HAVE
YOU HEARD OF THE BOURBON AND CORN FLAKES ICE CREAM IN SAN
FRANCISCO? -- writes Carole from San Francisco,
USA -- I think one of the hottest neighborhoods in San Francisco
is the Mission District. Take the BART train and get off at
the 24th Street stop. You'll find the best Mexican and Central
American food and bakeries (try La Victoria, 2937 24th Street
for their wonderful pastry selection), artisan coffee shops,
Dynamo Donuts (2760 24th Street) and the incredible Humphrey
Slocombe ice cream parlour (2790 Harrison St) known for its
wild flavors like 'Secret Breakfast' (bourbon and corn flakes
flavour). You can also walk over to Mission Street where you'll
see many more excellent and reasonable restaurants and cafes.
At 2990 Mission Street there is a wonderful store called,
Samiramis Imports. They carry a huge selection of Middle Eastern
products, bulk Middle Eastern spices, several kinds of Halvah,
and fresh Pita bread. Have fun, everybody!
10
TIPS FOR ENJOYING PARIS -- From where to find
the creamiest, richest hot chocolate to the best-priced river
cruise in town to a centrally located, affordable two-star
hotel this advice will help you get the most out of your travel
stay. Oh-la-la! Click
here!
WIRELESS
IS FREE IN THIS AMSTERDAM HOTEL -- writes
Laura in Ottawa, Canada -- The
Avenue Hotel in Amsterdam is a brisk five-minute walk
from the main train station. It's not fancy and the rooms
are small, but it's spotless, the staff is friendly, and the
included breakfast is generous. And despite its location on
a busy street, it's surprisingly quiet (ask for a room at
the back if you're worried about noise). Prices are reasonable
for central Amsterdam and wireless is free, which is a bonus.
I've enjoyed it twice.
PASHMINAS
GALORE IN SINGAPORE -- writes Tess in London,
UK -- Having just returned from Singapore, I'd like to add
one thing to the Pashmina discussion and that is: buy one
there! I think Singapore is virtually the capital of pashminas
and you can get everything from cheapo three-for-ten-dollars
wool-and-silk versions in the street markets (try Temple street
area) to gorgeous handmade cashmere in any colour under the
sun. Just leave enough room in your case to take the other
dozen home for friends!
EDITOR'S NOTE: Shop, shop, shop around the world. Click here.
AN
INEXPENSIVE RESTAURANT IN PARIS -- writes
Suzanne in Kelowna, Canada -- My daughter and I found an inexpensive
restaurant called Café Med in Paris. It's located in
the 4th at 77 Rue St. Louis-en-L'Ile near Notre Dame Cathedral.
Lucky us, we found it quite by accident in our wanderings.
It has about 12 tables and each time we go there it's the
same lady serving everyone. For 13 euros or 19 euros, you
can get a three course meal consisting of salad, main course
and then dessert (wine is extra, of course). The food is excellent
and after a day of touring the ambiance is restive and interesting.
If you get there early and miss the busier times of the evening
the wait to get inside is not too long. We are going to Paris
again this September and I can hardly wait to eat at this
café again!
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is just one suggestion from our very popular article: 50 Ways to Save Money as You Travel
BE
SURE TO PACK A SARONG -- writes Connie in
Hoi An, Vietnam -- Add a sarong to your packing essentials
list. It's a handy and useful item to have on your travels;
it's lightweight, folds flat and won't take up much room in
your suitcase or backpack. Use your sarong as a beach cover-up,
a light blanket if you get chilled in between destinations,
a makeshift pillow (just roll it up), an impromptu change
room, and if you learn how to tie it, it magically transforms
into various articles of clothing like a dress, skirt or top.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Before you travel take a peek at 'What Should I Wear, Where' for 100's of useful clothing suggestions.
GIVING
BACK DURING YOUR TIME IN INDIA -- writes Susan
in Dunnville, Canada -- In Jaipur, India on a little back
street sits a center for street children called Ladli Jaipur.
About 60 girls attend Girls Ladli. They specialise in learning
jewellery-making. Stop by and the organizers will provide
tea and a tour. The street children will offer you their kindness.
Everything they make in this center is for sale - the best
souvenirs and gifts possible and everything goes to this charity.
Ladli is a project of the small, independent, non-profit organisation
I-India. As such, it relies entirely on the generous support
of customers, volunteers and donors. Their web site is www.ladli.org.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Are you a woman planning a trip to Northern India? We suggest reading, '12 Things You'll Find Difficult in That Part of the World.'
LOOK
THROUGH COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINES FOR LODGING --
writes Alexa in Harrisburg, USA -- I found a listing placed
by a professor at my alma mater advertising his apartment
in Rome available for rent during the school year (while he's
in New York teaching). I rented the apartment with bath, kitchen,
washing machine and TV for three weeks for 1000 Euros in total,
a better rate than I'd ever have gotten at a hotel. P.S.
While there I discovered the Open Door Bookshop (Via della
Lungaretta 23) in Trestevere. It's a wonderful, awesome, fantastic
bookshop owned by a native English speaker who has a free
book basket as well as a one euro bookshelf. Website: http://www.books-in-italy.com
Create
a language lesson for your kiddies...
I made
a Spanish to English vocabulary sheet for my young children
to take on our trip to the Dominican Republic. |
In
it I incorporated phrases for my child who is old enough
to have reading skills as well as cartoons for my pre-reader.
This type of 'play sheet' makes for a fun airplane activity
and also helps the kiddies get comfortable with the
culture and signage that they'll see at their destination.
This sheet probably also makes them think they know
more Spanish than Dora the Explorer! To see what this
sheet looks like,
Ladies, pack a compass... EDITOR'S NOTE:
If you haven't already read, 'Best
25 Things to Carry in Your Packpack' you'll find
it very helpful. |
Are
you always getting lost as you make your way from point
A to point B? All you need is a tiny, inexpensive compass
when you're exploring a new city. Then if you're digitally-challenged
like I am, you won't be left wondering when someone
says turn north at the next cross roads or go south
at the big supermarket. Makes sense, doesn't it?
