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Side Trips

Briefs: Brit-speak

By JANET K. KEELER
Published June 5, 2005

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They say knickers, we say underwear. They wait on queue, we linger in line. Just because Brits and Americans speak the same language doesn't mean we always understand each other.

That's why British Airways has created an online "English to English" dictionary as part of a campaign to keep Americans in London from getting lost in translation.

Some examples:

British: Ace, as in "The party last night was ace."

American: Excellent.

British: Knackered, as in "Work has me completely knackered."

American: Tired.

British: Chin-wag, as in "Fancy a coffee and a bit of a chin-wag?"

American: A chat.

British: Naff, as in "Your style is naff."

American: Tacky.

For more, go to www.ba.com/know A new word is added every day.

GAY FRIENDLY

The Kimpton Hotel Group has expanded its Gay Pride celebration packages this summer to include hotels in 14 cities across North America - up from nine in 2004. The packages include spa treatments in Chicago, $50 dining certificates in Seattle and free cocktails in New York. Other cities include Boston, Coconut Grove-Miami, Denver, New Orleans, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver and Washington D.C.

For information on packages, see www.gaytravelnews.com or call Kimpton toll-free at 1-800-546-7866.

RESPECT ON THE ROAD

If you travel to a destination where there will be places of religious interest that you plan to visit, take into consideration proper attire, and pack accordingly. Women may want to pack a wrap-around skirt or long sarong, to wear when entering such places. You also may be asked to remove your shoes before you enter, so carry socks. And take a hat or head scarf.

MORE LOVE IN YOUR LIFE

The temperatures are sizzling, but what about your love life?

Casa de Rosa, a bed-and-breakfast in West Palm Beach's Old Northwood, has a tempting offer. The "Romance, Tuscan-style" package includes two nights in the White Rose Room (which comes with a raised whirlpool tub), chocolates and a bottle of wine. While you're there, have a portrait taken in the gardens as a reminder of your romantic getaway. Cost: $490.

A better deal: If you book two nights at the regular price during the week, you'll get the third night free.

For reservations or more details, call toll-free 1-888-665-8666 or go to www.casaderosa.com

IN OHIO THIS SUMMER?

Spend the night in a dark prison. Hear the story of the Titanic. Work on an old-fashioned farm.

See? There are interesting things to do when you visit the folks back home.

- The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield holds overnight "ghost hunts" in which participants explore the historic prison-turned-museum by flashlight. Participants must be 21; $50. Dates are June 25, July 8 and 23, Aug. 12 and 27, Sept. 3 and 16, and Nov. 5 and 19. Details at www.mrps.org or toll-free 1-800-642-8282.

- "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" is at Center of Science and Industry in Columbus through Sept. 5. Go to www.cosi.org for details.

- Learn about traditional Amish communities by eating a home-cooked Amish meal, or even by helping an Amish family with gardening, quilting or canning. For information, go to www.discoverohio.com or call toll-free 1-800-282-5393.

DRINK (WATER) AND FLY

For every hour you are in the air, you should drink 8 ounces of water, say the folks at the TravelSmart newsletter.

Yes, you'll need to use the restroom after all that liquid, but that will force you to move around the cabin, which helps improve circulation and prevent blood clots.

Reset your biological clock by changing your wristwatch to the time zone you're headed to - then sleep when the locals do. If it's light out when you arrive, get outside and try to stay awake until after sunset.

Compiled by JANET K. KEELER from staff and wire reports. You can reach her at 727 893-8586 or e-mail krieta@sptimes.com

[Last modified June 3, 2005, 09:56:03]

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