Get Your Sydney On! Row 1-My FavoriteTravel Companion

No Dorothy, It's Not The Atlantic

(Give me a break! Strong waves at a slice of Turimetta Beach in the Narrabeen Head Aquatic Reserve. All pics enlarge)

Hey there!

I'm back from Oz (nicknamed by Sydneysiders, for their "Emerald City"), and still adjusting to the time change, climate change (similar now, thank the ancestors), and the ability to communicate again. Mr. K spent the better part of our 2-1/2 week trip upgrading his dad's internet service to broadband from dial up, as part of his birthday present. When your mind is still sharp at 80, your MacBook––the computer of choice for seniors on the go––and internet service should be too. But, more on that later.

You Can Get There, From Here

When considering a trip to Australia, the first thought on folks minds is the distance. No doubt, it is a long flight––from New York non stop, it's almost 22 hours. But for us, it's all about the stopover. Breaking the trip up helps enormously in terms of time and price, unless you're a knitter or stitcher––then you have a greater concern. 

If you can't use your hands, any distance can be too long. And if either your needles or accessories are confiscated by airport security––you don't want to think about that do you? Here's a suggestion, so you won't be stopped before the stopover.

Check With Your Carrier First––Then Fly Jet Blue!

(No worries, mate; my new traveling companion)

I'm giving a big shout out to my girl Fiona! Jet Blue is the knitter's friend. They allow needlework on their flights, but you'll still have to deal with security clearance; and being herded through, in a crowded, uncaring airport like JFK International, you don't want to have your accessories spilling out of your bag onto the floor. Make it a point to get the Knit Kit from Dreamworks Yarns ($19.99). This little T.S.A. compliant gadget is 'da bomb––whoops, sorry––the shizznit, to travel with. The tape measure pulls out to 58-3/4" (53.7m), and I had enough room in the back to include a blunt point plastic needle, 4 locking plastic stitch markers, and a pretty little stitch marker charm. 

I like Bryspun circular needles when I travel. They're plastic, which security understands and they're easy on my hands. And the bag? Namaste's Laguna. It's fabulous for carry on; large enough to hold a sweater project, yarn, and other essentials––like an iPhone to look up the local yarn shop at your destination––but flexible enough to fit under an economy seat.

Traveling With R-e-s-p-e-c-t

The Knit Kit eliminates what I call knitter's fumble––constantly reaching into your bag to pull out something you forgot. In an era of heightened paranoia and shrinking seat size, you need to limit your movements, so as not to irritate your fellow passengers ("what is she doing? I didn't know they allowed whatever that is, on flights. She needs something to put all that in.) Enough said.

Next Stop––San Francisco! Later, y'all.

Comments

[Tanya]

So glad to see a review of the KnitKit. It's absolutely adorable and definitely on my list too!

Thanks for the great Aussie Eye Candy. I do hope I get to go before I die :)

[Ava]

where was your stopover? can't wait to hear more. I know you hit some great yarns stores!

[Marva]

You guys seems to be having a good time. I am getting one of those from knitpicks. See ya in the Big Apple.

[Chris]

The KnitKit is definitely on my must-have list!