New Dundee is the Perfect Little Town

Early Saturday morning they start coming. They flow down the streets at 6 am looking for the best parking spots. All of the houses in New Dundee already have their lights on. Looking through windows you would see families at their kitchen tables eating breakfast. The kids bright eyed while the parents cover their yawns with cups of coffee. Soon they’ll be out and about, walking around the beautiful little town. Past the emporium, library, village market, ice cream shop and school. They’ll cross over the dam and will end in the park like they do every year around this time. As soon as the street lamps turn off, garage doors fly open and people peel into the streets. Up and down the sidewalks people tread, looking for treasure that their neighbours and friends could be harbouring. Shouts of recognition and laughter issue from many driveways as people walk up and down, bargaining and buying other people’s things. It has been said that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and this is proven true on Garage Sale Day in New Dundee. A tradition, that happens on the Saturday of the May 24 weekend that has been going on as long as anyone can remember. Treasures piled high on driveways and in garages that are looking for new homes. Complete with a Firefighter’s breakfast and a parade, Garage Sale Day is a staple for all New Dundee Residents. It is one of many things that make my little town so amazing!

How to Survive a Ten Hour Bus Ride

When travelling to Washington this past week I brought all my experience of other trips to light in order to survive the long bus ride. If you are planning on travelling and a long ride is necessary remember my list to help you get through.

1. A Good Playlist

This was great for me because it can keep you entertained but can also block out outside noise. Say that the person behind you won’t stop talking. You just put earphones in and can disappear into the melody leaving them to talk to thin air instead of you. In addition, a long ride gives you a chance to listen to new music. Before I leave I always ask for friends to suggest songs for me to listen to. Some songs suck but there is always one that gets stuck in my head.

2. Reading Material

If you get car/bus/motion sick this is not a good option for you. However if you can read in a moving vehicle this is a great way to pass the time. I do not suggest an 800 page novel with complex language and a cover that could knock out a stalker but a light read is great. It is recommended that you read a portion of the novel before you leave to make sure it is a good fit for you. Also you could bring magazines to pass the time.

3. Food

The best food is junk food. You are on a trip with no parental guidance so you can do what you want. Who cares if you’ll have a stomach ache that makes you double over in pain! No pain, no gain readers. I suggest chocolate covered pretzels, yogurt covered pretzels, jelly beans, jolly ranchers, chocolate bars, chips, and for you health nuts, chocolate trail mix. Yum and I’m sure that your parents will be very happy when you arrive home with a mouth full of cavities.

4. Drinks

It is important on a trip to stay hydrated so remember to drink a lot of water. People will tell you that this is not the way to go but I disagree. You will give everyone a chance to stretch their legs when the bus stops for the umpteenth time to let you pee. Remember that all the other kids will owe you so you can collect later.

5. Sleeping Material

Always bring a pillow and a blanket. It will make you more comfortable and will help you pass the long hours. If you forget, you can just wait until others are sleeping and can go and “borrow” theirs. They’ll be happy to help you out.

6. A Bag of Tricks

I suggest a wig, plastic army men, a sharpie, a moustache, and a camera. Wait until sleeping has occurred and then have at it. You will entertain yourself and others watching. The camera will serve as a reminder to the sleeper of the amazing bus ride they had. . . and how they should practise sleeping with one eye open.

I hope my list is helpful and if you follow it to a tee it will make your ride unforgettable. Happy Travels!

Rachel