouble...hopefully! I think that as long as you are respectful about not knowing the language and don't expect everyone to speak English, you will be just fine. I remember a bit of high school French, but just enough to be dangerous. The ABD site did say that most do speak English, though, if it makes you feel better.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Second: Dress Code for the trip. We're doing the whole enchilada: Foxtrot. other group things. Lion King. My typical non-work is jeans (blue or black) and a nice collared shirt (maybe like a polo or 3-button tee), clean sneakers. I "dress up" for work, khakis and button down shirts, no tie, non-lace shoes. I only go to weddings and funerals dressed any better.

Please tell me that I can get away with non-work casual for most time (I can't see bike riding in my work monkey-suit ), and a change or two of business casual? If I need to pack a tie & a shirt that works w/ a tie, I'll be a grumpy old man on the trip.

------------------------

Third - Language. I can handle UK, I know my pants from my trousers. But, I've had a borrowed a friends computer language learning software for over a month, and I can barely say where the damn cat is. Much less understand why a man is just a l' homme but a woman is always le {something} femme. So, I know I will look like a tourist and sound like an American, but will I get poisoned or otherwise abused if I just can't wrap my head around French enough to even say "I can't speak French?"

There's a saying - you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Same goes for language, I have a feeling.

--------------------------

Has everyone but me already started packing? I've not even decided what kind of luggage I need to buy, much less pack..

Just Wonderin'...

And yeah, reply to Denise - she's sure to see her own post and the replies to it.

Thanks.

James

Hi James,

Not sure I can shed any light on the power source / adapter / converter / transformer / power strip conversation.

We have an adapter for England and France and we bought the power strip Mike showed.

We're plugging in Apple stuff and they're rated for both, so hopefully we have things covered.

That being said.....I can answer your other questions.

I would say that your business casual clothing is all you will need. There is no need for a suit or tie. I can tell you that business casual is as "dressy" as I ever get and if that doesnt cover wherever we are going...well....I'm either going to sit outside or go somewhere else.

I also keep reading that you shouldnt wear white sneakers because you will look like a tourist.

First .....I am a tourist.
Second....28 of us will be following a guy (or gal) with a big white sign that says ADVENTURES BY DISNEY. I'm pretty sure my disguise will be shot no matter what color my footwear.
Third.....who cares if you look like a tourist. I'm going to experience London, Paris and Disneyland Paris. Having my picture taken in front of the Eiffel Tower with 27 of my traveling companions by two guides trying to wield 28 separate cameras is again, going to give me away.
Fourth....I'm bringing a pair of white and and a pair of brown sneakers. I hope no one in our group is going to be upset that the 6'6, chubby guy at the end of the line of 28 people following the big white ABD sign is giving away that were not native French by wearing white Reeboks.

Okay....I think I've driven that point into the ground.

On to language....we have two guides that will be fluent in French. Ask them if anything you are ordering is something disgusting.

I'm of the belief that eyes, tongue, spleen, intestines, reproductive organs, brains etc....well...you get the idea....are not to be eaten. I'm okay with the fact that this may make me an ugly American. I can live with that.

That being said.....I think learning words like hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, how much etc will buy you a great deal of good will.

I'm not sure asking (no matter how perfect our French pronunciation) if what we are ordering is a disgusting part of the animal will get us very far.

It is for exactly this reason that I intend to survive on croissants.

 

[dcayz]

Yeah, it's James again (I stay up all night, don't sleep, drink lots of Coke Zero).

Something that DisneyKevin said struck a chord w/ me:
"two guides trying to wield 28 separate cameras".

Now, I might be trying to oversimplify Life In General, but what about cutting down 27 / 25 / 20+ of those duplicate shots and then sharing them all when we get home. I mean, does ANYONE intend on using film?

Now, I'm not saying we shouldn't all take separate cameras and photos where we are out & about looking at things, but especially for those group shots - how much time do we want to spend saying "Mickey Mouse" 14 - 28 times?

I am having to look into a new personal website before the trip anyway (Verizon is effectively killing off personal webspace to advanced DSL / FIOS users), and well, I'm sure I could set up a picture album section (maybe with its own domain name and restricted access list to just the group) where people could upload all of their "common" photos after (during?) the trip, and we could all download them thereafter. And yes, I'm talking at least 100G of space, so there wouldn't be any problems with keeping the full size photos (@10M/photo, that's 10,000 pix!). Of course, if someone is bound & determined to HD video every second and upload that movie, that might be a little more that 100G...

Oh, and yeah, I would say that we would take at least 2 pictures of each group shot, on different cameras - just in case one camera / SD cards gets lost / stolen / broken / etc. But that is still better than 28

Just a thought. Anyone else like it?

This is just an idea, and if no one wants it, that's OK w/ me.

 

[skunkvette]

James,

Regarding the 24 camera shots, on our last two ADB tours that only happened once (maybe twice) a day, and with two guides shooting, it only took a couple extra minutes for each event.

Most of those "Kodak Moment" photos were also on the photo CD provide by ABD after the tour.

Share photos is a great idea, the last tours someone was kind enough to set up an account (Flickr or Snapfish type) for others to share photos.

Concerning dress code, I am with Kevin - "Hello my name is Frank and I am a tourist" is my trip plan.

There is going to be a good bit of walking, so two pairs of cross trainers, one grey and one brown. A pair of slip on leather shoes for nights out.

Nice Dockers for Lion King and nights events, but jeans and collared (pull over) shirts elsewhere.

I am also going to bring a pair of shorts (SHOCKING) if the long range weather forecast supports it.

Foxtrot Oscar is casual bistro, so jeans and a golf shirt is what I plan on for that night.

Don't forget about personal security, I have purchased shielded passport holders and a security wallet.

 

[k5jm]

I understand the 24 camera thing!

 

[k5jm]

Wouldn't a standard US power strip (no surge protection/no MOVs) be a better / cheaper solution, and then just tack the UK/Eur adapter on the front (between the power strip & the wall?).

I did a little math, and a standard US $2 cord from WalMart is UL listed for 13A @ 125V, but more importantly, 1625Watts. V * A = W.

So, if I have 3 International Chargers, all running @ 240V, #1 is .2A, #2 is .15 A, and #3 is 1A, that is 1.35A * 240V = <1000W, which is means the $2 cord from Walmart is more than sufficient.

Right?

Any EE / Electricians out there want to weigh in on this?

James (again).

Electrically, you are correct in the current draw.

BUT,, The us power strips are only rated for 110 volts @ 60hz. The surge protection will more than likely pop and smoke! (Seen it happen in my data center when a contractor plugged a 110 power strip into my rack mounted 220volt power strip. He let the factory installed smoke out. And once that magical smoke is gone, you can not put it back in).

I am bringing only Dual Voltage devices. No 110v only devices. I am purchasing the Multi-voltage power strip with universal female plugs so that I can rob a lamp plug or some other device if the rooms have sparse electrical connections. Plus, I want the surge protection.

+

 

[k5jm]

Something to keep an eye on if you are on Foursquare...

 

[belle41379]

For those of you that may be like us...not lucky enough to fly first class...

Many travelers so dread the prospect of a sleepless long haul flight that their anxiety creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. Try to take care of as many work, home and travel details as possible before you leave so that flight day is stress-free. Then enjoy the airborne hours as a time when all your chores are done, and relaxation is your only option.

Make sure you dress the part. Wear comfortable, non-binding clothes made of soft fabrics with elastic waist bands. Slip off your shoes and slip on a pair of cozy socks.

Board at the first announcement to increase the odds that your carry-on bag can be stowed in the overhead bin, allowing you to take advantage of all available leg space.

There are never enough blankets or pillows for everyone on board, and those that are available are not laundered between flights. Bring a supportive neck pillow, a warm travel blanket, and block the light and noise with a good eyeshade and earplugs. For a more high-tech solution to engine noise, especially if you like to listen to music as you rest, try noise blocking or noise cancelling headphones.

Set your watch to the destination time as soon as you board the plane, and try not to think about what time it is at home. You may also wish to set your alarm for an hour or so before landing so you'll have time to move around a bit, use the restroom and be completely awake upon arrival.
Instruct the flight attendants not to wake you for meals or beverages, and fasten your seatbelt over your blanket so you won't be disturbed should the seatbelt sign come on.

The humidity level in airline passenger cabins is extremely low, so drink plenty of water , and keep your sinuses hydrated to help ward off germs. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine, as they dehydrate you and interfere with sleep.