tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10679676217133124502024-03-14T08:29:43.323-07:00Toni's Travel TipsTJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-16350424292920426932019-11-24T05:36:00.003-08:002019-11-24T05:36:35.864-08:00It's Hygge in CopenhagenFriday, 15 November 2019<br />
Hygge in Copenhagen<br />
Hello All,<br />
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We are in Copenhagen having a blast so thought it easiest if I write one blog for everyone.<br />
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Of course we arrived exhausted - for the record Premium Economy (Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong; Lufthansa to Copenhagen via Munich) is turning into basic coach. God knows what it is like back in coach. Premium Economy has 2 at the sides and 4 (yes that's FOUR) in the middle - man I would be pissed if they shoved me in a 4 seat row. The movies were great - I binged on Japanese films and Bill did John Woo apparently.<br />
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Anyway after too many hours we found out way to our Copenhagen "home". And just as I put my foot on the stoop, my mobile died. Yes the ONLY method of communication we had and at 20% my phone stopped. Luckily Bill's had a wee bit of juice and so we sent a text and there was our lovely hostess, Ingrid (our exchange partner's mum). She was waiting inside and I think she might have heard me swearing. I think the Pope heard me swearing.<br />
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We have a hygge one-bedroom flat on the ground floor. There are a couple of "odd" things - everyone in Copenhagen has no problems about not having curtains on their ground floor windows! Yep as you walk along you can see into people's places. Our windows have the lower half covered with some kind of privacy frosting. It doesn't look much from the inside but it does work. However I was mildly surprised when I saw a guy a delivery truck at my height. He couldn't have cared less - I guess people are so used to it, they wouldn't be so impolite as to look inside someone's bedroom?!<br />
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The second is the heating - man it's warm in here. The first thing we did was turn off the heating. Only left the bathroom one on. BTW I hate rainfall showerheads. Who ever thought they are a good idea? Everyday your hair would be wet and in your eyes. We have a dual shower head head but the first shower was not fun.<br />
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Frabulous joy, we opened the fridge and there was a plethora of beer. All sorts. We also had a lovely bunch of yellow roses and some great danish bread and things so we could survive til we shopped. The bread here is divine.<br />
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Food is expensive in Denmark - or Copenhagen at least. But I do realise we have had afternoon tea at museums and they always charge a premium. But a cup of coffee, a mug of tea and a croissant costs about AUD25. Best croissant I've ever had, it was heavy with butter, and the Earl Grey was delicious. The Danes are serious about their coffee - so Bill's been happy so far.<br />
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A craft beer costs about 60DKK which is about AUD12. And so far we've had some fabulous craft beers. No complaints there. We like to treat ourselves to a beer or three around 3ish. The bars here are uniformly "cosy" and the service is friendly. Everyone speaks English, excellent English - it's just plain embarrassing.<br />
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Okay that's all for now. I will be updating this daily.TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-35353455651711171472019-11-24T05:32:00.002-08:002019-11-24T05:33:17.326-08:00Five Plus Weird Things in CopenhagenOh my it's our last day in Copenhagen and I'm reflecting on some of the strange things we've encountered.<br />
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If you want this with links and pictures <a href="https://tjohnsonwoods.blogspot.com/2019/11/strange-weird-things-in-copenhagen.html">go here</a><br />
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First - traffic lights - for some reason, the Danes have nailed the crossing timing. Every time we get to a set of lights, they change within a few seconds. It seems that it's not just me but it's a new "intelligent" traffic light system. Now come on world, if the Danes can do it - everyone can.<br />
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Second - baby prams. So everyone bikes everywhere. What I didn't realise is that people here love their prams -- riding ones and pushing ones. They all seem to come in twos too. I don't know about the Dane's fertility but rarely do you see a single pram. Not saying they are twins but clearly they're not mucking around with this one-child business.<br />
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Speaking of which - babies are everywhere. And everyone pushes them from mummies to grandparents -- lots of grandparents. And they seem to like it. Even when the bubs are left outside, in their prams, in the cold. Shakes head. This New Zealand woman found it weird too.<br />
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Third - cleaning products. I can't seem to find the same ones I usually use. I like to use a little bleach in the shower (for mould) well I went to several stores and they were sold out. So either the Danes are really clean or there's a world wide shortage of bleach. EEkk. At our apartment, I was scrounging and opened a bottle of something and immediately took a big sniff--that's a dangerous thing to do. Don't do it.<br />
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Fourth - TV. I have never seen so many romance movies airing. Yes it's the time of year for Jule Christmas Romance movies. There are usually about 4 each night on telly here. They are the crappiest, cheeziest, Hallmark movies you can imagine. The Danes are romantics at heart.<br />
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Auction tv shows -- while Australia continues its love affair with renovation television shows, and America still loves a desperate housewife, it's all about the auction here. We can't understand a word of them but in various guises people guess what things are valued at and them compete in various ways. We're crap at guessing prices. It seems the the more tortured the piece of porcelain the more it fetches.<br />
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Fifth - Food and Drink. Sweets-yes the Danes LOVE their sweeta (I mean lollies); they are second only to Finland (really? see this article) at 8.51 kilos per head per year. Every corner has a 'candy' shop that's filled with gummy type chewy lollies. I love them. My figure doesn't. One of the reasons that Danes, with the highest "happiness" rating, don't live the longest. There's a lesson in that, right?<br />
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Coffee - okay it's a national sport here. They are the second biggest spenders at over 3 euros per cup in the world (see here). (Swiss rank #1). Drink as much as you can. I'm not a great fan -- I hate that coffee breath that heavy drinkers get.<br />
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Bread - while we might know that dark-rye-nut laden bread used in open sandwiches-we've discovered a bread/croissant type bun.<br />
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Oh - it's 2pm. Time for Glogg. I will write about glogg but not right now. It's drinking time.<br />
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<br />TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-1881740254624500332013-12-09T13:32:00.002-08:002019-11-24T05:34:37.775-08:00It’s All About the Food - Xmas Food<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christmas Around the World<br />
<br />
Well we know Xmas is about two things, presents and
food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like my Christmases white –
which is why I try and have them overseas and that fact that the cold allows for great yummy food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love the snow, the smells of spice in the air and the winter clothes that
cover the body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboEGCE9nCMqSPAtZ2jLZ_w7nmObCtlKmLrbE4kEdkxWfMqcSfvgic1kMy_hPIkyzUTc624Sv4gImA2_sqAiUc51pKTBYd0crSlWITs_6Vae5ZpEI8r0OK5roLQ_ZIZTGLlyEkwqE1hvc/s1600/Rockwell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboEGCE9nCMqSPAtZ2jLZ_w7nmObCtlKmLrbE4kEdkxWfMqcSfvgic1kMy_hPIkyzUTc624Sv4gImA2_sqAiUc51pKTBYd0crSlWITs_6Vae5ZpEI8r0OK5roLQ_ZIZTGLlyEkwqE1hvc/s1600/Rockwell.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>USA </b> –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>first, many
American families have a Xmas Eve celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In my hubby’s family it’s Chinese food – and if you think that’s not so
strange, they’re from the Deep South and Chinese food isn’t great there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I think Australia has some of the best
Chinese food I’ve had – so colour me biased).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So they cook their own version of Chinese and eat it at his sister’s
place – its spring rolls (egg rolls in their parlance), stir fry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why do so many people have Xmas Eve
because often the family Xmas food isn’t that great (according to the many
online discussion groups I visited) – forget the Norman Rockwell Xmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJUpQki4eq0p6961ueBw3pXIIAV51mlqhovGTiGupgEiqMv4l34kkKriFHk6tS3OTYuXS9uhZoiG1gjkmRYh4IcBtbzw0vl8Z5E4Ut_GYd-FmQFjsam-S3A8VtvL125USU4nKT-eoRI4/s1600/sweet-potato-with-marshmallow-recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJUpQki4eq0p6961ueBw3pXIIAV51mlqhovGTiGupgEiqMv4l34kkKriFHk6tS3OTYuXS9uhZoiG1gjkmRYh4IcBtbzw0vl8Z5E4Ut_GYd-FmQFjsam-S3A8VtvL125USU4nKT-eoRI4/s200/sweet-potato-with-marshmallow-recipe.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Potato </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
US Xmas is a replay of Thanksgiving – turkey, drippings (the
juice in the pan), gravy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mashed potato,
sweet potato (I particularly like the marshmallow added), dressing (stuffing
but made on the <a href="http://www.kraftbrands.com/stovetop/">stove top</a>),
green bean salad (here’s the<a href="http://www.campbellskitchen.com/recipes/classic-green-bean-casserole-24099"> classic recipe</a>),
and jello salad (made with jelly and a can of cocktail fruit). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally there’s a cool whip salad – which is
made with fake cream, jelly and whatever is on hand, usually some kind of
tinned fruit, marshmallows and for some reason cottage cheese—its an ungodly looking
mess and sweet as.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are hundreds of
variation <a href="http://www.yummly.com/recipes/cool-whip-salad">here</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOovyT8YcvK7hVytM78zPpNGtZEoWRVRfmdbk4QmetUu0scU7uYmpJk48rgaQsV9bZJJgPwxbdA8TdG9AoEBfUVTRdUQVg6usqhzwDgHNdsUpUlZcw843P7Hdo-YAQ_gVEh8WRwaZK98/s1600/jello+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOovyT8YcvK7hVytM78zPpNGtZEoWRVRfmdbk4QmetUu0scU7uYmpJk48rgaQsV9bZJJgPwxbdA8TdG9AoEBfUVTRdUQVg6usqhzwDgHNdsUpUlZcw843P7Hdo-YAQ_gVEh8WRwaZK98/s200/jello+salad.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jello "Salad"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Utah is the centre of the “Jello Belt”, and
has the highest consumption per capita of any state; you aren’t Mormon if you
don’t have a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">green</b> (green is a
flavour not a colour note) jello salad at your table. Mormons are much more
inventive with their salads and include carrot, raisins, potato chips, or
cornflakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice the words salad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes them sound healthy – they’re NOT. <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ6U9QzPurxdrzhTT8nupgN83kOtJ9eMsFYtjE49cUu7An3n-kMc2IdYL04YHKL4_skdK2Pms807yF5V2gR4wcLzO558JtFCnLdekk-23qgkstO4qN3CNcpXkohWaQZ_pezic1FmOohA/s1600/cool+whip+salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ6U9QzPurxdrzhTT8nupgN83kOtJ9eMsFYtjE49cUu7An3n-kMc2IdYL04YHKL4_skdK2Pms807yF5V2gR4wcLzO558JtFCnLdekk-23qgkstO4qN3CNcpXkohWaQZ_pezic1FmOohA/s200/cool+whip+salad.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool Whip Salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Desert is pumpkin pie – in all my years in the USA all the
ones I’ve had have been shop-bought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mainly people are so busy it’s easier – I made my own cos silly me, I
thought that was tradition and my Xmas family were awed and I was seriously
worried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What had I been eating all
these years?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course mine wasn’t as
good because it wasn’t uniform and tasted “funny” – obviously not enough
sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pie is topped with Cool Whip.
Cool Whip is a fake cream doesn’t have a diary item in it and probably is made
from a byproduct of the petroleum industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>See this experiment <a href="http://www.jonathanfields.com/horrifying-12-day-cool-whip-experiment/">http://www.jonathanfields.com/horrifying-12-day-cool-whip-experiment/</a>.</div>
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Turducken - is another of those crazy US things -- not for the
vegetarian or the feint hearted. The turducken is a turkey stuffed with
a duck and a chicken. The latter two are deboned. Phew I wondered who thought up that combination -- I mean seriously what made someone thing of shoving these three birds inside each other? It must be incredibly rich and not really to my taste but it is called the "ultimate" Xmas food. It takes hours to prepare though google and you'll see some Aussie butchers have done the hard work; then of course there is the hours it must take to cook all the way through. Apparently the recipe originated in Louisiana - nuff said. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQEXC0OlIwQgIsJmWoXYVL_OBE7FFgJwk1Sg8bFLEbAOfGGs-RIx_dtEErDPXNYIVeKdiRv_82g5D9JdVvV2C3l_JbSGP0MJ2MstZPlLnVixtTd1FK3E1BsMS57ZqH8crX1590FH06LE/s1600/ChristmasCake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQEXC0OlIwQgIsJmWoXYVL_OBE7FFgJwk1Sg8bFLEbAOfGGs-RIx_dtEErDPXNYIVeKdiRv_82g5D9JdVvV2C3l_JbSGP0MJ2MstZPlLnVixtTd1FK3E1BsMS57ZqH8crX1590FH06LE/s200/ChristmasCake.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xmas Cake</td></tr>
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<b>Japan</b> – The big food items in Japan are KFC and Xmas Cake. KFC
is so popular it is ordered months in advance and people queue for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Xmas Cake (<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">KURISUMASU KEEKI)</span><b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></b>is much more to my taste, it’s a shortcake (sponge)
topped with cream and strawberries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the past, cakes that weren’t sold by Xmas Day were considered past their prime
and unmarried Japanese women over the age of 25 (!) became known as Christmas
Cakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously this has changed. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5YB036lB7TfqpwKQgkvPuXzuzlcLyJ9pqwuViMkkk0blJPygq23yUR3z9PJShcVzTUIn2zeweehhrHLMBjtSoiGaUCwsz3R-qvz68d3vLyTv6P08rhewYADipPpJGUc168E-5Y1dj0s/s1600/American+fruit+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5YB036lB7TfqpwKQgkvPuXzuzlcLyJ9pqwuViMkkk0blJPygq23yUR3z9PJShcVzTUIn2zeweehhrHLMBjtSoiGaUCwsz3R-qvz68d3vLyTv6P08rhewYADipPpJGUc168E-5Y1dj0s/s1600/American+fruit+cake.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Fruit Cake</td></tr>
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Speaking of Xmas Cakes, the American Fruit Cake is
chockablock full of dried fruit, candied peel and nuts and I mean chockablock –
there is very little cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I made one once and my mother loved it. </span>It is not a
traditional Xmas cake however. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
other end of the spectrum is the parsimonious Dundee cake – which has few
fruits (currants, raisins, sultanas and cherries) but lashings of whisky – not Scottish
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stollen German fruit cakes and Panettone Italian
cakes are two European Xmas versions. The French King Cake has a charming
tradition – <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it used to have a broad bean
in it and the person who finds it is then King/Queen for the day—today it has porcelain
or plastic figurines instead. (It’s an old tradition and Samuel Pepys recorded
eating the cake).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Variations of the King
Cake are seen in Spain and Latin America celebrating Epiphany; in America it is
most likely to be associated with Mardi Gras. </div>
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Of course we all know the tradition of adding threepences
and sixpences to the British Xmas pudding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because of their high silver content, the only danger is to
dentistry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But definitely don’t do this
with contemporary coins!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrn4-CUdAj7qHXgamuBR6C6ftvXXF2NkGRK_1s9j1ySgI8_l1DyGXwjhuJYPg90S1VCwCuswYfZJzLzWaH2haVoTXEHly_-rpeUUkkiNhebFoqS-XMYmhffbXzvnnFeVeZm5khv33FG6E/s1600/glogg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrn4-CUdAj7qHXgamuBR6C6ftvXXF2NkGRK_1s9j1ySgI8_l1DyGXwjhuJYPg90S1VCwCuswYfZJzLzWaH2haVoTXEHly_-rpeUUkkiNhebFoqS-XMYmhffbXzvnnFeVeZm5khv33FG6E/s200/glogg.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glogg the way I remember it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Scandinavia</b> –
forget the Xmas food- it’s all about the drink, <i>Glögg</i><span class="st">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This we had in abundance in Denmark, Sweden
and some other countries, hic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a high
octane mulled wine served hot made with a potpourri of spices and red wine,
port, and brandy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And often had a lone
peanut in the bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know why
the peanut and hubby and I still ponder this. We had loads of indepth
discussions about this in the course of our research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly kept us warm as we toddled back
to the hotel. </span><br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_5_0_7_1386632514128_353">
<b>Mexico</b> - <span style="font-weight: normal;">I had this in Mexico. Menudo is a traditional Mexican Christmas dish that had TRIPE (and I ate tripe) but it's disguised by hominy and spices. The tripe is cooked for hours and it is delicious -- spicy and warming (remember it's cold there). Rumour is that it's good a cure for a hangover, but I can't vouch for that. </span></div>
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<div id="yui_3_5_0_7_1386632514128_353">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">UK - while the UK has turned it's poor reputation for food around - I cannot forgive a country that invented blood pudding, or fruit cake or mince pies However the worst addition to the Xmas table has to be brussels sprouts - no matter how they are done - what were they thinking? </span> </div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span class="st"><b>Some Other Traditional Feasts - Buffet Style - taken from</b> <a href="http://listverse.com/2008/12/22/top-10-international-christmas-dinners/">this website</a> </span></h3>
<br />
<span class="st">In <b>Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth</b> (e.g., Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania), an
elaborate and ritualised meal of twelve meatless dishes is served on the
Eve of Christmas (24th December). This is because the pre-Christmas
season is a time of fasting, which is broken on Christmas Day. As is
typical of Slavic cultures, great pains are taken to honour the spirits
of deceased relatives, including setting a place and dishing out food
for them</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Finland</b> (Santa's Home) Joulupöytä (translated “Christmas table”) is the name of the traditional
food board served at Christmas in Finland, similar to the Swedish
smörgåsbord. It contains many different dishes, most of them typical for
the season. The main dish is usually a large Christmas ham, which is
eaten with mustard or bread along with the other dishes. Fish is also
served (often lutefisk and gravlax), and with the ham there are also
laatikot, casseroles with liver and raisins, as well as potatoes, rice,
and carrots.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/850815/christmas-food-traditions-from-around-the-world">Italy</a> - On Christmas Eve, Southern Italians celebrate with a dinner called the <span style="font-weight: normal;">Feast of the Seven Fishes,
which features seven seafood dishes prepared every which way. There is
no traditional menu, but there are some popular dishes, including
pan-fried smelts, calamari, homemade linguine with clams, baked eel, and
baccala, or salt cod. Why seven dishes? It's unclear, but most explanations point to how
the number seven is referenced in the Bible and the Roman Catholic
Church. Some families prepare more than seven seafood dishes, with the
numbers having religious significance.</span><br />
<br />
Apparently <b>New Zealand</b> has claimed the pavlova as their Xmas dish. What?!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNTqp6AuUpTGxbfIVfr9uA679AcJgWmUo2INAcQn-m7IU2BLAtgFlgdIFFzZafXylulEJsSD5mLeICNKJnecb4Ucu_8fecD-uscC5jIRXJ6LImleshX0OdtBjwmcDHBvA11681iWTkgE/s1600/Xmas+tinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNTqp6AuUpTGxbfIVfr9uA679AcJgWmUo2INAcQn-m7IU2BLAtgFlgdIFFzZafXylulEJsSD5mLeICNKJnecb4Ucu_8fecD-uscC5jIRXJ6LImleshX0OdtBjwmcDHBvA11681iWTkgE/s320/Xmas+tinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Finally, for those people who are on their own or are a bit strapped for Xmas dinner - it's Christmas Tinner. Yep, Xmas dinner in a can -- according to the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/09/christmas-tinner_n_4412304.html">Huffington Post</a> it has nine layers. From breakfast to Christmas pudding. It's probably a hoax but that hasn't stopped people from ordering it - it's sold out.<br />
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So I wonder what your Xmas fare looks like? Have a happy day!<br />
T <br />
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TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-45272692356274992772013-11-12T16:01:00.001-08:002013-11-12T16:11:43.815-08:00Woke Up This MorningWoke up this morning is an almost cliche way to start a blues song. And that's exactly what we did when we were in Mobile, AL - we woke up this morning and decided to drive to the heart of Blues - Clarksdale MS.<br />
<br />
We had heard a lot about Clarksdale - most particularly we know of the ShackUpInn - a very unusual place to stay and in the spirit of research for this show - we drove 7 hours to spend two days in the hard of the Mississippi Delta. <br />
<br />
Clarksdale is right at the top of Ms is a small town (pop about 20,000); it is the <span class="st">birthplace and world capital of the Blues and location of the famous Crossroads intersection of Highway 61 and 49. Now if you don't know what this intersection is then you ain't got no soul--it's where Blues legend <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Johnson">Robert Johnson</a> is said to have sold his soul to the devil in return for musical talent. (Eric Clapton called Johnson the most important Blues singer who ever lived). It is also the birthplace of John Lee Hooker, Sam Cooke and Ike Turner. Bessie Smith died here after a road accident. Most associated with the place is Muddy Waters--who is rumoured to have been born in a shotgun shack on Stovall Road - there is a plaque commemorating this </span>(an historical Mississippi Blues Trail marker).<br /> <br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">In the <a href="http://www.deltabluesmuseum.org/">Delta Blues Museum</a> is a mock up of Muddy Waters' shack. The Museum is small but well stocked and has plenty of videos and memorabilia for any Blues fan. Speaking of blues - Delta Blues is one of the earliest forms of blues -- so named because its in the Mississippi Delta - famous for rich soil and dire poverty. Scholars might argue about exactly what is Delta Blues but they agree it's about the bottleneck slide, rhythm and instrumentation -- and as a non-Blues expert that's all I'm preparaed to say. </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">We were delighted with our accommodation at the <a href="http://www.shackupinn.com/">Shack Up Inn</a>. The Inn is a fascinating concept -- the owners have resurrected an old (Hopson) Plantation and turned the cotton gin it into rooms; they have also purchased genuine share cropper (shotgun) shacks and decorated them authentically A little too authentically for my taste and after two nights I was looking forward to 1500 count sheets :) I've uploaded a video on YouTube - unfortunately the pictures are on my now missing Iphone. </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Obviously there are plenty of Blues places to visit. Red's is one of the most famous - here's a <a href="http://mississippibluesproject.org/2012/11/30/watch-a-visit-to-reds-lounge-in-clarksdale-mississippi-featuring-red-paden-and-robert-bilbo-washington/#.UoK2kOIWoyA">video</a> of its history. </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Red's is a jook joint -- now jook joint has a long and rich cultural history. I remember first reading about them in Zora Neale Hurston's "</span><span class="st"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Characteristics of Negro Expression"</span> -- here is a fuller <a href="http://www.oberlin.edu/library/papers/honorshistory/2001-Gorman/jookjoints/allaboutjooks/whatisjook.html">explanation</a>. There's a <a href="http://www.jukejointfestival.com/">Jook Joint Festival</a> in Clarksdale every year. There is nothing like a jook joint for getting into the Blues and for really experiencing the music and the culture. </span>TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-77714539286339067472013-10-12T04:41:00.000-07:002013-10-12T04:41:04.160-07:005 Things - Copper Canyon<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>FIVE things you didn’t know about Copper Canyon </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s in Mexico - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihuahua_%28state%29" title="Chihuahua (state)">Chihuahua</a> State.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s larger than the Grand Canyon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Access only by train</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the world’s GREATEST train journeys</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can stay in a hotel ON the actual canyon….! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Five things you should know about the Train Journey
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Journey starts in Chihihuahua and ends up in Los Mochis – 16
hours roughly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ChePe is the name of the train – 90 years and 90 million
dollars to complete</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mexican trains are FAIRLY cheap so go first class the restaurant car is great</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It leaves VERY early in the morning…so you should arrive the
night beforehand and stay in a hotel nearby AND ARRIVES AT 1AM – SO DOUBLE
CHECK your hotel will have someone there to pick u up</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be patient … trains were often late </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Five Travel Trips</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go in the winter – then you don’t have to fight the crowds
and you get a seat on the right side</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t be afraid of eating the food at the stops – I did and
didn’t get sick at all</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stay at the hotel on the canyon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mexican buses are fabulous so don’t be afraid to catch them</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take the tours – don’t be a wimp like me <span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span></div>
TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-26007421942419324432013-10-08T14:31:00.000-07:002014-01-22T14:45:11.312-08:00Tokyo, Japan - My #1 City<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXD3P7G0ZEAUtr4R7j2ZNJV-u63QDKHV2s2hQ-UQ8MtViLo_UuLipXtVhmI8S7h3kEeP3NXlYXRa7LjrRQPcOt21kWQlG_w07vZ9KmZsZYbLuUMeUlrKIz0YoRifZSZJA8oBly39RDjqE/s1600/Tokyo+at+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXD3P7G0ZEAUtr4R7j2ZNJV-u63QDKHV2s2hQ-UQ8MtViLo_UuLipXtVhmI8S7h3kEeP3NXlYXRa7LjrRQPcOt21kWQlG_w07vZ9KmZsZYbLuUMeUlrKIz0YoRifZSZJA8oBly39RDjqE/s320/Tokyo+at+night.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
There is no doubt that Tokyo is filled with dazzling lights and fantastic food. It is a crowded but surprisingly calm city. Though it wasn't on my list of cities when a friend moved there in 2005, I went to visit her and immediately fell in love. It is ideal if you have children because there is so much for them to see - the Japanese do childlike (not childish) like no other nation on earth - and because it is so safe. And even though I cannot speak or read a word of Japanese, I never felt lost or intimidated. I cannot get enough of Tokyo and Japan by default. I try to visit every year -- in 2014 we are going to Sapporo Snow Festival.<br />
<br />
<b>Five Things I Love About Tokyo</b><br />
<br />
1. <b>Distance.</b> It is within a day's flight from Brisbane - so I can leave my house at 6am and be in Tokyo at 4pm. For an Aussie traveller this is a dream come true ie no jet lag.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMDWddnyUmLXHBMdE0pJDgBEnh81eHsv4gvjADWorYKqBrVDtdgklVOQX1Y9JSF7gNVyiLExy8r7IQiB0OWg3QoNxVMtCMTFcmJPAnfwEnSmHPEqQFh4vZWnooGvzj7NeH84JzjeuQwU/s1600/robot+restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMDWddnyUmLXHBMdE0pJDgBEnh81eHsv4gvjADWorYKqBrVDtdgklVOQX1Y9JSF7gNVyiLExy8r7IQiB0OWg3QoNxVMtCMTFcmJPAnfwEnSmHPEqQFh4vZWnooGvzj7NeH84JzjeuQwU/s320/robot+restaurant.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robot Restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. <b>It is "different"</b>. Everything Tokyo (Japan) does, it remains similar but develops that unique Japanese <a href="http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/14427/Robot-Restaurant" target="_blank">Robot Restaurant</a>. We loved visiting a darts bar where you can drink and smoke--but nope it's definitely not a pub. Visit a games arcade. We played the huge Taiko Drums and I fell in love with them. This year I might bring a set home. Great for pounding out that aggression and and it's musical (well not when I play, but you know what I mean). Visit <a href="http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/howtogo/" target="_blank">Ghibli Museum</a> - for manga/anime lovers and for the kids - but you must book ahead of time (we had to book in Australia - thank you <a href="http://www.jtbtravel.com.au/japan-tickets/ghibli-museum/?gclid=COzShqjskrwCFcRXpQodCSQAbw">JBT</a>). For manga lovers, I enjoy prowling around <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/tokyo/shopping/books/mandarake-shibuya" target="_blank">Shibuya's Mandarake</a> shop -- it has cosplay, more manga than anyone could ever read, and plenty of manga merchandise (toys etc). Some of it might be X-rated so be aware when you take the kids. Though they probably are too busy to notice. In 2014 I'll be trying a <a href="http://www.taiko-center.co.jp/english/offices.html">taiko drum workshop</a>--in Asakusa. So more on that later. <br />
<br />
3. <b> The food</b>. I have never had a bad meal in Japan. I think it is their philosophy - do things right; have pride in what you do. Mind you, I love Japanese food and I love fresh food, and I love fish. I love visiting little bars and trying what's on their menu--I've had deep fried corn (delicious) and all sorts of odd things. One restaurant we visited had spaghetti with cooked lettuce and salad - surprisingly delicious and I felt quite virtuous and it had green in it :) Try a fast food restaurant, yes a Maccas, and try one of their Japanese dishes. There is so much more to Japan though than sushi -- it has a range of Michelin Star restaurants that will really drain the pocket, but if you have a couple of hundred dollars and want to experience the best in food then visit one. We visited Roppongi's <a href="http://L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon">L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon</a>. Read up on some food manga - my favourite series include <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oishinbo"><i>Oshinbo</i></a>, <i>Addicted to Curry</i>, <i>Antique Bakery</i> but here are <a href="http://mangabookshelf.com/35854/7-mouth-watering-food-manga/">some other great ones</a> too. And don't be afraid to step into an izakaya. those hole in the wall bar/food places where you can sometimes eat and drink all you like for a set price (around AUD40 each) - for 90 minutes. It is prbably going to me filled with smokers but somehow the smoke didn't bother me - do the Japanese have different kinds of cigarettes?<br />
<br />
4. <b>Transport</b>. Japanese trains are the best I've ever travelled on. They are fast, clean and always arrive on time. Buy a <a href="http://www.railguru.com.au/japan-by-rail/?gclid=COfanc6OiLoCFQVapQodG1YAaQ" target="_blank">Japan Rail Pass</a> before you leave -- the trains are expensive in Japan -- no need to get first class but we always like to treat ourselves but economy is just as impressive. If you go in the winter -- you get to see a snow dripped countryside and feel warm and cosy inside. Airports are uber efficient. It takes us about 1/2 hour from getting off the plane in Narita to sitting on a bus or a train into the city. They open up Immigration lines to accommodate the incoming passengers as soon as they hit the immigration hall -- take note other countries. The trip into the city takes about an hour but it's a fun trip -- splash out and buy something from the hostesses on the train -- even if it's just a beer. The taxis -- well where else does a driver wear white gloves?<br />
<br />
5. <b>Shopping.</b> Now I hate shopping but when you're in a country that is sooo different, it is great fun. I love cosmetics and a visit to a Japanese pharmacy is filled with wonder. There is a great one in Shibuya opposite -- you'll know it because it's loud and right at a cross street at the 'top' of the town opposite <a href="http://www.gotokyo.org/en/campaign/css/images/large_img/shibuya_map_sc.jpg">Toku Dept store</a> about 5 mins walk away from Shibuya station (same side) past 109. It is about four floors and has food, alcohol, cosmetics and teeshirts. I spend hours there. So forget the toothbrush and toothpaste - buy some Japanese ones. On your way stop at a fabric shop on the corner--cheap and wonderful patterns and cheaper than material in Australia and the new electronics stores for the latest gadgetry but be aware games won't play on Aussie Wii (I learned the hard way). Kimono - we have bought some spectacular wedding ones in Askusa for less than AUD200. <br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Things You Might Not Like</h3>
<ol>
<li>Crowds. Yes Tokyo is crowded but I don't mind that at all. It could bother some people.</li>
<li>Food. If you're not a sushi fan you might be disappointed. But don't despair there are plenty of not-sushi places.</li>
<li>Disneyland. As Tokyo is a huge city, a visit to Disneyland might disappoint as the lines are long. I don't particularly like Disneyland so I haven't bothered to go.</li>
<li>Railway stations. Yes Shinjuku has loads of exits and is confusing but I soon found my way around and being lost is part of the fun. </li>
<li>Ummm ... distances. it is a big city so be prepared to take an hour to get to where you have to go. Allow for this in your scheduling. </li>
</ol>
<br />
<h3>
Hints.</h3>
<a href="http://www.unmissablejapan.com/sleeping/manga-kissa" target="_blank"><b>Manga-Kissa</b></a>. If it's a rainy day and you just wanna kick back then visit a manga cafe. There you can kick back and read manga (Japanese of course) drink all the soft drink you want, check your emails etc. Most of them have wee booths and you can do what you like...hubby and I found them a welcome break from the madness above. They charge by the hour so take an hour's break.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockers in Yoyogi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Parks.</b> On Sundays visit a park. Yoyogi (my favourite) usually has Elvis/rockers dancing to loud music. It's not as bad as it sounds. Also at the top of Yoyogi is Harajuku where the goth, lolitas gather. The park is wonderfully serene and has the Meiji Temple. If you're jetlagged then get up early and walk around -- Japan has the neatest homeless in the world. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.unmissablejapan.com/events/yabusame" target="_blank">Kamakura</a>.</b> A fascinating place that also holds Yabusame - the Japanese archers. Definitely a must. Check out the webpage and see if there's <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif74gejGG9sHcgJsD6-7ZT6OXvh1SZZmLujUSQRUz7NGrHzvWYtBDOionIuZvMrqxsvuab93ayZWvf2qWl-sDTIT3wA0ek69wCcFB5RdEBw0YR6sIHIYBL4TQg0qzIw8s9SFyC3G_myAg/s1600/Harajuku+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif74gejGG9sHcgJsD6-7ZT6OXvh1SZZmLujUSQRUz7NGrHzvWYtBDOionIuZvMrqxsvuab93ayZWvf2qWl-sDTIT3wA0ek69wCcFB5RdEBw0YR6sIHIYBL4TQg0qzIw8s9SFyC3G_myAg/s320/Harajuku+girls.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Japan/Kanto/Tokyo/Harajuku/photo126320.htm" target="_blank">Harajuku</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
one on while you're there.<br />
<br />
<b>Kabuki.</b> Japanese opera sounds like a drag - not at all. The <a href="http://www.kabuki-bito.jp/eng/contents/theatre/kabukiza.html" target="_blank">Kabuki Theatre</a> in Ginza has been refurbished so I'm dying to see what it's like now. Be sure to book ahead. <br />
<br />
<b>Sports</b>. Sumo or Baseball Now if Kabui sounds too much like culture then visit a <a href="http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1897812_1897772_1897709,00.html" target="_blank">Sumo match</a> -- again, the tournaments are only held certain times so check ahead. Why not try baseball? The Japanese love it and are enthusiastic. Really the place to go for atmosphere and team spirit. And not a hooligan in sight. <br />
<br />
<b>Visit 100 Yen stores</b>. Buy all your souvenirs there ... I get heaps of lip gloss for my female friends -- they're small and great gifts. I also bought a pile of face washers that I still use.<br />
<br />
<b>Izakaya</b> -- a <a href="http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1897812_1897772_1897761,00.html" target="_blank">small bar </a>that serves beer and food. Order from the menu - and suck down some local beers. There are tons of them around and don't be afraid to go in. Try the ones around railway stations but be warned there could be smoking :) <br />
<br />
<b>Jazz and Karaoke</b>. The <a href="http://jazzinjapan.com/clubs-a-venues/280-satin-doll.html" target="_blank">Satin Doll</a> is a lounge style place and we loved it. Sip martinis, eat the small offerings (which are surprisingly filling) and kick back. Karaoke is truly fun, don't be afraid.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_niUDfMMJCWiJbixX2ttDYwnfOvJnCBF56PLDCVCCh-s3-7Ycy1DDbOCR3egQRAqTEuXIZaGqt3GK-ukYSgmaGx2Ltd_I-fHCm5BUHyVTo577A2hVVlKhqcZ4EspJe_tJ23AbGWtnO0/s1600/pachinko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_niUDfMMJCWiJbixX2ttDYwnfOvJnCBF56PLDCVCCh-s3-7Ycy1DDbOCR3egQRAqTEuXIZaGqt3GK-ukYSgmaGx2Ltd_I-fHCm5BUHyVTo577A2hVVlKhqcZ4EspJe_tJ23AbGWtnO0/s320/pachinko.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://japandailypress.com/if-casino-bill-passes-japans-pachinko-revenue-could-dwarf-vegas-2427646/" target="_blank">Pachinko</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Pachinko Parlours</b>. Yep, they are LOUD and noisy and bright. Enough to give you a headache but this is the land of glitz and bright lights. Step inside, get a bucket of ball bearings and waste a few minutes. I have NO idea how they work but it was another experience. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3008.html">Odaiba.</a> An artificial island with loads to see: shopping, Fuji TV, AquaCity, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/tokyo/shopping/mall/venus-fort">Venus Fort </a>(a recreated 18th century shopping mall with a fake dome that has the sky) the National Museum of Emerging Science and dozens of other places to explore. It will take a whole day so if you have the time get there early. Now I love a good museum, but generally the Japanese ones lack the verve of our Aussie ones--usually they are fairly dimly lit with glass domes and plenty of good stuff but a little boring especially in such a techno country, but the National Museum of Science was great. But we lived Fuji TV more. Go to the top floor for a great view. And sometimes there are more Elvis/rockers in the forecourt. <br />
<br />
Before you leave your hotel, look at the place you want and get a <b>screen
capture</b> on your phone so you know exactly where to go. Don't be afraid
to ask -- people are wonderful and love to try their English -
compliment them on their English and you will have a friend for life.<br />
<br />
Finally, this is just the surface -- you need years to explore Tokyo -- I loved it for its popular culture kitsch. Don't be afraid to step into somewhere new -- it's an experience you will never regret.<br />
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<br />TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-72211073734202687482013-09-10T14:47:00.000-07:002013-09-10T16:23:04.334-07:00Shanghai - 5 Things<br>
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In 2011 I visited Shanghai for a book I was writing -- <a href="http://www.intellectbooks.co.uk/books/view-Book,id=4829/" target="_blank">a Street Style book</a>. I knew nothing about street style and nothing about Shanghai. It was my first trip to China and I had no idea what to expect.<br>
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First thing to know is that Shanghai has such a wonderful history that I thoroughly recommend travellers read some of the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/places/1305-shanghai" target="_blank">great books</a> about Shanghai. Some of my favourites<br>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shanghai-Express-Thirties-Fiction-Modern/dp/0824818253/ref=cm_lmf_tit_7" target="_blank">Shanghai Express</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Death-Shanghai-Nien-Cheng/dp/0586071156/ref=cm_lmf_tit_10" target="_blank">Life and Death in Shanghai</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shanghai-Girls-Novel-Lisa-See/dp/0812980530" target="_blank">Shanghai Girls</a> </li>
</ul>
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Unfortunately we cannot visit the Shanghai of yesteryear but today's Shanghai is interesting but nowhere near as exciting. (Why is it I never seem to be visiting a place when it's at its cultural peak?).<br>
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<h2>
<b>Five Things I Liked </b></h2>
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1) <b>My Hotel</b> I stayed in the wonderful Langham Hotel which is about twenty steps from the People's Square train station...or it would have been if I had taken the right exit. I wish hotels will tell you which exit to take. In fact, I passed the hotel several times as the photo on the website was NOTHING like the hotel from ground level. I cannot even believe it looks like that on the top levels. Reminder to contact hotel and ask. Anyway the hotel is a glorious 1930s Art Deco hotel. I believe now the hotel is no longer part of the Langham chain - so be warned there might be changes. But for the time I was there it was fantastic. The picture below is taken from the hotel website. I'll see if I can hunt out a larger one from my camera.<br>
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2) <b>Energetic Buzz</b>. The place is of course filled with people - over 23 million people live in Shanghai. But I love that kind of energy. The roads are filled with lots of interesting characters - and no they're not all on bikes. Walking along the Bund at night is great. Beware of the shops there - wow are they expensive.<br>
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3) <b>Fashion Scene</b> - of course I was there to do a fashion shoot so I thought the clothing was extraordinary. A very cosmopolitan city - most of the people we shot were not actually from Shanghai - they were visiting from Korea, Japan and Hong Kong. Most of the women wore at least one branded item - Louis Vuitton, Prada etc - Asian women take their luxury brands very seriously. <br>
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4) <b>Shopping </b>- No surprises that there is plenty of cheap stuff in Shanghai. I must admit to scouring the markets looking at the knock-off merchandise. But the quality is pretty poor - even the material hidden behind the facades. Yep if you show an interest, some will open the fake back door and let you browse what's behind the scenes. I did manage to buy some great shoes and a scarves. Also I got a couple of pairs of prescription glasses made up - again the quality of the frames wasn't good - one pair didn't last longer than a couple of months but at about AUD30 a pair I didn't mind. However my prescription sunnies are still holding up two years on! And I get loads of complements about them. Hint: get frames that are STURDY. Also avoid the lookalike brand names - they are NOT real brands so don't pay the extra. Sephora - my favourite American cosmetic store - was there but it had none of the brands that I expected. I wasn't game to buy the Asian brands as I was unsure if they would suit my skin. <br>
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So here are some of the shopping places<br>
<ul>
<li>Maison Mode, located at No.1312, Huaihai Road - all the big names are here.</li>
<li>Nanjing Road (including East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road), one of
the four streets, enjoys the reputation of No.1 Commercial Street in
China. Has a great selection of everyday shops including western ones such as Marks and Spencers etc</li>
<li>Xin Tian Di - a fantastic area - French Concession and lots of pretty streets and even better shops. </li>
<li><a href="http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1851908_1851830_1851810,00.html" target="_blank">Dongtai Road</a> - antiques. </li>
<li>Cheaper clothes and knock off stuff - <br>580 Nanjing West Road Fenxiang market - walking distance from People's Square<br>
<a href="http://gochina.about.com/od/shoppinginshanghai/p/FakeMarket.htm" target="_blank">Xinyang market</a> and A&P Plaza at Science and Tech Museum - which is a 20 minute ride from People's Square.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Shop - Photo taken from this<a href="http://touristchinese.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/introduction-to-the-fake-market/" target="_blank"> webpage</a> which tells all about the markets</td></tr>
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Be warned -- these "markets" have hundreds of shops. Bargain as much as you can. Be prepared to walk away. Also I bought strands of pearls at about AUD10 per strand they were great Xmas gifts. Just rub against your teeth to see if they are "authentic". <br>
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For more information look at this <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/shanghai/shopping.htm" target="_blank">webpage</a> as it includes directions and great descriptions. There is a <a href="http://travel.ninemsn.com.au/world/shanghai/8534813/how-to-save-squillions-on-shopping-in-shanghai" target="_blank">shopping tour</a> - but at AUD200 it's a little out of my league. <br>
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5) <b>Prices</b> - Transportation is cheap especially taxis but when you're visiting the markets etc I would take the <a href="http://gochina.about.com/od/tripplanning/ss/Use_Subway.htm" target="_blank">underground</a> which is easy and cheap. Overall I it wasn't as cheap as I imagined - or hoped for TBH. Western cosmetics as they are roughly the same price--darn I had hoped to be able to stock up. <br>
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<h2>
<b>5 Things I Didn't Like</b></h2>
1) <b>Cultural void</b> - Shanghai didn't have the wow cultural icons one usually gets in say Paris or Rome or London. The museums are okay--but then I think Australia has some of the most innovative museums I have visited. Must visit the<a href="http://www.shanghaimuseum.net/en/" target="_blank"> Shanghai Museum</a>. This is a place for absorbing the culture at the street level. The buildings in the French Concession were fantastic and I could have spent days just wondering the streets. Try visiting <a href="http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1851908_1851830_1851804,00.html" target="_blank">Fuxing Park</a>. The best map for art galleries is avail in major hotel lobbies <span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">http://www.shanghai-detour.org/. </span><br>
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2) <b>Food</b> - okay I'll admit I'm a bit of a coward.. I was there on my own and after a day's shooting I didn't feel like trooping through the streets seeking some out of the way place for 'authentic' food. The hotel was in a very western part so most of the places were pretty much western. And I often ate at the hotel - which was good but uninspired. TBH I had better luck in Taiwan - look for my blog on that. When I went to the shopping markets, I ate there because the food seemed more authentic.<br>
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Still - the bakeries are marvellous - it must be the French influence. So often at night I would duck across the road to the shopping mall and buy some of the baked goodies. Yum.<br>
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3) <b>Pollution</b> - the city is pretty hazy some days. It meant that photography across The Bund wasn't always great in the daylight hours. It didn't effect me personally but I thought I should warn the really susceptible people. <br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Across the Bund to the Business District</td></tr>
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4) <b>Heat </b>- I was there mid-September and the heat was debilitating. Remember I was working in the streets so I probably copped the worst of it. The steam rises from the sidewalks. We often ducked into air-conditioned places such as Starbucks (arrgghh I hate Starbucks but the air-con was always frosty) to grab a cold drink - prices there were pretty much the same as we have. <br>
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5) <b>Language barrier</b> - now while I can cope in most cities, when I'm on my own I turn into a complete coward. It's not that I didn't feel safe - it's more that I fear making a fool of myself ordering a meal only to find that it is liver or something - I did that in Tokyo a couple of times. It also meant that as I couldn't read the maps or street signs so well, I often wandered around for hours to find I was only steps away from my destination. <br>
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<br>TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-91004583842970045402013-08-13T15:52:00.000-07:002013-09-04T00:33:40.057-07:00Copper CanyonWell it was a while ago that we 'did' Copper Canyon (Xmas 2007 in fact). First, booking
independently was hellish - we used a Mexican friend of ours to do it. Mexico likes to protect its tourist industry
and it's very difficult to find<a href="http://authenticcoppercanyon.com/the-train/prices/" target="_blank"> exact prices</a>/websites etc. (It's about aud250 per person each way August 2013). I checked again -- and it's still difficult to make independent bookings, basically you have to phone. Mexico, yep phone. <br />
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We were living in New Mexico at the time so we bussed from Las Cruces - Greyhound bus trips are quite an adventure). We caught the bus from <a href="http://www.rome2rio.com/s/Ciudad-Ju%C3%A1rez/Chihuahua" target="_blank">El Paso to Chihuahua</a> - Mexican buses are great ie they have videos and are clean and very comfortable and very cheap. Took about 5 hours. </div>
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We booked at a very modest hotel for the night. We were up at 3am to be at the station
for departure at 6am. As we had pre-booked there was no need to be there
sooo early. So my advise 5:30 is plenty of time. The train left on time and that's the last time it was on
time for the rest of the journey. <a href="http://coppercanyontravel.com/trip-details/el-chepe-the-train/" target="_blank">Here is the schedule</a> so you can see the times and the stops.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Classic Package: Map" class="alignleft map featureimg marginbottom2" height="441" src="http://mexicoscoppercanyon.com/wp-content/themes/copper-canyon/images/mapita%20final.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Route</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="393" id="irc_mi" src="http://coppercanyonmexico.com/wp-content/uploads/el-chepe-train-copper-canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px;" width="525" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical view</td></tr>
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The train journey is spectacular - <a href="http://coppercanyontravel.com/trip-details/el-chepe-the-train/" target="_blank">The Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad passenger service traverses 408 miles through some of the most scenic wilderness on Earth, from the Sonoran-Sinaloan transition tropical forest; it then climbs 8,000 ft. into the Western Sierra Madre and skirts the Copper Canyon, before terminating in the Chihuahuan Desert. This spectacular railway achievement required 37 principle bridges, the longest is 1,638 ft. and the highest is 335 ft. It bores through 87 tunnels, one tunnel is 5,965 ft. long and another tunnel has a 180 degree turn followed by a bridge with a 90 degree turn. The railway, with nearly 11 miles of tunneling and 2.25 miles of bridging, follows a serpentine route through some of the most biologically outstanding and diverse habitats on the planet, listed in the world’s 200 most crucial areas for conservation.</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image of Posada Mirador Hotel, Copper Canyon" src="http://exp.cdn-hotels.com/hotels/1000000/910000/904600/904531/904531_6_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirador is RIGHT on the canyon</td></tr>
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We stayed at a modest hotel. Slept through the first hour
--awoke refreshed and to the dining car (my husband says the best Huevos
Rancheros he's ever had). The menu is varied and the food is
surprisingly good. Unfortunately, late in the morning, a trio of
rambunctious males joined the journey and they proceeded to get quite
drunk and to “stuff up” the toilets; my husband used the ladies’ loo from
then on. The train was two hours late getting into Barrancas but we had
thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Next stop was The Mirador - it is one of the few hotels right on the Canyon- all rooms have a view over the Canyon. Sitting on the balcony at dusk sipping wine is a must! was marvelous but at nearly
AUD$300 per night I would expect it to be--but that includes three meals so it really isn't that expensive.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image of Posada Mirador Hotel, Copper Canyon" src="http://exp.cdn-hotels.com/hotels/1000000/910000/904600/904531/904531_11_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not me -- ALL rooms have this type of view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We stayed three days but honestly there wasn't that much to do except enjoy the worlds best scenery). The food wasn’t bad and the
service and attention to detail great- the rooms are equivalent of a 4 star hotel. We did a walking tour
(one of the hotel staff) and a donkey tour (2 hours) both excellent
introductions to the area. <br />
<br />
After two days we regretfully took
off for Los Mochis—we waited, and waited and waited, in feezing cold
weather, for the train. Four hours late the train arrived– there was no lights and no
dining car which I found VERY disappointing so later I realized it might have been a second-class train (I was glad I’d tucked away a small chocolate bar for
emergencies)—so in the dark we crept to Los Mochis missing the most
spectacular part of the journey. All in all a bery disappointing aspect of the journey - but what can u do? Three am the train pulled in at Los
Mochis - although we had organised it, there was no one from the Hotel Plaza Inn to collect us. Luckily there
were plenty of taxi touts and for an outrageous sum we were deposited at
the front desk. </div>
<div>
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<div>
Unfortunately the guy at the front desk of Hotel Plaza
Inn was much more interested in talking with his friends than in
checking us in; finally he turned his attention to us (well sort of, he
kept chatting to his friends the rest of the time). Luckily the loud
disco finished as we crept into bed; and after much door slamming and
chatting fr disco patrons, we could sleep. When we checked out, hubby left his sunglasses- we went straight back but they'd already disappeared. They were prescription sunnies so of limited use - but left a bad impression.<br />
<br />
Our return through the Copper Canyon
was marvelous. Up at 5am to get the 7am train-the train left on time. It was
Xmas day and we had a not so festive but most enjoyable
breakfast—watching the gun-toting guards devour their b’fast was
entertaining. The trip through the canyon was spectacular but one had to
fight for a position at the doors to get some decent photos/videos. It
seems that everyone (all seemed to be over the age of 50) boarded at El Fuentes. And
they were quite rude about hogging space (darned Americans). Three hours late (5pm) we
arrived in Creel—the hotel was wonderful and there’d been a touch of
snow. The restaurant at the Lodge was awful (though hubby highly
praised the French fries) my Chef’s Salad was ordinary and it was Xmas
night! We had hoped for a special Xmas meal. The rooms were
great and well heated. There’s not too much to do in Creel other than
street crawl. As it was Christmas most of the places were closed but I like wandering streets - and its a pretty small town. As it turned out we could’ve done the day tour
and still caught the three-hour late train. (I feel uncomfortable
gawking at the shy Indians and thus refrained from signing up for
various tours, I find them a little culturally insensitive and
intrusive) . We arrived in Chihuahua at 1am. <br />
<br />
Overall it was a great
experience, the scenery matched the Grand Canyon's (AZ, USA) the train
journey was comfortable and it was an unusual Xmas. Take plenty of books (game boy,
puzzles, knitting) to keep you amused cos the journey is long and if
it’s dark there isn’t too much to see but it is wonderfully relaxing. I would give it 7/10 as a vacation. </div>
TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-19983625036127834382013-07-09T15:46:00.000-07:002013-07-18T19:16:05.433-07:00Five Things - Croatia<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">More detailed posts about my trip to Croatia are forthcoming. But in the meantime, this is what we talked about on the <a href="http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/gold_coast_mornings/?site=goldcoast&program=gold_coast_mornings" target="_blank">radio</a> today Wednesday 10th July -- I'm on with <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/goldcoast/programs/gold_coast_mornings/" target="_blank">Nicole Dyer</a> at around 10am.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please take the time to view this <a href="http://youtu.be/H_SMvfPQr54" target="_blank">wonderful celebration of Croatia</a>. </span></span><br />
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Five things I liked about Croatia</span></span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqlBHyw66NtIUQmjoP9BSjQSOBxUpVZjuxkVtshQ9O77lKH344ul5SkmciA9bqN6lZn7gGQUH-zTMceEEAI5Lku7VQ0Yz22hwJt5u0_phP0Eo4B3-UYjifjp5bq71PM67OKn6aSrqVrU/s640/blogger-image--154412161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqlBHyw66NtIUQmjoP9BSjQSOBxUpVZjuxkVtshQ9O77lKH344ul5SkmciA9bqN6lZn7gGQUH-zTMceEEAI5Lku7VQ0Yz22hwJt5u0_phP0Eo4B3-UYjifjp5bq71PM67OKn6aSrqVrU/s320/blogger-image--154412161.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from b'fast terrace <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1956&PS=LGEN_AA_DAPI_CGGL_TPRP" target="_blank">La Meridien, Split.</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. <b>Adriatic Sea </b>- there is nothing in this world the same colour as the Adriatic Sea. The Great Barrier Reef, Tahiti and Islands, Hawaii and Islands, South African beaches, Pacific islands -- none of them have that same turquoise colour. And I love that the water is calm - seemingly no sharks and no dangerous undertows. So you can swim forever.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. <b>Medieval/Ancient Cities</b>. The building and fortresses of bygone days are just a delight to wander through. A must is to walk the ramparts a la <i>Game of Thrones</i> - no wonder some shoots are done in Dubrovnik. Below are pictures that demonstrate the clarity of the water and the wonderful ruins of Dubrovnik. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. <b> Cafes/wine bars</b>. The perfect places to sit and watch the passing parades. Nearly all of them have free wi-fi so you can log onto FB, make your friends jealous and drink the GREAT wine. My favourite bar in Split is run by two Aussie women (yay) and the wait staff are very knowledgeable about local wines. It's called<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zinfandelsplit" target="_blank"> Zinfandel</a>.</span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQFnUfFRUpSlXv1c-F7XNc3-qh56Bov4PUPgH-CrDl78pMjK5YPMu-pFuyzF7HhpVN3Yq1TUOfshP355hHQQVFXCXpZvV7UMei9ACPW4myhAknYzBL7g98jVpOff7ZDxV5B8aIig5-cw/s640/blogger-image-836887084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQFnUfFRUpSlXv1c-F7XNc3-qh56Bov4PUPgH-CrDl78pMjK5YPMu-pFuyzF7HhpVN3Yq1TUOfshP355hHQQVFXCXpZvV7UMei9ACPW4myhAknYzBL7g98jVpOff7ZDxV5B8aIig5-cw/s200/blogger-image-836887084.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clearest Water--evah!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. <b>The People</b>. Everyone in Croatia was friendly and most of them understood and spoke rudimentary English. Everywhere people were kind and courteous. Wait staff were patient and helpful and the women at our<a href="http://www.hotelslavija.hr/statics/lokacija/" target="_blank"> hotel in Split</a> really helped make our stay enjoyable. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. <b>Cleanliness</b> - every morning the streets were hosed down so the "soft" worn cobblestoned streets were clean and fresh. One of my ritual past times is to get up at 4 am and to wonder the streets - this ritual is inspired by jetlag. </span></span></span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<b> </b></span></span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b> </b></span></span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>5 Things I did not like about Croatia</b></span></span></span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. <b>The flight.</b> It took us 35 hours to get there. We had to go through Singapore (8 hours) and then Vienna (14 hours) and then Split (1.5 hours). </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. <b>The tourists.</b> Definitely try to avoid June/July/August - too many tourists. We spent more time in the immigration line at Split airport than we did on the plane from Vienna. They had only two "lanes" open and two large planes of holidaymakers. There was scuffling and some swearing and lots of loud German talking. All I did was sweat.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2cDY8xLQwqHdIpGHYQK_WW3s5mnxsFUHtuT8veDV5_uQH7N3Q5RCOqz3o6o3o-4BInge9m5356XgnFWm_rxpTej6QWAeRN1pf3H11ZeTHfahPNE7tITV11bz-xev-McoZALzuf6-O80/s640/blogger-image--762202949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2cDY8xLQwqHdIpGHYQK_WW3s5mnxsFUHtuT8veDV5_uQH7N3Q5RCOqz3o6o3o-4BInge9m5356XgnFWm_rxpTej6QWAeRN1pf3H11ZeTHfahPNE7tITV11bz-xev-McoZALzuf6-O80/s320/blogger-image--762202949.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seafood Platter for Two</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. <b>The food.</b> I know people won't believe me, but I was not impressed with the food. We had hoped for some GREAT seafood but we found it was okay and rather expensive. A fish platter for two was about AUD80 - while I like the . I love sardines and tuna but each time I had them I was underwhelmed. I guess we are very spoiled in Australia...I like my seafood slightly undercooked and my tuna RARE. So that could be a cultural difference. Also I attended a special "meat" night in our hotel; they didn't have any steak, only some skewered meat that was way overcooked. Did I mention I like my meat rare too? Another thing that astounded me was the plethora of pizza "places". I am not a pizza fan so my disappointment says more about my food tastes than the actual food. However, there were two great meals we had: in Omis we had our best ever seafood platter for two - complete with two full crabs and enough prawns, scampi and mussels to satisfy the hungriest person and I fell in love with truffles - Istrian truffles and pasta only AUD20 a la carte at Le Meridien. So ditch the buffet and order fr the menu.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. <b>The heat</b>. I come from the tropics so you'd think I would be acclimated, but I found the heat of the first couple of days oppressive and most places were NOT air conditioned. I slunk into restaurants asking if they had air-conditioning...and some spruikers knew how to sell their place but just whispering cold into my shell like. The air conditioning in our hotel was adequate, just. I am such a comfort junkie that I don't sleep well in the steamy heat -- so that makes for a grumpy Toni and a grumpy Toni is not a holiday happy Toni.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. <b>Pebble beaches</b>. Be sure to take your reef creepers - the beaches are rough on your feet. If you forg<span style="font-size: small;">o</span>t yours the<span style="font-size: small;">n</span> don't worry there are plenty to buy in the markets<span style="font-size: small;"> for under AUD10<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">5 Things I learned while in Croatia<i> </i></span></span></span></h2>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Croatia loves nautical themed clothing</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><a href="http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CE0QFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.balkaneu.com%2Fforensic-scientists-gather-split%2F&ei=v5zoUZT0E-itiAeE7IDwDQ&usg=AFQjCNGFwi3aLqK3l6eP2t85qiG7WLDVdw&sig2=k571nDRgmb8BQScW2bEGQw&bvm=bv.49478099,d.aGc" target="_blank">Nobel Laureates</a> dance to "Do You Think I'm Sexy" (<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I w<span style="font-size: small;">as at a </span></span>Forensic Science <span style="font-size: small;">conference)</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Croatian <a href="http://www.listenlive.eu/croatia.html" target="_blank">radio </a>loves 1980s rock music especially Tears for Fears</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Croatia has the sexiest cellist (see award winning tourist adverts with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCxulFgT938" target="_blank">Ana Rucner</a>).</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">It has a <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22316083" target="_blank">sorrowful and troubled political history</a></span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Unique Things to Do in Croatia</b></span></span></h2>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do <span style="font-size: small;">a</span> <i>Game of Thrones</i> tour in</span> <a href="http://www.viator.com/search/game%20of%20thrones?pref=02&aid=g6634" target="_blank">Dubrovnik </a></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eat affordable I<a href="http://www.slovenia.si/visit/cuisine/modern-culinary-trends/istrias-gold-truffles-of-the-slovenian-istria-are-the-best-in-the-world/" target="_blank">strian truffles</a></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.croatia-yacht-charter.com/index.asp" target="_blank">Hire a yacht</a> - it's not that expensive especially if there are 4 or more</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Visit the<a href="http://brokenships.com/" target="_blank"> Museum of Broken Relationship</a>s in Zagreb</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Listen to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_organ" target="_blank">Sea Organ of Zadar</a></span></span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Nautical Shop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe Relaxing</td></tr>
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<br />TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-73108729600738663862013-06-11T17:07:00.002-07:002013-10-12T04:42:08.054-07:00Hipster Capital of Europe - BarcelonaWhat do I know about Barcelona? Before I visited, precious little--I remember the guy shooting the arrow to ignote the flame of the 1992 Olympics, ummm Antoni Gaudi (dude who did all of that wonky cement stuff) and tbh that's about it. Oh, it is in Spain - somewhere. And actually it's the capital of Catalan. Just to set the record straight.<br />
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Little did I know when I trained from Malaga to Barcelona in December 2012 I was about to fall in love with one of Europe's most unsung cities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5l6xQCWsj_zLcx83txsNHSvvoD6Z1cgcu-qVi3a_b-RVbUJk7ztXoDVxy3y4LsEoNADSfbM884ORlKbIWldEFtNAk6XNIn3eWePt4SxQm1GCbDoKtxcIiMCjEU5IKUPRUfsuXLrJUQE/s1600/Malaga+Railway+Station.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5l6xQCWsj_zLcx83txsNHSvvoD6Z1cgcu-qVi3a_b-RVbUJk7ztXoDVxy3y4LsEoNADSfbM884ORlKbIWldEFtNAk6XNIn3eWePt4SxQm1GCbDoKtxcIiMCjEU5IKUPRUfsuXLrJUQE/s200/Malaga+Railway+Station.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malaga Railway Station</td></tr>
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First thing - when in Spain <a href="http://www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm#.UbfLy8rhdhI" target="_blank">travel by train</a>--get your pass BEFORE you leave your country and enjoy the fabulous bullet trains and the great food. We paid the first class upgrade and thoroughly enjoyed our rides. The stations were uber cool and and the waiting rooms impressive. There is always food (snacky stuff-like airport lounges) and alcohol available - help yourself. Reservations COST money - we made them because we are wimps -- but honestly out of season I can't see they are worth the added expense. I imagine in the summer reservations would be essential. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel's cool dryer</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Picking a hotel - as always I use Trip Advisor to find the best deal for our bucks. When you don't know a city it is difficult to decide WHERE is conveniently located -- while it might be cheaper to stay outside the central business district, I have found that what I waste on public transport and the time involved, it's better to stay in the heart so you can get to all of the main attractions in record time. I must admit, finding a map that covers the whole city and has all the districts marked is well nigh impossible.We decided on the<a href="http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/areas/gothic-quarter-barcelona.html" target="_blank"> Gothic</a> Quarter aka Garri Botic (Old Quarter--I find Old Quarters/Old Towns that are gentrified offer the best in <a href="http://www.hotelh10racodelpi.com/en/index.html" target="_blank">Hotel Raco Del Pi</a>). Nearby is the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria - a bustling market place with loads of goodies to take back to the hotel room. Of course before you visit the markets you should stroll down La Rambla - it's the busy thoroughfare in which people parade at night, it's colourful and lively. Though I believe one should keep an eye on their pockets (we read plenty of warnings about pickpockets at train stations and in busy areas). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl13eO4ye3mMKXVXUwrGWDchwvNVmGFWa0D0aYKwgrC6TvZXXexz2aK91OcIERST9LgS225qjFDsmsOzL-2Js9b4L30LmKCdUOrAYrW8TYBfYS4Se7QvZyAO3DjM6NCDBlkIrT2t7Oqy4/s1600/Hotel+Raco+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl13eO4ye3mMKXVXUwrGWDchwvNVmGFWa0D0aYKwgrC6TvZXXexz2aK91OcIERST9LgS225qjFDsmsOzL-2Js9b4L30LmKCdUOrAYrW8TYBfYS4Se7QvZyAO3DjM6NCDBlkIrT2t7Oqy4/s320/Hotel+Raco+View.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Architecture - opposite hotel</td></tr>
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We were steps away from the tube/underground/metro and in the heart of the bustling shopping area -- surprisingly virtually no noise filtered up to our rooms and I loved to stand on the balcony and watch the passing parade and appreciate the hotel facade opposite (see photo). <br />
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You might have noticed that we visited in the winter- we usually travel during our Christmas holidays as it is an ideal time to visit Europe. Gone are the summer crowds and the hotel prices are very reasonable. The weather was cool but not too cold (caveat - I love cold weather). The Christmas markets are open we bought a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ti%C3%B3_de_Nadal" target="_blank">pooping Christmas log - a rather strange Catalan tradition. </a><br />
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Okay the first thing we did when we were there was to visit one the top-rated tapas bars on Trip Advisor - <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/LocationPhotos-g187497-d1863141-Tapeo_anem_de_tapes-Barcelona_Catalonia.html#50645571%22%3E%3Cimg%20alt=%22the%20menu%20-%20Picture%20of%20Tapeo,%20anem%20de%20tapes,%20Barcelona%22%20src=%22http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/03/04/ca/43/the-menu.jpg%22/%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cbr/%3EThis%20photo%20of%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d1863141-Reviews-Tapeo_anem_de_tapes-Barcelona_Catalonia.html%22%3ETapeo,%20anem%20de%20tapes%3C/a%3E%20is%20courtesy%20of%20TripAdvisor" target="_blank">Anem de Tapes</a>. It was expensive and pretty remarkable but what was more fascinating was that it took us <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Bwfz8kXA7NQF6d7WsXZenAFK9CugRLtc-NiJMwYd8uHLu78-xo6t50m2sUM_5VYdUHV2yPM_vY1Oo5QLefTCtBU2AQrtDuyJuVw_rkw1784DAG3zHt_BrZsONQOjAFlL9aG-_X27JQQ/s1600/Mural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Bwfz8kXA7NQF6d7WsXZenAFK9CugRLtc-NiJMwYd8uHLu78-xo6t50m2sUM_5VYdUHV2yPM_vY1Oo5QLefTCtBU2AQrtDuyJuVw_rkw1784DAG3zHt_BrZsONQOjAFlL9aG-_X27JQQ/s200/Mural.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby and a great mural/</td></tr>
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to a great part of Barcelona. I love winding streets that throw up all sorts of unexpected surprises when you turn a corner. (See photo of my hubby in front of a great mural). Nearby is the must-visit<a href="http://www.museupicasso.bcn.cat/en/" target="_blank"> Picasso Museum</a>. I love a good museum but, like most people I suspect, a couple of hours is plenty for me. So we were happy to rest the feet after our visit at the tapas bar. I always try something I usually wouldn't so it was sweetbreads and something on the special board...of course I can't remember that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdPCvMLLDk_9XPYw90BZ1dVFMwcVZtTdekVKXrx9bcJjgDf6ttLNJ40A7fu66W0xGfT6Me4h05zdRT1rKq4SXrG18P9D9RjvplIH_tzZsaX_4wwYxiaOjOSndFUQh7QpgR_VqV2Yw4VE/s1600/Guell+Park+shop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdPCvMLLDk_9XPYw90BZ1dVFMwcVZtTdekVKXrx9bcJjgDf6ttLNJ40A7fu66W0xGfT6Me4h05zdRT1rKq4SXrG18P9D9RjvplIH_tzZsaX_4wwYxiaOjOSndFUQh7QpgR_VqV2Yw4VE/s200/Guell+Park+shop.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guell Shop</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ50UchthG2fl01KzS8XSX6V4_lJfohvMylCKcr1-u_-tZXIhTM-vy_6QSFqOUQtAPpDpD9lkL2hrQCBEjzZ5YjMdbeLS7PZDMC1g8_hvk7Dzwt47PzUWTEkEVRBv7Zm4WNIuEvtMayPo/s1600/Guell+Park+1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ50UchthG2fl01KzS8XSX6V4_lJfohvMylCKcr1-u_-tZXIhTM-vy_6QSFqOUQtAPpDpD9lkL2hrQCBEjzZ5YjMdbeLS7PZDMC1g8_hvk7Dzwt47PzUWTEkEVRBv7Zm4WNIuEvtMayPo/s200/Guell+Park+1.jpg" width="149" /></a>The next day we took an open-air bus tour of the city -- it was a quick way to orient ourselves and we love being able to hop on and off to please ourselves...we always do TWO trips of the city and then on the second get off at the places that attracted us. Of course we wanted through the various parks and Guell was our favourite. See from the photo the crowds that were already gathered at 9am, in the winter. No one who goes to Barcelona can miss the startling architecture and
designs of modernist Antoni Gaudi. Guell Park was our first
stop--wonderful gardens, quiet, but it gets crowded quickly so get there
early. There are plenty of places to walk and the Gaudi style is transfixing - to me it seems overdone. I like simple lines and so it goes against my aesthetic soul, but the texture and the colours work overall and I came to see past the Gaudi-ness :) . <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOPgzbE3vKt25iqmqk8pQE3W4d7PwqpMA72qYR0zaOFVpeIYuay89sHt8oF8to8o8Zm-lp7IDru0cDczzFkfSdZ2zySVZLcKYXDL374vLBexGMRsEApQpZOKSoswPEMR_pfrdKzvSrb0/s1600/Batllo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOPgzbE3vKt25iqmqk8pQE3W4d7PwqpMA72qYR0zaOFVpeIYuay89sHt8oF8to8o8Zm-lp7IDru0cDczzFkfSdZ2zySVZLcKYXDL374vLBexGMRsEApQpZOKSoswPEMR_pfrdKzvSrb0/s200/Batllo.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa Batllo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Z5wDJNyvpeBoFVmOPvLNcUt5jQqFMha66WG8b5eJh8hM9ACN0cGycVyWm2fyVkk4KrjmK5niqx3kmZ6rVk86IHw974I7raU7Ac9FPc7xpOiL2fsJzj7WxKTyW1cO-uRPiwAW5m16pU4/s1600/Seating+Casa+Batllo.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Z5wDJNyvpeBoFVmOPvLNcUt5jQqFMha66WG8b5eJh8hM9ACN0cGycVyWm2fyVkk4KrjmK5niqx3kmZ6rVk86IHw974I7raU7Ac9FPc7xpOiL2fsJzj7WxKTyW1cO-uRPiwAW5m16pU4/s200/Seating+Casa+Batllo.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastically comfortable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While there you will no doubt try to get a picture on his famous salamander. Then we visited the still unfinished cathedral the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagrada_Familia" target="_blank"> Sagrada Familia</a>--its incredible to see a building started in 1882 that won't be finished until 2026. You could spend hours there alone but we had to move along as the growing crowds made enjoying the architecture more and more difficult. From there we went chose to visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Batll%C3%B3" target="_blank">Casa Batllo </a>(known as the house of bones) with its flowing Art Nouveau style -- to be honest we were getting Gaudi-ed out and skipped La Predrera across the road (it was also getting a bit expensive). Batllo had the most amazing furniture too - I want to replicate these fabulous fibreglass "stools" I think they would be great outside around the pool. Anyone know a fibreglasser?<br />
<br />
<br />
At night there is the decorative and fun Magic Fountain which has a laser light show. Another great park to visit is Parc de la Ciutadella - with its Cascada -- great to stroll through or to simply sit and watch the world go by. We are boring old folks and so after a day's sightseeing, at night we simply wanted to collapse in bed so we would be up early and out and about. Also remember on Sunday most of the shops will be shut, it is a Catholic country. <br />
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
One
thing you must try is the super large meringues with hazelnuts. I had
one everyday they fill a hand - are wonderful because meringue and nuts
would have to be one of my favourite ever combinations. Here is a photo
taken from <a href="http://peletravels.blogspot.com.au/2008/07/meringues-not-bombs.html" target="_blank">another website.</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMn4kECAOIkJVLZBt2Vo99rn3sZq05PniBvWhqjt2sL17ykUeIDVwITVPnX4M13SFly8d9KRh7wh5YFIzOMLiK7na8dp47sAULQJYeIgXKZbFO3qhmjmSOLoTLBNgQ_BckAC86IGBAK3Z-/s1600/Spain+and+Portugal+433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229424739761539458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMn4kECAOIkJVLZBt2Vo99rn3sZq05PniBvWhqjt2sL17ykUeIDVwITVPnX4M13SFly8d9KRh7wh5YFIzOMLiK7na8dp47sAULQJYeIgXKZbFO3qhmjmSOLoTLBNgQ_BckAC86IGBAK3Z-/s320/Spain+and+Portugal+433.JPG" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" /></a>I was dumb enough not to take a photo - this one doesn't give an idea of how big they are...Oh and they're cheap. Holiday is a time you can eat meringues for breakfast, right?<br />
<br />
Before you go - make sure to read Carlos Ruiz Zafon's trilogy set in Barcelona and track your way around the city--at least read <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shadow_of_the_Wind" target="_blank"><i>The Shadow of the Wind</i></a>. It's a great detective thriller. <br />
<br />
I am officially in love with Barcelona and would definitely live there if I could. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-36333327537403830092013-05-08T04:31:00.001-07:002013-10-12T04:41:47.995-07:00Doing Ordinary Things in Extraordinary PlacesThe greatest fun I have is doing the same old stuff in a new place. Generally when I go to a new place there are some things I always do <br />
<ul>
<li>visit a pharmacy/chemist - I love see what toothpaste and what makeup is being sold I can spend hours looking a new lipsticks or trying to work out what products are shampoos or conditioners</li>
<li>go to a supermarket is always great fun</li>
<li>visit houses - usually I go to open houses and pretend that I am going to buy</li>
<li>go to the movies</li>
<li>try new softdrinks...even I cannot read the label</li>
<li>go to the movies - each country has different concession stands </li>
</ul>
<br />
Over the next few months I am going to write articles about specific experiences....I encourage you to try doing something you like when you visit a new place. It's often the mundane that tells us most about different cultures.<br />
<br />
Cheers<br />
TTJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-10019405867555819802013-05-07T04:15:00.000-07:002013-05-07T04:15:06.664-07:00Perfect Packing I love walking onto a plane with a small carryon suitcase and a shoulder tote. Having all my luggage with me means if we are held up or have to change planes then we don't have to wait or to lose our luggage. Also in the USA internal flights charge for check-in bags so you save money too.<br />
<br />
<br />
My shoulder tote is the Lindy; it has side pockets that are handy to reach in for quick items such as passports and pens. It fits under the seat and hold heaps. Hereunder is a list of what I pack for long flights <br />
<ul><a href="http://www.spotbags.cn/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/nf_37_1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.spotbags.cn/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/nf_37_1114.jpg" style="margin-top: 58px;" width="400" /></a>
<li>notebook + power source + adapter</li>
<li>phone + charger + earbuds (they work with the plane's audio system too)</li>
<li>makeup </li>
<li>change of undies </li>
<li>puzzle book</li>
<li>pens </li>
<li>passport etc</li>
<li>eye mask </li>
<li>handcream</li>
<li>mints (phew breath)</li>
<li>perfume</li>
<li>small bottle of sanitizer (good for feet)</li>
<li>facecloth (mops up spills and can double as hanky if needs be)</li>
<li>compression/dvt socks (stop swelling)</li>
<li>wallet</li>
<li>sunnies and prescript glasses </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My carryon suitcase is the smallest size hardshell- it fits a surprising amount. Below is a list of clothes that I take now - it has taken me years to develop the list. I have overpacked for years and there's always something I don't wear but now I wear everything. The biggest difficulty is realising that you do wear what you take and that you can always buy more things. Don't forget different cultures- sleeves and no shorts in certain countries. Below is a general list for most countries but if you are having a skiing or a beach holiday then obviously it varies significantly. <br />
Generally<br />
<ol>
<li>non-iron best - also washes and dries more quickly than say, denim </li>
<li>one dark colour basics - black/navy/dark grey/dark brown don't show dirt</li>
<li>large colourful scarf/pasmina dresses up an outfit </li>
<li>keep it simple and classic - the same items will last for years</li>
<li>be realistic - ie high heels are unlikely to be worn as often as walking shoes </li>
</ol>
My<b> typical </b>wardrobe is all black with white to pop - I layer everything <br />
<ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" id="irc_mi" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MzAwWDMwMA==/z/mkQAAOxyzHxRMX-7/$%28KGrHqJHJFMFErQr90zOBRM%28-6U%298g%7E%7E60_35.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 47px;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mimco Cocoon </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li>longish stretch skirt (optional - I only take if business trip; and in summer when I can roll it at my waist to make it slightly shorter)</li>
<li>long black pants</li>
<li>capri or 3/4 pants </li>
<li>one light shirt/ top</li>
<li>one heavier shirt/top - button up so can double as a cover up</li>
<li>white teeshirt </li>
<li>cardigan (lightweight cotton for summer; cashmere for winter)</li>
<li>Hermes scarf</li>
<li>white cotton nightie </li>
<li>black walking shoes - I have great pair of Sketchers that are elastic and have memory foam bottoms (just bought them in USA)</li>
<li>low heels or sandals (dep on city/destination)</li>
<li>crossbody small bag (for sightseeing, I have a mimco one) </li>
<li>large carryon tote </li>
<li>old underwear can be thrown away as you go</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Secrets to the Perfect 14-day Vacation Wardrobe" class="PinImageImg" data-componenttype="MODAL_PIN" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/550x/51/a0/da/51a0da0676ecb2cdf37a3f43c0f03fa8.jpg" style="height: 480px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 600px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://heatherdakota.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/secrets-to-perfect-14-day-vacation.html" target="_blank">This is a variation on my wardrobe.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Above is a taken from a great website ... it's like we are travel twins. I will add a picture of my wardrobe for Croatia. I buy leggings and a few things things from <a href="http://www.supre.com.au/" target="_blank">Supre</a>.<br />
<br />
Toiletries etc<br />
<ul>
<li>makeup - take minimum - buy up in duty free, or visit at local chemist</li>
<li>shower gel etc - these days most hotels have all body care products so don't take unless you need a special brand</li>
<li>if you do take shampoo it can double as body gel AND clothes detergent - smallish bottle so you can throw away</li>
<li>statement piece of jewellery ... something to make you feel good and dress up an outfit </li>
</ul>
<br />
While on the road <br />
<ul>
<li>stretch clothing dries more quickly and doesn't need ironing (often hotels have a stretch line over the bath)</li>
<li>you will wash a couple of times ... hand washing is fine </li>
<li>buy things on the run such as gloves, hats etc - local products are often more practical and are souvenirs</li>
<li>foldup plastic cover - I bought one in walmart years ago</li>
<li>invest in a heavy coat - I have a great boiled wool coat I bought at Maggie T's </li>
</ul>
Of course the above should be modified for summer holidays or skiiing vacations but the same general principles apply - for instance in summer I tend to take more colourful tees and even include a linen shirt...luckily no one cares if linen crushed.<br />
<br />
<br />TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-54196324017645133212013-05-06T16:53:00.000-07:002013-05-06T16:53:11.037-07:00Washington in Cherry Blossom Time<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Perhaps everyone’s heard of Japan and cherry blossoms but Washington DC
also has a Cherry Blossom season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the perfect time of
year (March-April) to visit the USA’s capital - it's cool and fairly quiet - but be warned, pick the wrong week and you could end up battling with hoards of American school children. So double check your times before you book. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capitol Hill fr the Trolley</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><b>When to visit</b> - If you would prefer to visit Washington DC when it's not crowded. I would suvggest you go during the winter - December, January. First, snow - I love the snow. Second, the lines are shorter and you won't be competing with schoolkids or have to wait for hours to get into attractions. And last, but most importantly its CHEAPER. Most of the hotels are virtually empty so you'll get a cheap room. <b>Hint 1 </b>: phone the hotel of your choice and ask for a discount rate. <b>Hint 2:</b> Use Skype - it's free. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I also suggest avoiding the summer as Washington DC is hot, humid and unpleasant in the hottest months. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><b>What to do</b> - Museums of course. The Smithsonian Institute is surely the most famous museum in the world. As most people know there is more than one (about 16 in fact) and so to maximize your time, I suggest you look at their offerings and <a href="http://www.si.edu/" target="_blank">select the one</a> that appeals to you most: my favourite is the <a href="http://www.si.edu/Museums/american-history-museum" target="_blank">American History </a>one because it has popular culture items. Explore the website which in itself has great blogs and items. <b>Hint 3</b>: Smithsonian is FREE. Be warned if it's a busy time, lines form early. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">(The Smithsonian also has a zoo, which was walking distance from my hotel, but I'm spoiled about zoos, I think Taronga Park Sydney is the best in the world. So I tend to avoid them and thus avoid being disappointed). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">For me, the <a href="http://www.moneyfactory.gov/tours/washingtondctours.html" target="_blank">"Mint"</a> is a must visit. Learn how money is printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (the mint produces coins and isn't avail for tours in Washington DC). Tickets are required March - August - but rest of time you can just rock up. I love this kind of edutainment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">If politics is your thing, perhaps you'd like to tour the <a href="http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/" target="_blank">Capitol</a>? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">My other favourite <b>WAS</b> the <a href="http://www.spymuseum.org/" target="_blank">Spy Museum</a> - there was a James Bond 007 exhibition when I was there. Lots of interactive stuff for the kids and it's a novelty museum, I found it a bit corny and not always accurate. But my biggest problem are the crowds - it is getting too popular and they aren't good at crowd control. It is open every day from 9 until 7 but it has a complicated ticket system ie line up for tickets and then line up to get in. Only a few people at a time are admitted. So be warned. It is NOT free - about $21 per ticket - so I suggest you read the<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d254773-Reviews-International_Spy_Museum-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html" target="_blank"> tripadvisor reviews</a> before you put it on your mustdo list. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/index.cfm" target="_blank">Kennedy Cente</a>r - if performing arts is your bag each night at the Kennedy Center there is a FREE, yes FREE, activity. So be sure to see what's on. Of course the center hosts plays, music and all manner of performing arts. Look at the website and be amazed at how much culture is crammed into one place. Another mustdo, especially if you have children. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events" target="_blank">White House</a> - of course you might wish to visit the White House - a rather unpretentious building but still it's another Washington landmark. Again be aware that you will have to book well in advance and prepare to be disappointed as tours can be cancelled at any time due to security reasons etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Seeing the City</b> - I like to get an overview of each city so I am oriented from the start. We originally planned to do an open bus tour but they wouldn't take our booking (we are lazy and like a pick up from the hotel option) so we went with a <a href="http://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/" target="_blank">trolley car</a> and had a great time. It took about 1.5 hours to do one loop - there are three - pictures of Capitol Hill were taken from inside hence the rather blurry picture - it's NOT my bad photography skills. Really it isn't. Getting around Washington is very easy with the Metro--an underground/subway system that whizzes you from place to place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">There are tons of monuments of course and we visited them all - it can get crowded so be up and about early so you can get a shot with just you at the Lincoln Memorial. Or maybe do a night tour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Walking tours are always heaps of fun....</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merlots Art</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Best thing to do</b>. <span style="color: red;"> <b>Hint 4</b></span>: Of all the things we did in Washington, the thing we enjoyed the best was <a href="http://www.merlotsart.com/" target="_blank">Merlots Art</a>. Basically you go to an art studio, they supply a free glass of wine (BYO for more) and all painting supplies; an instructor takes you through the steps of painting a 'masterpiece'. There were six people in our session and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves...it was an eclectic crowd:, teacher, web designer, grants writer, record producer, hubby and me. Book in advance so you can be sure to get a spot - it fill quickly and they are not avail every night of the week. We spent a delightful couple of hours sipping wine, painting, looking at each other's interpretations and generally laughing and mingling. I cannot more highly recommend this as an evening activity. Naturally we brought our canvases back to Oz (oh I forgot to say, they supply everything). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Other ideas:</b> Can I suggest that people book a tour of the White House, read Dan Brown's <i><b>The Lost Symbol</b></i>, and shop Georgetown for great bargains. How about taking in high tea in one of the fabulous hotels? Or There are also flea markets and lots of other activities...visit the <a href="http://washington.org/" target="_blank">tourist website</a> for a zillion ideas. This week is Cocktail Week, there is a yearly Jazz Festival. Try to keep up with the latest on the local paper <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In DC you would need as month to see everything once so be sure you </span>book things well in advance. And finally<b><span style="color: red;"> Hint 5 </span></b>: leave the backpack at home. Come one folks -- make life easier for yourself and your family and leave backpacks and similar things in the hotel. I just have a wallet and a phone. You don't need much more. <br /><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
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Next month: New York City.<br />
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TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-25017435122644446922013-04-07T21:37:00.001-07:002013-05-06T15:30:10.807-07:00Fast and Furious in Los Angeles<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polo Lounge</td></tr>
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Let's be honest LA is the city most Aussies pass thru on their way to Anaheim or somewhere else. But to skip past Los Angeles is to miss some great American culture - yes, I wrote culture.<br />
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Today I want to share my Fast and Furious five days in Los Angeles.<br />
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First stop for celeb spotting is the Polo Lounge. Go for lunch and stay for the stars. It's glamorous, relaxed, the food is good and it's where the deals are done. I know someone famous patted my shoulder but I still can't remember his name. See there's Danny DeVito there, one of the guys fr <i>Entourage</i> over there and lots of faces I knew - and names I didn't . I always have the steak tartare and a bottle of champagne (all the better to linger over the table with). The food is surprisingly reasonable - expect to pay about $40 per head incl the bubbles and dessert. Even the toilets are fabo. Yep this is 'old Hollywood' at its best. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loew's Santa Monica</td></tr>
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Afterwards I happily sat back and let my friends take me for a drive to Malibu and cruising the beaches. We ended at Loewes Hotel near the Santa Monica pier (you know the pier with the Ferris wheel - it's in every Hollywood beach shot). By then it was Happy Hour and so we sat poolside under a gorgeous umbrella soaking up the view. Two happy happy hours later we checked into our hotel.<br />
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Can I just say I highly recommend the Custom Hotel ? I've stayed in many LA hotels and for value and style Custom cannot be beat. I couldn't believe I was paying under $140 (including hefty la room taxes) for a large room 8 mins fr the airport.And nope I didn't get comped. I never do--welcome to the world of travel blogging. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom Hotel Room</td></tr>
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Next day was CULTURE. But first we started with breakfast at a honest to goodness diner right near the hotel. The huge breakfasts were just $6. Fuelled up, we were ready to tackle the Getty Museum. Perched high upon a mountain top, the Getty is a testament to money and philanthropy. $15 fee pays for parking, admission is free. And if you wish you can visit the Getty Villa for price one 'admission'. <br />
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The museum hosts some of the most famous paintings but I loved the decorative arts ie furniture and household items (see bed photo). The special exhibition of illuminated manuscripts liberated from the original places and replaced into other documents, pictures etc was fascinating. I love to see popular uses of 'high' culture items, but the bibliophile part of me is appalled at the destruction of such valuable items. <br />
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I also did some seemingly mundane things - houses hunting in Pasadena, movies at the Sundance theatre chain and buying housewares. I will post this in my mundane things to do blog :)<br />
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<br />TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-10289884663168609602013-03-12T18:15:00.001-07:002013-10-12T04:52:18.498-07:00Deep South - Mobile AL to Clarksdale MS<br />
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Each year I visit my husband's family in Mobile AL. We are usually in the US for the annual Popular Culture (PCA) - around Easter each year. Now there might not seem to be a lot to do in Mobile AL but Mobile is important for ONe reason, Mardi Gras, <br />
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While many believe New Orleans is TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-64017323802596372392013-02-13T00:59:00.000-08:002013-02-13T00:59:00.914-08:00<br />Well today was my first radio Toni's Travel Tips and I think it went well--except for my speedy delivery. I always speak too quickly when I get excited. <br />
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Nic and I talked about the most popular travel methods for stressed vacations - Cruises and Escorted Tours. I thought I should elaborate on these two mehods of vaationing.<br />
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By the way, here's a link to the <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/fire-carnival-cruise-ship-strands-4-200-article-1.1261258" target="_blank">poo cruise</a> fiasco that we discussed on air. I also note a follow up <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/fire-carnival-cruise-ship-strands-4-200-article-1.1261258" target="_blank">story</a>. Talk about the holiday from hell hey? Of course this is a one-in-a-million occurence, but it's a cheap and sensational segue for me to iterate that when choosing a cruise it is vital that you get one that is right for you. This webpage has broken the types into <a href="http://www.cruises.com.au/types-of-cruises/" target="_blank">seven types of cruises</a>. Remember a ship can be a small place if you're on the wrong one--to me the "adventure cruise" looks the most inviting.<br />
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I can't believe I had a brain fart on radio this morning of course I meant Antarctic and <a href="http://www.polarcruises.com/arctic?gclid=COTt5KvvsrUCFQRNpgodER0Aog" target="_blank">Arctic</a>. I drove from Brisbane to do the segment so put it down to too much caffeine. <br />
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My own cruise experience - when I was 17 I boarded a big ole ship and sailed to the UK from Sydney. It took about three weeks and I thoroughly enjoyed my time. The stops included Fiji, Tahiti, Acapulco, Christobal and Balboa, Fort Lauderdale and finally Southhampton. I remember seeing black sand for the first time (Acapulco), being underwhelmed by the Panama Canal and nearly missing the ship in Fort Lauderdal (I hired a car and got totally lost). After working three jobs to finance my European trip, I needed the rest and met a lively group of females. Debbie Gooda if you're out there reading this -- email me.<br />
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Since then I'll admit I like boat/ship travelling and I don't suffer from seasickness too often. I think the most spectacular time I spent on the ocean was my trip on a DDG off the coast of Hawaii (Maui actually) when we were surrounded by a pod of whales. I was one of the few on deck--most people were downstairs throwing up. Umm note to people: if a bunch of folks are downstairs throwing up - perhaps being up on deck, in the fresh air is the best place to be?<br />
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My ideal break is to do a barefoot cruise on the Barrier Reef--I tried to talk some friends into it but no one was up for it. I need to get me some new friends. This <a href="http://www.barefootcruises.com.au/index.html" target="_blank">website</a> is interesting -- maybe one day Nic and I will take one report back to you. In the meantime if any of you have done a barefoot cruise please email me...<br />
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Well that's all for tonight - <br />
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Ciao<br />
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Disclaimer: all information is my opinion and in no way endorses the companies or wbsites.<br />
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<br />TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-1640018882858108542013-02-12T02:57:00.003-08:002013-02-12T02:57:56.317-08:00What's Hot for 2013? De-Stressing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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As Plato told us, the only rule to a successful vacation is KNOW THYSELF. Which of these pictures is the one where you want to be? On a cruise ship soaking up the fun and sun without a care in the world -- where everything is provided? Or perhaps its a deserted island or a cottage tucked away from civilisation? Maybe you'd rather be where the action is -- fun nights and shopping days. One thing is for certain - unless you plan the right holiday you won't enjoy it.<br />
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What's <span style="color: red;">trending</span> in vcations at the moment? Apparently <span style="color: red;"><b>cruises</b></span> are big - especially for families. This means that mum gets a proper holiday - ie no shopping or cooking or washing up (yes guys it is not a holiday if the chores have to still be done). Be sure, of course, that you get the appropriate cruise -- you don't want the football end-of-year-celebration-cruise unless you're a really fun person. One of my BFFs has to suffer cruises with her in-laws -- their idea of a fun time is to cruise to a strange and exotic place and sit on the cruise ship's "beach"- they never venture into the actual ports of call. She hates it and so she's protested by refusing to go unless the cruise is to somewhere truly exciting like <a href="http://www.alaskacruises.com/" target="_blank">Alaska </a>or <a href="http://www.oneoceanexpeditions.com/?gclid=CLidn6a1sLUCFas8pgodgUAAXg" target="_blank">Antarctica</a>.<br />
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Remember most of your days you are on the ocean and not in port - so be prepared for limited shopping facilities. And the quarters are cramped -- I don't care what the brochures say - step it out in your bedroom or loungeroom before you book that room. I have heard horror stories from families who didn't have the space for their luggage in the same room? Warning: crossing the Panama Canal is not that exciting -- I did it a few years ago and after a few minutes --well there's 'nothing to see there'. <a href="http://www.exoticcruiseexperts.com/" target="_blank">Here </a>are some last minute deals if you want an idea of what it's going to cost you. Remember costs include all food (usually) but not drinks or tipping or port activities. Check about airfares getting there and back and on-land accommodation. <br />
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Despite all of my bad mouthing - cruises are great for
de-stressing - the greatest decision you have to make is whether to have
another mai-tai or not. And de-stressing is THE travel word for 2013.<br />
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This year - according to my research (websites and asking industry folks) - what people want are big advenures but easy vacations. That's why cruises are so popular. The other growth is in the escorted tour industry. <br />
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Now when I was a young woman <a href="http://www.contiki.com/" target="_blank">Contiki</a> was THE fun way to see Europe. I was shocked to learn that not only are they still going but in fact they are more popular than ever. Of course they are strictly for the limber of frame and young at heart 18-35. But it appears they no longer do the camping thing but actually have hotels?! For older people there Trafalgar, Cosmos, Gobal etc - these are great for the new travellers as they take do virtually everything and often include meals. More to come on guided tours as I'm going to do a whole show on them later -- email me your questions and I'll have an answer for you.<br />
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What cruises and escorted offer is taking the stressout of decisionmaking - it's simply then a matter of WHERE you want to go.<br />
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<b>What are the HOT destinations? </b><br />
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If you want exotic but civiised it should be no surprise that the 2013 popular desintations are Africa, India and New Zealand.<br />
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Africa is a big continent and potentially a dangerous one--so it's no surprise that people are heding for South Africa. South Africa offers many familiar things for the Australian - it's a similar climate, has great beaches aned a very laidback lidfestyle. Dare I admit it but South Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. And despite the warning from everyone, as a female who travelled on her own 8n South Africa - I drove the Garden Route on my own and stayed in one of the best ever bed and breakfasts places in the world, <a href="http://www.libertylodge.co.za/" target="_blank">Liberty Lodge</a>. <a href="http://ten.com.au/tvshows/africa.htm" target="_blank">David Attenborough's Africa </a>is showing on Channel 10 at the moment and should inspire many people to make the trip. <br />
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With the increasing entree of India into the commercial world we know more about it these days than we did in the past. I haven't been to India in years -- but I can highly recommend Sri Lanka if one visits. It is still the jewel in the sea. I will be discussing my trip to Mumbai more later. <br />
<br />Closer to home - New Zealand is the place to go. Fantasy movies have made it THE southern destination to visit. Not ony is it only a few hours' flight, but also our dollar is very strong. If you are thinking of driving <a href="http://www.standbyrelocations.com/default.aspx?c=2" target="_blank">StandbyRelocations</a> offers great bargains especically for those who want to take campervans--from as low as AUD1 per day.<br />
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<b>Other De-Stressing Activities</b><br />
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In order to accommodate the hassle of travelling - airports are offering <a href="http://www.jaunted.com/story/2013/1/31/64638/4471/travel/Three+Airports+Now+Sport+Yoga+Rooms" target="_blank">yoga areas</a> (San Franciso, Burlington and Dallas Fort Worth)and many airline lounges have showers and massages. To kep the kiddies happy in Hong Kong Airport there are free <a href="http://www.jaunted.com/tag/Airport%20Amenities" target="_blank">Playstations.</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1067967621713312450"> </a><br />
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<span class="yui-editorial-embed" id="yui_3_0_0-2-1355263580863192"><span class="yom-figure yom-fig-middle" id="yui_3_5_1_21_1360658079444_255" style="width: 610px;"><span class="legend" id="yui_3_5_1_21_1360658079444_264">San Francisco International Airport. (Photo: Courtesy San Francisco International) </span></span></span></div>
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TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-64717830206901779972013-02-12T00:28:00.002-08:002013-02-12T00:28:30.770-08:00Best Ever Travel Apps and WebsitesYes I know you all have your favourites -- but you never know maybe I have some that you haven't heard of. Below are a list of those which I use every time I am planning my trips -- remember these are my opinions only -- feel free to email your faves. I use an iphone so I am unsure if there are android apps for the following. <br />
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<b>Airfares</b> - KAYAK - I find most airline (and travel agents) websites to be pretty hopeless -- they are too clogged down with promotions and advertising and my itineraries never seem to match theirs (QANTAS is the worst one of all). Enter <a href="http://www.kayak.com/">KAYAK</a>. I particularly like the mobile app. It's fast and it covers the entire globe. It also gives prices -- a couple of which beat those offered by my 'travel agent'--so they had to give me the Kayak price. Cha-ching!<br />
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If you're a hound who needs to know where you are sitting, then <a href="http://www.seatguru.com/">SEAT GURU</a> is for you. I find they change the planes on me so often that it is just not worth the hassle. <br />
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<b>Hotels/Places to Stay.</b> <a href="http://www.hoteltonight.com/">HOTEL TONIGHT</a> - this is my new favourite.It offers the lowest hotel prices - what's the catch? You can only book that day -- yep it's to fill up the hotels for the night and so rather than go empty the hotels offer rooms as vastly reduced rates. Obviously it's not ideal but if you are travelling offpeak or going somewhere not too busy then this is the way to save money Another minus - it's USA mostly with a few major Candian and European cities. Hint: check it several times before you leave and if the same hotels are empty then you have an idea of your chances of snapping up an <i>el cheapo</i> room. I'm going to use it in Los Angeles - or maybe not? Am I too chicken?<br />
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/">TRIPADVISOR</a> - yes it's an old favourite but when a hotel seems suspiciously cheap then it is always wise to read the trip advisor reviews. I have found some great bargains there. Be aware that some reviews could be sour grapes or not reliable - so go with the majority view. But forget it when it comes to restaurants and attractions etc - often the reviews are years old or too few to be of benefit. They also have great City Guides for most of the major cities in the world and the list grows longer all the time - I use these city guides instead of buying paper ones. (It saves your data so no roaming charges). The guides have pretty good "general" maps and give you an idea of where the hotels actually are (I always find a new city intimidating -- how do I know if I'm in the most convenient neighbourhood?). <br />
<a href="http://www.expedia.com.au/">EXPEDIA</a> - for a rough idea about hotel prices I find the old expedia gives me a general guide - it used to always be the cheapest place on the web, but I am finding that more and more hotels are matching expedia and other online prices and I think the hotels treat people who book directly better.<br />
<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/">AIRBN</a> - this is the way of the future. It combines great prices, different types of accommodation and traveller reviews. Mostly they have apartments and rooms in people's houses. And they are very reasonable - especially for cities such as New York and Los Angeles and London. I prefer the anonimity of hotels but some of their apartments do look inviting - and they offer some quirky accommodation types - caravan anyone? If anyone has ever used them please let me know. <br />
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<b>Travel Plans</b> - <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/id311035142?mt=8&src=af&ign-mpt=uo%3D4">TRIPIT. </a>This is a handly place to keep all of your flights etc - personally I'm a pen and paper gal - besides I might need my phone juice onboard to compensate for the crappy movies. <br />
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<b>Language Apps</b> - if you really want to get to know the locals then I suggest downloading one of the many language apps. I am too cheap and only download the freebies. But at least they give you some handy phrases.<br />
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<b>Maps</b> - Definitely download <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/id585027354?mt=8&src=af&ign-mpt=uo%3D4">GOOGLE MAPS</a>. The others are just a hot mess. Make sure you plot your travel BEFORE you leave the hotel so that you aren't using roaming data. Then photograph the map and you have it. <br />
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<b>Travel Diaries </b>- There are tons of them out there - but I simply use Facebook (when I'm in Wi-Fi range) to let everyone know where I am. Saves me doubling up and to be honest I never keep a diary after the first couple of days. <br />
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<b>Keeping in Touch </b>-<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/id304878510?mt=8&src=af&ign-mpt=uo%3D4"> SKYPE</a> - Still the best free phone app. And no matter where I am, I have hate great connections--Venice, South Africa, Japan, USA, Spain, UK.<br />
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<b>Boredom</b> - to fill in the long hours I must have my favourite podcasts (<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/iot">In Our Time</a>, <a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/">This American Life</a>), something to read (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/kindle/id302584613?mt=8">Kindle</a>), and <a href="http://www.angrybirds.com/">Angry Birds</a>. Remember to take noise reducing earbuds (they are definitely worth paying extra for) and your charger as some plane seats have plugs now. <br />
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Please email any new apps !<br />
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Ciao<br />
<br />TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067967621713312450.post-53387516127221841082013-02-11T23:27:00.000-08:002013-02-12T05:49:44.990-08:00Welcome!!Hi Everyone<br />
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Welcome to my travel tips blog. I'm not a travel agent and I don't earn money from this - I just love to travel and to share my experiences with y'all.<br />
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You probably came here from <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/goldcoast/programs/gold_coast_mornings/">Mornings with Nicole Dyer</a> -- so I am pleased that you took the time to look me up. If not, please visit the website and send Nicole lots of good wishes. She and I have been radio mates for years and she truly is a fun human being :)<br />
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For the rest of the year we will be meeting on the radio on Wednesdays at 10am. Here is our planned schedule<br />
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SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}</style><![endif]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d;">13<sup>th</sup> Feb</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d;">13<sup>th</sup> March</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d;">10<sup>th</sup> April </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d;">8<sup>th</sup> May</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d;">12<sup>th</sup> June</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d;">10<sup>th</sup> July</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d;">14<sup>th</sup> August</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d;">11<sup>th</sup> September </span></div><br />
<br />
This year my travels will take me to Washington DC (for Easter), Mumbai for September (maybe October) and Hong Kong for December. For closer-to home travel - I haven't decided yet. So if you have anything to add or questions to ask them please feel free to submit your comments.<br />
<br />
Oh and if you would like me to discuss anything in particular on the radio - then please send me an email or contact Nicole. We want to include YOU (the listeners) as much as possible.<br />
<br />
Ciao<br />
T TJWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01920901471957996169noreply@blogger.com0