Corvallis, Oregon is a small college town of about 50,000 full time residents. Located only about a 90 minute drive south of Portland - in the western part of the state. Home to Oregon State University (the Beavers) - a college that produced the graduate who invented the mouse for the computer - also where Hewlett-Packard's inkjet printing process was developed. Geographically the town sits in the coastal foothills - and is surrounded by … [Read more...]
Vientiane, Laos
Vientiane, set along the meandering Mekong River, is the very laid back peaceful capital city of Laos. This city is in stark contrast to the chaotic bustling streets of Bangkok or select other South East Asian cities! Vientiane is small enough that its not an overwhelming city (population 135,000) and you can find your way around quite easily. If you do get lost, there is usually a Tuk-tuk eagerly waiting to whisk you away to your destination. … [Read more...]
Vientiane, Laos – Food
For under several dollars or euros one can get a typical Lao meal from one of the many street side restaurants. Many of these restaurants serve several different varieties of soups - most of these restaurants have either street side seating or seating set back in the restaurant (usually just one room). Typically the soups will consist of some meat and some type of sprouts, mint, and other greens. Usually the soups are not spicy - the spices … [Read more...]
Fat City, Sacramento CA – July 2003
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...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 154
- 155
- 156
- 157
- 158
- …
- 173
- Next Page »