I realize that I didn't post any blogs last week.  I was on a trip for business.  When I had access to teh Internet, I was working and when I wasn't working, my Internet access was too slow to be useful.

Business travel can be an productive time apart from the actual purpose of the trip.  These trips take you out of your ordinary routine and often involve streches of downtime.  Unless you have one of those trips where you are scheduled nearly 24/7, there are lots of things you can accomplish:

• Write letters — with actual pen and paper.  You have that lovely desk in your hotel room.  Why not use it?
• If you have to drive to a meeting, consider an audiobook.  Many libraries lend audiobooks without charge.
• If you are flying, airport waiting time and flights are excellent opportunities to catch up on books and journals.  You may be tempted to update files on your laptop, but how often do you get several hours with no phone and email?

• Try a new cuisine.  If there's a distinctive non-perishable regional ingredient, pick it up and add a new flavor to your repertoire.  (For example, sugar cane vinegar is available in parts of Louisiana.)  Pick up a few extra as Christmas gifts for the foodies on your list.

• If you have time to get around a city, stop in boutiques and shops that offer locally made products.  (If you happen upon a craft fair or art show or the like, even better!)  It's a great way to pick up unique gifts and make a dent in the Christmas shopping.