TEA
AND SUNGLASSES IN AFRICA -- writes Grace
in Chicago, USA -- Listen, ladies. I grew up in Kenya
and while the sky might be the most beautiful you've ever seen
anywhere in the world, the sun is probably much stronger than
what you're normally used to. So make sure you wear hats with
brims, enough sun screen and sun glasses. Then make sure to
remove your sunglasses when entering homes and buildings. Where
I come from keeping your sunglasses on indoors is considered
rude and disrespectful. And if you are going down to the coast,
look for the hot chai (tea) they serve. It actually works to
cool you down when the air feels like a sauna. In Voi and Taita
Hills, near Mombasa, hot chai is served in every home. I suggest
you drink up because it's the only heat control you'll have
up there.
EDITOR'S NOTE: -- Another tip. We also love this African archived article called: Outdoor Bathrooms Are Scary Things
BEST CREPES CLOSE TO TORONTO'S ART GALLERY --
writes Erica from Toronto, Canada -- Check
out the Art Square Cafe right across from the Art Gallery of
Ontario. It's cozy, the staff is warm and welcoming and the
crepes (buckwheat or white) are mouthwatering. I was there with
a friend for brunch. We shared the Spinach and Walnut crepe
and the Grilled Chicken & Mayan Organic Dark Chocolate crepe
(yes, chicken and chocolate). Both were fabulous. This is a
perfect stop before or after a visit to the Art Gallery. Address:
334 Dundas Street West. Website: http://www.artsquaregallery.ca/Cafe/index.html
P.S. This cafe has a small gallery adjoining the cafe as well.
PERFECT
PRESENTS FROM VIETNAM -- writes Journeywoman
Editor, Evelyn Hannon -- Of all the shopping I've done
around the world, Ho Chi Minh City is probably the absolute
best for buying great gifts under $5.00 and $10 (big splurge
items) I've ever seen. Try Ben Thanh Market in one of the liveliest
shopping areas in the city. This market is huge but I warn you
it is hot and humid inside. Be prepared to sweat for your bargains
(I carried my paper fan and used it -- a lot). My sweetest find
was a collection of shoe bags hand embroidered with patterns
of fancy very high-heeled shoes. They are great for packing
(thin and flat) and a perfect sample of the lovely hand-crafted
items so readily available in this country. Remember to bargain
hard. Offer 75% of the asking price and then you'll probably
both agree to meet somewhere in the middle.
EDITOR'S NOTE: -- You'll laugh reading THIS story, She Learns How to Cross Streets in Vietnam
GUIDEBOOKS
CAN BE EXPENSIVE TO BUY -- writes Lisa
in the Bronx, USA -- Make time before your trip to
stop by the library and see if they have copies of newspapers
from the area you're traveling to. Spend a little bit of time
reading and you'll be more familiar with the politics, the current
events, the department store sales and the sports news at your
destination. These topics generally make great conversation
starters with the locals. Like to use the internet for research?
Try www.onlinenewspapers.com
for a listing of 1000 newspapers from around the world.
BEGGING
CHILDREN IN INDIA -- writes Asha in
Bangalore, India -- I was reading the Journeywoman
article on begging
children and thought I would share what I did about donations
for children this time. I found that there are many agencies
which provide a free afternoon meal to school children in India's
Government schools. I gave my money to this cause. That way
I was helping to feed many children and to encourage them to
stay in school (while at the same time not encouraging begging).
For other reader's information one such agency in Bangalore
is Akshaypatra (meaning vessel that never runs out of food),
run by ISKCON. Their website is: http://www.akshayapatra.org
A
CHIC FEMALE-OWNED SPOT TO STOP IN LIMA, PERU --
writes Lidia in Berkeley, USA -- I recently
spent a couple of days in Lima on my way to Cuzco. I stayed
at a very comfortable, centrally located, well priced and chic
place there. The female owner is extremely nice and very helpful
about getting around in Lima, and she can also help you book
tours inside Peru, even before you get to Lima. The website
is www.irissoceanhideaway.com
and the phone number is 011 511 255-7048. Please check it out.
I'm pleased to recommend it.
Worth a chuckle...
Dolores Shares, Golden Gateways Newsletter |
A
missionary nun on a home visit wanted to bring a wheelchair
back as a gift for one of her patients but airline regulations
wouldn't allow it. So, she found her own very simple solution.
She sat herself down in the wheelchair, rolled to the
counter and asked for assistance.
