Travelvice Travelogue Comments

Comment on Amman's Rolling Hills of Concrete by Craig | travelvice.com

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:02:59 -0700

Don't give up hope David — the 'vice is alive and kicking, albeit in an offline (and rather shorthand notation) form.

I've been having conversations with Tatiana lately about the unforgivable lag on the site, and how having a toddler around me all day distracts/occupies me to a point where I can hardly get an e-mail written, let alone lengthy travelogue posts that require reflection and recall. Aidric is older now, sleeping less during the day, getting into lots of trouble on his own, and always requires someone to interact with him.

I'm still tossing the occasional update on Twitter, if folks are interested in reading something in the meantime.

Expect updates to the site (starting with Israel and followed by Jordan, Egypt and Thailand) to start rolling again this week… dated back from April… ugh…

Thanks for reading, folks.

Love,

Craig

Comment on Amman's Rolling Hills of Concrete by david

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:52:23 -0700

Is Travelvice like dead, Craig? What's happening and should your readers just abandon the site?

Hope not,
Kind regards

Comment on Airport Departure Tax is a Greedy Annoyance by Zictor

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:24:34 -0700

It's interesting how these small things really DO piss you off. Not going into the merit of the existence of such taxes, but they would bother much less if the taxes were already included in the ticket. PLUS, paying officials is asking for corruption.

Comment on Airport Departure Tax is a Greedy Annoyance by Yves Albrecht

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:50:45 -0700

hello, I payed 31 USD at Lima airport three weeks ago, but was surprised that passengers of some american airlines (e.g. delta, AA and/or continental) did not have to pay the tax. Does anybody know the reason for that ? In principle I was on a transfer flight (passengers on transfer not leaving the closed sector do not need to pay the fee), but I had to claim my baggage again for re-check-in, and therefore re-enter the departure sector. Then they charged me the fee, although I had arrived and departured within a short time.

Comment on Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950Q Review by Larry

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:23:23 -0700

I having a problem with my device. It is always behind on everything. Sport Games are terrible. I hear people cheering almost 5-6 seconds before I see it. I tried support but all they said to do was Allow Overlay . That seems to have helped a bit but it is still not live streaming, any help on how to get it like this?

Comment on Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950Q Review by BlueCollarednek

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:23:37 -0700

I can not get the audio to work with this video card. Updated video and audio drivers, and installed latest version of their softwear. Anyone have a solution?

yeh thanks I've found these blogs really helpful,....

Anonymous — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:45:43 -0700

yeh thanks I've found these blogs really helpful,. I've been tasked with organising our Vietnam trip on a big budget so these tips will definately help out

I've been living in Maracaibo for 9 months, and I'...

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:59:00 -0700

I've been living in Maracaibo for 9 months, and I'm desperate to get dollars back. At my job, I'm paid in Bolivares (fuertes) and now I'm going back to the states. Do you know of ANY banks that will still trade those??

Comment on Prevalence of the Evil Eye Talismans in Turkey by Denish

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:53:48 -0700

I bought these as souvenir, my mom like it so much.
But like many other Indonesian people, she has a believe on charm and sort of things.
for me, it is just another work of art, it is cute though.

Comment on Enduring a Passive-Aggressive CouchSurfing Host by Zictor

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:05:53 -0700

I have to say that it amazes me how Craig criticises Teri and doesn't even try to understand that she was opening his house for him for free.
True, that you don't need to be a bad host just because you opened your house, but still, she did open her house for you.

Anyway, I think that even though there are 2 sides in each conflict, the person have to bear the burden of overstaying their welcome, especially if it is beyond a date that has been previously agreed on.

The way you wrote it kinda frames Teri as a villain, assuming she killed the kitty just because of Aidric, that was a little too much.

@fusskins: Well, that is an effort to bring people together, and as soon as I have a bigger place I will start doing it again.

Comment on Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950Q Review by Bill

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 23:38:40 -0700

It gets everything, I have cox cable and this device does what others don't.
Analog Digital, and QAM if I decide to drop cable it still works, before and after the recent change it worked.

Only note - I use windows 7 and the Media Center not the crap software for XP without media center.

Comment on U.S. Visa Applications in Peru by Renee from AZ

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:01:12 -0700

But Disneyland gives you two for one with California adventure and free entry on your birthday if you're under 13!?! ( if you catch me sarcasm)

Chris, I couldn't agree more. The Asus EEE is wond...

Craig | travelvice.com — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:09:40 -0700

Chris, I couldn't agree more. The Asus EEE is wonderful for travel.

See this post:
ASUS Eee Perfect for Poor, Lonely Backpackers, Full-Time Travelers, Your Mom

I recently took a trip to S. America and bought an...

chris — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:11:13 -0700

I recently took a trip to S. America and bought an Asus Eee PC netbook. It is -THE- backpacker computer. Very light, very compact, I think the screen is about 8 or 9 inches diagnally. It's about the same dimensions as a medium sized book. Only cost $290 including shipping. The keyboard is uncomfortably small and takes some getting used to, but after a few days you can type just fine. Can't beat it though. Saw many other backpackers with them too.

I have owned two pairs of Tevas, and won't buy any...

Rob — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:19:36 -0700

I have owned two pairs of Tevas, and won't buy any more. They DO SO SMELL - both types, leather, and rubber.

As you note, Craig, nothing can stop the smell. Not powder, disinfectant, spray deodorant, mouthwash - nothing.

The TEVA person who replied to your original post strolled disingenuously through the opening you left him and attibuted the problem to your allowing the shoes to become waterlogged. All I can say to that is that if TEVA really believed waterlogged leather was their problem, then they have no reason to offer antimicrobial-treated rubber models made exclusively from synthetic materials. But they do. I find the wet leather ploy offensive. They're mocking you Craig, and it stinks to high heaven.

In fact, identically the same smell problem obtains for the antimicrobial-treated rubber soled models. In my case it took about two weeks for this to begin versus one week for the leather soled pair. I found myself stuck in northern India with no option but to keep them (outdoors) as they were my only items of footwear. Not only did the smell raise eyebrows in every quarter, but the soles soon began to fall apart as well. I had them glued back together by a street vendor who sadly shook his head, and offered me a lifetime warranty. I told him things would be much better for American shoes with the Obama Administration coming up to speed, but I think he gave up on America then and there hunched, cross-legged over his gluepot. Nice going TEVA. We lost another one on account of you.

I found that after about a year of use (during which I stored them outdoors at my wife's request, but I can't blame her) the odor of the leather pair eventually mostly faded away. But they were still pretty interesting to my dog who eventually chewed off the straps, and I had to get rid of them. I lack the courage to try another pair. Anyway, I'd lose too many friends over that break period.

The good news is that Merrill reportly makes far less stinky, and far less fragile sandals. That's where I'm headed.

Good luck Craig.
-Rob

September 6, 2008 Thats the day myself, a fellow ...

Anonymous — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:35:48 -0700

September 6, 2008

Thats the day myself, a fellow American, Argentine and Peruvian met and decided to sneak in. I hadn't read this website but heard from a local. We started at 3am and there were no sign of guards on the bridge, or anywhere. We proceeded up the the path and took the detour. Heres where it got dangerous. We all had sneaker or hiking shoes, save the Peruvian who only had dress boots, consequently she was last up and almost fell several meters. It can be very steep and if you're out of shape this can be treacherous. Smokers, like myself, especially should think twice considering the altitude. When we got to the first remnants there was a cave we snuck into since it took 3 hours and was only 6am but plenty of light. We slept 2 hours but there aren't other tourists till 9 or 10ish. The Argentine and I didn't see anyone and decided to go for a smoke, stupid move. Who we thought were guards spotted us and came down. Turns out they were workers and took 40 soles, and even came back to tell us when the coast was clear. unbelievable. Best story i have since being in south america.

Dude! That looks awesome! Thanks for the info. ...

Anonymous — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:39:00 -0700

Dude! That looks awesome! Thanks for the info. We're heading out to Peru in about two weeks, and Sandboarding is something we are definitely going to have to try.

Hi! Great piece of writing, I have to say. I have ...

Emmaleigh Hauck — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:49:00 -0700

Hi! Great piece of writing, I have to say. I have just ordered a few fitas in the mail straight from Brazil, and had no idea what the history of them was until I came to this page, so I thank you!

If anyone wants to know what colors go with what Orixas you can go to this site:

http://www.capoeira-school.be/e/orixas.php

It explains all of the Orixas as well as what color goes with them.

Thanks again for the detailed information! It helped me out alot :D

This reminded me that my mom had some problems on ...

andrea b — Sun, 10 May 2009 10:23:00 -0700

This reminded me that my mom had some problems on Friday trying to get a consent permit at the notary because the birth certificate that she had was 2 years old... It was only for traveling within the country but she had to go find another notary to get the permit at the last minute.
When I lived in Lima and my parents lived in Huaraz my mom got a 6 month permit in a notary in Huaraz that said that I could travel back and forth by myself from Lima to Huaraz... What I think is that particularly for inside-the-country traveling these permits are next to useless as photo IDs aren't mandatory so anyone can pass as anyone...

It's actually gotten even worse. If you are going ...

Anonymous — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:17:00 -0700

It's actually gotten even worse. If you are going through the Atlanta consulate, BEWARE! I followed the instructions for the VITUR visa as listed on the Brazilian Embassy site and did everything on the checklist. My documents were returned to me and they asked for more cash and directed me to a secret website that you could not possibly know about otherwise where you have to fill out a secret Atlanta cnsulate form and go through a weird ceritification process. You also have to prove residence in your state for more than one year. Very bizarre. And this to visit Brazil for 11 days? Never again. What a nightmare. The secret application site for ATlanta is at www.abe.mre.gov.br/mundo/america-do-norte/estados-unidos-da-america/servicos/visa/

Good luck!

how much did you pay for one night at that hotel? ...

Anonymous — Sun, 03 May 2009 02:31:00 -0700

how much did you pay for one night at that hotel? about 7usd/night? that's what you get. Wonder how much at other countries for accommodation?

Dear traveler, Thank you sooooo much f...

Anonymous — Sat, 02 May 2009 07:51:00 -0700

Dear traveler,
Thank you sooooo much for your info and photos, they are just a joy!!♥ My Grandmother is from Sandy Bay has only a few black-and-white photo's to us from the 50's and seeing here childhood home in colour and in the present means a lot! Thank you very much!!
Natalie Brown (Scotland)

I thought of all this today when I assisted on my ...

Glenn — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:02:00 -0700

I thought of all this today when I assisted on my first two c-sections ever. It's funny to re-read your perspective from that side of the drape, now that I am on the other side. Some differences from your experience in comparison to what goes on at Creighton: 1. the baby is shuttled into a seperate room where it is worked on by a designated team from the NICU, and 2. the OR nursing staff is a bit more competent. Tash and I always flip out when watching the neglect he endured immediately after delivery. Oh well, he has turned out great so far! :)

Awsome write up! Pretty cool you went ahead and v...

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:29:00 -0700

Awsome write up! Pretty cool you went ahead and visited the place.

Regarding "celebrity sightings"... A great place ...

Karen — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:01:00 -0700

Regarding "celebrity sightings"...

A great place to see celebrities when you are out in Los Angeles is to look for little yellow signs with black arrows on them.

They are usually posted on telephone poles and have the name of the t.v. show or movie being filmed.

These placards are used to help movie cast and crew get to the shooting location.

Simply follow the signs and it will take you to a movie shoot !

(if you are lucky enough, you might be able to talk one of the security guards into telling you which actor/actress is shooting there)

If you are looking for a place to see some of the cast members of the Real Housewives of Orange County, check out this site as it lists all of the hottest spots in Orange County for
OC SinglesHint: "BeachFire Bar and Grill" is where some of the housewives hang out for happy hour and drinks. Pierce Street Annex is a great place to maybe see Dennis Rodman on a Saturday night.

Hey. I just want to say that I'm an exchange stude...

Alice — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:37:00 -0700

Hey. I just want to say that I'm an exchange student in France for the year, and I have a lot of Brazilian friends. All of them bought over Fitas, and now everyone in my exchange organisation has at least one. They are such a great talking point, and I hope that my wishes do come true. Thanks for the information about the history behind it. I kind of knew it, but it got lost in translation, so now I understand fully.

Cheers.

You can buy these ribbons @ http://www.wishfita.co...

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:13:00 -0700

You can buy these ribbons @ http://www.wishfita.com

hi! i just wore my first fita! i have a question t...

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:05:00 -0700

hi!
i just wore my first fita! i have a question to make!!
can i cut the edges ? the ribbon is too long!!!
valia from greece

I love it man. This is one of those unknowns I had...

Jonathan Mahoney — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:14:00 -0700

I love it man. This is one of those unknowns I hadn't found information for before but that was always in the back of my head as I'm in there very early, mostly conceptual stages of planning for my trip.

I'm glad I don't have to worry what the solution is for this problem anymore. :-)

I somewhat speculated this before when I once got a Brazilian visa in Moscow, reflecting on the fact the my itinerary printout didn't seem very official (straight from GMail), but I didn't have any problems.

Thanks again.

I just thought I'd let you know that I had never r...

Jonathan Mahoney — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:56:00 -0700

I just thought I'd let you know that I had never really heard about the TRU-SPEC clothes, and looked them up and they look awesome. I think I'll use them for my impending journey.

Our daughter is 1 year old and born here in the Ph...

Samuel — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:20:00 -0700

Our daughter is 1 year old and born here in the Philippines. The American Vice Consul here told us that American law states that if BOTH parents are American, then parentage MUST be proved by BOTH parents.

That's a real mess Samuel that shouldn't be happen...

Craig | travelvice.com — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 10:58:00 -0700

That's a real mess Samuel that shouldn't be happening. What country was your child born in?

Since the mother is a US citizen, your child should be one by birth. It's only when the father is a citizen and the mother is an foreign national that paternity must be proved (since its quite clear that the mother, a citizen, gave birth to the child).

How about this one. Me and my fiancee are both Ame...

Samuel — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:00:00 -0700

How about this one. Me and my fiancee are both American citizens but our daughter born out of wedlock (and abroad) cannot get American citizenship unless we both prove parentage with the child. Apparently her birth certificate with the father and mother's name on it was not good enough. Also not good enough was my signed and sworn affidavit claiming parentage/child support till the age of 18. They cannot "order" but are badgering us into taking DNA tests as the only way. I think its seriously fucked up if 2 American citizens cannot get their child citizenship. I mean...how could our child ever go back with us the the US?
Anyone have any advice email me mateyakmail@yahoo.com

I would love to custom print (personalize) some ri...

Magan Weber — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:00:00 -0700

I would love to custom print (personalize) some ribbons like these...any ideas about how to go about it inexpensively??

Anonymous -- the short is probably no.As mentioned...

Craig | travelvice.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:18:00 -0700

Anonymous -- the short is probably no.

As mentioned above:

Currently, the U.S. has Federal reciprocal arrangements in force with Australia, Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Branswick, Newfoundland/Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Czech Republic, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and the Slovak Republic.

Unless she's a resident of one of these countries, you can just walk away. Not even marriage to a foreign national gives the spouse the right to reside or enter into the USA. Unless you specifically give your US citizenship to the child, the child will not automatically have any US citizenship.