This article differs from a number of other travel articles on Dave's Travel Corner in that it is not written about a specific place, location, or destination. It is written from personal experience based upon numerous trips to Europe and is intended to give the independent traveler to Europe additional information about a diversity of activities or experiences across the continent. The initial countries we visited before writing this article … [Read more...]
Europe – Transportation
Finding one's way around a foreign city in the time of pre-Internet was a challenging situation at best taking significant time to avoid getting lost (which invariably happened anyway). One had printed maps that one had to determine their location on before being able to route a course to a desired destination. Not always easy without a digital blue dot to guide you. And road signs were often missing further causing complications. Later some … [Read more...]
Europe – Money
The Euro was introduced on January 1, 2002. 14 billion Euro banknotes and 55 billion coins were initially introduced to more than 300 million people in 12 countries of the European Union. 12 countries who initially converted were: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands Spain and Portugal, & Monaco. For a list of the Euro conversion rates (for the participating countries old … [Read more...]
Reno, NV – Lodging
Accommodation in Reno is diverse and varied from the larger casinos to many vintage "one-star" motels - usually one or two stories and often in a state of various decay. Reno is lacking in boutique hotels. Prices for hotel rooms tend to be fairly affordable, perhaps somewhat subsidized or supported by the gambling industry. All Phone Numbers are in the 775 area code. Please also visit our Reno Casino page for additional information about … [Read more...]
Guadalajara, Mexico
This is the 3rd in a series of five travel articles written about select locations in Mexico. These select locations are Oaxaca, Manzanillo, Guadalajara, and Colima. More recently we have written an article on Xcalak, located in the Yucatan Peninsula, near the border of Belize. Guadalajara has approximately 1.5 million residents, with estimates of up to 4.5 million including the suburbs. Even with such a sizable population, I did not get the … [Read more...]
Guadalajara, Mexico – Tequila
Santiago de Tequila or simply, Tequila, is a typical Mexican town except for one major distinction; it is the home of tequila production including both larger factories as well as artisan producers and distilleries. It is the namesake city of this famous adult beverage. One realizes they are getting close to Tequila when passing by fields and fields of cultivated blue agave plants used to make the tequila. Historically the sugars from the … [Read more...]
Hopland, CA – Sho-Kah Wah Casino
NOTE: all good times must come to an end. This casino is now permanently closed. If it reopens we will update this review. We keep our notes below for nostalgia purposed only. Sho-ka-wah Casino is located a short drive east of Hopland. As you drive northbound on the 101 take a right at Highway 175. The sign at the junction here may say its only 3 minutes to the casino - but in reality its at least 10 minutes (more or less). You will … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico
We first visited the city of Oaxaca in December, during the dry season so some of our mentions in this article may be seasonally related. For example, some of the fruits we saw in the markets are only ripe during that time of year, and some of the festivals we experienced certainly only occur during December. Oaxaca (elevation 5,084 feet, population 265,000) is located in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. The Oaxaca airport offers … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Important Info
Here are some useful notes for travelers visiting the city of Oaxaca. Transportation There used to be no nonstop USA flights to the city of Oaxaca. Normal stops included Guadalajara or Mexico City or both and still do on some routes. However, Aeromexico, Delta and United Airlines now have daily nonstop flights from Houston (IAH) and Dallas (DFW) to Oaxaca. Mexicana airlines offers nonstop flights to Oaxaca from Mexico City. A toll road … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Markets
Oaxaca is known for both its artisan crafts and local foods. Brilliantly colored wood carvings are much sought after by visitors. These carvings often differ dramatically in both quality and price. A general rule is to spend time shopping around - do not purchase the first item you see just because you like it. With so many similar items available, competition is high for your peso. Perhaps you will return to that original item but chances are … [Read more...]