Hai! My name is Vijay and I live in Chennai. Chennai, though a very pleasant city in many other ways, gets intolerably hot in summer. This year, Chennai recorded the second highest temperature in two years! We were melting in our clothes. This is why, we shouted with joy when my father told us he was taking to Kodaikanal (a hill station) for a leisurely summer vacation. Our father booked the tickets through the Internet, for our railway … [Read more...]
The Flood, The Tsunami Dec 26
If there is a Paradise on earth it must be here. We repeatedly confirm each other in that statement, several times a day. Mai's Quiet Zone is the name of the little resort where we live, here in the Northern part of Khao Lak. It is not a misnomer. With her husband, the Thai woman Mai has created an area where everything breathes idyllic peace. On the beach are some practical little red brick and bamboo bungalows. Two storey bungalows encircle … [Read more...]
My Foreign Language
The preparation for the trip back to Vietnam was almost as unsettling as the trip itself. Mom didn't want me to go because she was afraid something might happen to me. I had planned to go with several other people, including a Vietnamese guy who goes by his Catholic name of 'Matthew,' and I had assured mom that Matthew would look after me since he had gone back several times already. Father had demanded that I not go because he didn't want me … [Read more...]
Saddlebag Lake Resort, CA – February 2006
Saddlebag Lake Resort is located at over 10,000 feet in California's spectacular eastern Sierra Nevada mountains just off of Highway 120 (Tioga Pass). The access road leads off of Highway 120 about half way between the nearby Tioga and Ellery Lakes. The 2 mile drive up is mostly on a rocky dirt road (with two steep sections of pavement) all uphill (suitable for passenger vehicles). The lake was built in 1919 by the Southern Sierra Power … [Read more...]
Huaraz, Peru – Lodging
The height of the tourist season mirrors the climbing season from mid May through the end of September. We have been to Huaraz a number of times, mostly in the climbing season. However during our latest visit we came to Huaraz outside of the climbing season and it was amazing to see how few tourists were in town, and as a result the hostels and hotels were rather empty. Our Recommendations La Cabana Hotel is a small family run … [Read more...]
Huaraz, Peru – More Info
Banks Several local and national banks are located in Huaraz as well as 24/7 ATM's - these are all located close to the Plaza del Armas and downtown area. We've used a variety of ATM cards during our trips to Huaraz and never had any problems with the ATM's in town. Money Many of the trekking agencies only accept cash. All convenience stores only accept cash. Pharmacies and some restaurants accept major credit cards. As in other parts of … [Read more...]
Oasis at Death Valley – January 2006
Oasis at Death Valley (formerly The Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort) is located just above the floor of Death Valley. It is a gated 66-room desert resort located close to the world's lowest golf course. The best time to visit this resort is in the winter months as then you usually escape the soaring heat that Death Valley is best known for. Very central place to call home in the park for a few days. Desert hiking, canyon exploring, horse back … [Read more...]
Death Valley, CA
Death Valley is a very unique and fascinating park. It is a land of stark contrasts and great natural extremes. It is the largest national park in the lower 48 states and as a national park, only dates from 1994. Synonymous with California - a small part of the park is actually in the state of Nevada. Death Valley National Park is 3.4 million acres - as a result visitors need at least 3-4 days to get a "feel" for the park and to visit and … [Read more...]
Death Valley, CA – The Heat
The heat here is simply awesome. Death Valley on average is the hottest place in the world. Its that simple - this valley can "cook". Names such as Stovepipe Wells, Furnace Creek, Devils Golf Course and Hells Gate are a dead giveaway as to the types of temperatures this valley experiences. Historically July is the hottest month of the year although late June can also see extreme temperatures. Seasons are turned around compared to typical … [Read more...]
Death Valley, CA – Accomodation
CAMPING Death Valley National Park features a variety of campgrounds, some quite large like the 1000+ Sunset campground near Furnace creek (only open in the winter months), to just a few camp spaces. Many campgrounds close for the summer season - approximately mid April through mid October. For the campgrounds that do stay open in the summer months, often the prices will be cheaper. We have often found campgrounds closed in the park due to … [Read more...]
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