Excellent cell and data coverage exists throughout the island. We recommend using a phone that has a local SIM card installed with a pre-paid Internet and calling plan. This is the cheapest way to stay online - rather then using roaming data. Sim cards are sold at local convenience stores - or at the airport in Athens. Greek phones are operated by Organismos Tilepikoinonion Ellados. If you follow some simple steps when using a Greek telephone … [Read more...]
Paros, Greece – Parikia
Parikia is the hub of Paros. The large whitewashed windmill is a prominent landmark which greets visitors when entering Parikia Bay; it stands next to the ferry arrival and departure area. This windmill's thatched roof seems to be in a state of progressed decay and its large windmill is usually just a skeleton. Typically there are several large cloths that are draped over the wood supports. Did you know that it actually snowed in Paros in … [Read more...]
Bishop, CA – White Mountain Hike
White Mountain is one of 15 summits in California over 14,000 feet. Along with Shasta it is the only other 14,000+ mountain in California outside of the Sierra Nevada mountains. One of the oldest permanent settlements in North America was located 12,600 feet up one of the sides of White Mountain. This is the highest of the former permanent Indian settlements; there are several encampments slightly lower in elevation. The dirt White Mountain road … [Read more...]
Redding, CA – Hotels
Some hotels below are rated with the AAA rating system meaning the higher the number of stars, the better the hotel. Any prices listed range from single occupancy/single bed/one person, to double occupancy/two beds/two persons. Prices are subject to change without notice. One of the most popular locations for chain hotels is along Hilltop Drive which parallels the 5 freeway on it's eastern side. Several older style motels are located downtown … [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 – More Info
This is information that was not able to find a home in any of the other categories in this article. Bathrooms Drinking Fountains Travel Books ID Cards Internet Access Student Organizations Links Airlines Transportation Budget General Tours Bathrooms Just about all the public bathrooms in Europe have an access charge. Usually this runs from several cents to several dollars depending on the country … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Big Pine Hotels
Note: The prices listed below range from single person/one bed to double occupancy/2 beds. Prices are subject to change without notice. All Phone Numbers are in the 760 area code unless otherwise noted. Big Pine Motel is located at 370 South Main Street and they are rated 2 stars. 14 rooms. They have a complete courtyard with a gazebo and benches. One story. They also have BBQ and fish cleaning facilities. Easy access to the … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Lodging
Some of these mining towns are relatively small so lodging is limited. Some of these hotels listed below are historic. The prices vary somewhat depending on the season. Prices subject to change without notice. Our readers often email us concerning a specific property. If we hear anything specific about a particular hotel we will be sure to mention it here. These towns are alphabetized. All Phone Numbers unless otherwise noted are 209 area … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Shopping
There are an incredible array of shopping centers, malls, and shopping districts in San Francisco. There are vast tourist shopping areas selling everything from electronic equipment to post cards. When I play tourist south of Union square, Chinatown, and south of Market street, I am often amazed by the great number of shops all selling similar items. As you walk through these shopping sections soon every store almost looks the same. You will … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Accommodations
The following is only a partial list of lodging options in San Francisco. A wide range of hotels are listed that accommodate various budgets. Prices range from the low (single occupancy/off season) to the high (double occupancy/high season) and are subject to change at any time. The downtown/financial district tends to be quite expensive and crowded. For budget travelers recommended lodging is in the outskirts of San Francisco - for example a … [Read more...]