Doofus Travel Tips

The Safari

2011-12-21T01:47:00.000-08:00

As you can see that's the lion that greeted us in our safari. We drove up to Inverdoorn yesterday and started our safari late afternoon. Mr. Lion in his rest was unperturbed but we were not allowed to get out of the safari truck.

There is of course Mrs. Lion, Mr. Lion's hard working partner. We did not want to upset this one.

But there are so many other animals in this reserve including zebras, elands, springboks, hippos, rhinos and the imposing elegant giraffes, the topiary makers of the bush.

The Capetown Castle and Waterfront

2011-12-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

Today, we spent the day in the city as tomorrow we go to a safari for a few days. We headed for the waterfront only to realize when we arrived there that I have not placed the battery back in my camera. Tom left his purse in the hotel so we were far from happy. We decided to go back to the hotel and got everything we needed.

After recovering from our lapses, we went to the castle first and that was great as we were just on time for the noon hour cannon. What a show that was but what was more interesting was our encounter with Michael. When we arrived in the castle, we were so exhausted from our memory lapses of the morning that we just plopped ourselves on one of the empty tables in the coffee area. And Michael inherited us so we started talking. He told us he came from the same village as Mandela and described this for us. I twas quite interesting but Michael unhappily was called.

The castle museum is worth visiting as it tells the story of how the Cape was settled and the presence of the San people in the area.

After spending some time learning about the Cape history, we moved on back to the waterfront to enjoy fresh oysters and sushi. Our lady server is from New Jersey. What a pleasant surprise. We enjoyed the boats we can see from the restaurant coming in and out of the harbour. It was an enjoyable experience. Tomorrow will be the animal world.

Hermanus

2011-12-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

Hermanus was today's destination in our drive around the Western Cape. We followed the route by the water and the smell of the ocean is quite a change from the rose's and rosemary's. Once a small fishing village, it has now become a major resort because of the presence of large numbers of southern right whales from June to early December. As it was a Sunday, the beaches were full. We found a beautiful open restaurant right on the waterfront and enjoyed mussels cooked in sauvignon blanc with lots of thyme, celery, and onions.

You can dive here, kayak, rent a boat and go fishing or just do some crayfishing. We were welcomed by a group of seals as the whales are no longer around.

The Penguins of Simons Bay

2011-12-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

It was really the penguins that brought us to Simons Bay and Cape of Good Hope. How can you not love them? The penguins found this bay a worthwhile residence in 1987 and since the price of real estate in this area has really been rising and tourist numbers as well doing the same, why move? All they have to do is some usual tricks for the tourists and they are given comfortable five star nests and an audience so delighted with them. What more could they ask for?

Cape of Good Hope, Kalk's Bay, Cuba to Cape

2011-12-17T08:09:00.000-08:00

Remember your World History Lesson? I could very well remember memorizing this for the test and here I am standing right here looking at the ocean watching for those Spanish Galleons circumnavigating the world.

We then had lunch at Kalk's Bay. The waterfront all the way from Capetown was full as it was the weekend so it was hard to find parking but we were determined to have a taste of the fish and seafood fresh from the area so patiently we went on our hunt for parking and found one as someone was just leaving. And lo and behold, just below where we parked is the famous new year party restaurant called Cuba to Cape.

The interior is like that of a Paladar, those old houses transformed into restaurants with the servers wearing the Cubana outfits and Che Guevara tshirt and hat.

The menu is like an old newspaper in Cuba.

The food is superb. I had Paella and Tom had Boulliabaise and we truly enjoyed these.

Cape Agulhas, Southernmost Tip of Africa

2011-12-16T11:30:00.000-08:00

Today, we went driving once again and enjoyed the beautiful mountains of the Overburg. Route 62 is just so beautiful and along the way we passed by Montagu, a tiny, pretty town with hot springs. Here, we loaded up on dried fruits which we enjoyed in the car. Then, we had lunch in Swellendham in an old prison that was converted into a restaurant. The fish and chips was to die for. The fish has an almost tempura type coating.

But the big find of the day was Cape Agulhas. We saw the sign: Southermost Tip of Africa and just headed for it. When we arrived there we also saw the sign on one side is the Indian Ocean and on the other, the Atlantic Ocean. The Great Divide of the two oceans that we really wanted to see.

!Khwa TTU

2011-12-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

Remember the gods must be crazy? We did so when we saw that there is the San Cultural and Education Centre at Izerfonteine, we proceeded there and we were lucky enough to get a guide to bring us around the 850 acre property which used to be part of the traditional hunting ground for the San people. They have developed this place to show people about the San culture through the plants they traditionally use and the paintings of the older San who expressed their experience through graphics. We learned so much about the way the San people lived.

Bains Kloof Pass

2011-12-14T20:46:00.000-08:00

When in the Western Cape, one must try driving through some of the famous mountain pass. We tried the Bains Kloof Pass built by Thomas Bain between 1848-1852. It is such a winding fun and once on top, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the plains down with speckles of rain and sun to make for dramatic photos.

We went through Bains Kloof driving from Stellenbosch to Wellington and even when it was raining, the sun lights up some parts of the valley and you have a photographer's delight. We went up the pass via Wellington and got out in Ceres, Capetown's fruit capital. Got some cherries and drove off to Tulbagh.

Tulbagh

2011-12-14T20:45:00.000-08:00

Tulbagh was the day's surprise. We picked up some brochures in Ceres and Tulbagh looked really interesting. Our destination was !Kwah Tuu but the detour to Tulbagh looked short and interesting. And that was one good decision.

Tulbagh"s Church Street is the best example of 19th century Dutch colonial street.The street is not just a historical delight but also a culinary one. Most of the houses as often happens when tourists come have been transformed into guest houses or restaurants. So, we went in one of the restaurants that has an interesting common name, Restaurant 29. It looked like a garage but inside is an artist gallery but what attracted us was the sign, Belgian cooking. We badly wanted some coffee.

The Belgian Lady who owns the place has once lived in Canada (Aylmer, Whitby and Kingston) so the conversation became quite animated. Moreover, just outside is a peacock that kept pecking on the owner's dark blue shiny car. My husband thought that this is one ugly peacock who kept seeing his ugly face reflected on the car so he kept pecking on it. The gentleman owner was peeved as his car is almost classic but his wife kept feeding the peacock as her way of luring the peacock away from the car. The husband thinks of the day when he'll see that peacock in his pie, it's rightful place as far as he is concerned.

Franschoek

2011-12-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

On our second day, we woke up early and drove to Franschoek. We did not realize how close it was so when we arrived there, nothing was opened yet. We walked around and enjoyed the heritage left by the French Huguenots. They have a monument there with records of the first Huguenots who settled in the area.

The place has now billed itself as Capetown's culinary capital so we settled ourselves in one of the restaurants and enjoyed a hearty breakfast. Tom had a boerworst and mileiepap, a traditional South African breakfast.

Stellenbosch, South Africa

2011-12-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

The flight to South Africa was very pleasant. We slept very well in the plane and we did not have much wait time.So we arrived in Capetown refreshed. We picked up our car in the airport and drove out. It took us just about 30 minutes to reach our hotel, The Asara at Stellenbosch. Being in the wine country, we decided to stay in a wine estate which is a Chateau et Relais hotel. It is very nice and check in was a breeze with a pleasant glass of sparkling wine from the estate itself.

We cleaned up and immediately drove out to Stellenbosch to have a sense of where we are. Stellenbosch is a university town and it is a beautiful place. We walked around and got engaged in one of the stores where local women were weaving silk. We learned much about what they're doing and got a souvenir that the women just finished the day before. Satisfied that the place is interesting, we went back to our hotel where we had a very tasty dinner of springbok and Kudo with wines from the estate. My appetizer was something special:snails on bone marrow. It was delicious!

Planning our Christmas South Africa Trip

2011-12-10T22:02:00.000-08:00

Here we are waiting for our flight to go to our 2011 chosen holiday destination. We decide on this idea way back in November and immediately booked our ticket thinking that Christmas has its own rush that will make our options limited. So, we booked our flight, hotels, car and whatever else are needed for this Christmas holiday.

For the flight, I chose business but went for the cheapest advertised at Orbitz, a flight with Ethiopian Airlines thinking it was a member of Star Alliance. I don't know where I read this but there I was, frequent traveler that I am, just assuming this to be the case. My husband started to do his research on Ethiopian Airlines as we have never taken this before and yes, it is working hard to be part of the Star Alliance. The fact that Lufthansa is helping them made us feel more secure.

I got a bit nervous but then shelved it in an easy hiding compartment in my thoughts. One day, lo and behold, I got an email from Orbitz that Ethiopian cancelled the flight and if I can make another arrangement. Almost just a week before departure, this was unnerving. I called up Orbitz and moved the flight to another day but each time, I decide on the itinerary and Orbitz move to process it, the flight is gone. And worst, I had been cut off three times, too just when it is processing time. I finally took charge myself and went to Orbitz website and ended up booking a flight which is almost double the original price but in South African Airlines which is a much better airline and the flight going is direct to Johannesburg and then to Capetown.

There was another hitch, though. What I could get through Orbitz site is a connecting flight to Capetown in late afternoon which means a whole day wait at Johannesburg airport so another search to find out if there was still place in earlier South African Airlines flight from Johannesburg to Capetown. Upon ascertaining this, another call to Orbitz and with a processing fee for the change, we will have an earlier connection. I spent so many hours and felt so much stressed. I know thought that I can go through different routes and with patience we will get ourselves to South Africa.

I have learned my lesson. From now on, I will only book with airlines that have sufficient number of planes and have constant flights in my itinerary. Cheap is not good value when this happens. I could have gotten a much less expensive ticket in other airlines the first time we booked but I chose the cheapest and ended up going for the expensive flights as these were the only ones with seats available.

We are determined to enjoy this holiday and follow our trip as we go through some fabulous places in Capetown and vicinity.

Battambang, Cambodia's New Art Capital

2011-11-12T18:21:00.000-08:00

Battambang is now claiming to be Cambodia's new art capital after local artists launched its first arts festival. The Explo, short for explosion or exploration, attracted many foreigners and Cambodians from the art community as local artists painted on large blocks of ice, humans and other media their creative imagination could conceive.

Battambang art has in the past already been sung by Cambodian composers, most famous of which is Sinn Sisamouth considered to be the King of Khmer Music so although still laid back compared to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Battambang's artistic spirit continues to spark creativity. In fact, one of its students at the Battambang Institute of Technology recently won the prize in the national competition for the best computer graphics.

This initiative was spearheaded by two gallery owners in Battambang, Canadian David Ramjattan and Loven Ramos, after a successful art show in February, 2011. But at the heart of this creative stimulus in Battambang is a Cambodian NGO, Phare Ponleu Selpak. Founded in 1994 to develop the arts among the Battambang youth, Phare runs an art school and gallery. Two of its graduates just opened a gallery, Make Maek.

Another boost to the local artists is the opening of the art gallery,Sammaki, which now hosts workshops, tea parties for local artists with its artist in residence, Bo Rithy.

So watch out for the next art explo in Battambang next year and come with money if you are a collector. The galleries are now selling art from Battambang's artists in the 3 to 4 digit range and foreign collectors have now discovered Battambang as the place to go to.

Myanmar Frees Prisoners

2011-10-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

In the hope of becoming an active member of the world community and not just an adjunct of China, Myanmar has initiated reforms including the stop to the Chinese led dam on The Irawaddy. Most recently, it has freed prisoners mostly political. The numbers total between 200-300 depending on which side is reporting.

According to Reuters, the most prominent of those freed is a famous Myanmar comedian, Zarganar, sentenced in 2008 to 59 years in a remote prison for criticizing the then ruling generals on their sluggish response to Nargis, the cyclone that killed more than 140,000 in Myanmar.

Another prominent prisoner released was Sai Say Htan, the leader of the Shan State army who fought successive military regimes that ruled Myanmar after the 1962 coup.

Myanmar is slowly ending its isolation...the world is closely watching.

My Son Vietnam

2011-10-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

When we went to Hoi An, My Son attracted our attention as this was the religious center of the Champa Kingdom so spent a day there and the temple ruins say much of the Champa people of Vietnam. When you go, go early morning so you can enjoy the spiritual quiet of the place.

You can also see here the destruction of the bombing during the Vietnam war. Indeed sad. To know more about My Son, here's a good link: My Son Vietnam

Pchum Ben in Cambodia

2011-10-02T01:13:00.000-07:00

Phnom Penh streets were empty during Pchum Ben. Everyone who could went to their home province to pay homage to their dead. They believe that during Pchum Ben, the dead spirits come to their local temple and if you are no there to visit them, they will feel really bad. Businesses are closed for several days road accidents always go up at this time but nothing can stop the people from going home.

They bring food to the temple and offering as well. You should see them with wads of 100 or 500 riel and depending on how many bowls are left out in the temple, these are all filled. The more temples you visit, the more blessing you get.

Summer in Muskoka

2011-09-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

We just came back from a two and a half month summer in Canada. We had so much fun with family and friends at our summer cottage. Muskoka Lakes is one of the most beautiful places in Canada.

The best is always the Rib Night, a tradition we have had for years now.

The new feature is the floating dock, the only one in the lake right now. We bring this out in the middle of the lake and just float it in a spot we choose so we swim in different places, have different views as we lounge in the dock and dive in different spots. Awesome. Isn't that fun?

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Cambodia

2011-05-21T02:34:00.000-07:00

Today, Cambodia celebrates the Royal Ploughing Ceremony at the Veal Preahmein Square just in front of the National Museum in Phnom Penh. Together with their King, they prayed and invoked the gods for a prosperous and peaceful year. The prediction for what the year would be is based on what the 6 royal oxens would eat during the ceremony. Should they eat rice or grain or water, the people believe this is a year of plenty. Beans mean that the year is good for dry crops; wine means unrest in the country; grass means flood.

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The Best Natural Beaches in the Philippines

2011-05-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

Iloilo beaches are often overshadowed by the much promoted Boracay although they are in the same island of Panay. As most of the beautiful beaches of Iloilo have been kept in fishing families hands, they have largely been undeveloped given that the roads have only been improved recently. But go now as you still can enjoy the natural beauty without high story hotels all over the lace. Accommodations are still simple but the beaches in the different neighboring islands offer unique experiences. Rent a boat and go island hopping and discover the beauty that each of the islands offer. You will also mee some of the most accomodating island residents.

If you are a seafood fan, visit their fish port and just buy all the seafood you can eat. You will always find people in the island ready to cook these for you. For more info, go to http://www.squidoo.com/concepcion-iloilo

Red Apron Has Gone for the Top Wine Bar in Phnom Penh

2011-01-03T18:10:00.000-08:00

This is the wine bar to beat. Red Apron has just been renovated to become a three story wine haven. In white and red, this is the spot to be come Valentine's Day. Nothing offends your senses as you taste that tannin or the smell the hint of lime or vanilla in whatever wine you fancy. The choices for wines you just have to see for yourself. And these wines are properly stored, too. Time to sneak in here in-between shopping in Street 240. Enjoy a glass or two of wines you have not heard of before.

The 2011 Water Festival in Cambodia

2010-11-18T20:53:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Cambodia water festival has started in Battambang last weekend. The boat race was supposed to choose the ones that will go to the big Phnom Penh Water Festival. This boat race in the water festival in Phnom Penh has been cancelled because of the intense flooding making it difficult for the boaters to navigate the waters safely. The money can also be used to help the flood victims. A good move on the part of the government.

But for those who still want to revel, take heart. There will be concerts and booths still in Phnom Penh. In Siem Reap and Kep, they will also keep the annual celebration going. The excitement has started and time to pack your bags.

Charcoal Restaurant in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

2010-10-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

We usually go out for breakfast on Sundays and just around our place are several choices. We often go to Garden Cafe or Comme a la Maison. But today, we decided to go to Charcoal where we sometimes go for dinner. But we know they are open for breakfast as well. We have not been there for some time so we decided to pay it a visit.

What a pleasant surprise. I asked exactly for what I wanted to eat that morning. It was not on the menu but they were just happy to oblige. The coffee was also good that we ended up drinking two cups. I think we found a special place for our Sunday breakfast.

Georgian Bay Cruise

2010-07-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

Georgian Bay has just been designated by the United Nations as a unique biosphere reserve. Located in Ontario, Canada, you can cruise its around 30,000 islands through the Island Queen that departs from Parry Sound, Ontario. There are 2 cruises every day in the summer for two or three hours. We took the three hour wilderness cruise to have a good view of the vast unique biosphere that is Georgian Bay and enjoyed it so much.

Bring this tote with you for the cruise.

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The Depth of Hope

2010-02-24T23:13:00.000-08:00

Internationally acclaimed Cambodian artist, Chhim Sothy, will exhibit at Reyum Institute starting February 25 and will run through April, 2010. This series of work Sothy calls "The Depth of Hope". For him, it is about making hope far-reaching....projecting hope into the future...creating new ideas, new concepts to improve things and support the country. He himself constantly explores new approaches having painted before in traditional styles and now experimenting on different contemporary techniques. Reyum Institute is at Street 178, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Mr. Chhim Sothy works at the Ministry of Culture, Department of Fine Arts and handicrafts.

An Ibiza-style Champagne Dance Party in the Heart of the Cambodian Jungle

2010-02-24T21:24:00.000-08:00

Believe it or Not. I can hardly believe it myself when I read about this in the Phnom Penh Post (February 19-25, 2010). This, of course, includes a luxury style camping according to the Byron Perry, the author of the article.

The party set up close to a 12th century temple is just beyond my imagination. It seems "40 people went through over 250 bottles of Champagne". And for those interested, the organizer of this hype is Heritage Adventures. They set up trips for "incentive travel",that is,when companies reward their best performing employees. This group can handle everything so next time you want a no-holds-barred luxury extravaganza, come to Cambodia.

Sla Malou Residence, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

2010-02-14T22:47:00.000-08:00

Travelling to Cambodia? Consider staying at the banks of the Mekong and have a truly Asian experience. Sla Malou, while only a short drive to Phnom Penh, offers four spacious guest rooms with en suite bathroom, television, fans and airconditioners and safes. Each of the rooms is uniquely themed as The Chinese Bedroom, The Khmer Bedroom and the Master bedroom, Laotian-Chinese.

Located in a tropical garden filled with fruit trees, spices and flowers, it features a swimming pool, a large lounge, seating and dining terraces and an office with internet connection.

This is ideal for a small group travelling together desiring to experience a truly Asian atmosphere. This place will even give you a chance to enjoy Asian cooking in the kitchen. So, book your truly unique residence, call +855 011 982 786 or email: office@slamalou.com
For photos, look up www.//slamalou.com

How to Have a Grand Beach Vacation

2010-01-24T00:54:00.000-08:00

We all look forward to summer vacation. Just the mere thought of weeks without meeting deadlines and overtime work can already give one a feeling of being on cloud nine.

Nothing is more refreshing and exciting than spending vacation amidst crystal clear waters, cool sea breeze, and exotic food. So how can you have a grand beach vacation? Here are some useful and practical tips to help you out.

• Surf the web
The internet is the best place to start. Most resorts advertise their services in the web.

Surf and look for resorts which interest you and visit their sites. The websites can provide you with many information about the resort and gives you a bird's eye view of what they offer including amenities, transportation, hotel rates, recreation, and tourist destinations. Furthermore, you can also avail of promos and other great deals from the resorts.

• Try something different

Do you always spend your vacation at the same place? Are you bored of the usual

places you go to? Well, now is the best time to try something different. Summer opens opportunities for people to travel far and wide. Go somewhere else and discover the wonders of other local destinations or visit beaches in other countries. Aside from the shift in the environment, you can also meet new friends and be exposed to a different culture. By doing so, you can add more spice to your vacation.

• Plan with your friends
Summer is the best time to bond with your friends. By planning your beach

vacation together, you can agree on a place to go, hotel to stay in, activities to do, and get major savings. Avail of group packages and have fun together without damaging your pockets.

• Spend vacation with your family
Tighten family ties this summer vacation by spending a few days with your

family at a beach resort. Go swimming or snorkeling together with your kin. Have a beach barbecue or a campfire and party the night away with people who love you the most.

• Go on a cruise

Haven't tried it yet? Well, this time indulge yourself on a cruise for a few

days. Although you have to pay more than usual, the benefits are great. There's no need to worry about hotel reservations or transportation. Plus, you get to meet other people and visit places you've never been to. In addition, you have more sufficient time to relax and enjoy your vacation.

We are living in a fast paced world we often neglect our body's cry for rest. Summer is fast approaching and with weeks of free time on your hands, treat your mind and body by spending your vacation at the beach. Rejuvenate yourself by being close to nature and having a wonderful time as well.

There are many beaches to choose from. If you want to have a grand beach

vacation, now is the time to start planning and looking for possible destinations. Surf the web, go somewhere else, try something different and plan with your friends or family for memorable grand beach vacation.

Copyright 2009
By Stephanie Prevendido

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Prevendido

The Best Dive Spot in Asia

2010-01-14T19:06:00.000-08:00

Head to the Philippines. This archipelago of over 7,000 islands with about 40,000 sq.km. of coral reefs is home to vaulting underwater cathedrals with a kaleidoscope of sea life exploding in color. The convergence of the Pacific Ocean, the South China, Sulu and Celebes Seas provides some unique and magnificent marine sanctuaries and parks for both novice and advanced divers to explore. For the highly adventurous divers, there are some whirlpools to traverse and some of the deepest drop offs to feed your abyss frenzy. For history buffs, the islands' shores are scattered with World War II wrecks. In addition, the usual internationally recognized certification courses and refreshers are available in many resorts as well as equipment rentals and dive packages. The islands are not far from each other and are mostly accessible from Manila, Cebu and other major cities. You can practically dive your way through from the north of the country to the south. Or take a dive safari and visit only the top sites. From March to October would be your best bet on weather. Here are some of the hot diving spots you must try:....Read on

The Bridge of the River Kwai

2010-01-10T00:24:00.000-08:00

Spanning the Kwae Yai River, this iconic railway was built by Allied prisoners of war during World War II. Started in 1942, this 415 kilometers long bridge from Rachaburi to Myanmar claimed over 100,000 prisoners dying during its construction. A Commonwealth Graves Commission maintained cemetery close to the bridge now honors the bravery and sacrifice of these prisoners. It is worth a visit when your are in Thailand. It is located in Kanchanaburi Province of Thailand, about two and a half hours ride from Bangkok.

Red Apron: Fine Wine Tasting in Phnom Penh

2009-12-02T01:19:00.000-08:00

Red Apron in Street 240, Phnom Penh, Cambodia is a haven for wine enthusiasts. The selection is superb and the service is exceptional. You can buy some of the best wines in the world in this store. Those of you who are believers of the dictum: Life is too short to drink cheap wine will not be disappointed with Red Apron's offering. If you are a group, bring some cheese and sample some of their best wines. Red Apron will not fail to give you an enjoyable evening.

Bon Om Tuk in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

2009-10-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

Today, Phnom Penh is busy preparing to celebrate tomorrow's festival, Bon Om Tuk, ow Water Festival. The performers are busy practicing in the different temporary theaters set up in the parks in the city. But the most famous of the performances is the boat race on the Tonle Sap River on November 1, 2009. Boats from the different provinces come to join the race. Each team goes on its own rythmn with the lead guy in the boat conducting with his hand or with a drum or with his paddle. It is very colorful and offers a great spectacle to both locals and tourists.

This festival is celebrated on the occasion of the Tonle Sap River turning its course. It is also to commemorate the victory of Jayavarman VII over the Chams who invaded the Khmer Kingdom. As well, it is to celebrate the end of the monsoons and the beginning of the fishing season.

The Sisowath Riverside is the best venue to view the race. There are many restaurants with second or third floors to give you a good view. For some of us, the Foreign Correspondents' Club or the FCC as it is known in Phnom Penh is the best place to get a really good view of the celebration.

White Rose Restaurant, Battambang, Cambodia

2009-10-24T23:19:00.000-07:00

When you go around Cambodia, most likely, you will go through Battambang Province, a bustling province close to the Thai border. It is famous for its sweet oranges around September and October as well as its unique Cambodian cuisine. To try this, go to White Rose Restaurant. It is right at a strategic corner of the big market and shopping area. As you go in the restaurant, you will see the tables always full of both foreigners and locals. You must try the coconut smoothie made from a very milky coconut that only grows in that province. You can also buy this coconut from the restaurant to bring home with you, keep very cold in the fridge to be enjoyed in your own home made smoothie. They also make other types of smoothies from a variety of local fruits ranging from papaya, to honey pineapple, dragon fruit and whatever are in season. This is worth a stop for a very good meal.

Ancestral Spirits: Paying Respect

2009-09-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Cambodia just finished Pchum Ben, a week of visiting pagodas to honor the ancestral spirits. Most Cambodians, at least, visit 3 pagodas.

In their finest clothes, Cambodians line up in pagodas to offer incense, food and money. You see them in the streets carrying their rice containers. From these, they scoop rice over bowls lined up in long tables at the pagoda. In between these bowls were trays for the money offering. Bundles of hundred Khmer bills were offered. Pagodas provide music to make the days festive.

Wine and Airport Travel

2009-09-12T22:41:00.000-07:00

With all the duty free stores selling some of your favorite wines or spirits at discount prices, the temptation is strong to pick up one. Before you do this, make sure you have a direct flight to your destination and you carry with you only the required quantity allowed by the country you are going to. Some countries like Maldives do not allow you to bring in wine. They will confiscate it in the airport but will give it back to you before you leave. The hassle is not worth it.

If you have a stop over, just don't bother to bring a bottle or two of your favorite wine in your carry on luggage. Even if you are in transit, going through security all over again, chances are these bottles will be confiscated. I was in HK airport just last week and the expensive ice wine I bought in Vancouver was confiscated by security so am here in Phnom Penh apologizing to my friends for not giving them a taste of Canadian icewine.

Village Works Travel Bag

2009-05-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

Village Works is an NGO located in the corner fronting Toul Sleng Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This place is known as the prison where many Khmers who had any connection with the ruling government at that time were executed by the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot. Village Works help many disabled and land mine victims to become more productive and thus, enjoy a quality of life all humans aspire to. One of the good buys in this center is this cloth travel bag stamped with fish. As you can see in the picture, you can carry this by hand or hang it on your shoulder. It is big enough for a weekend or overnight or as a carry on in an airline. Its two pockets on one side are useful for travel documents and the open pockets on the other side are for books and snacks or other things you want easy access to. The fabric is strong and looks classy in cotton hand printed with the fish design.

How to Find Vacation Rentals

2009-04-03T01:41:00.000-07:00

If you have stayed in vacation rentals or holiday villas and have booked the same place for your next vacation, you are really, really, REALLY, lucky. Finding the ideal vacation rental is part science, part prayer, but mainly just plain hard work. They are not all Gates Hotels and you must have heard horror stories from your relatives and friends of places they have rented as featured dream castles, only to find out they had been sentenced to a week in an undrained bog at the end of an unmarked road with a leaky roof. Pictures, nowadays, can be easily...ahhhhh....enhanced to look magnificent and descriptions can be twisted to Wordsworthian flights of bucolic fantasy. Well, it is not too late to learn to be a smart vacation shopper. If you take the time needed to do your homework, chances are, you will be rewarded with gems you will always treasure. So, here are some tips:

Ta Phrom Temple, Angkor, Cambodia

2009-03-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

Listen up! You may not have heard the name of this fabulous temple before, but, for certain, you will recognise it. Think Tomb Raider. Think Angelina Jolie being directed by the little girl to the jasmine plant before she fell down the hole into the temple. Beyond this, it is certainly the most published photograph of Angkor...more

Plan for a Day in a Spa

2009-03-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

The spa explosion has elevated the old bang-‘em-up massage into an "experience" in self-indulgence, reality escape and psyche reconstruction not seen since the magic mushroom of 1970. All over the world spas are competing for the best services they can offer and as the shortage of skilled spa workers is massive, many women and men are justifiably wary of them. Fields of ignorance include getting stripped or not, smack and bang massages that will make them ache for days or whether they'll get a male or a female therapist. Hmmmmmm. Or just a simple concern on tipping for the service. These may be simple issues for those already spa-ed out but for someone who has never been in a spa, they are quite intimidating. Many new users haven't a clue about the etiquette expected in the use of a spa. And often the spas themselves don't really bother about etiquette. They just describe the treatments and the services which many times are just as alien to first-time users as an ayurvedic donut! Here are a few tips:

Restore Your Well being after a Long Flight

2009-03-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be great to teleport, to do a Captain Kirk and just arrive where you want to be? Well, not yet, and the Dream Liner giving you more fresh air and a quieter ride is still a year or so off. And, even more, the discomfort doesn't end upon arrival. Jet lag can whack you out for days if your travel makes you cross time zones. Some trips may be longer but as long as you don't cross times zones, you will feel better after a good night sleep. Despite people's claims, you can't escape the impact of a long trip. You can minimize it and prepare yourself not to stress over it. So...what to do? Here are some measures to take after a long flight.

How to Choose a Restaurant

2009-03-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

The big event! The proposal....a business deal closer.....Mother's Day.....Spouse's Birthday....How do you pick a restaurant? Well, the occasion itself will shape your choice even though most of the time you are not conscious of this. Food is one factor, but the environment and location are important too. And that is what makes the difference. When you take the time to choose, oftentimes you are rewarded with a great gastronomic experience built around the ambiance of the restaurant and the attitude of the staff serving you. Here are some things to consider...read more

Travel to Sihanuokville

2009-03-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

French Indo China ended half a century ago, but the smells, sites and memories of those days linger on. Sihanoukville is a relatively modern city founded as a Port in those colonial days. When Cambodia was still part of pre Dien Bien Phu Indochina, international trade was conducted down through the Mekong, that great flowing artery of so many countries (and so many other memories!). But when Cambodia became independent, it needed unfettered access to the ocean so a port was started here. Sihanoukville is now a great tourist destination with international visitors sprinting to its sparkling beaches and gentle waves.

The city sits in a beach bordered peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Thailand but as it is only just being discovered as a tropical getaway, beach life is still squeezed up-market. Sihanoukville beaches offer fresh seafood straight from the ocean, scuba diving for the adventurous with good SSI and PADI diving schools, island hopping, kayaking, boating, sailing, windsurfing and beach parties for those who want to enjoy such night life. With regularly scheduled air conditioned buses zipping down some decent highways, you can also easily explore the other nearby coastal cities of Kep, Koh Kong and Kampot. You can also take the coastal route from Thailand which goes through these Cambodian coastal cities onward to Vietnam. What a great route to explore even with a thin wallet. Here are some tips that may help in your Sihanoukville travel....read more

Phnom Penh's Phsars

2009-02-13T22:59:00.000-08:00

In Khmer, Phsar is a market and Phnom Penh has great traditional markets that are really fun and really international.....well....sort of! Some of these, like the Russian Market and the Central Market are very popular to tourists as they are colourful and filled with better products, too. These two are part of every tourist itinerary in Phnom Penh as they not only offer the avid shopper lots of really inexpensive souvenirs but also glimpses of the local culinary culture from deep fried cockroaches to sparrow like Colonel Saunders imitations. You get even more of this....eh....local color in the even more traditional markets not frequented by tourists but just as lively and more colorful, as Cambodians buy their everyday needs from these places. In fact, when you take a walk in the city, you often come across street or neighborhood markets. From pots and pans to cloth and shirts and every tropical vegetable and fruit imaginable....they sell them all....at really local prices. But if you are only visiting, try exploring any of the following....AND TAKE YOUR CAMERA!

Interesting Short Trips from Phnom Penh

2009-02-13T22:52:00.000-08:00

The Cambodian countryside offers not only the scenic views of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap with its pagodas, rice paddies and tiny villages but also offers pre-Angkorian and Angkorian ruins that allow you to understand better and appreciate the culture of the Khmers at certain times of history. So get out of Phnom Penh, the capital city. It is easy to take day trips now that the road system has really been improved. Your hotels will readily arrange transport for you. If you are more adventurous, take the buses and experience the regular travel experience of ordinary Khmers. Most of the places are on the bus routes and once you arrive there, there are always motodups (a ride at the back of the motorbike driver) or tuktuks (three wheelers) that will take you to the site from the bus stops. Try some of these day trip options...read more

Get Informed About Stupas

2009-02-01T01:30:00.000-08:00

Ignorance may be bliss....but not only is it bovine, it truly limits enjoyment of new things. So, here is a Stupa primer to help you out a bit in Asia's Buddhist countries. First of all, you do not have to be a Buddhist to get a feeling for Stupas or to experience a linking with these holy places. Originally, a stupa was a simple mound of mud or clay to cover relics of the Buddha. But today, these monuments have become centers of prayer for the committed as well as magnets for people want to drink in more of other cultures. It is said that after the parinirvana, the remains of the Buddha were cremated and the ashes divided and buried under eight stupas with two further stupas encasing the urn and the embers. Time and tide have erased most certainty as to the location of the original ten monuments and, as in most belief systems, there are more than a few competitors. Of the really old stupas still intact today, most are believed at least by the locals, to contain relics of the Buddha and the belief can make it true to the believer.
When a great Buddhist teacher passes away, the belief is that his mind dwells in that spot forever in an unchanging way and Buddhists erect a stupa in his honor. Sometimes called Chorten (Tibetan), Chaityas (Nepali), Chedi (Thai), Tope (Hindi), Dagobah (Sinhalese), or Zedi (Myanmar), these stupas have become lively centers of worship. More and more are constructed as Buddhists find the act of contributing to the building of the stupa as the highest form of giving...more information that may be useful to your understanding of the stupas

Visit Kathmandu Valley

2009-02-01T01:19:00.000-08:00

Situated in the heart of the Himalayas, the Kathmandu Valley is home to Nepal's three most visited cities: Kantipur or Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city, Lalitpur or Patan and Bhaktapur. Kathmandu Valley has an amazingly rich history that still surrounds you today. As you trudge, the streets festooned with water, cameras, assorted family and a tiger balm vendor, you often bump into old temples, shrines, courtyards, wells and vintage houses with beautifully carved windows and doors. This woodwork is the hallmark of the valley and it is stunning. This Valley hosts 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, the two most important Buddhist Stupas, Swayambunath and Boudanath and two famous Hindu shrines, Pashupatinath Temple and Changu Narayan. The UN actually got this right...and these sites are a huge surprise to the visitors who only experienced the mountains. It is a place worth a long stay...read more

Rural Tourism

2009-01-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

As cities homogenize cultures and people, countrysides can be the last hold out against cola, jeans, Toyotas and Chelsea. If you want to celebrate the fantastic differences we have explored as 6 plus billion animals fitting into the world, target rural tourism and the countryside. Small villages and farming communities still provide a great peek into histories and not just of other cultures, but of our own community of humans, where major chunks are still occupied by indigenous people who haven't discovered Twinkies, Cheeze Whiz or Max Factor. Rural tourism is a growth industry, not just farm stays...that's different. This small village trend is becoming so popular that, guess what? It has become a planned activity by many villages all over the world. So, if you want to see reality and not a stage play of actors by firelight, start planning now. Here's the good news.

Choose Your Vacation Spot

2008-12-14T18:54:00.000-08:00

Vacation travel can be a rainbow of experiences, not just a monochrome one beach, one bar bad burger chill. It can really deepen and enrich your thoughts about being a world citizen in our great shared kaleidoscope of cultures, congregations and traditions. You don't just learn about history, topography, biodiversity and development, you live it, eat it, breath it and it becomes part of who you are. Vacation travel should not be an arms length telescope. That's what travel books are for. Getting out there is your microscope on the world, looking as closely as you can get at the real cut and thrust of the world. There are hundreds of destinations in the world worth considering when you plan to go on vacation. There are so many places that offer beaches, mountains, great food and wine, culture, shopping, nature and entertainment. How do you choose from all these places? Well, here's a start:

How to Choose a Hotel

2008-12-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

Check the stars! Most of us look at the stars when we want to book a hotel to get some sense of what might happen. And now some of the top-enders have gone to diamonds to rate their properties in an escalation of exaggeration that is almost heroic. Don’t bother about those 5 stars or diamonds..or half moons that many should use. What about the no stars boutique hotel that is a one of a kind? Blinded by choice…read on.

Go for location, like buying a house. If you are on vacation, it’s often better to stay at the center of town where restaurants and shops abound. It makes it easy, each day, to get transport or walk to the action and to drop off purchases or broken shoes in your room. You save time and money as you can just walk or take a short ride to the hotel from wherever you are. If you are a…ahhhhh…mature traveler, you can take rest breaks in your room before savaging the next shop, cathedral or bar. Sometimes, even a difference of $50 will be worth spending given some of the wild taxi costs that hit you to go to museums or restaurants. Or, of course, where you can have a panoramic view of the mountains if that is your destination...continue

Oman-Vogue's 2008 Hot Spot

2008-11-19T06:33:00.000-08:00

Oman...Muscat.......frankincense in the warm desert breeze, the smell of rare spices...chatter of the souks...the roaring silence of the desert. A warm and welcoming people with a vibrant history and a positive feeling for the future. Vogue has chosen it as the destination for 2008. With its wadis and deserts, its beaches and mountain areas and its forts, old souks, weekend village markets and camel racing, Oman has caught the imagination of almost all who come to its shores.

Almost everyday, there is a cruise ship anchored in Muscat or Salalah and this is no surprise as Muscat was, even as early as the 1st century, already acknowledged as a notable port by the Greek geographers. The city lies on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman and is close to the strategic Straits of Hormuz. Presently, it is the capital of the Sultanate as well as its commercial center.

Visiting Oman is easy. You can get a visa at any entry point. Roads are excellent so getting around is not a problem. There are many things to do and here are some of the highlights...read more

Travel to Myanmar

2008-10-31T00:03:00.000-07:00

Myanmar (Burma)...an enigma to most of the world...but a rare treat for experienced travelers with a sense of adventure. Some say "I'm going to a place because everyone is going!" The Myanmar types are the exact opposite...and if that describes you...read on. Cyclone Nagris devastated the country killing so many people and galvanized world attention. But memory stretches far back to Kipling's poem Mandalay, when Myanmar was a major center of the British Empire. But Myanmar has not been on the tourist trails for many years. With sanctions against the ruling military junta, tourism has been spotty. It is not an easy place...think Thailand in 1970. You have to use cash, which is a hassle. But your adventure will bring you to the field of jars, pagodas, temples, stupas and monasteries full of worshippers still practicing most of their age-old traditional ceremonies...read more

Green Your Travels

2008-10-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

If you think Green travels mean a bad stomach or unbrushed teeth, you should read this! No lectures required about carbon emissions, aircraft or environment...so let's get right to how you can be a little more comfortable with your carbon footprint even if you have to travel. Maybe you will feel a bit less guilty about vacation trips and the other assorted unwinding activities that are tied into travel. Here are some simple choices you can make...read more

How to Choose Luggage

2008-10-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

The self-destroying suitcase! The handle-less handbag!!! The splintered hardshell! The 20-Kilo-when-empty mega-case! The one-trip-wonder!!! You probably have luggage experiences that range from funny to frustrating and you undoubtedly have bags that don't make sense anymore in the new travel environment. The concept of luggage has evolved. Quantity is still an issue...but today it isn't "How Much"....but "How Little". This really affects your choice of luggage. The search for that magic bag starts with looking for the lightest you can get at the perfect size to give you enough carrying space without taking you beyond the airline weight limits. Of course, weight is not the only concern when you choose your luggage. You probably have seen your luggage cracked or its zippers burst or probably gone with all your things placed inside the airline plastic bag. Read more

How to Enjoy a Trip to Sri Lanka

2008-10-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

You probably must be saying "Whaaaaat?????" But think for a minute....there are some small risks....about the same as not going on vacation and driving your car in your home city! For the tens of thousands of Europeans who come to Sri Lanka annually, there is no change....here they come again. And if you can visit right now, when the drop in tourist traffic is light, there are so many travel bargains that it is really Sri Lanka on sale! Read more

How to Plan a Trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia

2008-10-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Cambodia recently passed the 2 million tourist arrivals threshold and the boom is just beginning. Get here soon, or you will miss one of Asia's great bargains as it moves up the cost stairway and becomes another Thailand. If you're seeing the problems between Cambodia and Thailand, don't worry, that's up on the Northern borders and less a threat than California fires to new Englanders. Angkor Wat is the great magnet, some say the greatest archaeological showcase in Asia. But there is so much more to Cambodia, especially in its capital city. Phnom Penh, dubbed in the past as the Paris of the East, has recently revitalized its parks with fountains and lights and spruced up its French colonial heritage buildings. It is a growing city where about a tenth of Cambodia's population live and the pace of life is just about right....read more

Airline Check-In

2008-10-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

With flights now requiring you to check in at the airport several hours prior to boarding, the experience has become one you would rather skip. However, short of time sharing an air taxi, really there is no way around it. However, here are a few things that can make this unpleasant experience less stressful.

Take a positive attitude. Arrive with great anticipation of the surprises in store for you as you stride through the long walks meeting people intent on their destination. Breathe in their sense of purpose. Enjoy the incomprehensible incoherent and incongruent happenings around you. May they all bring a smile to your lips. If you start off ugly it will only get worse. Take a book so you can read if you get in long lines. Winding yourself up will definitely not help...read more.

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

2008-09-30T00:57:00.000-07:00

This is your view at the Sigiriya Village Hotel, just outside of the dining room. You can also enjoy this view lounging in thePlanter's Chair right at your own bungalow. But what is Sigiriya about?

Sigiriya is a prehistoric site of the mesolithic period. Its name came from Simha-giri which means Lion Mountain. A former monastic settlement and royal palace, it is one of the best preserved surviving urban sites in Asia. It consists of a series of concentric precincts, the outermost of which, seems to form a precise geometrical rectangle.

If you plan to visit the site, go early in the morning. Be there when it opens at 7 a.m. so you can try for the top or at least, at the foot of the Lion. You can arrange a trip from Colombo or from any hotel in Sri Lanka. This is a great break from a two-week beach holiday.

Travel Clothing Best Choices

2008-09-30T00:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been on trips where you lug your mass of baggage only to find yourself stuck with bad choices as the events of each day unfold? Then you see your friend's single suitcase and she seems to be so well put together each day. Well, here are a few tips: read more

Jayana,Phnom Penh,Cambodia

2008-04-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

When you happen to be in Phnom Penh and want to get some of those Cambodian souvenirs, check this store out. They design beautiful dresses, purses made of silk, recycled products, and other small wallets and gifts.

Not only that, they also have an internet shop right at the store where you can call cheaply anywhere in the world in a private booth and read your e-mails in a comfortable setting.

Here are the contact details:

Monica
#4A, Street 57, Sk. BKK1, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel. 855 11 878 990; 855 23 350 205
E mail: jayanacambodia@yahoo.com

Heritage Friendly Businesses

2008-04-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

Every year, US$6 billion worth of antiquities are stolen all over the world. Collectors can help a lot in this campaign. When you happen to be in Cambodia, look for heritage friendly businesses. The Heritage Friendly Tourism campaign initiated in Cambodia has encouraged businesses to be heritage friendly. These are businesses that try hard to give back to Cambodia by supporting education, artists, heritage preservation, and other forms of development.

How to Travel Safely with Your Valuables

2008-04-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

Often, when you are in new place, you become a bit panicky about your money and other valuables, especially your travel documents, jewelry or electronic devices. You start thinking of stories you have read or remember terror tales from friends and you become so worried about your safety and the security of your “stuff” that you tip-toe around the edges of a new place with a new culture and miss so much. To keep you more relaxed, keep these things in mind...read more

That Seat is Mine!

2008-04-22T01:23:00.000-07:00

How airlines assign seat is often a puzzle even for frequent fliers. Some small airlines that are able to avoid the joys of computers at check-in counters have left this process transparent by letting you choose your seat when you check in. The boarding passes are arranged according to the way the seats are arranged in the plane, so it is easy to choose. Other airlines allow you to print your own boarding pass and give you selection on the internet.
But, however it is done, the real issue is to increase your odds of getting the seat you want. Different people have different strategies. Often though, seats in the middle of a row, or those close to the washrooms or service areas, or seats with the movie screen right on top of you with its glaring light... are seen by most as the seats to avoid. And if you don't take some action, the odds are you will get one of these! To be close to getting your preferred seat, here are some things you can try.....read more

How To Keep A Travel Journal

2008-03-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

Journals have become as much a part of our lives as they were for our counterparts in the 19th century and before. We have facebooks and websites and diet records and even the...

read more

How to Stay Healthy When You Travel

2008-03-30T23:26:00.000-07:00

Concerned about getting sick when you travel? Here is an article you can read.

Okay, okay, okay, sometimes you are going to get the colleywobbles, as my grandma used to say, but you can reduce the odds and get some sensible management techniques when the...

read more

Iloilo, Philippines

2008-02-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

Looking for beautiful beaches? The central part of the Philippines boasts of beautiful beaches, some of these still undeveloped. One example is the town of Concepcion in Iloilo. The white beaches and the inviting waters offer some of the best snorkeling experiences. There are lots of corals and fish especially in some areas that are protected marine sanctuaries.

When you come to Iloilo, you don't only find beautiful beaches. Iloilo is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines. When you go there in February, the famous Jaro fiesta attracts home the old residents. At this time, the many old Spanish houses are once again alive in its quiet splendour.

Some of the old churches constructed during the Spanish times have been well preserved in so many of the towns in Iloilo. To mention a few, there is the famous Miag-ao Church, Molo, Cabatuan and several others.

People in Iloilo are also fun loving. It is located in Panay island, so named because when the Spaniards came, they saw it teeming with food. The rice fields produce abundantly and its waters pride itself as the fishing ground of the Philippines. So for the Spaniards, "Pan Hay" which means there is food.

So, next time you visit the Philippines, don't just stay in Manila. Fly to Iloilo. It is only an hour away.

Travel Details

2008-02-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

I am in Phnom Pehn. Cambodia. I just came back from the Thai Airways Office to change a ticket that they issued in Male, Maldives. The staff told me that they don't have an office in Male and that I should call up the travel agent in Male to do the changes. I was surprised at this as it was a Thai Airways Office I went into in Male. I usually don't go to travel agents precisely because of my fear that in case I change, they have no branch in wherever city I happen to be in.
Well, I just told her firmly, it was a Thai office with staff in the same uniform and that she should contact them. She relented, finally, as I had no travel agent to call nor do I know the office telephone number. It is just good that I have enough time, at least a month, so I am not panicking.

Lesson #1: Always get a telephone number from the agent or office you buy your ticket from or any other reservation you make when you travel.

Lesson #2: Always book or change early any airfare or hotel reservation.

Travel to Southeast Asia

2008-02-03T01:14:00.000-08:00

The best months to go are December, January, and

February as the weather is pleasant. It is not very hot.

It is also harvest time so people are happier and

there are many festivals.

The temples in Asia are so different. Many of them

are still being used for offerings and prayers.

The temples of Angkor are "must see". One can only

marvel at the civilization that created these.