I highly recommend hiring a guide for touring Lamu. Visitors probably will only need a guide for no more than 2 days as much of the town can be accessed on your own on foot. However, a guide will point out difficult to find attractions and may introduce you to some of the locals and hidden gems of the town. He can also be a good source of restaurant and lodging recommendations. Lamu is small enough where the guides are aware of most of the … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – Shopping
Gallery Baraka is an excellent gallery selling items from West Africa as well as some crafts (especially Maasai beadwork) created in other parts of Kenya. They also sell a few locally made wood carvings. The craftsmanship on some of the pieces on display is incredible. Small wood carvings, pottery, jewelry and other artisan work fill the walls and tables inside. This is the best gallery that I found in Lamu. They are located on the main … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – More Info
Lonely Planet published a book called, East Africa which provides a comprehensive and detailed section about attractions, lodging and restaurants in Lamu. Also visit our selection of related Lamu links below. General www.jambohouse.com/en/info.htm local information from "Jambo House" www.lamuholiday.com local information from "Lamu Holiday House" www.spiritedpursuit.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-exploring-lamu-kenya - … [Read more...]
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
In every inspiring natural creation there is a realism that speaks to you. In every moment on a mountain you find it more and more. You discover yourself in ways not possible through other means. This stays with you and guides you for the rest of your life. May everyone have this chance at least once. ~ Dave This guide is a review of a climb by Dave of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. This article focuses solely on the climb with little other … [Read more...]
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – What to Pack
Here Dave details what he packed for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. One may bring other items not listed here, or feel it unnecessary to pack some of the items mentioned below. This list and related information is provided as a reference only. For a climb like this one, you will need waterproof gear, and warm gear. If you already do not have any of the below items you will want to purchasing these items. Waterproof gear is a must. This … [Read more...]
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – More Info
www.climbingkilimanjaro.com a comprehensive guide to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro by Destination Africa Tours www.climbingkilimanjaro.info well put together climbing guide www.climbmountkilimanjaro.com excellent resource for the latest Kili news www.ibike.org/bikeafrica/kilimanjaro.htm list of items to take on a Kili climb www.kilimanjaroclimbs.com free online resource providing advice and information for anyone looking to climb … [Read more...]
Redding, CA – Museums
Redding is not a hot-spot for museums - there are only several in town that are open to the public. We have visited and highlighted a few below. Behrens-Eaton House Museum is highly recommended for a personalized tour and look back in time - to the life of prominent judge Judge Richard Behrens Eaton who lived here until he died in 2003. Upon his death a trust he established stipulated that his home and grounds be turned into a museum open to … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France – Calling
SIM Cards Prior to sim cards, phone cards were what locals and travelers purchased to make phone calls both in and outside of the country. These days sim cards can be purchased at any "tabacs" store, or most supermarches (super markets). The "tabac" is a store that sells a variety of things such as newspapers, cigarettes, books, gum, and phone cards. They are a very common store in towns. Old French phone cards are now collectibles. Many … [Read more...]
Europe – Phones
SIM Cards Roaming charges on cell phones abroad can be exorbitant if using a home network. One may find a very high cell phone bill after a trip - even just for sending and receiving SMS text messages. Even if you visit a website for just a brief period your provider often charges you the maximum megabyte usage which can be very pricey. Be sure to disable "data roaming" on your phone. The way to avoid these roaming charges is to unlock your … [Read more...]
Hopland, CA – Wine Tasting
Tiny Hopland contains a number of tasting rooms which deliver down to earth experiences for visitors - focusing on wines from Mendocino County. Although there are many wineries in Mendocino County including a number of tasting rooms in Hopland, this area does not have the recognition that perhaps Napa and Sonoma County have obtained over the decades. For the consumer, that is not a bad thing. Mendocino County is producing some stellar wines (the … [Read more...]