Tris' Travel Tips - Surviving in The States

Currently letting "Supersize Me" load on my computer. The first 22 minutes have been nothing but shock, horror and awe. I'm probably most surprised that the dude willingly did it to himself. But anyway, another edition of Tris' travel guide, which he has no doubt will benefit kiddies going for exchange from next year on all the way to perpetuity. Unless this blog needs to be taken down, which I WON'T LET IT. HA.

Anyway, on with the tips Tris has gathered from 22 days here:

1) Find out where your cold spots are.

Very simply, you need to know which parts of your body are most susceptible to the cold, which parts will make you feel the worst and shiver the most. It's crucial because, as I'm learning, my hands react very badly to the cold, and will royally screw up the rest of my body by chafing up. (perhaps it is the lack of fat around the hands that causes this result, hm. Especially worrying now that I'm watching the show that I am.)

If you don't know, it never hurts to pack more. Bring, especially if you're going after July, a pair of gloves, a woolly cap/hat, a scarf and a good coat, preferably with a faux fur lining. (must please the PETA folk) And a raincoat if you're coming to Seattle (I went out to get my mail and then realised it was raining), plus an umbrella if you, like me, don't believe in raincoats. Or one of those windbreaking jacket thingies.

Though with the number of books you're carrying, my personal suggestion is a raincoat / poncho / windbreaker. With a hood, unless you're an idiot like I am.

2) Find out where everything is from each other

America is deceptively small on its maps and "directions" webpages. NOTHING in America, even if it claims "a block away" is as near as it seems. (which is why so many people drive - I've had sore thighs just walking back and forth from the University Village which is 'only' 5 blocks away.)

SO, my tip is: Know where everything is on a map, overestimating everything grossly. If there's a store nearby, how nearby is it? It's only near if it's 1 intersection away, maybe 2 if you're fit. Of course this formulation will surprise you when you realise how near everything is. But only if you begin by thinking everything's super far from each other. The problem is less obvious in New York, but in Seattle, WHOA. Big difference. especially when the freaking map doesn't include significant topographical signs, e.g. the HILLS in SEATTLE will KILL you when you walk.

So remember, distance is everything but means nothing on a map. You'll get used to it, but till you do, overestimate.

3) Know your locale.

In Singapore, location is not crucial. Where you actually live doesn't even apply to your GRC, let alone areas that are unsafe. America though is a rather different kettle of fish.

Read the guidebooks, they tend to give very good advice on the safe and not-so-safe areas, espcially important in determining where you live and what time you should be home. For Seattle anyway, any area beyond University Way NE is NOT safe at night, a lot of freaks who're high tend to roam the area at night. 15th Ave NE (that's the street up from Uni Way) and up is generally safer, and tend to be more crowded - which means safer crowds.

Though you do have to deal with the noise from the fraternities and sororities, most of whom will not actually invite you to their drunken orgies, sadly. :p

So far, that's as much advice as I have to give. Worry not about me, it's just the cold talking. And shivering. Brr.