TravelPod.com TravelStream™ — Recent Entries at TravelPod.com TravelStream™ most recent 25 entries from TravelPod.com. Travel Blogs | Travel Journals | Travelogues | Travel Diaries ( Since 1997 ) http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss en-us Copyright ©2012 TravelPod.com Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:08:46 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com This is an XML content feed. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site, subject to copyright and fair use.Sejltur til ”Los Organos” — Valle Gran Rey, Spain http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/qi7mxf3e8GQ/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sofie-mads/3/1328738787/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sofie-mads/3/1328738787/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:08:46 +0000 La Gomera - Jan/Feb 2012
Valle Gran Rey, Spain

Vi sov længe, da vi først havde en aftale med en kaptajn og et hav kl. 10.45. Her steg vi ombord på turistbåden, der skulle tage os på en i alt 3 timers lang tur op langs kysten til et naturskabt vidunder. I tidernes morgen blev øen jo skabt at lava, lava og atter lava. Nogle gange løb det langsomt, og nogle gange løb det ligeså hurtigt som flydende stearin. Her er tale om ret store mængder tyndtflydende lava der er flydt ud over hinanden i lag på lag. Et par millioner år senere ligner det et orgel af vanvittige dimensioner – bedst set fra havsiden.

Mads kan forskellige ord på spansk (vildt mange!!! :D )Det er klart at der ind i mellem falder lidt finker af fadet. Med mit ophav fra en familie der altid er klar på en sang, vakte det derfor stor jubel da han som det meste naturlige oversatte de vigtigste strofer af La Bamba-sangen [yo no soy marienero – yo no soy marienero - soy capitan, soy capitan] Oversat: jeg er ingen sømand- jeg er ingen sømand - jeg er KAPTAJN …. Fantastisk, endelig ved jeg hvad der er jeg har gået og sunget alle disse år :D

Der var modvind og skibet fulgte de enorme dønninger, som er for store til at blive kaldt bølger og som vist bare følger med i meget store have. Igen må jeg bare sige: PUH HAAAA! Selv den kække spanske matros så bekymret på mig for han kunne se, at jeg var ca. ligeså søstærk som en kat i et fyldt badekar … eller noget. Naturligvis skulle vi jo også sejle MEGET tæt på klipperne, så vi kunne få det HELE med … også nærdødsoplevelser i min stakkels løbske fantasi. Som den fødte kaptajn han er, synes Mads det hele var en fest. Han synes f.eks. det var en spas at komme med kommentarer som: ”Hey skat, skal jeg ikke hente dig en spandauer med fedt og rejer?”

Vi nåede frem og fik fotograferet og måbet over det flotte ”orgel” – se venligst billederne for yderligere.

På turen tilbage i medvind havde frøkenen det meget bedre. Hun kunne både indtage den serverede tapas og drikke sangria. Tilbage på havnen fortsatte vi det maritime tema og spiste tun-steak og calamari romania. Herligt herligt.


]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sofie-mads/3/1328738787/tpod.htmlThe Arrival — Vanderbijlpark, South Africa http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/Jk_cP0oNHbI/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/valponaz/1/1328619365/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/valponaz/1/1328619365/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:06:38 +0000 South Africa Trip
Vanderbijlpark, South Africa

Where I stayed
Rudie Booyen's House
(Vanderbijlpark hotels)


Well we made it. Luckily i am pretty tired even though it is only 2:30pm back home. The plane ride was pretty rough for the first 3 to 4 hours but eventually smoothed out. I started off watching Despicable Me then watched In Time. Then sort of fell asleep was more like in and out of sleep thanks to turbulence. That lasted for about 5 hours or so, not to bad. then had a snack and listened to some pod casts. After awhile I opened up my window and BOOM AFRICA. We landed early and got through the airport fast. We ended up beating Rudie to the meeting spot. We grabbed some money and hit the road for Vanderijlpark. Which was about an hour and a half drive, all on the wrong side of the road. We then spent some time with Rudie and his wife talking about all the differences between South Africa and the US, mostly sports. Well that's it for today, we will be visiting some churches tomorrow and will probably go find some animals. Also there seams to be good wifi at the houses I will try to leave skype turned on while im connected. Name is jonathan.humrichouser feel free to call or chat. Night.
]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/valponaz/1/1328619365/tpod.htmlOk, I'm a Bird Geek — Knysna, South Africa http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/PpzKd_c-JWE/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sknodle/1/1328714615/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sknodle/1/1328714615/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:02:37 +0000 South African Adventure
Knysna, South Africa

Prior to this visit to South Africa I was not much of a bird photographer. But, I started practicing before I left so I would be ready for the many varieties of birds I would encounter here in South Africa. And, as you have seen already there are some beautiful birds here.

Today I drive about 45 minutes outside of Knysna and past Plettenberg Bay to visit Birds of Eden. It's billed as the largest bird aviary in the world and I would have to agree with that title. It covers over two acres and spans a gorge of indigenous forest. There are raised wooden walkways that go right thru the forest so you feel like you are really up in the trees with the birds. There are currently over 3500 birds that live at this sanctuary.

Within about 10 minutes of my arrival it starts raining. I manage to get in a few photos before running for cover. It's not good to get a camera wet. I have some breakfast at the restaurant and then find a covered pavilion and stay under there for a couple of hours. It is right on a pond and there are lots of ducks, red billed queleas and a nice pair of Blue Cranes to watch. The female blue crane is sitting on a nest with 4 eggs in it. Every once in awhile she will get up and poke around the eggs and move them a bit. I don't imagine it's too comfortable for her.

The rain continues and I return to the restaurant for lunch hoping to wait it out, but no luck, it keeps raining. The waiter tells me, of course they need the rain. And, I am lucky I was not here last week when it was stifling hot.

In spite of the rain, I did manage to get some nice bird photos. On the way back to the B&B I pass the Knysna Elephant Park and since it's still raining I decide not to stop. I have seen lots of elephants already and don't wish to walk around in the mud and rain. I hope you enjoy some of the photos I got at Birds of Eden.



]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sknodle/1/1328714615/tpod.htmlWe Survived The Death Road! — La Paz, Bolivia http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/5NADQQeIV78/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozhan/1/1327337662/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozhan/1/1327337662/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:54:52 +0000 Lozhan's Great Adventure
La Paz, Bolivia

Another full day bus ride around Lake Titicaca into Bolivia and we arrived in La Paz, a gorgeous city set in a deep canyon. Because it was our last night with Fernando we piled 19 people into a minivan and headed to an awesome restaurant with all types of oriental cuisine. The fruit smoothies were lush and the food divine, exactly what we needed for the following days activities...

DEATH ROAD!!!! Many have died, we didn't....from 4700m -1200m it took us 6hrs to mountain bike 65km from snow to jungle; a great way to see just what Bolivia had to offer. One of the girls lost her bike over a cliff but our trusty tour guide retrieved it by quickly whipping out a harness and traversing down the valley to get it (this harness is most likely in the car ready for bodies!).

Loz was of course in front looking for that ultimate adrenaline rush and by the end of the day Han was also keeping her hands off those breaks and feeling the jungle air rushing past. We were fully sick! We rode around cliff faces on very narrow roads, under waterfalls and through rivers and not to mention how rough and rocky the road was to ride across. The endless crosses along the road to represent those that had lost their lives...scared the **** out of us...as we hoped and prayed we didn’t have the same fate. But lucky ducks we are...we made it to the finish line alive to tell the tail! This was without a doubt the ultimate adrenalin rush! Another for you to add to your to do lists. Just don’t tell your folks about it...until afterwards!

Loz then Zip lined it up whilst the rest kicked back and relaxed with beers as a celebratory drink! The 3 zip lines were......AMAZING! 1.5KM from one side of death valley to the other I can’t remember how high but it was bloody high! The views were a great way to finish the death road.

After a 14hr day we arrived back to our hotel to meet our new tour group. Although our tour is for 45 days from Lima to Rio...we have people joining and leaving along the way. So farewell to Fernando and a few of our tour friends...and hello One Pablow (Columbian) and Bone Marrow (Argentinean) our new tour guides, and a few extra people that have now joined the group. Looks like the next 7 days is set to be fun with these loose cannons!

In the morning Hannah went to visit San Pedro prison (for those of you that have read Marching Powder you’ll know all about this place!). It is the best book I have ever read! Basically it’s an incredibly corrupt prison where they use to do tours inside (you just had to bribe the police to let you in!)...but a girl on our tours sister got deported a few months ago for trying...as they have recently become extremely strict with tourists being inside. This didn’t stop our new crazy tour guide from trying to talk our way into the prison...one guard looked set to let us in...but we were shut down when another official came over and told us we would be deported if we got inside! So there was the end of that...but we did manage to see some prisoners being walked into the prison...and some women and children also taking all their supplies inside...as they live in the prison with their husbands who have been imprisoned. This prison is like no other in the world...and in fact I felt safer on the Death Road than I did near the prison! You have got to read the book to believe it!

Then we were off on a really **** train to arrive in Uyuni at 3 o’clock in the morning...ouch!

Amazon Woman & Galapagos Tortoise.

xx
]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lozhan/1/1327337662/tpod.htmlWe have arrived! — Santiago, Chile http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/QS66nnp3Nls/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jamesandtory/1/1328778404/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jamesandtory/1/1328778404/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:49:14 +0000 Jamesandtory's Great Adventure
Santiago, Chile

Where I stayed
Chilli Hostel Santiago
(Santiago hotels)
What I did
Andes (if you peer through the fog), lots of stray dogs, child peeing on the street -cos you have to pay for the public bathroom


Well, where to start.... the flight was not as bad as I remember it from 10 years ago (probably because I didn't have an obese man taking up most of my seat this time). There was just enough room for James to sit without his knees touching the seat in front. We watched a movie each and ate dinner together (well actually we had our earphones on and watched our separate movies - very romantic). The lights had been off for a couple of hours when I realised it was only 6 hours until we arrived and decided we better get some sleep.... and just as we settled down.... turbulance and not the slightly bumpy kind. We would suddenly drop and I nearly lost my dinner on two occasions, and finally fell asleep clenching James' hand only to be woken sometime later to an announcement first in Spanish, then English that a passenger required medical attention and if there was a nurse or doctor on board please make themselves known..... guess they were ok cause didn't hear anything more after that.

We landed at 11.10am and it was already sweltering. The hostel is basic but good, and the staff extremely helpful (and thankfully speak English as my Spanglish is a little rusty). Dinner is free most nights at the hostel and we are joining the BBQ and clubbing planned for tonight. Wifi and breakfast are included but unfortunately no aircon and James can bearly fit in our bathroom :P

Today we braved the Metro to get to the bus terminal which was suprisingly easy, however buying the bus tickets to Mendoza proved a little more difficult as apparently NZ is not a country their system recognises. After the ticket man tried 6 unsuccessful times to find NZ we suggested we could be listed as Australians, so I'm sad to say I have betrayed my country (for ticket purposes only). Oh and thanks to a typo I am born on 03-06-1198 ..... James tells me I look good for my age!

With a feeling of acomplishment and tickets in hand we decided to walk to another hostel to book for our return trip.... and spent the next hour walking the same two blocks looking for it! On the fourth pass I decided to consulte the map in our Lonely Planet guide and discovered the tourist map we have been using is a little distorted - then noticed in small print that the map is not to scale.

The hostel we plan to return to is in Barrio Bellavista - a trendy area, filled with cafes, restaurants and bars. We don't expect to get much sleep there but we can always take a siesta. We found a great little place called Patio Bellavista, which is almost like a large interior, multi-level courtyard taking up one block. We stopped for Pizza and beer at a New York style pizzaria playing songs in English (I know - not very adventurous but it is only day one and the beer was Chillian).

]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jamesandtory/1/1328778404/tpod.htmlOn Perceived Wealth — Bedmar, Spain http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/oq22BdAwSWo/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emizner/2/1328700499/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emizner/2/1328700499/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:39:25 +0000 Spain: Phase two. Working as an English teacher in Jaén
Bedmar, Spain

I'm aware that this story is circulating a bit among my family, or as I like to call them, "the Moneybanks Clan". But it'll be a blog entry nonetheless. The whole situation was rather eye opening.

As anyone who has been reading this blog semi-frequently knows, I've been struggling immensely to get paychecks on time. By the end of December, I had received one paycheck for October, November and December (they are supposed to come monthly). I was finally paid for December mid-January, and just now received my February pay a week late (the earliest I've ever gotten it so far).

This has been the source of huge amounts of stress, as our paychecks are about enough to live here on a budget, and do a bit of traveling. There isn't much more wiggle room than that. After this last conversation over another late paycheck happened, my director must have sensed a bit of frustration in our tone, because later that day, an interested conversation took place.

The conversation began with him reminding me that the most important things in life are happiness and health and love (something he says every time the paycheck is late), and that money will never make you happy. My constant response to this is that I believe him, but that I am sure I won't be happy if I can't pay for food or shelter.

After that exchange, the following conversation took place:
Him: Your parents are rich though!
Me: Why do you say this?
Him: You showed us the presentation for the holidays with a picture of their mansion. They have a lovely mansion, it's very beautiful and they're rich!
Me: Okay, well thank you. But you need to understand that their mansion is not my mansion. The US is not like Spain. People do not live with their parents until they are 30....we move out and go to school at 18 usually
Him: Yes, you're strange
Me: Okay well we're strange. But my parents have their money and they can't give it all to me. I need to have some of my own.
Him: ...so that you can buy a mansion in New York?
Me: Sure.........why not, so I can buy a mansion in New York... (because that's where we all want to live apparently).
Him: Okay I'll pay you now.

So apparently now, the roughly $1000 that I receive per month goes mostly into paying for a mansion centrally located in NYC. Sounds great, I hope to be moving in soon.

To me (and likely everyone else reading), the situation seems absolutely preposterous. How could someone actually think this? This is an educated man, who has been a teacher for over 20 years and is now running the school. But perceptions of wealth over here are much different...and it's likely something I should have noted earlier.

In passing conversation, it's been said many times by others here at the school that Americans are rich. We don't know crisis. We don't know economic depression. Again, a ridiculous belief to hold if you're an American struggling to find a job in a market with an 8-15% unemployment rate. But from their perspective, they're right. The unemployment rate here in Spain at the end of 2011 was a whopping 23% across the country, with only about half of the population under 30 holding a job. Here in Jaen, a poorer province in the poorer autonomy of Andalucia, unemployment sits at 45%. We might be struggling in the US, but compared to the Spanish, there is an abundance of jobs. Perhaps 1 in 10 Americans are unemployed, but here in the Jaen province, it's nearly 1 of ever 2 people.

If that's not enough, they've seen pictures of my parent's house, which to them looks like Bill Gate's private estate. Here, the only way you could have a house that size would be to live well outside of the city on your own private land. Even then, you would need a ridiculous amount of money to pay for the electricity and elevated tax levels. A well off couple here will often live in the city in a large, nice apartment with private parking. If they're really wealthy, they might even own a small home in the mountains somewhere to visit on weekends and holidays.

OH and the GRASS. We have grass all over our yard. I once told my students that we had grassy soccer fields rather than cement, to which they responded that I must have gone to the best school in the world. To water and grow grass here the size of our yard back home would be another huge expense.

All in all, looking at things from their perspective, I can understand how they might be seeing "Misener Mansion" where we see a good upper-middle class home in the suburbs. From what I can tell. my parents are more or less the Dutch and Dutchess of Verona, Wisconsin (by the way, my students were once appalled to learn Wisconsin has no Dutch and Dutchess) in the minds of many of my co-workers.

Perhaps to bring them back down to our level, I should share with them what we're paying to attend university, and for health care.


]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/emizner/2/1328700499/tpod.htmlOne of the seven wonders of the world — Bangkok, Thailand http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/gJsqgPTgIzI/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/chattynatty/1/1203563220/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/chattynatty/1/1203563220/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:35:35 +0000 To Thailand and beyond-63 days of adventure.
Bangkok, Thailand

While in Cambodia I purchased a book written by a women who survived the Cambodian civil war. It is very interesting to read as I have been to many of the places she describes in her book. It explains how when the Khmer Rouge took over the country they attempted to destroy many of the temples and killed the monks that lived at them. They killed approximately 2 million people. When I was touring I over heard a guide explain how the chambers inside of the temples would have been before the destruction. There would have been wood ceilings and doors and silk panels covering the walls. The monks would stop in each chamber to pray before moving onto the next. There is now a restoration organization in effect that works on restoring and maintaining these temples. I never realized that the temples in Angkor Wat that I visited are considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world. I feel very fortunate to have experienced them. I enjoyed the book very much and will lend it to anyone who may be interested in reading it. I was able to read it while I waited for mom to arrive at the airport. We did not make it back into Bangkok until 2 in the morning and then visited until 3 as we were both to excited to sleep. We both were back up and out for breakfast by 6am! Mom is so excited and I love to see her experience things. She has not traveled much in her life and I am so happy I was able to convince her to come visit for a short time. After breakfast we made our way to the train station to buy tickets to Chiang Mai then it was off to the many markets that are clustered in Soi's( lane or small street) throughout Bangkok. Mom picked up a few pieces of lighter clothing. She measures how far we walk everyday with her pedometer and we had walked around 10 km. We have rode in saamlaws or tuk-tuks and long boats all after bartering the price first. Scams are common here as drivers will stop at family business's hoping that you buy something. It is very difficult to have direct transportation. I always stress how direct I want the trip to be and refuse to get out and shop. It is very interesting at times. Today I wanted mom to experience these unique trips so I figured it would be worth it for the experience. hired a Long Boat and took a 2 hour ride through canals. It was amazing. We were able to see how people live on the canals and found that the air quality is better on the water than in traffic. We stopped shortly at the Taling Chan floating market. After that we went 104km out of Bangkok to the famous floating Damnoen Sakuak market where ladies in their small flat bottom boats full of produce, flowers, soup etc gather to sell to the locals and tourists. It is hot today around 35(95) degrees . I look forward to when I will be in the south again at the beach. We leave tomorrow to Ayuthaya by bus. There are many temples there as it was once the capital of Thailand. It will be a short stay and then we will take the train to Chiang Mai. It is time for us to get some yummy thai food and a drink
]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/chattynatty/1/1203563220/tpod.htmlStudying architecture in Aachen — Aachen, Germany http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/7d4oa3-MRwA/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/hiwhthi/8/1328651377/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/hiwhthi/8/1328651377/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:35:10 +0000 Travel Sketches
Aachen, Germany

I was an exchange student in Aachen for 6 months and sketched the Rathaus or City Hall sitting in the historic town square. Every time I came here there was a small group of tourists gathered in front of this Gothic 13th century building.

Aachen is also known as Aix la Chapelle because it's the home to Charlemagne, ruler to the Germans and the French.
]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/hiwhthi/8/1328651377/tpod.htmlAcknowledgments! — Atlanta, GA http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/wMBNB7_g0TE/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/travelgirlatl/2/1325243582/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/travelgirlatl/2/1325243582/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:32:11 +0000 2012--The Year of Living Outrageously!!!
Atlanta, GA








(This page will be updated regularly.)








Thank you to the following people for your support and contributions to our travel for 2012:

Beverly
Don and Lois
Faye
Roosevelt
William
Jill








]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/travelgirlatl/2/1325243582/tpod.html4 days in Lithuania — Vilnius, Lithuania http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/M5boJxmVlig/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/adenay/1/1328641743/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/adenay/1/1328641743/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:27:03 +0000 Adenay Ekubezgi
Vilnius, Lithuania

Where I stayed
Grata Hotel
(Vilnius hotels)



]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/adenay/1/1328641743/tpod.htmlBeautiful Knysna on the Garden Route — Knysna, South Africa http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/nfluUBYHKGc/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sknodle/1/1328569922/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sknodle/1/1328569922/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:24:32 +0000 South African Adventure
Knysna, South Africa

Where I stayed
Paradise Bed and Breakfast
(Knysna hotels)
What I did
Birds of Eden, Knysna Township


Leaving Altertina today and the Garden Route Game Lodge and making my way to Knysna where my friends Tanya and Marsel live. They couchsurfed with me in November 2010 when Marsel participated in the Ironman 70.3 even here in Clearwater.

It's an easy drive along route N2 and there are plenty of signs that guide me to the Paradise B&B where I will stay for 3 nights. It's up on a hill overlooking the beautiful lagoon and the forests all around Knysna. It's actually more than a room I have here. I have a complete apartment with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen/living room/dining room combination and an outside patio with a dining table overlooking the Knysna Lagoon.

Once I'm settled in the B&B I drive down the steep hill to the town center and the waterfront area. There are cute shops and restaurants to explore and I do some shopping and grab a bite to eat. Even in this town the parking guards are all around. They are guys who where reflective vests and come up and say they will watch your parked car. It seems the norm here and it does give me a sense of security. If you tip them 2-4 rand (about 25-50cents) they are happy.

I speak with Tanya on the phone and tell her I will be busy most of tomorrow, but perhaps we can get together on Wednesday.

It starts to rain while I am walking around the waterfront so I return to the car and head back to the B&B. I retire early and plan to get up early to visit both the Birds of Eden and the Knysna Elephant Park.


]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sknodle/1/1328569922/tpod.htmlDay before backwaters- NEED TO FINISH — Alleppey , India http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/4RmBiQqPskQ/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eharpham/2/1328760794/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eharpham/2/1328760794/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:21:53 +0000 Travelling Part 2. Taiwan, Philippines (again) and India
Alleppey , India

Got the bus in the morning an hour and a half south to Alleppey because it was the closest place where it was supposed to be better doing the back waters from. Could have only done a.... too tired to write will finish tomorrow.
]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eharpham/2/1328760794/tpod.htmlfirst rainy day — lake taupo, New Zealand http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/87DGgGLxdgE/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/robannie/1/1328728049/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/robannie/1/1328728049/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:20:57 +0000 Robannie's Great Adventure
lake taupo, New Zealand

friday 27th

we headed off to lake Taupo first stop was the aratiatia rapids here the river is damned by the power station but four times a day they open the gates to let the water flood out just for the tourists to see..our arrival time was perfect due to robins new zealand guide and the purpose built viewing platforms were already quite full..but we managed a good view and it was amazing to see the water go from nothing to about 15ft deep gushing over the huge rocks at tremendous speed creating temporary rapids....

we decided to stay here for lunch but as we ate the rain started to fall and fall and fall...so new plan shopping... Taupo town has quite a few shops and we explored them all gathering up gadgets to make our van life easier...!!

the rain stopped about 5pm so off we went in search of our place for the night... we ended up in a marina car park awesome place overlooking the boats on one side and the lake on the other great stop...

saturday 28th

we woke up to a lot of hustle and bustle outside and soon discovered it was power boat racing championships weekend...awesome... people were unloading these huge powerboats the likes of which i had never seen before... some looked like jet planes ..no wings obviously...others just strange shaped boats with engines...all colours , gleaming in the sun with loads of mechanics fiddling with spanners...honestly it looked like the pits at a formula one race meeting... awesome to see.. we were able to get close to them and have a few pics.. today was just practice day so no racing but they were zooming up and down the lake...

robin went off to look and came back saying we were off on a three hour cruise on a sailing boat previously owned by eroll flynn....so at 10.30am we set sail with 8 other people and the captain on this 35ft twin masted sailing yacht... it was fantastic the recent new owner had added an electric engine so for 3 hours we had no noise just the sails blowing or the lapping of the lake water..the sun shone and we had a good view occasionally of the power boats..it was so restful and calming yet interesting.

.we saw bays and carvings in rocks only visable by boat. we also saw sky divers being dropped out of planes over the lake and again i thought of Ian, who on his world trip 2 years was here at taupo doing the freefall tandem jump, a copy of which i have on facebook...!!..wow it looked scary but Ian said it was the best adrenaline rush he had ever had..... neither robin or I had ever been on a sailing yacht before so sitting on the deck, sun reflecting in the water we enjoyed every minute...brilliant..

back at the van by 2pm and time for lunch.. the mechanics were still fiddling and more power boats had arrived so after lunch more pics and more investigating...

then a walk along the lake front, which actually was a very windy one... we saw " art in the park" and the famous "hole in one" challenge..where for $1 a ball you try and get a hole in one onto the pontoon floating in the lake ,it is about a 120yd pitch... there are three holes actually.. the blue hole is $10,000 prize the other two are just vouchers for adventure trips on the lake... such as the aforementioned sky dive...

after having a few last looks at the pwer boats we decided not to stay for the racing tomorrow but to continue our journey down south...we headed into the national park and found a caravan park in the middle of nowhere with more , less elegant, hot springs and mineral baths which we again enjoyed..

another gresat couple of days...




]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/robannie/1/1328728049/tpod.htmlSurreal — Berlin, Germany http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/_j7I-PlB-fU/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anniebenham/7/1328765542/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anniebenham/7/1328765542/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:17:37 +0000 European Winter
Berlin, Germany

Where I stayed
Wombat Berlin
(Berlin hotels)


Time: 07.34pm Weather: -5 sunny

This morning started a little later than I had intended because my alarm (which I had set last night in a haze of jet lag) turned out to be 07.30pm instead of am. Because of that my breakfast was rather hurried and I missed my bowl of fruit and yogurt. I spent a while on Skype again this morning, it is really nice to be able to check in and tell my family about yesterday's adventures.










At 10.30am I left the hostel and walked through the melting remnants of Wednesday's snow fall to the train station where I bought my 6.30 euro day ticket. Fortunately the U2 line which passes directly through the underground station 100m from the door of my accommodation was going to be the line which took me to the first stop of the day. I got off the train several stops later in Potsdamer Platz and walked directly west to the Holocaust Memorial.

Comprised of 2,711 slabs of concrete the memorial was designed to create an uneasy and confusing atmosphere which represents a supposedly ordered system which has lost touch with human reasoning. Walking between the stelae this morning I could completely agree with the intentions of the designer. From above the memorial looks relatively low to the ground but as I began to walk deeper the slabs towered above me and I felt like I was walking through some kind of maze. Every now and again another person would walk through a row in front of me which was even more off putting as I had no idea they were there until it happened. Once I had sufficiently disorientated myself I went below the complex to the information centre where I learnt about the Nazi murdering of 6 million European Jews.

The next stop for my morning was the Bradenburg Gate which was constructed between 1788 and 1791. It is the only remaining gate out of several which once provided the entry points to Berlin. During it's time the gate has been used for several political events. In 1963 John F. Kennedy visited, the Soviet Party at the time hung several large banners across it to prevent the president from looking into the East side of Berlin. On the 12 of June, 1987, Ronald Reagan spoke to the population of West Berlin where he famously said "General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!". In 1994 the wall once again played host to a U.S president, this time Bill Clinton who spoke about peace in post Cold War Europe. On November 9, 2009 the Chancellor of Germany walked through the gate with Russia's Gorbachev and Poland's Lech Walesa as part of the 20 year anniversary of tearing down the wall.

I took a few photos, got some lovely French tourists to take a photo of me and then walked back the way I had come. I was on the hunt for a sign which I had spotted on the way in which revealed the location of a Salvador Dali exhibit. I have always been a bit of a fan of Dali so I couldn't really miss the opportunity to view some of his work in person. As it turned out finding the location proved to be much more challenging than I had expected. I got lost in the Sony Centre, stumbled into the Film Museum and circled around on myself before I finally spotted it.

At 11 euro the entry fee alone wasn't cheap but I decided that I would fork out another 6 euro and have a guided tour. I am glad I did as there were only 3 people in our group including myself and we got a fantastic insight into the techniques he used for the production of some of the 450 paintings and drawings on display. After the tour was finished (about an hour later) I retraced our steps and had a closer look at the art. I really enjoyed a 100 image series that he completed for an Italian commission of The Divine Comedy. Unfortunately the initial project was never published as there was local outrage at the employment of a Spanish artist to complete an Italian work but it was published later by the French. The photo I have included of his work which depicts a man fighting windmills also struck a chord when I learnt that the large black strokes were created with a rhinoceros filled with breadcrumbs.

I really loved the gallery, Dali has always inspired me to question my perception of the world and everything within it. I know he is not to everyone's liking but there is just something about a painting of a giraffe on fire being thrown out of a window which resonates with me.

It was 3.30pm by the time I left and I was getting pretty hungry. I caught the U2 back the way I had come and returned to my room for a quick lunch before continuing with my sight seeing adventure. Sadly my evening was not nearly as successful as the morning had been. I had intended on visiting Checkpoint Charlie but in the process I got completely lost and ended up back in Alexanderplatz. I didn't want to waste the journey so I had a bit of a shop, bought myself 2 pairs of knee high socks (also known as socken) and trained back to the hostel.

I think it is probably time that I had dinner. Next time, Dresden.

Annie



]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/anniebenham/7/1328765542/tpod.htmlCold Comfort Farm — Conil de la Frontera, Spain http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/hfGQugg75Q0/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oldagetraveller/4/1328730812/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oldagetraveller/4/1328730812/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:17:15 +0000 Adventure before Dementia
Conil de la Frontera, Spain

The daytime weather in El Rocio was lovely and warm, but at night the temperature was dropping to close to or below zero, with frost and ice to greet us most mornings. We decided to move a bit further south, where the weather reports were showing it to be warmer. Unfortunately our arrival in Conil coincided with a shift in the wind direction and we are now on the edge of the icy blasts hitting northern Europe. Out of the wind and in the sun it is hot, still tee shirt and shorts weather. In the shade the air temperature is down to the 5 to 10 degree range. Out of the sun and in the wind the wind chill factor brings it back to zero or below. It makes it very hard to know what to wear or what to do. Many of the Dutch campers who are here for a month or more have come prepared with their windbreaks, and are content to lie on their sun beds behind the windbreak exposing their ancient leathery skins in bikinis and Speedos. The Germans stand around chatting in great big coats, scarves and hats.
This site, Camping Roche, was recommended to us as being smaller and less organised than the other two sites in the area, which are long term over wintering sites full of cliques and factions, bingo and concert parties. No thanks, that’s not for us! We were warned, however, that there is a certain amount of donkey braying and cock crowing from the neighbouring farm. Hah. One of our suggested titles for this episode of the blog was Jollity Farm, where everybody makes a row. They certainly do! As well as the donkey and the cockadoodles, there are cows, including some mums separated from their calves, making that dreadful plaintive mooing to be heard on any dairy farm. And dogs. At night one dog starts barking, and is answered by dogs for miles in every direction. Fortunately this is not a site used by Spanish weekenders, so we don’t have the cacophonous shrieking of Spanish mothers to put up with as well. And where there’s a farm, there’s a farmyard smell. It isn’t always there, depending on the wind direction, but when it’s strong it makes sitting outside in the sun an unattractive option!



However, the shower block is immaculate, and there’s plenty of hot water. There is one odd
feature, however – neither the toilet or shower doors have locks, or indeed any sort of fastening. But they are quite small, so you can clearly see the feet and head of the occupant, and thus avoid barging in on them! The showers do however have a major design fault with the plumbing. The multipurpose tap controlling hot/cold/pressure is just at bum height. That’s fine until you bend to wash your feet. Left foot washing switches the water off. Right foot washing moves it to freezing cold. I let my feet wash themselves in the suds on the floor after that. (NB. I never have this problem. That’s because my bum is smaller. Ed.)
The pitches are thickly covered in tough, springy grass, which is a pleasant change from the usual sand or gravel. In fact this area, the Costa de la Luz, is very green and fertile, with lush pastures and numerous market gardens everywhere, and lots of flowers in bloom – a complete contrast to the arid landscape of Donana. The coast itself is spectacular, with long beaches of white sand alternating with small, rocky coves sheltered by cliffs of reddish stone. The sea here is the Atlantic, with the huge waves and breezy weather favoured by surfers, and the air is incredibly clear and luminous, which is why it’s called the Coast of Light.

After 2 or 3 chilly days when we simply relaxed, read books and made use of the free internet connection here, the temperature warmed up again ( though not in the rest of Europe, apparently – the UK has been having snow! ) so we spent some time exploring the coast to the south of Conil. We visited Barbate on a Sunday, when the locals were out strolling on the prom with their children and having lunch in the seafront restaurants. It was once an important tuna-fishing town but it looks as if the industry is in decline, and some of the buildings were a bit run-down, but there’s a magnificent new promenade and a huge beach, with clear views of Morocco which is only a few miles away! We drove on to Zahara de los Atunes, another former tuna-fishing port with an even huger beach . We ate our picnic lunch sitting in the dunes and watching the waves. The sea was an incredible deep blue, shading to turquoise in the shallows. We drove on as far as the road went, to the lighthouse at Camarinal, for fabulous views of the coves at Atlanterra with their millionaire’s mansions.

Monday was even warmer – in fact the campsite was full of the sight of gnarled limbs basking in the sun. We don’t share the Anglo-Saxon mania for exposing the flesh as soon as the sun shines, so kept our jeans and sweatshirts on and went to Vejer, one of Andalucia’s famous “white villages”. Like so many towns round here it has Moorish origins, which show in the
fortifications and narrow streets of white-painted houses. Being out-of-season it was very quiet – we only came across one other couple sightseeing – and hardly any cafes were open to satisfy our craving for caffeine and cake. We eventually found one, and sat down to read the slightly out-of-date copy of the Sunday Times we’d discovered in a nearby shop. It was obvious that we’re not missing anything of great import back home!


















In the afternoon we explored some more rocky coves just north of Roche, where the rock is composed entirely of pebbles and shells compressed together thousands, or even millions, of years ago. This whole area would be a wonderful place for a summer holiday, although it’s not at all developed apart from a few hotels which are mainly used by Spanish holiday makers.

We’re moving on tomorrow to a very different area, the Costa del Sol, with its enormous resorts like Marbella and Fuengirola. Our destination, Torrox Costa, will be rather more low-key, we hope!
]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oldagetraveller/4/1328730812/tpod.htmlStaying with Marcelo, Marcelo's Dad's Family — Uberaba, Brazil http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/RD3L7BEbIVM/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marcelo.heather/1/1328662914/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marcelo.heather/1/1328662914/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:16:13 +0000 Marcelo.heather's Great Adventure
Uberaba, Brazil

We stayed in Uberaba with the lovely Luciana and Marcelo. We spent a week or so crashing out at their house watching tv and I decided to brush up on my South America trivia knowledge. Luciana is learning English and I am learning Portuguese so we helped each other out a bit with this.

Marcelo's dad was one of 11 children, now there are only 4 living. Tia Cedinha is the widow of one of his brothers Prosolmiro. Joao is her husband now. Haroldo and Nubia are Marcelo's cousins. They lost their fathers (Marcelo Clea, and Haroldo Nubia) within a year of each other and so had a lot of affinity growing up. Tio Moses looked after them all.

Tio Hermes is the last living of Aurora's brothers. Aurora is Marcelo's dad's mother. There were 12 children and I am trying to do a family tree and have at least 350 names just from 2 grandparents sides. He is 91 years old and Marcelo is his great nephew. When Tia Cedinha introduced him to Tio Hermes saying - this is Pedro's son, Tio Hermes as quick as anything said - Oh last time I saw you you were only this height - gesturing to his waist. Now Marcelo's dad was his nephew and looking at the family tree he had at least 60 nieces and nephews so for him to remember the son of his nephew, at 91 years old, he is doing very well. Especially as Aurora had Alzheimers when she passed away about 7 years ago.

We enjoyed spending time with them and with Celia and Sheila their daughters. Tio Hermes is full of stories, even if I didn't understand everything he was saying, I really enjoyed spending time with them.




]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marcelo.heather/1/1328662914/tpod.htmlThis was a very nice day! — Brno, Czech Republic http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/OW76TI0LW74/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/phil_and_lori/1/1328712917/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/phil_and_lori/1/1328712917/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:15:43 +0000 Checkin out to Czechin
Brno, Czech Republic

Where I stayed
Wes and Michelle's
(Brno hotels)
What I did
Tesco grocery store


Today was our first full day here in Brno, CZ. It was a wonderful day. After a zonked out night we awoke at 9:30 AM to a family of 4 in full active mode. We hung out most of the day at home but in the afternoon Michelle drove Lori and I to get groceries. I chose to sit in the back seat for safety reasons. Ha! But, Michelle has now mastered the 5 speed manual transmission. The Czech grocery stores are fascinating. I will take my camera on the next trip to record the Czech's version of "fresh" fish.

Our evening consisted of a fabulous meal of pork chops, mashed potatoes and broccoli. Michelle is a great cook. Afterwards, we finally were able to have Christmas, and Sidney was going nuts until he was able to open his gifts. I can't wait to show off the gift from my son-in-law! It was neat to have this time with our family.
]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/phil_and_lori/1/1328712917/tpod.htmlSiem Reap Nov 12, 2012 — Siem Reap, Cambodia http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/D_9eh-Qf2kE/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/argonaut7/1/1352642656/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/argonaut7/1/1352642656/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:05:00 +0000 Argonaut7's Imperative Destinations
Siem Reap, Cambodia


]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/argonaut7/1/1352642656/tpod.htmlVega Land — Kochi, India http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/lbgsyH4zYj4/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eharpham/2/1328759201/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eharpham/2/1328759201/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:03:36 +0000 Travelling Part 2. Taiwan, Philippines (again) and India
Kochi, India

After much ******* about and waiting ages for a **** breakfast we decided. Went to a water park that had some kind of theme park attraction. Got a taxi in the morning it was a right mission to get there and the driver wasnt very happy about waiting for us all day as we had bartered him down to 700 rupees which is less than a tenner. when we entered the park we were greeted by a midget some kind of clown costume. Probably the best introduction you could hope for really. Did the rides and stuff first then had a curry for lunch (standard) and battered some indian guys on the dodgems. Did all the water slides then went to the water disco which was like a 20 min rave in a room where there were loads of sprinklers on the ceiling. was really good apart from because they are all hindu or something it was seperated into sections of girls and boys. i imagine it was what being in a really gay gay club is like. several indian lads tried to touch me up and chris was surrounded. that night we went to the cultural show which was number 1 on tripadvisor but one of the worst things i have ever seen. it involved a man in makeup doing some kind of dance with his eyebrows and eyes. made a great video will try and convert it and upload it when i get chance. We lasted about 20 mins i recon then left. Risked another recommendation on trip advisor for a sea food curry restaurant and was probably one of the best curries ive ever had. Felt like i had been drugged afterwards tho and passed out at the hostel at about 9:30.
]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eharpham/2/1328759201/tpod.htmlVegas Baby — Las Vegas, NV http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/bOIXRWtcU-c/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/worldofthewards/1/1317580239/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/worldofthewards/1/1317580239/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:57:12 +0000 Worldofthewards's Great Adventure
Las Vegas, NV

(Las Vegas hotels)


After 3 flights and almost 24 hours of travelling (including flying manchester to London at 8am and then London to LA 4 hours later flying right over our house in Manchester that we left 7 hours earlier!!) on Saturday we arrived in Vegas very tired!! I told the guy at the hotel reception it was our honeymoon, so he gave us a free upgrde to a huge apartment which includes 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms!! I'm guessing he assumed that now we are married we will sleep in different rooms.

Spent today wandering round Vegas. Crazy place. Just had a couple of hours in the sun by the pool. Now off to check out the casinos...
]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/worldofthewards/1/1317580239/tpod.htmlCAR CRASH cut short our holiday — Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/aAqS4uTAmVk/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marcelo.heather/1/1328662849/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marcelo.heather/1/1328662849/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:55:28 +0000 Marcelo.heather's Great Adventure
Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil

On the way back from Argentina we were stopped at the traffic lights just after a small hill. We heard the sound of a car racing toward us and then the screaming of breaks slamming on and then the crunching of metal. The car behind us slammed it's right side into our left side - the side I was sitting on. As you can see from the photo our car was pushed forward about 5 meters infront of the line for the traffic light.
Marcelo 2 was sitting in front of my Marcelo and the seat fell backwards onto him, pinning him to his seat. I had to help him pull his legs out. It turned out the driver of the other car had been drinking heavily and could hardly walk in a straight line. He said he had insurance and said he wanted to leave as his insurance would sort it out. As you can see from the photos his radiator was leaking and it wouldn't have been a good idea so Jaider took the keys from him. He started to get angry and provocative. 3 of us were calling the police but they said they no longer attend minor road car accidents but we wanted the police to come to establish fault and because the man was drunk and his car was badly damaged. Marcelo said they are starting to fight - as they were and the police could here over the phone and soon 4 police cars and 10 police motor bikes showed up. The man, stupidly, started to argue with the police and the cuffed him and took him away. The rest of the night was spent giving statements in the police station until 4.30am. In the end they didn't charge the man with anything as it is not obligatory to do a blow test for alcohol here and there is no inference agaisnt you if you don't do it. It turned out the car was that of his boss and the company came by our hotel the next day and ensured us they would cover the charges. Anyway, because his car was pretty damaged - my door would no longer open, Jaider wanted to get back to Uberaba to sort it out. We left almost staight away - a 15hr journey back to Uberaba and didn't see the waterfalls!!! 2200km in 2 days and we didn't even see the waterfalls! Droga! (Darn it in portuguese). Any way - we tried to make the most of the journey back in a half smashed up car - at least i brought marcelo's bike lights with us and we put the red one in the window to signal the left side of the car.
We are dermined we will return to see the falls another time.
]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/marcelo.heather/1/1328662849/tpod.htmlA week from today — Somewhere in, Tanzania http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/kbDbIroUp6I/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shirley.rush/1/1328711838/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shirley.rush/1/1328711838/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:50:41 +0000 Tuko pamoja tz2
Somewhere in, Tanzania

A week from today I will be:

on my way.....

I am heartened (is that a word?) at how many people are interested in my trip. I will carry all of your well wishes and good thoughts with me.

I love the transition from place to place....... the ritual of preparation...which begins long before the departure... planning the clothing and "necessary" lotions, creams, medications and such that the traveller anticipates will be needed...the packing, re packing, deciding and undeciding.....remembering and forgetting.....

my miles and years tell me that I ALWAYS pack too much.... and when I don't pack the kitchen sink, I wish I would have.... ha

so, not knowing exactly what I will need for this journey, I am taking the essentials..... shoes and orthotics, sunscreen, pencils and notebook.......some clothes that are suitable for the temperature and culture, phone numbers, insurance cards, peanut butter, your well wishes...... that's about it.

someone recently sent me her good wishes and her closing line was "travel with joy"

I will surely, travel with joy.



]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shirley.rush/1/1328711838/tpod.htmlDam - Convertible in the rain — Grand Canyon National Park, AZ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/w-3wiQGUuaA/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/worldofthewards/1/1317924545/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/worldofthewards/1/1317924545/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:49:37 +0000 Worldofthewards's Great Adventure
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

(Tusayan hotels)


Well we survived today - it wasn't stress free!
Got the car - lovely convertible. 1 hour later we are still at the car rental place having left and then returned as stupid GPS doesn't work.

Set off - top down, not sure if going right way and then torrential rain - us and inside of car wet!! Mark's advice was to pull over -but could barely see!! Travelled about 250 miles today with roof up, concentrating hard due to poor visibility and am thinking that could be in the north west of england its raining so hard and so foggy I can't see the views!! Mark was very helpful the whole way though with regular updates on how **** the GPS was and what a waste of money it was!!!

Hoover Dam en route was pretty impressive even in the rain

Thankfully found the Red Feather Lodge no problems and have a nice room for the night. Fingers crossed for the helicopter ride tomorrow - but not looking hopeful due to weather mmmmm there is a pattern with us and extreme weather abroad!!
Then got a 4 hour drive to look forward tomorrow - yey lucky us!!

]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/worldofthewards/1/1317924545/tpod.htmlReflexiones em Brasil — Sao Paulo, Brazil http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/PaKE4yCqKy0/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/csuda/1/1328304142/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/csuda/1/1328304142/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:47:16 +0000 Curtis' South American Adventure
Sao Paulo, Brazil

Where I stayed
With friends and family
(Sao Paulo hotels)


For the past week, I've had the most extraordinary time staying with family and friends. I'm currently crashing at my friend Julio's place in Perdizes, an upper-class neighborhood west of the city center. Two days ago, I spent two nights with my distant relatives in Jundiai, an industrial city one hour northwest of Sao Paulo. Everyone everywhere has been extremely generous and hospitable to me. Obrigado!

Besides seeing all the great sites and trying all of the "traditional" foods, I've had very enlightening conversations with Julio, his law school friends, and my aunt, uncle, and cousin. Many of them tell me that the most pressing problem here in Brazil is corruption. Politicians embezzle taxpayer funds in every city and there's at least one instance of a whistleblower being murdered; it seems as though every bureaucrat is involved and the public feels helpless. Adding to the problem, the less-educated electorate continues to reelect incumbents that tout the illusory success of reducing poverty through direct cash transfer schemes, the ridiculous idea that Brazilians are wealthier than the British (in reality only by GDP), among others.

It's worth noting that Brazil is a developing country and should be expected to have some dysfunctional systems. However, no one can explain to me why the government disproportionately allocates taxpayer money to the few public universities (they are very good and free) and not primary/secondary institutions. I learned that in order to enter a public university you must pass a very difficult exam that students from public schools are ill-prepared to take, so only those that can afford private primary/secondary schools have a chance. (Private universities in Brazil have many of the same problems as for-profit colleges in the US.)

As I sit here in the posh 'west zone' the disparity between the rich and the poor become very evident. Apartment buildings here have gatekeepers, gardeners, maids, and security; the shopping malls feature Western brands and foreign cars, e.g. Billabong and Toyota, for (literally) double the price in the States. (Electronics are 20-50% more expensive; a normal gym costs over $100 per month.) In other parts of the city, streets are decrepit, buildings shabby, and people overweight. Sao Paulo is an extremely classicist city where the very wealthiest businessmen commute by helicopter (commanding the largest fleet in the world--very annoying) and the poorest people are lured to pay for everyday purchases in installments as credit becomes much, much easier. I've even heard stories of people buying iPhones they cannot afford to use and luxury vehicles they cannot afford to fill with gas!

Anyway, I'm excited to leave the big city of Sao Paulo (technically, the fifth largest metro region in the world) for the beautiful beaches of Florianopolis on Friday, where I'll be spending the most time (and money) during Carnaval--February 18-21. Until then, lata!

]]> http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/csuda/1/1328304142/tpod.htmlTaking a gamble — Las Vegas, NV http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Recent-Travel-Blogs-RSS/~3/YBgayfBJADQ/tpod.html http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/worldofthewards/1/1317703703/tpod.html#comment Travel Blogs http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/worldofthewards/1/1317703703/tpod.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:44:24 +0000 Worldofthewards's Great Adventure
Las Vegas, NV

(Las Vegas hotels)


Second day in Vegas.
We went to the 'Welcome to Vegas' sign.
We gambled small amounts and realised we aren't very good at it.
We walked loads and got lost in huge hotels!
This afternoon it rained for ages - apparantly very unusual to do so in the middle of the desert!! Nikki blames me!
We watched a water show this evening - La Reve - was amazing.
We pick up the convertible tomorrow and begin the driving tour!
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