When
and where should women not wear hats? -- writes
Graeme in Auckland, New Zealand -- I'm the
male partner of a member of your Journeywoman Network and I'm
also an anthropologist (for what that's worth). Hats, like any
kind of clothing or bodily adornment always carry a message
of some kind 'in' the visual language of wherever you happen
to be. Whether you like it or not your favourite hat which the
locals are used to in your local laundromat may mean more and
different things somewhere else. Regarding hats, the only place
I know much about is Indonesia (especially Bali) and there men
wear hats more than women. The only women who seem to wear them
are agricultural workers who want to protect their already brownish
skins from the blackening effects of the sun. It's a beauty
thing. They wear either big straw hats or turbans of whatever
cloth is available. In a mosque a female keeps her head covered.
She doesn't in a Balinese temple. This is getting complicated
but I guess the message is there is no universal 'hat' rule
and the easy solution is simply to ask with honesty and humility
and most people will be only too happy to tell you what is appropriate.
ED. NOTE: If you're interested in many more
tips about 'when and where not to wear a hat' as you travel,
please see: http://www.journeywoman.com/travel101/hats1.html
New
Mexico's Real Mexican food -- writes Monika
from Albuquerque, New Mexico -- I thought female travellers
to my part of the world would appreciate this food stop. One
of my favorite New Mexican restaurants is actually located in
a drugstore -- a former soda fountain that has become a little
restaurant. It is definitely not a Tex Mex franchise -- it serves
excellent enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and other local specialties.
The name of the drugstore is Durans and it's located on 1815
Central Avenue. There is no 'restaurant' sign outside so with
this special information you are now an Albuquerque insider.
Enjoy, everybody!
Yummy
crepes in Oxford, England -- writes Brandi
from Kentucky, USA -- Especially if you have a serious
craving for a delicious dessert, The Cleo Creperie in Oxford
is a perfect spot to take an afternoon break from sightseeing.
I know; I discovered this yummy spot when I lived in Oxford.
Cleo Creperie is located on Gloucester Green very near the main
bus station. This place serves seriously sinful, amazingly rich
crepes and ice cream as well as a full menu. My favorite 'sin'
was a crepe aptly called the English Rose. It was packed with
buttered bread pudding, lightly warmed, covered in melted milk
chocolate, and finished off with a scoop of premium vanilla
ice cream. Oh my goodness it was good. Give it a try, ladies!
Telephone: 01865 791898
A
solo-friendly food stop in Amsterdam
-- writes Mara from The Netherlands -- I love
the suggestions and tips women provide for Journeywoman. Now
I want to share something with you from my part of the world.
There's one place in Amsterdam I've taken almost all my American,
Canadian and Dutch friends for dinner when I happen to be in
the neighborhood. It's called Wagamama and it serves inexpensive,
fresh, tasty noodle and rice dishes. I really like it for solo
travellers because there is no designated seating. You can join
others at tables where there are empty seats. Try getting there
before 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday evening. This popular
spot fills up quickly. In the summertime there's also the possibility
to have your meal outside overlooking the Max Euweplein (a little
city square) Address: Max Euweplein 10 . Tel. 0031-(0)20 528
ED. NOTE: For over 100 more female-friendly restaurant recommendations submitted by JourneyWomen worldwide, please check this part of our JW website: http://www.journeywoman.com/travel101/great_eats.htm
A
delightful cure for jetlag in
Singapore -- writes Elizabeth from Singapore
-- If you find yourself in Singapore wide awake in the very
early morning, rather than tossing in bed for hours, hop into
a taxi and head for the Botanic Gardens. You'll find a stroll
around Symphony Lake with its water lilies, ducks, turtles and
koi (goldfish) very restful and comforting. Then when you're
ready for something a little more exotic, head for the Garden's
'reflexology' path in the Bukit Timah Core and give your feet
a free massage. Highly recommended! Website: http://www.sbg.org.sg/index.asp
ED. NOTE: Want to read more about sleeping
well and overcoming jetlag? Please read: http://www.journeywoman.com/msbiz/sleeplessseattle.html
Stunning
silk fashion in Thailand -- writes Lyn
from Boulder, Colorado, USA -- I found the most magnificent
women's clothing store in Phuket. It's called the Silk Closet.
The owner personally designs all the clothes in the shop and
uses only the finest silk. Her clothes are exquisite in design,
impeccable in workmanship and an incredible value. I bought
over a dozen garments from blouses to long skirts. Styles range
from everyday to high couture. And, she'll even work with you
to create unique clothing to suit your personal taste and style.
There are three locations in Phuket. Find out more at http://www.silkcloset.com.
ED. NOTE: JourneyWomen researching Thailand
will enjoy these two archived articles jam-packed with lots
of fabulous tips and pieces of advice:
http://www.journeywoman.com/gfc/thailand_experience1.html
and http://www.journeywoman.com/traveltales/other_bangkok.htm
| Our
travel tip newsletter is free, free, free...
Once you've registered then please email your mothers, sisters, grannies, daughters, girlfriends, aunts, sisters-in-law and mothers-in-law and tell them about tell them about our practical female-centered travel advice. Who knows? They might like to join as well. We welcome each and every woman no matter where in the world she lives. And, if you're a man and you want to join us, too --
why not? The more the merrier! You'll learn some pretty
neat secrets -- like where the Queen of England buys her
bras and where to find the cutest Dutch men. |
