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 ©2010 TravelPod.com Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:13:12 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/niuzai038/1/1265792971/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/niuzai038/1/1265792971/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/niuzai038/1/1265792971/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:13:12 -0500 Niuzai038's Great Adventure

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Shanghai, China

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]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/janelle_dale/1/1265792627/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/janelle_dale/1/1265792627/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/janelle_dale/1/1265792627/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:09:51 -0500 janelle_dale's Great Adventure

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Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Yey!!

All of the furniture has sold. We only have the car to sell now.

Will keep you posted.

Janelle

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jimcabay/7/1257852568/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jimcabay/7/1257852568/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jimcabay/7/1257852568/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:09:33 -0500 Jim & June's Odyssey 091108 - Toronto

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Sarasota, Florida, United States

SARASOTA – With its modern high-rises, historic Spanish style buildings and international architectural diversity, cuisine, music, art and fashion districts, Sarasota is also known as "Florida's Cultural Center." The entire city is enveloped in lush foliage.

Sarasota Bayfront – The park surrounding Sarasota Bay was a perfect place to spend an entire weekend cycling along a landscaped shoreline, through banyan and mangrove canopies, past dolphin fountains, classic statues, weird artistic sculptures, and watching the magnificent boats/yachts. Along the Sarasota Recreational Trail, there are several BBQ/Oyster/cocktail bars, picnic/playground areas, and......

- The G-Wiz Sciences and Technology Center – An interactive science adventure with exhibits, special events and hands-on activities.

· Historical Markers – In particular, the story of Phillip Benjamin (considered the brains of the Confederacy), his position as of Secretary of War, his probable role in the assassination of President Lincoln, his fugitive years and, his detailed escape to England, from here.

· Lawn Bowling Club – Yes, it’s mandatory that all participants wear white, only.

· Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – With its many distinct garden areas, including a lush rain forest atmosphere, the towering Bamboo Pavilion, Banyan Grove, Cactus Garden and Cycad Collection, it’s the leader in the study, conservation, and display of epiphytes and their canopy habitats.

· Marina Jacks Yacht Club – A fancy glass building at the entrance to Sarasota Bay with a splendid view of the harbor. We celebrated Monika’s birthday there with her husband Gunter and neighbors Mike & Jane – the seafood was excellent.

· Tidal Lagoons – Shallow channels that were renovated/rejuvenated to provide habitats for various marine species including shellfish (oysters, clams), birds & fish. All are mangrove lined, have elevated wooden walkways (with viewing vistas) and they are very serine.

· Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall – www.vanwezel.org

The Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus troupe wielded tremendous influence over the growth & development of the Sarasota area. Most of their families lived here and other circus-related businesses formed an economic force. We went to visit their estate.

· About the Ringling’s – There were 5 brothers and besides owning the biggest circus business in North America, John & Charles Ringling were also major real estate developers and great benefactors to the Sarasota area. At one time, John owned the entire island of Longboat Key. There are Ringling freeways, Ringling causeways and Ringling bridges because their circus animals crossed them on their walk from the railroad station to the winter training quarters. During the off-season, the Ringling’s travelled throughout Europe looking for new circus acts.

· Ringling Estate – In the center of this 66 acre yard covered with Banyan trees (donated to the estate by Thomas Edison) and landscaped yard and shoreline, is an 8,000 sq ft opulent Ca’d’Zan (house of John) mansion with 41 rooms, 15 bathrooms marble terraces and decks overlooking Sarasota Bay. Mable’s huge rose garden has won numerous awards and the whole yard is filled with hundreds of Cypriot, Greek and Roman statues. Money was no object – some paintings were purchased for 40-50 thousand $$$ - this was the 1920’s. John liked a particular bar in St Louis so he bought it, moved it to the estate and rebuilt it as his own Tap Room. They threw lavish parties with orchestras serenading guests on the marbled terraces. They wined & dined Broadway celebrities/movie stars on their yacht and enticed the rich & famous to invest in their entertainment ventures. They even purchased the New Edzell Castle for US President Harding to be used as his winter White House.

Having spent a lifetime of building their estate, Mable Ringling lived in her house for only 3 years before her death in 1929. John lived there another 6 years but died penniless – the stock market crash of ’29 wiped him out. Several years later, Ringling descendents briefly reinvigorated the “Big Top” performances but it died a slow death from decreasing attendance when their 1500 workers became unionized and labor disruptions effected schedules. At the same time, patrons discovered television, colored movies in air conditioned buildings and drive-in theaters. The last performance of “The Greatest Show on Earth” was in 1956. The estate is now owned by the State of Florida and governed by the University.

· Asolo Theater – An 18th century, 3-storey, half-circle shaped building that was originally built in Italy but purchased by the Ringling’s and moved to Sarasota. It is considered one of the most important architectural works of art ever brought to America. Amazing!!

· Circus Museum – Features venue memorabilia, posters, photos, elephant/horse/high-wire/trapeze costumes, performance equipment, hand-carved multi-colored parade wagons (that hauled elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, hippo’s), a truck mounted human-cannon-ball launcher and the 79 ft long “Wisconsin” rail car that the Ringling’s used to move to their next venue. Each move required 110 railcars/flatcars.

· Next door, is the World’s Largest Miniature Circus (built to 1/16 scale) and is supposed to mimic the Ringling Circus. It took Howard Tibbals 57 years to carve 42,000 individual pieces including 152 wagons, 1300 performers, 800 animals, a 57 car train and 8 main tents – he’s not done yet. Amazingly, it took 40 horses to pull some of the real big wagons.

· Circus Clown College – Started in 1968, this is the ONLY school dedicated to preserving the art of clowning. Here, they also learn how to “Fly through the Air” at the Tito Ganoa Flying Trapeze Park.

· Museum of Art – This 22,000 sq ft building houses the large art collection of John Ringling who built and then filled it with 17th century Italian & Flemish masterpieces. The inside is made up of 21 galleries and each one has about 10 large paintings (measuring 10’ x 10’) depicting works from a particular era. Today, this museum is considered one of the best in the world.

Things we Learned:

· Other circuses that call Sarasota home include the Royal Hanneford Circus, the Great American Circus, Circus Maranatha, Sterling & Reid Circus and the Walker Bros Circus.

· Throughout the USA, even numbered Interstate highways run east/west – odd numbers run north/south.

· The Baltimore Orioles have their spring training camp at the Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Pittsburgh Pirates train & play at McKechnie Field in Bradenton.



June’s Comments:

Sarasota is a beautiful city and quite easy to find your way around. There are few hills and cycling is quite easy – believe me, if I can do it, anybody can! Our tour of the Ringling Museum, home, rose gardens and art galleries was very interesting. It seems that John Ringling had money to burn. There was a painting in his house that he purchased in 1929 for $41,000. The average family income in 1929 was about $475 and that must have been an absolute fortune to pay for a picture! I can’t imagine what his art collection would be worth in today’s market. John and Mable had no children so when they died they left their Sarasota properties and personal belongings to the State of Florida.



We had dinner at Marina Jacks, a prestigious seafood restaurant and marina along the Bay. Jim had the mixed seafood platter and I had Chilean Sea Bass. The menu is a little pricy but the food was excellent and unlike the usual upscale restaurants, the portions were generous.



]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/charlieandellie/1/1263845465/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/charlieandellie/1/1263845465/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/charlieandellie/1/1263845465/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:08:39 -0500 5 MONTHS, 11 COUNTRIES.

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London, England, United Kingdom

I really hope that this is the most boring of our blog entries that you'll read but we said we'd keep you updated so here we are!
After a slightly emotinal farewell we made it to gatwick no problem and im now writing this in the mini hotel set up by weary cheapskates like us in between 'accesorize' and 'game grid'! I swear some people look like they've been here for days-the 'elite' airport sleepers!!
We're both really looking forward to getting going now! It seems crazy that all of these events which we've been planning since the very first day we heard the illusive term 'gap year' are finally here!!
We shall try and keep you update and please let us know all the scandals in bathtown! But for now back to the 'hotel bed' to fight against the squeaking escalator for some sleep!! x x x
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jesseteleri/1/1265321503/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jesseteleri/1/1265321503/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jesseteleri/1/1265321503/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:08:21 -0500 Jesseteleri's Great Adventure

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Puno, Puno, Peru

Having finally left Cusco we got on a morning bus to Puno. We had pre-booked a tour and were picked up from the bus station which was great to not fight with a taxi for the right price to our hotel.
We arrived at our hotel, settled in and set out for food! We walked along the main tourist street and was sadend by the inflated prices. Turning a few coners we found a local restaurant getting what is usually soup and a chicken fillet and rice (not the greatest but its cheap!)
We had an early night to get picked up at 8am for our tour, at the docs we were met by the other people on the tour.
Our first stop on the lake was the artificial floating islands made out of reeds where people actually live, (now most likely because the make alot of money of tourists) but was really cool.
After being showed how they make the islands and how they survive. We were showen all the touristy stuff where they make their money and lead back onto the boat, We ventured slowly along the lake for 30kms (3hours later) until we reachef our next island where we were to stay the night.
We were greeted by our hostess, shown our rooms and fed. (at first we were a little scared that it was going to be off the mud huts, but it turned out to be really nice)
We were then led by Ballentina our host to the main square where Festival of the Virgin was happening.
Similar to Carnaval, but after a few hours things got out of rythum and things got messy with everyone drinking the 20,000 crates of bear was nearly gone with much more of the festival to go.
We sat around enjoying the music and the dancing. We then ventured up to the top of the island where an amazing view of Lake Titicaca lay infront of us, Up there was also inca ruins and a place where they slayed the virgins (quite interesting) beautiful inca teracces and sun temples to add to this beautiful island.
A trip back down to the square to the plaza to see more of this festival.
We were greeted by Ballentina once again where we were lead to our home and fed once again amazing food.
Being up really early and venturing up mountains made us tired so we went to go to bed, but soon was a knock at our door with the eldest child bearing Peruvian clothes for us to put on.
Excitment arose as we put them on and were lead to a little hall where music was being played and everyone else on our boat dressed up the same. The local girls showed us how it was done dancing in circles and spinning around, til we dropped.
This trip was turning out to be on of the best things we´ve done so far, being able to stay and interact with Peruvians more than you would on the normal basis.
The next morning we awoke to thunder and rain, after having pancakes for breakfast we ran for the boat.
Another island was in our path, the rain slowed down and finally cleared, We were lead all over this island, kind of loosing interest, the lake isnt that pretty and its another island with over priced food.
We make our way back to the boar where we took our 3hour journey back to Puno, God ive never been on such a slow boat, i swear you could swim faster.
The next day we have a bus to Arequipa, Our lady who we got set up with for our tour picks us up and decides to try and get more money out of us and tells us we only paid for 1day on lake titicaca not 2,
Teleri bursting out in rage wanting to kill this lady, (the whole time we have been with this lady it goes along the lines that pay more money for this, this isnt included in what you paid pay this much now.)
We argue all the way to the bus station saying we must pay another $40 or we wont get our bus ticket. (lucky we still have the receit)
I go to get the police, who justifies who´s right and wrong, Ha! we get our bus tickets and head for our bus.
Bye Puno!


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/steph_nico/3/1265802770/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/steph_nico/3/1265802770/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/steph_nico/3/1265802770/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:06:47 -0500 Nico & Steph's Aussie Adventure

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Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

After weeks of debating I finally booked myself on the official Neighbours sightseeing tour. Nico has no clue what Neighbours is but I remember watching it religiously everyday after school with my mum, so I thought I can't come to Oz and not see Ramsay Street! In the end I went by myself coz I knew that Nico would just moan the whole day! Got the train into Melbourne where I was then picked up by the tour's shuttle bus and guide, Gerry (who is obsessed by Neighbours and knows some really sad, yet amazing facts about the show!).
We went first to 'Erinsborough High School' (which is actually an English language school which they use to film just the outside school shots, the inside of classrooms etc is done back at the studio. Saw the playing field, gazebo, bike sheds, front gate and the basket ball courts. Next was the studio itself, which is just a large red-bricked building. Couldn't go inside but we all sat in the car park and gawped!
Finally we got to go to the actual street itself, which in real life is called Pin Oak Crescent. Got loads of photos of me in front of the Robinson's house, the Bishop's house, the Sculley's house, the Kennedy's house, Toadie's house and the girls house. Our tour guide had brought along a prop Ramsay Street sign so we could pose with the signpost in various locations!
After that we went to ST. Kilda where we met a 'real life actor'. I had know idea who he was but he was really fit and good-looking! Apparently he plays the character 'Ned' but I haven't seen the show for so long that I hadn't a clue! Still, I humoured his ego by posing for photos with him and getting his autograph!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/gregandfi/1/1235728500/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/gregandfi/1/1235728500/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/gregandfi/1/1235728500/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:03:59 -0500 Around the world in seven months: Greg and Fi's adventures

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Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok: 7-9 January

A guest house we had looked up in our Lonely Planet Guide was booked out, so we ended up at another one on Soi Rambutri, just around the corner from the infamous Khao San Road. This was just far enough away as Khao San Road gets so hectic! Rambutri was just busy enough, thanks, with an array of street stall operators, touts, dogs, cats, rats and smiling kids. Tropical fruit was everywhere you looked (a fast favourite of mine became strips of mango on sticky rice with coconut milk... yum!), as were stalls which cooked fried rice and noodles for 20 THB (about one Aussie dollar). Um, were we just eating food at 20 times the price in Japan?? I believe we were, and this was a HUGE relief to our wallets (and don't worry Japan, we LOVED your food)!

This first time in Bangkok was just a short transit-stay (we'll be coming back through for a few more days at the end of our SE Asian leg), as we were arranging travel down to Southern Thailand and our introduction to the pace of Thailand took up time in itself. It is so intense it can be dizzying just walking into the street! Still, we did want to see at least one sight beside the somewhat culture-lacking (or at least overly commercial) Khao San Road, and so we set off to see the 46 metre-long golden buddha at Wat Pho. We decided against taking a tuk-tuk as we thought it would be cool to walk. Well, getting there was an education in itself. Get a map or guidebook out in Bangkok and you'll be approached by any number of people offering "information" or "advice". One guy told us the temple was closed that day and we would be wise to go to another temple further down the road and "oh, my friend has a tuk-tuk just around the corner and he can take you there". Classic Thailand scam. It got to the point where we would hide behind a tree or against a wall just get our map out without being hassled! Even without the map or guidebook, as a "farang" (foreigner), you're a sitting duck anyway. But hey, everyone's gotta try and make a baht, don't they? Anyway, the temple was open (surprise, surprise) when we got there by foot and we were completely impressed by the massive golden buddha lying on its side.

The night of 9 January was spent on the overnight bus ride from another planet down to Chumporn, to get to Koh Tao (Turtle Island). The driver was a bit of a maniac: besides his crazy driving, we saw him chasing chickens in Chumporn... Funny sight. Greg white-knuckled it for most of the trip, whereas I have an uncanny ability to sleep in almost any condition, so I wasn't aware of just how fast the driver was going. No more buses in Thailand, thanks.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/calmyourjets/1/1262544914/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/calmyourjets/1/1262544914/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/calmyourjets/1/1262544914/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:58:23 -0500 A Wee Change of Scenery!

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Uspallata, Cuyo, Argentina

A couple of hours travel by bus up into the Andes from Mendoza is a tiny town called Uspallata. The bus journey is pretty enjoyable with fantastic views of the Rio Mendoza and the foothills of the Andes. Part of the route is the same as the way I went on New Years Day for the rafting and I saw some other people making their way down the river as I did a few days ago. The rapids definitely look much smaller from a nice, dry seat on the bus!

The bus station in Uspallata is pretty unremarkable - a few places for buses to pull into, a ticket office and a couple of shops. I must have looked more sure about where I was than I thought because a woman and her daughter checked with me that they were in the right place! Mind you I think the driver would probably have scooted them off the bus anyway if they didn't move!!

After a quick stop at the tourist information for a map (essential in a town with about 4 streets!) and at the supermarket for some nice cold juice I started walking along the road out of town to a viewpoint that would give me a view of the town with the magnificent Andes in the background. The walk was pretty easy until I reached the bottom of the hill and even the ascent wasn't too much hard work. The route up to the top was marked with crosses - a traditional way to mark a route here rather than as markers for people who died.

The final little bit of the climb was quite steep but the view from the top was fantastic. The small town of Uspallata and it's surrounding greenery were totally dwarfed by the mountains behind. Some of the peaks were covered in a light dusting of snow but I wasn't sure which one was Aconcagua (the highest peak in the Americas). It would have been nice to be able to pick it out but the fact that I didn't know the mountain's names wasn't really going to spoil my enjoyment of the view. After trying (and failing for the most part) to get a nice picture of myself with the mountain range in the background I headed back down out of the sunshine that was causing me so many photographic problems. After the walk back to town and a wander down the other streets of the town the sun was causing me a different problem as I'd forgotten my sunscreen and had a slight red tinge! I opted against heading into the casino (a little strange but I suppose they need some kind of entertainment in such a small town!) and had a seat in the shade to do a little people watching.

There were surprisingly plently of people to watch - yesterday (the 2nd) there was actually a huge gathering of people in an area just outside the town. It was the end of a 3 month march across the world from New Zealand to promote peace and non-violence - the Marcha Mundial Por La Paz. The town was really busy with people from all over the world which explained the reason that I hadn't been able to follow my original plan and stay overnight!

Before catching the bus back to Mendoza I spotted a local family making much more economical transport arrangements - a mother was cycling with her son and daugher perched on the bike too! I was quite happy to get a bus seat, I can't imagine that the bike journey was particularly comfortable!!


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jeanmi/2/1265759901/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jeanmi/2/1265759901/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jeanmi/2/1265759901/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:57:44 -0500 Nos vacances 2009 au Cambodge et à Bali

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Kratie (Kracheh), Cambodia

Ensuite, si je me souviens bien, les mariés ont endurés les épreuves suivantes:

- cérémonie au cours de laquelle tous les membres de la famille peuvent bénir les époux et leur donner un peu d'argent. Leurs mains sont attachées ensemble à cet effet.

- quelques autres étapes qui me reviendront ultérieurement,

- après une pause salutaire, les mariés reçoivent leurs invités pour un dîner qui sera suivi d'une soirée dansante. A cette occasion, Fré, en qualité de garçon d'honneur, a dû faire le pied de grue mais cela n'a pas entaché son moral.

Et puis, même si ce rôle parait ingrat, il y a des compensations ...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oliviers/5/1265795107/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oliviers/5/1265795107/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oliviers/5/1265795107/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:54:15 -0500 Botswana and Namibia,Okvango Delta

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Ghanzi, Botswana

Die pad is baie lank en reguit ......
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oliviers/5/1265794573/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oliviers/5/1265794573/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oliviers/5/1265794573/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:53:56 -0500 Botswana and Namibia,Okvango Delta

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Mahango, Caprivi, Namibia

We followed the road along the Delta's panhandle into Nambia. On the banks of the mighty river we found a lodge and spent some time.Plenty of God's creation. Later we moved to Poppa Falls comunity campside.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ons het langs die Delta se pypsteel opgery tot in die Caprivi. Die grondpad lei ons na die oewer van die magtige rivier. Hier het ons vir 'n paar dae vertoef. Bedags en snags is vol van God se skepping om te wardeer.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oliviers/5/1165819500/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oliviers/5/1165819500/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oliviers/5/1165819500/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:53:27 -0500 Botswana and Namibia,Okvango Delta

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Maun, Botswana

Teen middagete val ons met die kamper in die pad oor Nylstroom na Ellisras.....
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rennyavm/1/1265763005/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rennyavm/1/1265763005/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rennyavm/1/1265763005/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:50:05 -0500 South America trip

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Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sunday I went to San Telmo, just south of city center, because of the recommended antique market and especially hoping to catch a street tango show. All down Defensa street, which I walked down from Plaza de Mayo, were stands selling arts&crafts. Just after stopping in a grill joint where I had an awesome steak sandwich - they definitely do steak well in Argentina - I reached Plaza Dorrego, where the antique market was, and sure enough, an elderly couple dancing tango. The man also danced with women from the crowd - it seems like dancing is just as much a part of an Argentinian's upbringing as learning their Italian-accented Spanish.
After this, I walked on further south to La Boca, the poor part of central BA. It certainly had that appearance: more run-down housing and streets, and in some cases slums held together by scrap wood and nails. On the way to the main attraction, Caminito street, I passed by the Boca juniors stadium; i thought it was interesting that such a major club was in the poorer part of town, or is that just me? Caminito street, where tourists flock, had brightly colored buildings, again arts&crafts stands, and lots of bars with tango shows, so sat down there and watched.
That night I couldn't miss out on the Superbowl! So a couple of American guys and I went to a bar where they were showing the game, in Spanish, on many screens. I wondered if the commentators were explaining the game as it went along, as the Dutch commentators did back when it was broadcast in Holland. @Colts: what were you guys doing? I got pretty excited that the Who did the halftime show; it was good for sure though they didn't rock like they used to. And Argentina does not know chicken wings, though they're forgiven on account of their steak.

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amanda_india1/1/1265744759/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amanda_india1/1/1265744759/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amanda_india1/1/1265744759/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:47:01 -0500 Amanda_india1's Great Adventure

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Asheville, North Carolina, United States

Three days and counting....
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maanja/1/1265328764/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maanja/1/1265328764/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/maanja/1/1265328764/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:39:44 -0500 Marika & Darron's Far East Adventure

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Weybridge, England, United Kingdom

A final lnight to remember.... story to follow :)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sichuantravel/1/1265733349/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sichuantravel/1/1265733349/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sichuantravel/1/1265733349/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:39:43 -0500 Sichuantravel's Great Adventure

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Chengdu, Sichuan, China

"Snake oil salesman" has a negative connotation to most of us. In America, he's known as a shill, a salesman trying to pull the wool over our eyes with a product that does little to cure what ails us.


He usually skips town before the locals realize he’s a phony.


Little did I know that snake oil is a traditional Chinese medicine made from the Chinese water snake and it is used to treat joint pain and inflammation.


Snake oil is actually sold in traditional Chinese pharmacies. It can also be found at the outdoor market of Shangli, just a mile or so from the Shangli Ancient Town in the Sichuan Province of China.


Walking the dirt-topped streets of Shangli, I came across a young gentleman with a pile of dead snakes on a carpet and a barrel of snake oil nearby. He wore a microphone and spewed the qualities of snake oil, sounding much like a ShamWow salesman at a trade show.


Alex, our guide, translated:


“Rub this on where the pain is and in a week you won’t feel pain,” the snake oil salesman said to a group of people standing around him, waiting for magic to occur.


A man volunteered to give it a try. He turned around and bent over. The snake oil salesman raised the back of his shirt and started to rub the oil on his back.


We never did find out if the pain disappeared in a week.


Alex also told me that some people drink snake blood for their health. I’ll pass, thank you.


Another interesting sight at the outdoor market, which occurs three times out of every 10 days, was the dentist sitting with an assistant awaiting patients.


It was the most unique dentist office I’d ever seen. A card table covered with a white tablecloth, on which some tools of the trade were waiting to be used. I’m not sure what type of procedures he was peddling.


The market itself was intriguing. All the locals from the area descend upon the several blocks-worth of goods to stock up. Women wore baskets on their backs to carry their purchases or their kids, or both.


Roosters were for sale. You could choose from any in a pen of several live birds. They would kill the rooster and de-feather and clean it if you’d like. The pile of guts was, well, a bit revolting. But this is a way of life in Shangli of Sichuan.


This is the way these people live, what they are used to. It’s why I enjoyed this market so much. This wasn’t downtown Chengdu or Beijing. This wasn’t westernized. It wasn’t anything you’d expect.


The sights were amazing: For sale were live catfish swimming in a plastic pool, chicken’s feet, potatoes in the back of a cart and sides of beef hanging on a rack as if they were men’s suits by Ralph Lauren.


A man set up shop on the dirt sidewalk to repair shoes; he had a stack of them. A woman sat in a chair in front of a foot-powered sewing machine mending or making clothes.


Westerner’s rarely get a glimpse of this life out in the country. I’m glad we were among those who got the chance to see it.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/dbrandolizi/1/1265320276/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/dbrandolizi/1/1265320276/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/dbrandolizi/1/1265320276/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:36:13 -0500 dbrandolizi's Great Adventure

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Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jesseteleri/1/1263819920/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jesseteleri/1/1263819920/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/jesseteleri/1/1263819920/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:32:32 -0500 Jesseteleri's Great Adventure

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La Paz, Bolivia

In our Bolivian adventure we stopped off in La Paz a number of times, Heres what we did.
Our first night in La paz was awful arriving from sea level to 3600m was not the best feeling, straight to bed for us.
The next day we realise that its a really beautiful city situated in a valley with a few snowy mountains in the back drop.
Coming from Chile it was a big difference in culture just the way people dress is so cool and different.
On other days we visit the witches market where the good old black magic comes to play, stumbling across dry llama fetus´s tarrot card players and much more. That night we decide to take on the worlds most dangerous vindaloo at the local curry house we think we can tough it, thinking that we could handle it.
As we anxiously wait the food arrives, looking at it, it wasnt a curry but chillis mashed up in a bowl with chicken pieces, the first few spoonfulls were pleasant but little did behold it was the worst thing ever.
Going through 2 milk shakes and 2 lots of mango chutney we barely finish this meal but time being our best friend we finish it (2hours later) all for a t-shirt.




]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kawaiguy/2/1265106213/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kawaiguy/2/1265106213/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kawaiguy/2/1265106213/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:28:48 -0500 J Loves Japan

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Toyone-mura, Aichi, Japan

Well, I think everyone who's been party of Toyone Junior High School automatically gets to put their name and entry in this bit. I'm limited to 60 words (in Japanese), describing an experience or memory, or thought, about Toyone JHS. So many to choose from...so here goes.

I suppose I could, and should, start with my most memorable experience in Japan so far: the ekiden. But I've already written an entry on this, and it would seem like bragging to just go on about how special everyone made me feel. Instead, I'd like to share my experience with the people here to build on the idea of community. I believe a large part of what ties people to a particular place is what they do there together. Anyone can go someplace alone, but what attaches to a particular spot is the people that make it special through shared memories.

My first surprise was Sports Day. I had met previously a couple times at night for this, and laughed as me and some old farts attempted a few home-brewed and traditional activities. It was a disaster. I was assigned the 6-legged race (or 3 man race), also called Mukade. I think I fell more times at the Sports festival than during practice, since they switched my partners on me the day of, but I think the falling part was unavoidable. There was three guys wearing pink afros that were just flying, however. It was like they trained all year for that one moment. Weeeird. I think I might omit commenting on them.

But what surprised me most was just the way these people approached the events. They gave everything they absolutely had. And even more surprising, was they wanted me to be part of it. No matter how awkward, how embarassing, the people would coax me on to try their game, and would laugh with me as we both failed to do it successfully. Win or lose, it was just for fun. And it created memories that I'll never forget.

And then there was the eki-den. Seeing that I had an interest in sports, the local Board of Education asked me if I would join their relay-race team for a tournament. They never told me how big it was, and I hesitated at first, since I had the 1/2 marathon coming up. Again, I didn't regret taking part in it at all. When Toukai television got wind of my sign-up, being the only foreigner to run this race was all they needed to make a story out of me. I had in-class interviews, and recordings done both before the race and after.

but that's not what mattered. When fame knocks on your door, whenever it comes, it's too easy to let it go to your head. It's short-lived, and almost certain to make other people envious of your situation. All you can do it laugh at yourself for being so lucky, and try to be modest by downplaying it. But it was like the people didn't WANT me to downplay it. They kept putting me up on a pedestal, cheering me on when I was hanging my head in embarrassment, and making it well known that I was running for them.

That's when I think I realized why this community is so amazing. They take a visitor, anyone it might be, whether they are a foreigner or a visitor from another part of Japan, and make them feel more than welcome: they make them a part of their community. They get them involved in community events, sporting events, enkais (drinking parties), concerts and talent shows, traditional spear-fishing, hunting, you name it. Now tell me if we do that back at home, whether it be in the city or a small town.

I've never really been an outsider before, even at the various high-schools I went to. So it's hard for me to tell whether or not Kapuskasing or Ottawa is as proactive about making its inhabitants feel a welcome part of the community. One of the things I've learned about my trip to Japan so far, is how hard it can be to adjust to a foreign culture, a different job, a different landscape, and a different support network. I had no idea how landed immigrants must feel in Canada, or the US. I had no idea how young adults felt when moving to a new place, away from everything they're familiar with.

And even though I'm addicted to the idea and experience of change, it can still be a very difficult thing to do. I have to say that Japan, no, Toyone Village, is probably one of the easiest places for one to feel at home at such a remarkable rate.
My extended stay here will be one I will try my best to take advantage of, both with giving back to the community and at school.

Now that i've tallied the words...I think I surpassed 60 by about 4 or 5 hundred. Either way, hope you enjoyed reading this!

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/dbrandolizi/1/1265746571/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/dbrandolizi/1/1265746571/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/dbrandolizi/1/1265746571/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:27:43 -0500 dbrandolizi's Great Adventure

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El Chalten, Patagonia, Argentina

Ha coisas na vida que nao se pode passar a oportunidade. Quando estava em Torres del Paine conheci um casal de Polonoses que comentaram a vontade de atravessar o deserto da Patagonia de carro. Fui ate o carro e peguei um mapa da Argentina e perguntei qual era a rota que eles estavam falando a respeito. Apos varios comentarios disse se eles estariam interessados em me acompanhar nessa aventura, Menos de um segundo e a resposta foi YES!!!. Resolvemos nos encontrar em El Chanten, Fomos caminhar pela manha ate o Parque das Geleiras e voltamos mais ou menos as 5 da tarde para comecar a jornada. 6 da tarde estavamos a caminho da parte Norte da Argentina, Pela frente: O grande deserto da Patagonia todo de terra, isolado com dimensoes de perder de vista. Apos 60 kilometros de um alfalto novo,,,,,pedras e mais pedras. Devo confessar que ate aqui meu caminhao tem sido o melhor amigo, irmao e apoio. Nao tive nenhum pneu furado a vigem toda e nenhum problema mecanico. Estava contado que como me contaram pra cruzar esse deserto e necessario 2 pneus estepes. Pensei: tenho um estepe e se furar mais que uma vez vou ter de esperar uma boa alma para cruzar a estrada, Apos dois dias duros e mais de 10 horas por dia dirigindo cheguei ao meu destino...El Bolson. Acreditem ou nao mas nao tive nenhum pneu furado ou problema mecanico. Ah e a pick conseguiu manter mais de 60 km de media por hora (me falaram que a velocidade era de no maxico 40km/h. Valeu meu amigao mais um obstaculo que vencemos juntos.
PS: Cruzamos no total 4 carros e 8 motos no total.

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kittnrob/1/1265785493/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kittnrob/1/1265785493/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kittnrob/1/1265785493/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:26:30 -0500 kittnrob in thailand

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Ayutthaya, Thailand

Holy Crap it is hot here!! I expected heat but this is nearly flattening me. Thank heavens for Rob's patience. He is managing the sun fine. Me, I am waiting for my eyeballs to explode from the heat! Yikes. Tomorrow we head north to Chiang Mai where the temperatures are apparently cooler (Please God).

We hopped the train in Bangkok for the two hour ride to Ayutthaya with plans to spend the day touring some of the countless ruins in this former capital city (in the 1700's). Rob was keen on the train...his first passenger train since 1980 and of course, his first ever in Thailand. The windows opened wide so a wonderful semi-hot breeze blew in as we clickety clacked along, stopping, it seemed every ten minutes! You definately want to keep hands and head inside windows as other trains rip by all the time!

The ruins were amazing. Makes you realize just how old this civilization is. Specially amazing when coming from such a young country as Canada. If we ever find a computer where we can download some photos .... sigh. I, unfortunately was unable to really enjoy the ruins since I was always just one step ahead of fainting from the heat!

We met a funny fella named Toi who lured us into his establishment with the promise of ice cold beer. Mmmmm! Drink, rub on neck, drink again...Nice. He was a world geographical genuis and could speak ten languages. He had endless puzzles, gags and quizzes to keep customers entertained and to cross the language barriers and connect you with fellow patrons. He was hilarious so after beers and ruin touring we made our way back to him for more beer, food, gags, and quizzes. His place should be a tourist attraction on it's own and, sorry...I don't know the name of it but if you find yourself in Ayutthaya and leave the train station walking towards the river ferry when a fella calls to you to come sit for a beer that will be your guy. Take him up on his offer, you won't regret it!

We had hoped to get to Lop Buri and check out the monkey mayhem in that city but train scheduling confusion and add a touch of sunstroke led to a missed train. We ended up staying in Ayutthaya with glorious air conditioning and a very long cold shower...Now will sight see throughout the day on our train ride to Chiang Mai.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/saudade777/1/1265745507/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/saudade777/1/1265745507/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/saudade777/1/1265745507/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:22:22 -0500 Saudade777's Great Adventure

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Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago

1) Now that I have your attention, Elise and I joined the Trini Hash Harriers for a 6 mile run from the SAVANNAH proceeding through-out the city and I mean right IN the city, running through traffic and around pedestrians. There was 40 of us. It was quite crazy. We lost the trail a couple of times but eventually made it to the end.

At the end of the run we both had to do a 'down-down' (chugging a beer) because we were Monday Virgins. They normally run on Saturdays and Mondays. If you don't finish the beer you have to pour the remaining portion on your head.

Here's what HASHING is all about:

The Hash House Harriers (abbreviated to HHH, H3, or referred to simply as Hashing) is an international group of non-competitive running, social and drinking clubs. An event organized by a club is known as a Hash or Hash Run, with participants calling themselves Hashers.

The hare(s) mark their trail with paper, chalk, sawdust, or colored flour, depending on the environment and weather.Special marks may be used to indicate a false trail, a backtrack, a shortcut, or a turn. The most commonly-used mark is a Check, indicating that hashers will have to search in any direction to find the continuation of the trail. Trails may contain a Beer Check, where the pack stops to consume beer, water, or snacks, allowing any stragglers to catch up to the group.Trails may pass through any sort of terrain and hashers may run through back alleyways, residential areas, city streets, forests, swamps, or shopping malls and may climb fences, ford streams, explore storm drains or scale cliffs in their pursuit of the hare.

Down-downs:

A down-down is a means of punishing, rewarding, or merely recognizing an individual for any action or behavior according to the customs or whims of the group. Generally, the individual in question is asked to consume without pause the contents of his or her drinking vessel or risk pouring the remaining contents on his or her head. Individuals may be recognized for outstanding service, or for their status as a visitor or newcomer.

Down-Downs also serve as punishment for misdemeanors real, imagined, or blatantly made up. Such transgressions may include: failing to stop at the beer check, pointing with a finger, or the use of real names (also known as nerd names).A special type of down-down is often reserved for hashers who wear new shoes to an event. The hasher is required to remove one shoe, which then serves as the vessel for the down-down. In some kennels the beer is further filtered through the accused's sock.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hash_House_Harriers

Hashing is a ton of fun and you get some great exercise and drinking.


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mackemlau/1/1265646635/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mackemlau/1/1265646635/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mackemlau/1/1265646635/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:17:24 -0500 Steve and John's Bogus Adventures 2010

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La Paz, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat at 10,582 square kilometers (4,086 sq mi). Its formation comes from several dried out salt lakes and its covered in a few metres of remarkably flat salt crust. Most Gringos go there to take stupid photos as the landscape is crystal white so there really is some good camera trickery shots made available to the creative few amongst us.

Luckily for us, we arrived when it was wet, which meant that the surface water perfectly refelcted the sky (allowing us to get some really cool shots). However, to take these shots we had to walk around barefoot over the salty rough crusty lake to get the right persepctive, which proved more painful than anticipated. No joke, it felt like walking over broken glas at times. I admittedly complained a lot. But well worth it in the end. After doing the Gringo thing, we took off to see the Train Cemetary. This just proved to be a collection of scrap and we didn't know why or who had put it there (partly because we had a Spanish speaking guide all day).

Unfortunately, this lay blame to John who had a day of bad form when booking the excursion. Not only did he get a Spanish only speaking guide, the day was spent with a pleasant enough local family who were also on the tour (this meant lack of banter) and he did not book us a return ticket back to La Paz for tonight. I had given him his first and last opportunity to book this trip as I was too hungover. Note to self - let this be the last time I give him this liberty.

Luckily for us, we got back to Uyuni town early enough (a little too early hence why I'm updating my blog straight after the trip) to catch the first and last bus out of here at 8pm (its currently 4.45pm). Tommorow will be spent trying to find a hairdressers to sort out my lengthy mane, packing my stuff for my flight to Rio and finding the local electronics market to get a new camera (which John dropped into the salty water during our day trip).

Did I mention that John has been on bad form?

The coach journey back to La Paz was even more horrendous than the first. The toilet was functioning (just) which meant there were no stop offs for piss breaks. As I have a weak bladder, I had to use this hole in the ground (and thats me being generous in my description) three times, which given road trip was like going over a thousand speed bumps did not make sleeping easy. John, being the tart he is complained the most during this endeavour, whining that his cocyx was taking a beating.

The following day actually panned out to be quite culturally productive. We ventured down to the electronics market - and I got the same Samsung camera that was broken for a bargain price of 23 quid more than I had paid in the UK (if it ain't broke don't fix it...unless John breaks it). Luckily, John¡s guilty conscience forked out 50 quid of this so it wasn't too bad a day (cheers mate). I ended up losing the others after backing up my photos onto a DVD (yes, this may mean my pictures may be up before 2010 is over) and decided to give the coke museum and witches market a visit. Both were pleasant enough, and after seeing a whole bunch of Lama foetuses at the witches enclosure, (and buying a necklace to see if it had any spiritual properties) I prompty downed a 'cocoa leaf' liquor at the museum, before heading back to Loki, ready for 'South Americas Hottest Curry' at the Spice of India with the rest of the group. Those that finish the vindaloo destroyer get a free t shirt. Mine's a small, Sanjay.

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mackemlau/1/1265131438/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mackemlau/1/1265131438/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/mackemlau/1/1265131438/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:15:43 -0500 Steve and John's Bogus Adventures 2010

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Arequipa, Peru

Arequipa, a welcome change from the shithole that was Puno. We arrived early morning and already we could see (and smell) the difference. The town seemed more vibrant, clean and definitely more hospitable than Puno (even at 4 in the morning). Upon arriving at the Point Hostel, which hosted the best pool table we have played on so far, in addition to a foosball table and a gimmicky hot tub (which we have yet to see anyone use) we settled in for the night.

Mike checked in the day after (he had no luck making any mates at the Loki) and the first day was spent checking out the town and trying to do cultural things. The eventuality of this was spent watching Man U hammer Arsenal on the Sunday, before the others ventured on for a night out (I had to opt out due to the persistant on the trots).

Our second day was spent in town. Everyone, including Denzel Washington (our new name for John) was horrendously hungover. Belgium girl insisted we go into town to get some food from the local market, promising it was tasty and stupidly cheap. Cheap it was, but tasty it wasn't, and neither was it too hygenic. We stuck in to some debatable food which looked like it had been turned away by the dozen flies which were loitering around and were even 'papped' by the locals eating there (we were the only Gringo's in the vicinity).

The rest of the afternoon was spent in typical Western style watching a horror movie called Splinter (no it wasn't about Josh) at the cinema which had been released in 2008 but had just reached the cinematic pioneers of South America for a bargain 2.50 and scoffing KFC to make up for the abysmal late breakfast. We had originally planned to see Juanita, the 11 year old inca princess who was sacrificed during the Inca periods to the Gods. After her death, her body had been frozen in time and she was perfectly preserved - essentially as a frozen popsicle. She is kept at the local museum, but when we arrived we were told she was out of action as she was under special treatment to chemically preserve her body for longer. Bummer.

The following day was a early start, getting up at 2.30am to go see the Colca Canyon - the worlds deepest. After a knackering 3 hour drive, and some snappy snappy camera action (which included scoring some condor shots) we came back dreary at 4.30pm. Our next stop is La Paz, where we a visit to the Amazon Basin and Salar de Uyuni awaits....



]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/melody.holmes/1/1265761349/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/melody.holmes/1/1265761349/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/melody.holmes/1/1265761349/tpod.html Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:14:00 -0500 Melody in Granada

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Granada, Andalusia, Spain

So Flamenco is pretty big in Granada. Apparently it originated in the South of Spain, and this is really the only region where you can find an authentic show.

Ana Maria, our director, took us all to a show on Wednesday night. She met us at the bus stop with flowers for all the girls to wear in their hair. How Spanish! We hopped on the bus that took us up to el Sacromonte, the windy, narrow, rocky neighborhood built on the mountain around the Alhambra. The bus up was scary. The bus down was downright terrifying.

The show was at this place called "Venta el Gallo" and was in a cave. Cool, huh? Caves are pretty much everywhere in this neighborhood. In fact, there is a really cool club in a cave in the same neighborhood. And a Flamenco bar called "El Chien Andalou" that my friends and I had discovered last weekend. That bar features live music and dancing in the world's narrowest little cavern. It was SO COOL. Lots of hippies. And by lots I mean about 5. Plus the four of us, which was pretty much capacity for the little bar.

Anyhoo, We all piled into Venta el Gallo for the performance. There were pictures hanging over every inch of the walls, and all sorts of pots and pans hanging from the ceiling. Why? Who knows. Why not?

I guess this is one of the most famous Flamenco places in the area, and has been around for a long time. One of the dancers was probably 60 but there were pictures of her when she was young and she was a total babe.

The music was incredible. The dancers really get into the rhythm--you can tell they are really passionate about what they are doing. The Spanish guitar was awesome. You've gotta love how fast the guy can play. And pokadot dresses are just ballin.

Near the end of the performance the ladies pulled some of the kids from our group up to dance, which was just amazing. So entertaining.

On the way down the bus barely squeezed through the world's narrowest street. We almost took out some poor pedestrians. My friend is claustrophobic and was not a very happy camper. I totally understand why this is a walking city. Driving is just not safe. There were a couple sharp turns, some steep roads, and plenty of generally freaky moments. But we arrived in once piece.

Check out the video. It's really cool! Oh! And pay attention to the lady on the left hand side of the screen. She is sitting next to the Asian guy in a blue sweater and shows up about 20 seconds in. She was sitting stiff as a board all night looking totally freaked out. We got a huge kick out of it.

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