My recent pilgrimage allowed me to try out several new things, from clothing to apps, and I thought I would share a few quick notes on what worked. Probably not going to say a lot about what didn’t work (apps). Always glad to share the good stuff.
My first recommendation wins the “Where were you 40 years ago” award: the SCOTTeVest. Oh my stars and garters, it made life so much easier. That’s even without tapping the Personal Area Network capabilities. For me, the vast array of secure pockets, one of which is even RFID shielded, made it indispensable. For going through security I put everything in it that would set off the magnetometer or scanner, dropped it on the x-ray belt, and mostly got through fine. The metal plates and artificial joints I now carry did cause some problems, but the vest cut the hassle a LOT. I also could change the loadout as needed, and always had potentially useful paperwork on me — along with my Billa shopping bags.
Honorable Mention: My Billa cloth shopping bags. Plan to start carrying them here too.
The vest held up well overall. My build was not a perfect fit for it (chest and shoulders) but overall a good fit. I would not recommend it for high summer, as it did get a bit warm once the weather turned hot, but it worked well for cold then spring.
I tried a couple of different translation apps, including one that had been highly recommended. I ended up trashing them and just going with Google as it did better than the pricey apps. Handled text, photos, and voice well and came in very handy. Worked well on cellular data and very well on wifi. Also, unlike the bought ones, worked everywhere I went. Next time not likely to bother with anything else.
Financial apps I used a good bit were Revolut and Venmo. Revolut was great for dealing with exchanges, getting money to a guide, and offers a lot more services I did not fully explore this trip. It does more than I know how to do, and I hope to find a good tutorial one it one day. Venmo I had not used before, but it also came in handy. Not used as much in Europe as Revolut, but still handy to have.
The communications app I used the most was WhatsApp. A majority of businesses had a WhatsApp number on their website or advertisements; many of the people I met there had accounts, and it was probably my most used means of communication. Why make potentially expensive phone calls when you can use the app?
The most intriguing app on the trip was AR Time Machine. I don’t know if it works anywhere but Sofia/Serdika; but, it made spending time in the Roman ruins much more interesting. When you scan QR codes in the ruins and hold your phone up, it doesn’t show the present but what the area looked like in Roman times. Turn around/look around with the phone, and it shows you what was where then, not now. Educational and entertaining and didn’t seem to be a data hog. Glad I tried it out and am keeping it on the phone just in case it is in use elsewhere.
Two transport apps I can recommend. First up is TaxiMe which probably only works in Sofia but was a great way to get a good taxi safely and without potentially getting gouged. It even has some limited English capabilities. The other is called Moovit and it handles public transport in multiple locations. My only issue with it is that I thought I got the ad-free, and didn’t. Before I try to use it again on a trip I will upgrade to avoid the hassle and delays of the ads. Not quite as intuitive as I would like, but it worked well enough to get me by.
Final app getting a worthy mention is the MPC app from Customs and Border Patrol. Returning to the U.S. used to mean a flimsy odd-sized paper form and the need to have receipts and more handy. It took me less than five minutes to get the app, set it up, and take care of the paperwork while the plane taxied to the gate. Very much simplified the arrival process.
Just a quick look at the things that worked. Hope they help you in your travels.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. If you would like to help me with seminary courses, pilgrimages, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Thank you.