Archive for November, 2007
November 19th, 2007 at 06:33am
Under South America
After reading Neil Woodburn’s article on California’s Second Best Stretch of Road, I couldn’t help but compare it to other highways that aren’t quite in the same league. The clear winner in this particular hall of shame - by a long chalk - must go to the perilous North Yungas Road in Bolivia.
This deadly 35 mile stretch between La Paz and Coroico - rightfully nicknamed El Camino de la Muerte, or The Road of Death - is estimated to claim the lives of 200-300 users every year. It’s easy to see why this highway has been labled ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Road‘.
And it’s even easier to understand why tragedies along this particular Bolivian road are so frequent. The coalescence of 900 meter sheer drop-offs, wickedly tight hairpin bends, narrow gauges, and unsealed roads littered with debris from the hillside above simply compound its inherent treachery. And the rain and thick fog that can swiftly envelop the mountainside doesn’t help much either.
“But what about guardrails?” I hear you holler. Guardrails…? No bastante, amigo.
But where there is danger, so shall you find thrill seekers. In recent years, Bolivia’s road of death has seen a considerable increase in the amount of people that actually traverse it for fun.
Now, if you think the buses sound like suicide in a tin then I urge you to read no further.
The foolhardy, or otherwise charmed individual, can now risk meeting their maker along the road of death in another altogether more novel way. Gravity assisted Mountain Biking. Yep, I’m serious.
Adrenaline junkies can now sign up for this white knuckle extravaganza with one of several adventure companies operating within the area. Further information on this extreme downhill mountain biking can probably be Google up by typing “Bicycle”, “Insane B*stard” and “Death wish”.
As for me, I’d prefer to cross my fingers, stuff my backpack full of four leafed clovers and lucky rabbit’s feet (lucky, of course, unless you happen to be that rabbit) and stick with the bus. Activities along the highway of death are clearly best left to those with nerves as robust as their travel insurance.
I do, however, reserve the right to change my mind. It’s been reported that a new road, also connecting La Paz to Coroico, in almost finished. This latest development will no doubt come as welcome news to those that ply Bolivia’s Road of Death, and, of course, to the growing number of daredevils that fancy their chances on this increasingly popular downhill racetrack.
By Nathan Richards
After a quick toot on the web I have a few links about Bolivia’s Road of Death for you:
Firstly, I would like to thank Marko Petric for the use of his pictures of Bolivia’s Road of Death. These photos, plus others, can be found on his Webpage.
For more information and pictures of the Road of Death, and a fistful of other dangerous highways, read Avi Abrams article on the world’s most dangerous roads here.
Those wishing to learn more about extreme downhill mountain biking in Bolivia may want to take a look at Gravity Bolivia. These gnarly dudes have a collection of articles detailing previous riders’ experiences. However, you may wish to read this, too.
Tags: england, camping, flights, cruises, hotel, travel, spain, travel insurance, guides, hotels, skiing, new york city, hawaii, surfing, flights, attractions, travel safety, italy, hilton, boating
By admin
November 10th, 2007 at 08:53am
Under Travel
For the cash-strapped traveller, one of the best ways to see the
world without going into extreme debt is by finding work overseas. Not
only does it ease the financial burden of travel, it also allows a
first-hand glimpse into daily life in a foreign context.
Travis is one such cash-strapped traveller. He is spending a year in
South Korea, teaching English to a group of eleven and twelve year-old
students and sharing his (often comical) observations of Korean culture
on his blog.
… Continue
Tags: new york city, flights, europe, travel rates, travel insurance, las vegas, mountains, florida, travel, hotels, , cruises, cheap, boating, skiing, travel safety, tickets, motels, miami, hilton
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November 10th, 2007 at 08:51am
Under Travel
Faced with the situation I could only muster two answers. Either I'd
managed to get myself terribly, ridiculously lost or that last mince
filled pancake had left me vividly hallucinating this paradise. Only
one thing seemed clear. In no way shape or form could this possibly be
Siberia.
Let me backtrack…
… Continue
Tags: florida, hilton, camping, surfing, travel safety, europe, travel insurance, motels, air, miami, vacations, hotels, ocean, flights, hawaii, mountains, england, las vegas, travel, hotel
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November 10th, 2007 at 08:50am
Under Travel
Mira and I ran out of the youth hostel in Oeiras in the nick of time,
as our incessant laughter and giggles were beginning to run their
course with the rest of the hostel’s inhabitants, who seemed to be in a
perpetual state of misery. So we hopped upon our faithful steeds
(bikes) and rode out on the busy coastal road that lead to Lisbon
proper.
About ten minutes out, we realized that our load was far
too heavy for our bikes and gear racks to carry. I watched Mira ride
over a curb only to have her mountainous bundle of baggage swing back
and forth and pull the backside of her bicycle in and out of the busy
highway. Something had to be done. So we pulled over into a little
beach front turnoff and tore all of our stuff out of their bags and
strew it all in piles about the beach. It was now time to sort out what
was needed from what was merely wanted…
… Continue
Tags: vacations, skiing, new york city, flights, , attractions, hotel, las vegas, travel insurance, air, travel rates, cruises, hawaii, travel, travel safety, italy, miami, england, cheap, California
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November 10th, 2007 at 08:48am
Under Travel
Temple Bar, Part 2: Saturday at 2am (well, let’s call it 1am)
Ubi sunt nunc gloria Babylonia? Where now the glories of Babylon?
My best days are clearly behind me. I had it all planned, I’d have a
few pints in ‘The Swan’ - a classy old Dublin pub with a weird mixture
of inner city regulars and med students from the nearby college – then
I’d go home, watch a late night movie, stay up until 2am before heading
out on my tour of the dreaded Temple Bar in the full glory of its early
morning revelry.
That’s been the plan for three weeks now, but on last two weekends I
flaked and found myself in bed by 11pm. Secretly, I think, I was a
little afraid (after all, no sane Dubliner over the age of 18 goes near
Temple Bar after 9 o’clock).
… Continue
Tags: travel, motels, new york city, air, travel rates, paris, miami, camping, tickets, ocean, hawaii, skiing, las vegas, surfing, greece, disney, boating, beaches, italy, hotel
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November 10th, 2007 at 08:47am
Under Travel
At times, Mexico feels like it’s the natural habitat for the old-style
VW Beetles, like they were never a German car to begin with. They’re
made here, adored here, impeccably maintained here and it’s impossible
to drive for more than a few minutes on most roads without passing one.
The first two days we were in Mexico, our ten-month running
international Punchbuggy match took a turn for the ugly.
Amy: Punchbuggy red!
Me: Goddamnit.
Amy: This is going to be eas-PUNCHBUGGY GREEN!
Me: Ow!
Amy: Got a little exci-PUNCHBUGGY WHITE!
Me: Stop punching my neck!
Amy: Punchbuggy red again!
… Continue
Tags: travel, hotel, vacations, cruises, tickets, travel insurance, flights, motels, greece, attractions, skiing, paris, miami, hilton, travel rates, surfing, boating, ocean, italy, spain
By admin
November 10th, 2007 at 08:45am
Under Travel
We've enjoyed and endured a few of the world's greatest train
journeys over the last few months, so when we boarded our final
overnight train of the trip on Sunday night, I couldn't help feeling a
little sad. I guess I have a romantic notion of allowing myself to be
lulled asleep by the quiet, rythmic rumble of the train knowing that
I'll wake up somewhere brand new in the morning.
Of course, the
reality is a little different: sleep can be fitful, interrupted by
carriage attendants, over-zealous air conditioning, noisy cabin-mates
or the train horn sounding at all hours of the day or night. But I will
miss these trains because of the adventure they symbolize, at least in
my mind. But all good things must come to an end, and - still half
asleep - we pulled into Ho Chi Minh City just after 5am on Monday
morning.
… Continue
Tags: greece, surfing, air, skiing, cheap, spain, travel safety, attractions, , hotel, mountains, hilton, guides, florida, miami, camping, travel rates, tickets, motels, travel insurance
By admin
November 10th, 2007 at 08:43am
Under Travel
I go back and forth on whether or not I’m a good teacher pretty much on a daily basis. It’s not that I think I’m a bad
teacher, but when it comes to explaining the past participle preterit
perfect, or any of the other finer points of the English language, I
have found myself ending lectures with, “You know. It just sounds
right. Right?” Which is normally when I’ll do something goofy to make
the kids laugh and forget they were asking me what exactly a
prepositional phrase is and why you can’t end sentences with them. (You can’t?) At
the end of the day, I side with the school’s logic that whatever my
faults when it comes to the technicalities of grammar, the kids are
better off learning English from a native speaker so they are exposed
to both the language and the culture; and trust me, if you dropped any of my kids off on the streets of New York tomorrow, they’d do pretty well for themselves.
But
every once in a while I find myself having to articulate cultural norms
or rituals that when enunciated, sound inescapably bizarre.
… Continue
Tags: hotel, skiing, florida, hotels, italy, flights, europe, hilton, beaches, boating, miami, surfing, mountains, travel insurance, California, spain, las vegas, air, travel, paris
By admin
November 10th, 2007 at 08:42am
Under Travel
One of the most popular trends in modern travel is voluntourism. One part travel, one part volunteering,
voluntourism offers travellers a way to delve deeper into a place while also making it possible to support
the local community in some small (or large) way.
Mark and Peggy's trip is a perfect example of voluntourism. A pair of physicians from New York City,
they are on a one-year trip around the world, combining their love for travel with their desire to offer
their medical skills as volunteers. After 6 months of roaming the globe, they will spend another 6 months
in Sierra Leone, where they will volunteer with Mercy Ships, a charity providing free specialised health
care to the Sierra Leoneans.
… Continue
Tags: cheap, vacations, hawaii, flights, tickets, air, travel rates, spain, las vegas, paris, flights, , england, greece, hotel, hotels, florida, camping, guides, ocean
By admin
November 10th, 2007 at 08:40am
Under Travel
On our second bay in the bush, as dawn is just beginning to light
the world outside my tented room, I hear a shuffle of feet and then
“Jambo! Your tea, sir.” One of the Maasai staffers at places a tray
with a pitcher of tea, heated milk, sugar, a china cup and saucer, a
spoon and two biscuits on my veranda. I throw on my clothes, down a
quick cup of tea, and hustle up to the main lodge, where our safari van
awaits.
Lewela, our safari director, greets us with a broad smile. “Are you ready to see some wildlife?”
… Continue
Tags: , hotels, travel, travel safety, las vegas, flights, skiing, florida, guides, boating, hawaii, hilton, California, spain, beaches, surfing, air, attractions, motels, cruises
By admin
November 10th, 2007 at 08:39am
Under Travel
It is eighteen years today since the fall of the Berlin Wall. But it seems that memories are fickle. When I was heading there recently a friend, an educated one I might add, said to me, “Berlin, is that the place that had the Wall?” I was incredulous. A walk around Berlin’s city centre however leaves you in no doubt about the presence of the Wall that was once the front line between east and west.
Although there isn’t much of the Wall left now a few small sections do still stand. What is most surprising is its height, or lack there of. But somehow the crumbling grey, graffiti clad ruins, which should be about as imposing as a school-ground fence, are intimidating. And the narrow line of cobbles that marks the Wall’s entire course through the city feels like the faint scar of a healed wound, permanently etched into the fabric of the city and always there as a visible reminder.
In the city centre is the Berlin Wall’s most iconic site, Checkpoint Charlie. A replica American military post has been put up in the middle of a narrow street full of shops. There are even a couple of people dressed up as guards, grimacing menacingly to the delight of tourists who get their photo taken with them. The Mauer Museum tells the story of the 30 year life of the Wall including tales of some of those who died trying to flee the Communist regime in the East.
The first bit of the Wall left standing that I come across is in Potsdamer Platz; a huge shapeless square which is now a temple of modern glass and corporate architecture. There are just half a dozen individual rectangular segments of the Wall here, with descriptive panels between each one. The sections look temporary, like pre-built Lego pieces, which perhaps explains how the East Germans managed to erect the Wall so suddenly and so devastatingly in 1961. Over 200 people died trying to cross and north of Potsdamer Platz, near the Reichstag building, is a row of placards hung on an iron fence to some of those unfortunate would-be escapees. Candles burn for a few. This is after all, recent history.
- Danny Chapman
Tags: disney, skiing, beaches, , tickets, hawaii, hilton, ocean, paris, miami, hotels, travel safety, new york city, camping, cruises, travel rates, greece, florida, las vegas, attractions
By admin
November 10th, 2007 at 08:35am
Under Travel
Besides beating Namibia and recording their first-ever win in the Rugby World Cup this year, Georgia hasn’t been in the news much since the Rose Revolution of 2003 saw now-President, Mikhail Saakashvili catapulted democratically into the country’s top office.
Now however, Georgia - popular with overlanders - is bracing itself for renewed uncertainty with a state of emergency declared from its capital Tbilisi. Everything and everyone from Moscow, the media, to poverty and corruption is being blamed for the deterioration in public affairs.
The Trabant trekkers - a crew of travellers from Holland, England, America, Spain and Hungary - have just crossed the country as they overland from Germany to Cambodia raising money for charity. Now in Tajikistan, their blog speaks of a different Georgia.
Standing at the intersection of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, it is unfortunately the same geographic reasons making it attractive to overlanders, playing into the geo-political problems: challenging terrain, disputed borders and a myriad of different ethnic groups.
As the Trabant trekkers can testify - it is a very interesting country, going through troubled times. Stay attune of the news, and catch the discussion on the Thorn Tree Forum.
Tags: england, surfing, travel insurance, new york city, camping, florida, hawaii, hilton, guides, travel safety, cruises, ocean, hotels, hotel, travel rates, boating, California, air, disney, attractions
By admin
November 10th, 2007 at 08:32am
Under Travel
It’s unclear whether the difference between emergency rule and martial law is only semantics (particularly when your President is also the Chief of Army Staff), but it’s easy to see that travel to Pakistan right now is not to be taken lightly.
Sure the Karakoram Range and its famed mountain-highway may seem remote and utterly removed from events in Islamabad and Lahore, but it pays to be well aware of the security situation throughout the country.
With the local media’s output affected by Musharraf’s declaration, and amid reports of journalists being arrested, it may be difficult to access extensive and unbiased information in the region.
Although the real reason for the state of emergency is sketchy, the debate is ongoing as to whether it will worsen or improve the country’s already troubled situation.
Make sure if you have travel planned in the region that you check the latest news reports and read what travellers are saying about it on the Thorn Tree Forum.
Tags: ocean, travel, disney, hotel, miami, skiing, england, camping, paris, cruises, spain, greece, California, air, tickets, flights, attractions, hotels, motels, guides
By admin
November 10th, 2007 at 08:30am
Under Travel
For many Victorians it’s a much needed day of rest; an opportune time to take a long weekend - or to binge-detox between Saturday’s Derby Day and Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
For the uninitiated, Australians stop work at 3pm on the first Tuesday in November… for a horse race. Victorians get the day off altogether.
Offices are swamped with sweep-stakes and sweet-bakes, while the TAB drowns in millions from amateur gamblers. Spotlight’s stock of feathers, fascinators and hats dwindles to a few scruffy and scraggly left-overs and men step out in their pressed finest, or sometimes their pyjamas (hoping to make the nightly news).
Billed as ‘the celebration that stops a nation’ travellers are not so much warned, but rather advised, to join in the revelry. This year, tickets to the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse must be pre-purchased. If you can’t make it to Melbourne, then don’t worry, there won’t be a pub in Australia with the TV turned off (or tuned in to the disastrous fashion channel) at 3pm tomorrow.
Tags: spain, hawaii, travel, italy, mountains, florida, ocean, flights, flights, tickets, vacations, travel safety, attractions, greece, hotels, skiing, disney, cheap, hotel, travel rates
By admin
November 6th, 2007 at 07:40pm
Under Orlando Florida
Orlando is regarded as the shopper’s paradise of America. From discount outlets to art galleries, from departmental stores to upscale specialty stores, boutiques and outlet malls Orlando, Florida has it all. Orlando, Florida has recently emerged as an international shopping dynamo. The best part of shopping in Orlando, Florida is that you get things that satisfy both your taste and pocket.
One of the most famous shopping outlets in Orlando Florida is Festival Bay Mall at International Drive. It has trendy shops with the finest collection of exotic beachwear and popular brands of western wear to grab from its collection. The major outlets here include the most popular Zirbes’ Emporium, National Book Warehouse, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Steve & Barry’s University Sportswear, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Vans Skatepark and Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World. In addition you can satisfy your taste buds with the delicious food in restaurants like Fuddruckers and Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant.
Another famous shopping destination is the Mall at Millenis. It is the best place to shop for those who have a blend of trendy and classic taste. This mall has more than 150 stores catering to the needs of people of all age group. The major shopping outlets in the mall include popular brands like Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton., Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn Kids and Urban Outfitters. The shops provide the latest designs in the fashion of New York, London, Milan and Paris as they partner with the Video fashion Network. You have the famous restaurants like Brio Tuscan Grille, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, and The Cheesecake Factory along with a number of eating outlets in the Orangerie Cafes.
If you are looking for the latest fashion, handsome home goods and exceptional eateries than Florida Mall is the place for you. This place showcases array of more than 270 stores with the best products. The major attractions in the mall include Dylan’s Candy Bar and Bare Escentuals, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. The dining options in the mall include the best eating outlets of California Pizza Kitchen, Le Jardin Restaurant, Salsa Taqueria & Tequila Bar and Buca di Beppo.
Your shopping expedition is not complete without a visit to Altamonte Mall. This mall has an 18 screen AMC theatre and number of exceptional retail outlets for everyone. You have Barnes & Noble Booksellers to eateries like Seasons 52 all at one place.
Other major malls in Orlando, Florida include Orlando Fashion Square, Seminole Towne Center, Osceola Square Mall, Oviedo Marketplace and West Oaks Mall. Each mall has something new to offer to its visitors. Other than these malls the gifts featuring Mickey Mouse, Woody Woodpecker or Shamu can be found at each of the major theme park’s fully stocked gift shops. Other than these hitech malls in Orlando, the place has a lot to offer as one strolls down the canopy of bricks in the old town of Orlando. The downtown Orlando has books, clothing and culinary delights waiting for shoppers of all ages. You can find world’ best wines and antique gifts here for your loved ones.
Tags: vacations, new york city, europe, paris, boating, florida, travel safety, hilton, greece, italy, beaches, surfing, ocean, spain, travel, disney, england, mountains, travel insurance, motels
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November 6th, 2007 at 07:35pm
Under Attractions+ Orlando Florida
Orlando, Florida is one of the most visited places of America. One major reason for Orlando being the hot favorite among the tourists is the fact that it has the Disney World. Disney World is a place that is admired not only by kids but also by the entire family. Disney’s Magic World was opened in 1973. Later in 1990,Universal Studios arrived. Since then Disney land attracts more than 43 million visitors every year and become as the top rated tourist attraction in Orlando, Florida.
Walt Disney World has four theme parks, twenty four onsite resorts, two water parks, four mini golf courses, a video game park, and a shopping and entertainment area called down town Disney. Animal Kingdom, Magic Land, Epcot and Disney MGM studios make a paradise for kids. Animal Kingdom is basically a zoo for kids with some rides as an added attraction. One of the most famous rides is the jeep safari with live animals enclosed along the way. The newest ride introduced in the Animal Kingdom is called “Expedition Everestâ€. This ride is actually a fast roller coaster that goes back and forth. The ride is made with the background of Himalayas where the riders can meet the fable character “Yetiâ€. Animal Kingdom is a paradise for those who love animals. The Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail are the two most zoo like features of this park
Magic Kingdom is a place where you forget the real world and enter the world of fairy tales. There are rides and parades that enchant you. It is a 107 acre fantasy that is made up of seven lands based originally on Disney Park, Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The seven lands include Frontierland, Adventureland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Main Street U.S.A and Mickey’s Toontown Fair
Epcot is divided into two exclusive segments the Future World and World Showcase. Future World has various pavilions devoted to the energy, environment, imagination, the automotive industry and space and technology. There are thrilling rides and unusual shows in Epcot’s future world. World Showcase is consists of pavilions showing 11 diverse countries along with food, architecture, entertainment, and attractions about the countries. Some of the pavilions also have a small boat ride and also have a museum in them.
There are Disney MGM studios that bring stars to life. This is a movie inspired theme park with whole lot of attractive shows and rides. The two of the most admired Disney rides Tower of Terror and the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster are located here.
Disney World, Orlando also consists of two water parks called Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Other than these it also has two mini golf courses called Winterland and Summerland. It also has a golf course that is inspired by the movie ‘Fantasia’ and another putting course, Fantasia Fairways.
Another important part of the Disney World is downtown Disney. It is a must to see place if visiting Orlando. Downtown Disney is an ideal place to spend your evenings with lots of shops, restaurants and street entertainers. It was a great place to spend one free evening. There are plenty of shops to go to and lots to do, walk on the boardwalk, enjoy the crowd, and have dinner. Downtown Disney is a great place to shop and stroll. If you want to get Disney gifts for yourself of others then this is the place to find them all.
Tags: California, attractions, disney, hotels, , beaches, motels, travel safety, travel rates, boating, surfing, paris, las vegas, tickets, england, cruises, hotel, vacations, hawaii, mountains
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