Journeywoman's Best Tips of 2004

Dollar stores and mesh bags -- writes Adina in Madrid, Spain -- When I was in New York I stopped in a store that sells each object for only $1.00. There I found small, strong, white mesh bags with a zipper that are meant to protect lingerie when you are washing laundry in a washing machine. I chose another use for these bags. When I pack my backpack, I keep my underwear in one of them and my socks in the other. My clothes breathe, I can find things easily, I can wash the bags when they get dirty and now I feel I'm an organized Journeywoman.

Her best sights & sandwiches in San Francisco -- writes Claudia in Hollywood, California (USA) -- One of my favorite views of San Francisco is from Portero Hill. Atop Portero Hill at 501 Connecticut St. is Klein's Delicatessen which has the best sandwiches in town. The fun part is that these specialties are named after famous women -- Kate Hepburn, Frieda Kahlo, Marian Anderson, Geraldine Ferraro, Minnie Mouse and my favorite, the Mercedes McCambridge. All are made fresh to order and are huge.

Her best guide to London -- writes Ann in Norfolk, United Kingdom -- The Dorling Kindersley Guide to London is excellent. I live 100 miles away from London, and I still use this book. You can buy your copy at home or wait until you get here to purchase it. If you don't mind carrying it with you, do it. I suspect the book will be more expensive here in the U.K.

She recommends her French guide, Henri -- writes Rosalyn in Chicago, USA -- We 'discovered' Henri when renting an apartment in Paris through his sister -in-law (who is an agent in Seattle). Henri is retired, lives in Normandy (where he is also happy to be a guide) and speaks fluent English. He is absolutely charming! Spending a day with Henri is always full of little surprise stops and interesting anecdotes. He'll help you plan your outing, or give him a general idea of your interests and he'll take it from there. One day we were driving through the Champagne area on our way to Reims and I thought it was probably time for the "vendage" -- when the grapes are being picked. The next thing we knew, we were in the fields talking to the locals who were, in fact picking the grapes! Henri Leers can be reached by phone at: +011-33- (0) 2-33-20-55-76 and by fax at: 011 33 2 33 20 44 87
Editor's Note: More about guides at: She Recommends Her Guides Round the World

Hand in glove in Milan -- writes Roberta in Milan, Italy -- A delicious present for yourself? How about a pair of gloves in myriad delicious colours? Perfect too for gifts -- compact, feather-light, and easy to pack. In Milan, the place to go is Sermoneta at 46 Via della Spiga. This may be right in the heart of the Fashion Quadrilateral, but the prices are perfect. If you are on a budget and want to try your luck, try heading for the Alpo outlet. This is at 4/1 Via Bandello, just by Piazza Baracca (metro Conciliazione). Open Monday to Friday, 09.00-13.00, 14.00-18.00.

She saves money at Harrods in London, England -- writes Dulcy from Jerusalem, Israel -- I find that the Food Department at Harrod's (on the lower level) is a treasure trove for inexpensive gifts - expect to find out of this world teas, some of them in very attractive tins, real British biscuits, marmalades, chutney, etc. Now, whenever I have a friend traveling to London I ask for a box of Harrod's Camomile and Spiced Apple Tea - or Herbal Infusion - a delicious combination I haven't found anywhere else. A box of 25 tea sachets costs 3.5 euro (around $US5.00)!
Editor's Note: More gift buying info at: She Shops, Shops, Shops Worldwide