The following is general information to be aware of when traveling in Vang Vieng. These are arranged in no particular order - they are just some insights Dave wants to pass on from his experience traveling in Vang Vieng. MoneyThe Lao "Kip" is the unit of currency for Laos. The kip fluctuates tremendously from week to week. The largest bill in circulation was a 10,000 kip note which is valued at slightly more then 1 USD. As a souvenir to give … [Read more...]
Zanzibar – More Information
In addition to the below websites additional information about Zanzibar can be received by either writing or calling the following organizations: Tanzanian Embassy 2139 R Street NW Washington DC, 20008 Phone: 202.939.6125 | www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org General Information www.africatravelresource.com/africa/tanzania/c/zanzibar an excellent Zanzibar info resource www.ecoculture-zanzibar.org culture Tours -tour operator on Zanzibar … [Read more...]
Bangkok, Thailand – Day Trips
The following destinations range from half day to very long day trips from Bangkok. AYUTTHAYA used to be the largest and main city in Thailand before Bangkok. Its located about 90 minutes north of Bangkok by bus (via the Mo Chit bus station) or about 2 hours by train from the Hua Lampong train station in Bangkok. It is well worth seeing if you have a day. It takes most of the day to see this city when you count your travel and visiting … [Read more...]
Sherlock Holmes Museum, London – August 2001
Sherlock Holmes Museum London - If you are ever in London, England step back in time and be sure to visit the World's Most Famous Address which is the Sherlock Holmes Museum located at 221 b Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson lived at 221b Baker Street between 1881-1904, according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Today the inside of the house is kept in the same style as in Victorian times. The museum is open … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya – Attractions
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...]
Send your name to Mars – February 2001
Send your name to Mars! Well space travel isn't quite available to the general public to Mars yet - so why not at least send your name to Mars? NASA collected about 1.6 million names which they burned to a CD and sent to Mars on a 2003 expedition. This was a success and hopefully NASA will run this type of promotion in the future. You can also send a message in a time capsule to space. Visit KEO's message submission page here: … [Read more...]
Xcalak, Mexico – Directions
Up until the 1990s one would have had a very difficult time getting to Xcalak via overland transportation. In 1998 the road linking Xcalak and Highway 307 was paved which dramatically cut down travel time. And the road into Xcalak is also paved - it used to also be dirt. For travelers, by far the easiest and cheapest way to get to Xcalak from the rest of the Yucatan is with a rental car. From Cancun, Highway 307 is a very good highway (no … [Read more...]
Paros, Greece – More Info
Paros Specific www.annaplatanou.gr Anna Platanou offers rooms and apartments with full facilities by the beach in Paros Parikia old town family atmosphere, low prices www.paros-online.com provides you with all the practical information you need to travel around Greece and Paros www.paros.gr/en official Paros tourism guide www.parosparadise.com stay with Michael and Karin Shepherd at their apartments www.parosweb.com by … [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...]
Chamonix, France – Other Attractions
The town of Chamonix offers plenty of shopping, relaxing or people watching. Chamonix reminds me of Whistler, British Columbia. It has the feel of being a high mountain village when in actuality it sits only approximately 3400 feet above sea level. Many local tourist shops sell stunning photographs of the surrounding mountains. These photographs are often only a few euros and are good presents for friends and family. However purchasing frames … [Read more...]