Travel Tip #9: How to get the Most Out of Every Day

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Rin

Travel Tip #9: Advice from a Purple Hippo

Whether sightseeing in the country or city there are several things that you need to do in order to be able to appreciate your trip.

First, make sure to take lots of breaks, you are going to be walking for miles each day, so take it easy.

These umbrella like plants at Kew Gardens provide an excellent shady spot in which to take a quick break

Be sure to stay well hydrated, this is very important. If you overheat you will become very grumpy, so drink plenty of cool water.

The fountain in the Queen’s Garden at Kew Gardens is a great place to have some refreshing water

If you can catch a ride with a local, do so. Locals can give you a more authentic perspective into what daily life is really like at your destination.

This colorful camel was able to show me around the British Museum, a place he has called home for several years

Most importantly, be sure to relax, a stressed explorer is not a happy explorer. Be sure to smell the flowers and enjoy the experience, no matter what it brings.

Stop and smell the Azaleas, but be sure not to eat too many of them, people will notice

Hopefully these tips will help you make the most out of every day of your vacation. Be sure to enjoy yourself and take lots of breaks.

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Tiny Hippo in the Silver Galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Rin

There are tons of great things to see when visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The silver galleries beautifully house an exquisite collection of silver. The most spectacular way to enter the galleries is by the Ceramic Staircase which provide a glimpse into the original designs of the museum and the founding desire to focus on design as well as craft.

The Ceramic Staircase is a remarkable entrance to the Silver Galleries

The Ceramic Staircase is as functional as it is fanciful, and no one minds if a tiny hippo slides down the banister; in fact, a small crowd formed while this hippo slid gleefully down the railing

Once you reach the Silver Galleries be sure to note the two Minton ceramic clad columns that were reconstructed after a discovery of some of the original tiles in the museum’s basement.

Minton ceramic column in the Silver Galleries

There are many strange and delightful trinkets on display in the Silver Galleries.

These sharp bird scissors are just one of the many whimsical things that live in the silver gallery

There are a wide variety of miniature silver pieces in the collection, many of which were designed for children.

While children may have been the intended users of these pieces, one should not negate the ways in which a tiny hippo could take advantage of them, if only someone would open the case for him

There are a number of hands on activities in the Silver Galleries.

Playing hide and seek in the silver steins is a favorite game for any hippo visiting the galleries

There is also a great activity where you can make your own hallmark, just like those found on real silver.

One can first view real hallmarks through magnifier glass on the works displayed in the galleries before trying to create a hallmark

Here is the process for creating your own hallmark.

Place the silvery disc under the press, be sure to center it evenly

Apply all your force on the lever

Retrieve your treasure, it is your badge of honor for a wonderful visit to the Silver Galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum

The Silver Galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum provide a wonderful display of imagination and creativity. I would highly recommend a trip to this museum and a playful exploration of the Silver Galleries, located on the third floor.

Travel Tip #8: Washing Up

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Rin

Travel Tip #8: Advice from a Purple Hippo

Be sure to take a bath and do laundry regularly, no one likes a stinky tourist.

The busy traveler often has difficulties when looking for adequate facilities in which to take a bath in. Never fear, a little ingenuity can go along way. One can use a large sink or basin for sponge baths. A hose is just a portable shower, try it out.

Or you could go with my personal favorite… (note for safety reasons the technique that follows should only be used by properly trained tiny purple hippos)

Just climb into your machine of choice with your favorite bath puff

Yes that’s right, I use a front-loading washing machine, preferably with a window door so that I can watch the world spin by.

Have a friend close the door for you, or devise a system of levers and pulleys so you can shut the door from the inside, I have yet to master that technique.

At this point the water will start to fill the drum of the machine, make sure that you have set the water temperature to warm. Hot will scald your delicate hippo hide and cold will leave you chattering and a much darker purple.

This is my favorite part, the gentle agitation of warm water with lavender-scented bubble bath.

Here comes the spin cycle. Wa wa wa weeeee!

Oh bother, *burp*

There you have it, just look around and you will find so many places to rid yourself of all that grime you have picked up in your travels.

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Inspection of the HMS Warrior by Admiral Burrower

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Rin

This is Admiral Burrower, tiny hippo, reporting for the inspection of the HMS Warrior.

Ship soundly anchored in Portsmouth, UK.

Fancy Greek man still guards the front, er bow, of the ship.

Stern chaser gun with nicely polished track, accounted for.

Perhaps, we should check the velocity of the cannon at a later date

Rope ladder seems sturdy enough.

Hmm, glass over compass is foggy. Someone, see to this!

Net in place to catch cannon balls, check

These pointy thermoses for hot coco are an excellent addition to the boat.

Main mast looks good from here

Nicely lined up, well done, oh and more thermoses, excellent!

Hmm, very nice symmetry, I approve

Now if I just pull this back something should happen

Overall, I issue gold stars all around for the grand HMS Warrior!

Travel Tip #7: Five Rainy Day Ideas

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Rin

Travel Tip #7: Advice from a Purple Hippo

Rainy days

While traveling you are likely to experience some dreary weather.

This bunny is grumpy, don’t be the grumpy bunny

Rainy days can make even the most joyful of travelers a little grumpy. But don’t worry, there is plenty to do while you wait out the weather!

Here are five rainy day activities that are sure to brighten your mood:

#1 Build yourself a fort or castle.

This is a great opportunity to do something useful with all the new architectural information that you picked up while viewing those historic castles, see Travel Tip #6.

#2 Play a game of Jenga.