USA visit

[Jaggy thistle]

Hi there I am going to California shortly and would like some help .What are the rules regarding a skian dubh? can I charge my mobile phone and camera batteries with a UK charger ? .Do I need to hire a car or is there a good transport system ? i am going to wear the kilt so we will see how it is recieved over there

[RockyR]

The rules regarding a Sgian Dubh vary from place to place. My general rule is "When in doubt, leave it at home".

You'll need an adapter (US male end with UK female end) for your cell phone charger.

The public transportation is best answered by someone in California. What city (or cities) are you going to in California?

[Riverkilt]

Somewhere, there has to be a book, "California for Dummies." I like the "Dummies" series for traveling.

And the California Republic is teeming with rabble. Let them know where you're headed to and I'm sure there'll be plenty ready to organize a kilt night in your honor.

Ron

[beloitpiper]

As far as sgian dubhs: I really only wear mine to formal affairs now. It's caused too much of a hassle for every day wear.

I hope you have a great trip! Take lots of photos!

[Vagabond_Aero]

Rocky covered it quite well -- you'll need an adapter for your charger. Depending on where you go, your sgian dubh may be viewed as "menacing," so in many settings it would not be a good idea to wear it. Public transportation is good in places and almost non-existent in other places, so be prepared to rent a car.

Where are you planning to visit?

[sydnie7]

Remember the voltage difference between UK (220-240? househld) and US (120 AC household) -- I have had mixed luck with adapters going the other direction, that is, visiting UK from the US. Some devices work, some don't.

First, make sure your cell phone has "global roaming" or whatever they call it, and check with your cell phone company about rates. We found it cheaper when visiting UK to just buy a prepaid phone once in the country vs. using our own (and that solved the charger issues as well).

If you are going to use your own, do you have a 12-volt car charger? Easy to charge if/when you have a rental car, and there are inexpensive adapters that convert a 12-volt plug to a household plug (like this).

Public transportation. . . very mixed bag. As others have said, a very few cities have good systems, elsewhere it's non-existant or a nightmare to use. All depends on where you plan to visit and what you hope to see.

Be sure to make it down to San Diego! We have great weather, beautiful city, lots of interesting "stuff" to do and see, and a reasonably good transit system. Good spots for kilt nights, too!

[Carolina Kiltman]

Welcome and I hope you have a pleasant stay.

All very good advice so far. I was going to suggest what Syndie7 said as the easiest way to handle the charging of your cell phone.

Post some of your impressions when you have time. Nothing like R. Burns "Oh wud God the giftie gie us, to see ourselves as others see us." (hope I got that right, my memory plays tricks on me from time to time.)

[Jaggy thistle]

Iam going to Bakersfield and Sacramentoalso other places if time allows

[Sionnach]

Well, if you drop by Arizona (Bakersfield's back yard) let us know.

[socalferg]

You will enjoy California…Amtrak trains cover the majority of the state, the coastal areas and major cities. In city bus service varies from one metropolitan area to the next. If you’re heading into Southern California and rent a car, there are an unlimited number places to see and visit. Having a vehicle at your disposal will open up the options you have.

Regarding the Sgain Dubh…Fixed blade knives in Ca. cannot be concealed. The laws in CA regarding a “dirk or dagger” state that they must be worn openly suspended from the waist of the wearer. So if it’s stuck in your kilt hose it may be questionable just how concealed it may be and in what mood the officers in that day. As a visitor, there are a lot of variables to discuss regarding this issue but if you are unsure of the ‘climate’ regarding this in the area you are visiting, Rocky’s recommendation would be the best, leave it at home.