Fat City Bar & Café was located right in the heart of Old Sacramento (Old Town is worth visiting in its own right). This was a historic restaurant favorite with locals and tourists alike. It was housed in a building that was originally constructed in 1849, the heart of California's gold rush. This building was supposedly home to Sacramento's first general store and was one of the first buildings in town. It was constructed and originally … [Read more...]
Morocco – Chefchaouen
According to several locals we met Chefchaouen is not the true Moroccan experience - they informed us that it has received too much influence from Spain. That said, having a Spanish influence does in no way detract from this town. This is somewhat of a tourist town - I was here during some far away war, viral outbreak or other scare and there were very few tourists present. Most of the locals I met were very welcoming and some were quite … [Read more...]
Lily’s, Mt. Shasta City, CA – June 2003
Lily's Restaurant is located in Mt. Shasta City and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are located on the corner at 1013 S. Mt. Shasta Blvd - just look for the white picket fence. Parking is on the side streets or in their parking lot behind the restaurant. Their breakfasts are excellent and are sizable. Be sure to try their home made soups. Outdoor dining is available when the weather permits. If the weather is warm the outdoor … [Read more...]
Meeting People Online
One of the greatest joys and experiences while traveling is meeting individuals who actually live in the area you will be visiting. Who better to meet than the "locals" as chances are they will be your best tour guides. When I travel I always try to meet people in advance of my trip. During previous trips I have had the good fortune of meeting some great people and forming lasting relationships. Additionally I have been able to stay for free with … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos
Vang Vieng (population about 25,000) is located in central southern Laos about a 4 hour bus ride north of the capital city of Vientiane or about 7 hours south of the town of Luang Prabang. If you enter Vang Vieng by bus you will be dropped off on a huge gravel runway on the edge of town. A brisk several minute walk across the runway will bring you to the main part of town. Signs for guesthouses or restaurants call out from almost every single … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Caving
The caving opportunities that surround Vang Vieng is in one word, awesome! There are many many small unexplored caves, and the ones that have been explored often have minimal facilities...usually just a guide who carries a small lead acid battery hooked up to a head light. If you are lucky the guide will have extra lead-acid headlights. Unlike more "developed caves" the caves near Vang Vieng are not improved inside at all. Rarely will their be … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Water Activities
Several tour companies located along the main street in Vang Vieng offer kayaking trips bundled with cave explorations and stops at small villages just north of town. Each tour operator displays a small billboard in front of their shop; these 'signs' are always covered with items such as photos from previous trips and pleased customer comments. Single day trips range in price from $15 to $25 dollars US. Its always a good idea to shop around … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Lodging
There are many guesthouses setup for travelers in Vang Vieng - most reasonably priced. Air conditioning is certainly available in some of the guest homes. The guest homes that we visited are comfortable, safe and clean. Diamond Gold Hotel, formerly Bungalow Thavonsouk is located really close to the Bamboo Footbridge overlooking the Nam Song River. They offer bamboo thatched lodges - essentially small bungalows overlooking the river. There is … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Food
There are many many restaurants in this town - most catering to the backpackers. One restaurant I found serves only authentic Lao food and is not known by the tourists at all. I had about 6 meals here and never once saw another tourist. Not having been able to determine the name of this restaurant a location description will have to do. From the Bus station located along the gravel airstrip walk west toward the town of Vang Vieng. Almost … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – More Information
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...]
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