The British-based low-cost airline Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com,) began service this week between Budapest, Hungary and Moscow, and also serves destinations in Ukraine.
The budget airlines are starting to make inroads in the Russian market, which is good news for flyers. According to an article in www.eurocheapo.com, several low cost carriers now have flights to Russia, including Easyjet (www.easyjet.com.) Oslo-based Norwegian has flights to St. Petersburg.
Wizz Air currently flies to Kiev and Donetsk in Ukraine, and will begin flying to Lviv next year. Vueling, a Spanish budget airline, also flies to Russia. Apparently even Aeroflot (www.aeroflot.com,) the major Russian airline, will soon have a low-cost subsidiary.
Now if Rusia would just ease up on its visa requirements, it might someday become a major tourist destination. It certainly deserves to be.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Seonyudo Park - Part 2
My partner in crime: Chrystal
크리스틀, 널 보고 싶당!!
I have blogged about this park before here but without personal experience I couldn't review on how tranquil the place was and how gorgeous this park will be during my favorite season; autumn. T_T Arghh...as the weather is getting cooler in Seoul now, it makes me miss autumn so much!!
Bun Sok - my WWOOF host from Joy Farm has suggested this park due to its uniqueness.
Unique? Because... Seonyudo Park is located in the middle of Han River! It seems like a small secluded island in the middle of a bustling city.
Bun Sok supports ecological projects and stuff so she urged me to check it out but I have delayed the visit so many times because the place is just so so close from where I stay, Sinchon...lalalalala...excuse, excuse and more excuses.
Back then ( in 2009), I have set it aside as one of my to-visit list but it only materialized after a meet-up with my dearest friend from Malaysia; Chrystal. We visited Seonyudo Park on a very hot day of the 16th May 2013.
Initially, I followed the direction that I have blogged myself here, hence I chose to take the bus from Dangsan station. However, I think it's easier to just take the bus after you exit from Hapjeong Station.
The bus number to Seonyudo Park is either:
- Blue bus - 603
- Green bus - 5714
The bus stop id is 19-277 and the bus stop name in Korean is 선요도공원. If you have Seoul Bus application and know how to use NaverMap application, it would be a whole lot easier to navigate your way.
Just...an encouragement to get you to study Korean...kekeke.
How to go to Seonyudo Park?
출발 (chulbal) is where you start. You can see the bus icon there and that is where Hapjeong station is located.
도착 (dochak) is your destination; Seonyudo Park.
Once you reach Hapjeong Station (Line 2 or 6); go out from exit 9 and walk towards the bus stop which is in the middle of the street. Take the blue bus, number 603. Once you get on the bus, press the bell and get down at the next bus stop. Yup...only one stop!! Don't sleep...heheh. The ride will cost you 1,050 won (price may change).
The bus stop id at Hapjeong station is 14-012 and the bus stop name in Korean is 합정역.남경호텔.
You gonna pass by this gorgeous bridge before you reach Seonyudo Park but me and Chrystal chose to walk from Hapjeong Station to Seonyudo park instead.
The very green Seonyudo park is just behind Chrystal!
More information on KNTO.
More pictures in my Facebook here.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Cheap Weekend Getaways
Even if you don't have the time and/or money to take a long vacation, with a long weekend getaway you can enjoy a new destination and a change of scene. Check out a blog at www.ukbeautyreview.com for some suggestions on how to keep costs under control on a weekend break.
The author suggests flying on a Thursday rather than Friday if possible, and waiting until the last minute for the best air fares. Also, try to avoid major holidays or sports events in your destination city. Rather than burden yourself with a travel guidebook, he counsels, just look up the top 10 things to do in your destination city online.
I would also suggest that you may just want to sit around at a cafe when you reach your city, and if possible get suggestions from locals on the best things to see and do. You might also make new friends this way.
Of course it is far easier to travel to interesting cities for a weekend break from the UK than it is from most cities in North America. Budget airlines fly from the UK to places such as Riga, Latvia, Prague, Czechoslovakia, and Barcelona, Spain on a regular basis.
Still, it is possible in North America. The destinations may not be so exotic, but they can be equally fun. Sign up for air fare alerts from all the major carriers that serve your city, or your closest airport. Sometimes you can find some amazing last-minute deals.
And speaking of last-minute deals, Via Rail Canada (www.viarail.ca) recently offered a one-day only sale that reduced prices greatly on many of their routes, such as Toronto to Montreal for only $27 one way.
The author suggests flying on a Thursday rather than Friday if possible, and waiting until the last minute for the best air fares. Also, try to avoid major holidays or sports events in your destination city. Rather than burden yourself with a travel guidebook, he counsels, just look up the top 10 things to do in your destination city online.
I would also suggest that you may just want to sit around at a cafe when you reach your city, and if possible get suggestions from locals on the best things to see and do. You might also make new friends this way.
Of course it is far easier to travel to interesting cities for a weekend break from the UK than it is from most cities in North America. Budget airlines fly from the UK to places such as Riga, Latvia, Prague, Czechoslovakia, and Barcelona, Spain on a regular basis.
Still, it is possible in North America. The destinations may not be so exotic, but they can be equally fun. Sign up for air fare alerts from all the major carriers that serve your city, or your closest airport. Sometimes you can find some amazing last-minute deals.
And speaking of last-minute deals, Via Rail Canada (www.viarail.ca) recently offered a one-day only sale that reduced prices greatly on many of their routes, such as Toronto to Montreal for only $27 one way.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Rent Apartments for Savings
One way to beat the high cost of hotels when you travel is by renting apartments directly from their owners. An apartment gives you a place to stay, a place to cook and sometimes a place to park. Rates are per apartment, so they are especially well-suited to couples, families or groups. Even the smallest apartments usually accommodate at least three people.
One good source for rentals is www.tripadvisor.comé They list apartments in pricey cities such as Washington and Moscow for prices well under $100 per night. Some apartments have minimum stay requirements.
For example, in the central area of Dupont Circle in Washington, a one-bedroom condo goes for as little as $88. Farther out in the lovely Palisades neighborhood northwest of Georgetown, you can rent a studio for as little as $62 a night, a one-bedroom for as little as $74. Given all the free attractions in Washington, and the possiblity of cooking at home, a stay in one of these places could be a real budget vacation.
Similarly in Moscow, a centrally-located one-bedroom flat goes for as little as $74 per night. Depending on the season of the year, Moscow hotels can be quite pricey and this sounds like a real bargain.
One good source for rentals is www.tripadvisor.comé They list apartments in pricey cities such as Washington and Moscow for prices well under $100 per night. Some apartments have minimum stay requirements.
For example, in the central area of Dupont Circle in Washington, a one-bedroom condo goes for as little as $88. Farther out in the lovely Palisades neighborhood northwest of Georgetown, you can rent a studio for as little as $62 a night, a one-bedroom for as little as $74. Given all the free attractions in Washington, and the possiblity of cooking at home, a stay in one of these places could be a real budget vacation.
Similarly in Moscow, a centrally-located one-bedroom flat goes for as little as $74 per night. Depending on the season of the year, Moscow hotels can be quite pricey and this sounds like a real bargain.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Casino Moscow
That is the title of an excellent book on Russia and Eastern Europe during the 1990s, when the area was known as the Wild East. The subtitle is A Tale of Greed and Adventure on Capitalism's Wildest Frontier, and it is indeed a good read.
The author is Matthew Brzezinski, a descendant of Polish landowners who found himself at loose ends in the early 90s after his Montreal construction business went bankrupt. Like many young people at that time, he headed east to see what was happening now that the Soviet Empire had collapsed.
He certainly found a lot of adventure. He barely survived a home invasion and beating in Kiev, and sometimes dining at Moscow's top restaurants was almost as dangerous. As a reporter for the Wall Street Journal in Moscow he had access to many oligarchs and other top people. His girlfirend and now wife Roberta was even better connected, and he tells of how the size of his yacht dreams varied with her potential commissions on deals.
It all came crashing down in 1998 when Russia defaulted on its external obligations and its stock market collapsed. Then the foreign investors discovered that it was a lot easier to make money in the Wild East than it was to take that money out of the country.
I have long regretted that I did not visit Russia in the decade following the collapse of the Soviet Union, when it was so exciting. Now it seems much tamer, but still always interesting. Through this book, though, I was able to get a good idea of what it must have been like.
The author is Matthew Brzezinski, a descendant of Polish landowners who found himself at loose ends in the early 90s after his Montreal construction business went bankrupt. Like many young people at that time, he headed east to see what was happening now that the Soviet Empire had collapsed.
He certainly found a lot of adventure. He barely survived a home invasion and beating in Kiev, and sometimes dining at Moscow's top restaurants was almost as dangerous. As a reporter for the Wall Street Journal in Moscow he had access to many oligarchs and other top people. His girlfirend and now wife Roberta was even better connected, and he tells of how the size of his yacht dreams varied with her potential commissions on deals.
It all came crashing down in 1998 when Russia defaulted on its external obligations and its stock market collapsed. Then the foreign investors discovered that it was a lot easier to make money in the Wild East than it was to take that money out of the country.
I have long regretted that I did not visit Russia in the decade following the collapse of the Soviet Union, when it was so exciting. Now it seems much tamer, but still always interesting. Through this book, though, I was able to get a good idea of what it must have been like.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Alcohol in Rice Cake
I have been shot by a few curious readers whether rice cake or tteokbokki is permissible for Muslim.
"Hey, just wanna ask if tteok are generally permissible for muslim to eat? Always thought that they contain soju/alcohol...Thanks" - on Crazy Tteok in Hongdae
~by anonymous
Under my investigator mode and some lurking over here and there on Naver and Google search engine, I found some answers:
- what kind of alcohol was put in rice cake
- the term used in Korean for alcohol in food
- how much is the alcohol content in rice cake (in this case: SOGA brand)
- is rice cake permissible for Muslim?
Rice Cake, brand: Soga from Pulmuone
Image from E-Mart
Picture 1: Alcohol put in rice cake is called as 주정
Picture 2: 발효 알콜 - alcoholic fermentation process
Research 1
Alcohol put in rice cake is called as:
- 주정 (Picture 1) - Ethanol
- 알콜 (Picture 2) - Alcohol
Based on this question, on Naver; the question was answered in detail.
주정(酒精): 알코올의 한 가지. 술의 주성분으로서 주로 녹말로 만드는 무색투명한 액체.
Ethanol (酒精): one kind of alcohol. Of alcohol as a main component to make mostly colorless and transparent liquid starch.
Research 2
A detail research on alcohol: Alcohol - The Myth and The Realities by Dr. Mian
N. Riaz (He has a Ph.D. and presently working as food scientist
with Texas A&M University in Texas.)
Dr. Mian N. Riaz said:
"Alcohol (ethanol, ethyl alcohol) is usually made from starch,
sugar and other carbohydrates by fermentation with yeast; also,
synthetically from acetylene or ethylene. It is clear, colorless,
very mobile, flammable liquid; a pleasant odor; burning taste;
and miscible with water and with many organic liquids. It is hygroscopic
and relatively nonionic. Ethanol has a slightly sweet taste and
a characteristic aroma."
"ethyl is the best-known alcohol and the one that concern us most,
as it is the principal alcohol to be found in all alcoholic beverages."
"
There is no any difference between ethyl alcohol and ethanol.
Both are the same thing except two different names."
"Muslims don't have to worry, if they find a
food label statement which says "sugar alcohol."
" The non- alcoholic drinks may not be entirely
free from alcohol, as there is no known process that will extract
all the alcohol from an alcoholic drink.(2)
The small traces of alcohol make the labeling of the beverages
an issue."
"From the above discussion, it is clear all alcohols and liquors
are not same. Some are intoxicants and some are not. Often, alcohol
and liquor are used simply as a description. Therefore, Muslims
should not be confused or worried with terminology. However, if
any intoxicant liquor or alcohol is used in any product then we
should avoid that product. In Islam, all intoxicants are Haram whether
they are in liquid, solid or in any other form and in any quantity."
Research 3
Yahoo Questions: What foods contain ethanol?
"Ethanol CAN be obtained in foods through fermentation. Many
fruits and/or other foods with sugars can ferment in the presence of
yeast. However, this process normally doesn't happen because the food
would need to be in a container that allows CO2 to be released, yet keep
oxygen out. Oxygen effectively stops the process. A good example of
this is bread. Many leavened breads produce a small amount of ethanol
through the yeast reactions."
Research 4
Research 5
I have personally sent an email to Pulmuone for the rice cake's brand SOGA.
Please ignore my bad Korean.
This is the reply from Pulmuone's representative.
"
안녕하세요.
풀무원이샵 담당자입니다.
풀무원에서는 유통기한을 연장하기 위한 합성첨가물을 사용하지 않기 때문에...
저희 떡, 면 등의 제품에는 유통기한 확보를 위해 주정을 사용합니다.
말씀하신 떡제품에는 떡중량의 0.4%정도의 주정이 사용되며,
이는 대부분 조리과정에서 휘발/ 제거됩니다.
대부분 알콜알레르기가 있으신 분들도 제품에 사용된 주정이 문제되지 않는 수준이므로
제품 이용에 문제는 없으실 듯 합니다만....
안내드린 내용을 참고하셔서 제품이용을 부탁드립니다.
감사합니다."
Translation (I tried to translate it as best as I could):
"Hello,
I am Pulmuone's representative.
In order not to use synthetic additives to prolong the shelf-life of Pulmuone's product, we use alcohol instead to prolong the shelf-life of the products for example rice cake, noodles and etc.
As the referred rice cake products (SOGA - in my email), from the total weight of the rice cake (which is 600gm of rice cake) 0.4% is the alcohol perused (about 2.4 gm). Most of it (volatile alcohol) will be removed (evaporated) after the cooking process (for example: after making the tteokbokki)
Most people who have alcohol allergy; in other words will not have any problem using the products (from Pulmuone) because of the alcohol level perused in the products.
We would be glad that you could use our products after the information given as reference.
Thank you"
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Queen Mary 2 Deals
There are some great prices for Trans Atlantic crossings on Cunard's (www.cunard.com)Queen Mary 2 this fall and winter. Rates for the seven day crossing between New York and Southampton start at only $699 per day per person, or about $100 per day. Considering that this includes your cabin (probably inside) all your meals and lots of free entertainment, it is hard to beat.
These deals are available on sailings on October 27, November 19, and January 3. This could be a nice treat for Thanksgiving or to see in the New Year. The Atlantic can be rough in winter, but it can also be bad in summer--it's all part of the sailing experience.
While I have yet to sail on the Queen Mary 2, I have crossed twice on the Queen Elizabeth 2, her smaller sister, and enjoyed both voyages a lot.
If you prefer to sail along the coast of New England and Canada and down the St. Lawrence River with its great whale-watching opportunities, the Queen Mary 2 is offering even better rates for inside cabins on its Oct. 15 sailing from New York. The cost for a 12 day cruise starts at only $799 per person. Teh ship calls at Newport, Bar Harbor, Boston, St. John, Halifax, and stays overnight in Quebec City.
These deals are available on sailings on October 27, November 19, and January 3. This could be a nice treat for Thanksgiving or to see in the New Year. The Atlantic can be rough in winter, but it can also be bad in summer--it's all part of the sailing experience.
While I have yet to sail on the Queen Mary 2, I have crossed twice on the Queen Elizabeth 2, her smaller sister, and enjoyed both voyages a lot.
If you prefer to sail along the coast of New England and Canada and down the St. Lawrence River with its great whale-watching opportunities, the Queen Mary 2 is offering even better rates for inside cabins on its Oct. 15 sailing from New York. The cost for a 12 day cruise starts at only $799 per person. Teh ship calls at Newport, Bar Harbor, Boston, St. John, Halifax, and stays overnight in Quebec City.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Sinchon Uncles' Tteokbokki
The only food that I have missed terribly after I left South Korea - 떡볶이 tteokbokki!!
And...the reason why I only write a review on Sinchon Uncles' Tteokbokki ....now, after so many months. *sigh*
I have been dillydallying and try my hardest not to salivate over pieces of delectable pictures....again and again *dem!! frustrated mode*. This is so killing me softly...
Why am I wearing winter clothes?! O-O
Feia and me visited Uncles Tteokbokki on 21.02.2013
엉클스(Uncles) in Sinchon 신촌 is infamous for serving tteokbokki with a wickedly huge, tender in the inside but crispy on the outside fried squid 통오징어 튀김 (tong ojingeo twigim).
I am so thankful to KBS documentary - VJ특공대 for having the restaurant in their show. The documentary (다큐) has been my bible for finding good and reliable 맛집 all around South Korea other than Wingspoon food portal.
Anywhooo...surprise...surprise!! Uncles' Tteokbokki is situated just next to that famous-spicy-sambal-sotong restaurant - Gosami!!
Why have I never realized this little gem before.....? *sigh* When it comes to food in Sinchon, it is always just Gosami in my subconcious mind but now...ahah! Another light bulb...^_______________^
Direction....no problemo; just next to Gosami.
Feia suggested 복숭아쿨피스 (Peach Koolpis*...ohoho..pun aside)
I thought the juice went really well with the tteokbokki. You might need
to try one yourself to vouch for the taste too!
Here is the review for 복숭아쿨피스 (Peach Koolpise) on Naver blog but it is entirely in Korean.
I was like...seriously?? seriously, a review??!!....hehehe..
If you're linguistically challenged by all means, read it. Practise reading Hangul more and get your lazy bum away from oggling at KPop idols!! Hahaha...*me talking to me self ya know...*
Now..now...don't deviate from the REAL story...let's talk more about this tteokbokki shall we?
The taste? Heavenly
The portion? Enough for 2 people ( I swear that Feia gobbled most of the portion away...heheh...just joking Feia)
The ambiance? Kinda inviting, we loved the place for sure.
The price? 3,800 won per pax for the tteokbokki + 6,000 won for ojingeo twigim (fried squid) and 3,000 won for the juice. (price may change). Our total = 16,600 won.
Almost cleaned plate..except for one or two pieces of rice cake left.
Although I am a tteok-bo but I just couldn't finish the hearty meal.
More mouthwatering revealing pictures of this superb Uncles Tteokbokki in Sinchon - A review by Orange
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Motel 6 for Low-Cost Lodging
Motel 6 (www.motel6.com) started out 50 years ago charging $6 a night for its rooms. The chain, which now has more than 1,100 properties throughout North America, advertises itself as the lowest-cost national chain.
Today, of course, prices are considerably higher than when the chain opened. The lowest room rate is $39.99, and rates can be considerably higher near big cities or on the East or West Coast. Motel 6s,do not charge extra for kids 17 or younger, and they are pet friendly. The room rate includes free morning coffee, but not the buffet breakfast many other chains provide.
It is a long time since I stayed in a Motel 6, but I found it perfectly adequate and would not hesitate to try one again. In some parts of the country you may find independent motels that are cheaper than Motel 6s, but you don't have the protection of a national franchise.
If you are driving in North America on a tight budget, you might consider trying out a Motel 6.
Today, of course, prices are considerably higher than when the chain opened. The lowest room rate is $39.99, and rates can be considerably higher near big cities or on the East or West Coast. Motel 6s,do not charge extra for kids 17 or younger, and they are pet friendly. The room rate includes free morning coffee, but not the buffet breakfast many other chains provide.
It is a long time since I stayed in a Motel 6, but I found it perfectly adequate and would not hesitate to try one again. In some parts of the country you may find independent motels that are cheaper than Motel 6s, but you don't have the protection of a national franchise.
If you are driving in North America on a tight budget, you might consider trying out a Motel 6.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Busan 3D2N with Farah
This post is actually a backdated one, a trip from 9th to 11th April 2013, all thanks to the lovely and a very very humble girl from Singapore; Farah - Thank you so much.
Me at Gimpo Airport -taking Busan Air to Gimhae Airport.
I went to Busan as a tour guide.
All thanks to Farah that I was given this opportunity to rest my mind and my body near the cool and famous Haeundae beach.
Waiting area, before boarding at Gimpo Airport.
It was my fourth time to Busan and I really feel like at home. I prefer smaller city like how I love Osaka over Tokyo. The same goes with Busan...but a warning for first-timer-entry-to-South Korea-via-Busan.
Busan is pretty much laid back as compared to the capital city; Seoul. For the umpteenth time, I just cannot..not to miss the Busan saturi = dialect. It sounds so sexy to my ears!
It kinda amazed me how I just love the intonation when people use saturi.
If you ever watched Dream High; The character Song Sam Dong played by Kim Soo Hyun spoke in saturi = dialect...Gyeongsangbuk-do saturi I guess..but I can't nail the exact district. Ilsan? Masan? Ulsan? Busan? Hmmm...If in Malaysia, that would be so "kampung" of Song Sam Dong..hehe.
Out from the arrival hall at Gimhae Airport - following the crowds
to take Busan Metro for Haeundae. Read the sign '부산김해경전철 타는곳'
I stayed near Haeundae beach and the view of the beach was superb! The weather was great but rather cold for a dip in the beach but the sunshine...oh..sunshine. I was in love.
There wasn't much places covered during our trip to Busan, only:
And..we covered only half day by walking and the rest of the time with taxi. Well not cheap...but Farah had blisters on her feet from her exhaustive 7-day-Seoul trip before coming to Busan. She burnt herself pretty good..heheh..Farah, I told you so lah!
Walk towards that covered pedestrian area.
I will try to write a few posts for the places covered in Busan during this trip but for now..I really need my wink. My dark-circle has gone down my cheeks, yikes!!
Busan Metro Information.
That lovely girl; Farah
Hope this post helps to give you the feel of Gimhae Airport once you walk out to find Busan Metro. ^^
안녕히 주무십시오.
Me at Gimpo Airport -taking Busan Air to Gimhae Airport.
I went to Busan as a tour guide.
All thanks to Farah that I was given this opportunity to rest my mind and my body near the cool and famous Haeundae beach.
Waiting area, before boarding at Gimpo Airport.
It was my fourth time to Busan and I really feel like at home. I prefer smaller city like how I love Osaka over Tokyo. The same goes with Busan...but a warning for first-timer-entry-to-South Korea-via-Busan.
Busan is pretty much laid back as compared to the capital city; Seoul. For the umpteenth time, I just cannot..not to miss the Busan saturi = dialect. It sounds so sexy to my ears!
It kinda amazed me how I just love the intonation when people use saturi.
If you ever watched Dream High; The character Song Sam Dong played by Kim Soo Hyun spoke in saturi = dialect...Gyeongsangbuk-do saturi I guess..but I can't nail the exact district. Ilsan? Masan? Ulsan? Busan? Hmmm...If in Malaysia, that would be so "kampung" of Song Sam Dong..hehe.
Out from the arrival hall at Gimhae Airport - following the crowds
to take Busan Metro for Haeundae. Read the sign '부산김해경전철 타는곳'
I stayed near Haeundae beach and the view of the beach was superb! The weather was great but rather cold for a dip in the beach but the sunshine...oh..sunshine. I was in love.
There wasn't much places covered during our trip to Busan, only:
- Haeundae Beach
- Yonggungsa or Yonggung temple
- Gwangalli Beach
- Gamcheon Cultural Village
- Jagalchi Market
- PIFF
- Lotte Shopping Complex at Nampo-dong
And..we covered only half day by walking and the rest of the time with taxi. Well not cheap...but Farah had blisters on her feet from her exhaustive 7-day-Seoul trip before coming to Busan. She burnt herself pretty good..heheh..Farah, I told you so lah!
Walk towards that covered pedestrian area.
I will try to write a few posts for the places covered in Busan during this trip but for now..I really need my wink. My dark-circle has gone down my cheeks, yikes!!
Busan Metro Information.
That lovely girl; Farah
Hope this post helps to give you the feel of Gimhae Airport once you walk out to find Busan Metro. ^^
안녕히 주무십시오.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Travel News at In Transit
If you're looking for the latest news on airlines, hotels, special events and other travel-related topics, check out http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/ This blog offers detailed information that may be of use if you enjoy being on the leading edge of travel, among the first to try a new hotel, restaurant, or event.
The blog used to have a budget section, but that appears to have ended in 2010. The current edition of the blog includes information on the introduction of recking chairs to help passengers relax at several Finnish airports, not including Helsinki. I have tried the rocking chairs at the Charlotte NC airport, and enjoyed them.
You can also learn about the Berlin Jazz Festival later this fall, and about Best Western's new hotel in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. According to the Times, Saudi is one country that is currently enjoying a tourist boom, particularly for religious pilgrimages. Unfortunately, Mecca is not on the list of cities in Saudi Arabia where non-Muslims can go.
Earlier posts on this blog referred to a free museum day held across the United States under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution in late September. I could not determine whether the day will be held again this year, but check the Smithsonian's Website at www.si.edu. later this month.
The blog used to have a budget section, but that appears to have ended in 2010. The current edition of the blog includes information on the introduction of recking chairs to help passengers relax at several Finnish airports, not including Helsinki. I have tried the rocking chairs at the Charlotte NC airport, and enjoyed them.
You can also learn about the Berlin Jazz Festival later this fall, and about Best Western's new hotel in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. According to the Times, Saudi is one country that is currently enjoying a tourist boom, particularly for religious pilgrimages. Unfortunately, Mecca is not on the list of cities in Saudi Arabia where non-Muslims can go.
Earlier posts on this blog referred to a free museum day held across the United States under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution in late September. I could not determine whether the day will be held again this year, but check the Smithsonian's Website at www.si.edu. later this month.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
AirAsia Busan Route - To Fly or Not to Fly
Not a great idea if you're...
a first timer in South Korea
AND...
if you visit the country for less than a week.
Entering the beautiful country via Busan is..I am pretty sure... not really worth the first time experience
Although AirAsia cheap airfare to Busan is kinda tempting and well promoted too yeah?
I am not belittling Busan..of course! Who am I?? Busan is great..I love the manly man and the sexy saturi...ok, I'm serious. Saturi is sexy! Hehehe...
The bustling port city definitely has its own attraction and merits but believe me...not for the first timer.
Check out my reasons below. This is entirely my own opinion, you might disagree....yes or no, it's your choice.
Reason Number 1
To compare is to know the map...*cough* I mean the geographical layout of South Korea or what not.
Well...here is Geography lesson 101....hehehe. Look at the map.
It takes about 3 hours and a half by public transport ie bus from Busan to Seoul and that if there's no heavy traffic and about 2 hours and 45 minutes by KTX; the bullet train.
What does it mean here? The logic...
CASE STUDY: taking the AirAsia arrival time in Busan as the gauge
0115 hours from LCCT Airport Sepang, Malaysia
0830 hours arrive at Gimhae Airport, Busan, South Korea
Say you arrive in Busan...you will take KTX, cause this is your FIRST time experience taking the bullet.
Allow buffer time of 2 hours to reach Busan station for KTX, 3 hours is good (ya know...nature's call and etc --all depends on whether you're alone or in a group, young group, old group..)
Take the KTX from Busan Station to Seoul Station
If you're good..take the KTX at 1100 hours AND arrive at 1342 hours
OR the next one at 1200 hours AND arrive at 1443 hours
So far so good right? but if you fly to South Korea during the grave hours...after midnight and arrive in the morning---> YOU WILL BE DEAD TIRED by the time you reach Seoul around 2pm.
Tip: Try to stay either in Hongdae (noisier than Ewha but fun) or Ewha unversity area (a bit toned down)
So what am I saying here? the fact that YOU WILL LOSE ONE WHOLE DAY TAKING A REST..instead of painting the town red
I know that some might say..."I'm still young, I am on my best form and have climbed the Everest Mt -- I won't get tired!"...for example ^^ Of course you won't be tired...but on the 3rd day, you will be burnt...very slowly...heheh.
There goes my long-winded reason number 1.
Reason Number 2
Many of the IMPORTANT attractions can be covered in Seoul. The spots worth visiting are close to each other and walking distance. Being a tour guide with a year and a half walking experience in Seoul, you could trust me in this one. ^^
Check out Seoul magazine for easy to understand map and complete with important spots to visit.
Pstt...you can get this magazine for FREE in KTO or Seoul Global Center if you are the lucky one to grab it early every month or you can buy it at any of major bookstores in Seoul for 5,000 won a piece.
Reason Number 3
If you love beaches...by all means come during summer and try to stay in Haeundae. IMO, Haeundae is the prettiest beach among those in Busan. However, be prepared to share the beaches with Koreans as well. Summer is the peak season and a long-earned holiday for them.
But...being a Malaysian with many white beaches to choose from in her own country, I have no idea why I want to visit South Korea during summer??? I would rather go during autumn, spring or winter...just to bask in the differences. ^^
Reason Number 4
IMO, Busan's worth visiting spots are:
The rests, you pretty much can cover similar places in Seoul ie. palaces, temples, museums, cool cafe's and etc
a first timer in South Korea
AND...
if you visit the country for less than a week.
Entering the beautiful country via Busan is..I am pretty sure... not really worth the first time experience
Although AirAsia cheap airfare to Busan is kinda tempting and well promoted too yeah?
I am not belittling Busan..of course! Who am I?? Busan is great..I love the manly man and the sexy saturi...ok, I'm serious. Saturi is sexy! Hehehe...
The bustling port city definitely has its own attraction and merits but believe me...not for the first timer.
Check out my reasons below. This is entirely my own opinion, you might disagree....yes or no, it's your choice.
Reason Number 1
To compare is to know the map...*cough* I mean the geographical layout of South Korea or what not.
Well...here is Geography lesson 101....hehehe. Look at the map.
It takes about 3 hours and a half by public transport ie bus from Busan to Seoul and that if there's no heavy traffic and about 2 hours and 45 minutes by KTX; the bullet train.
What does it mean here? The logic...
CASE STUDY: taking the AirAsia arrival time in Busan as the gauge
0115 hours from LCCT Airport Sepang, Malaysia
0830 hours arrive at Gimhae Airport, Busan, South Korea
Say you arrive in Busan...you will take KTX, cause this is your FIRST time experience taking the bullet.
Allow buffer time of 2 hours to reach Busan station for KTX, 3 hours is good (ya know...nature's call and etc --all depends on whether you're alone or in a group, young group, old group..)
Take the KTX from Busan Station to Seoul Station
If you're good..take the KTX at 1100 hours AND arrive at 1342 hours
OR the next one at 1200 hours AND arrive at 1443 hours
So far so good right? but if you fly to South Korea during the grave hours...after midnight and arrive in the morning---> YOU WILL BE DEAD TIRED by the time you reach Seoul around 2pm.
Tip: Try to stay either in Hongdae (noisier than Ewha but fun) or Ewha unversity area (a bit toned down)
So what am I saying here? the fact that YOU WILL LOSE ONE WHOLE DAY TAKING A REST..instead of painting the town red
I know that some might say..."I'm still young, I am on my best form and have climbed the Everest Mt -- I won't get tired!"...for example ^^ Of course you won't be tired...but on the 3rd day, you will be burnt...very slowly...heheh.
There goes my long-winded reason number 1.
Reason Number 2
Many of the IMPORTANT attractions can be covered in Seoul. The spots worth visiting are close to each other and walking distance. Being a tour guide with a year and a half walking experience in Seoul, you could trust me in this one. ^^
Check out Seoul magazine for easy to understand map and complete with important spots to visit.
Pstt...you can get this magazine for FREE in KTO or Seoul Global Center if you are the lucky one to grab it early every month or you can buy it at any of major bookstores in Seoul for 5,000 won a piece.
Reason Number 3
If you love beaches...by all means come during summer and try to stay in Haeundae. IMO, Haeundae is the prettiest beach among those in Busan. However, be prepared to share the beaches with Koreans as well. Summer is the peak season and a long-earned holiday for them.
But...being a Malaysian with many white beaches to choose from in her own country, I have no idea why I want to visit South Korea during summer??? I would rather go during autumn, spring or winter...just to bask in the differences. ^^
Reason Number 4
IMO, Busan's worth visiting spots are:
- Yonggungsa - the only temple beside the sea
- Beaches and the bridge
- Gamcheon Cultural Village
- Fish markets - Jagalchi and seafood restaurant (a MUST try)
The rests, you pretty much can cover similar places in Seoul ie. palaces, temples, museums, cool cafe's and etc
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Viking's Ukraine Cruise Goes Upscale
Viking River Cruises (www.vikingrivercruises.,com) is one of the largest river cruise companies in the world, with many interesting itineraries. Until recently, a few of their cruises, such as the one of Ukraine's Dnieper River and the Balck Sea, were also reasonably priced.
Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. The Ukraine cruise, for which I paid about $2100 in 2010 for a single cabin, is now quoted as starting at $4638 per person. The current price is for 12 days, whereas the earlier cruise lasted 11 days. There may be reductions from the quoted price for early booking, repeat passengers, and so forth, but clearly this cruise has moved out of budget range.
The Dnieper cruise is a great way to explore this fascinating and, at least to North Americans, little known part of the world. If you want to read more about it, refer to blog posts for the latter part of 2010. It was probably the most interesting cruise I have ever taken, out of a dozen or so. And it provides an easy way to see many of Ukraine's top attractions, even if you don't speak Russian.
Below is a picture of a statue in Kiev of one of the Cossack hetmen who ruled Ukraine in the old days.
Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. The Ukraine cruise, for which I paid about $2100 in 2010 for a single cabin, is now quoted as starting at $4638 per person. The current price is for 12 days, whereas the earlier cruise lasted 11 days. There may be reductions from the quoted price for early booking, repeat passengers, and so forth, but clearly this cruise has moved out of budget range.
The Dnieper cruise is a great way to explore this fascinating and, at least to North Americans, little known part of the world. If you want to read more about it, refer to blog posts for the latter part of 2010. It was probably the most interesting cruise I have ever taken, out of a dozen or so. And it provides an easy way to see many of Ukraine's top attractions, even if you don't speak Russian.
Below is a picture of a statue in Kiev of one of the Cossack hetmen who ruled Ukraine in the old days.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
How to Send Parcel from Korea
It has been more than two months after I left 'The land of the morning calm' aka South Korea for good. Do I miss her?
Strangely..not yet.
Maybe because I'm heading towards a new direction, a new challenge hmmm...a new me. Surprise!! ^^
Well...lets just say that, I will keep blogging about Korea but not as frequent as before.
Last few weeks, I received my parcel of 20 kg from South Korea. It took roughly 6 weeks to arrive home back in Malaysia although it was stated in the T&C, it could take the maximum of 8 weeks.
There was nothing much inside the box, really..accept books and loads of books and a few winter clothes with some sentimental values which I hang on to.
The officer asked me an alarming question though.."Please choose the options below if your parcel does not arrive within the stipulated time"
Option 1 - Return to sender
Option 2 - Resend via air parcel
Option 3 - Just let the parcel lost its way..hmmm...
I chose option 3. I know..I can be frighteningly 'cold' sometimes. Let it go Zarina...just let it go. *sigh*
Anyway, thanks to my good Korean friend I managed to bring over the huge load to the post office. Staying on the 4th floor of a goshiwon with no lift will burn me some calories definitely.
Get the correct size. (Price may differ now)
Step by Step
REMINDER: Do seal your package neatly and just duct-tape it as much as you can. Mine was wrapped nicely and tightly but after 6 weeks, the box was kinda 'well' handled. Thankfully the items inside were still intact.
Me sending my parcel at Dong-Incheon post office.
A sample of the form via Korea Post for Surface or Air (no EMS tracking).
Strangely..not yet.
Maybe because I'm heading towards a new direction, a new challenge hmmm...a new me. Surprise!! ^^
Well...lets just say that, I will keep blogging about Korea but not as frequent as before.
Last few weeks, I received my parcel of 20 kg from South Korea. It took roughly 6 weeks to arrive home back in Malaysia although it was stated in the T&C, it could take the maximum of 8 weeks.
There was nothing much inside the box, really..accept books and loads of books and a few winter clothes with some sentimental values which I hang on to.
The officer asked me an alarming question though.."Please choose the options below if your parcel does not arrive within the stipulated time"
Option 1 - Return to sender
Option 2 - Resend via air parcel
Option 3 - Just let the parcel lost its way..hmmm...
I chose option 3. I know..I can be frighteningly 'cold' sometimes. Let it go Zarina...just let it go. *sigh*
Anyway, thanks to my good Korean friend I managed to bring over the huge load to the post office. Staying on the 4th floor of a goshiwon with no lift will burn me some calories definitely.
Get the correct size. (Price may differ now)
Step by Step
- Determine your country's zone here. Malaysia is Zone 2.
- Determine whether you want to send your parcel to your country via surface (ship) or air. For example to Malaysia; a 20 kg parcel takes about 2 months for about 41,300 won OR via air is 126,600 won for about 10 days. Check for your rates here.
- If you want to send via air, you may go to any parcel delivery center ie EMS center but surface shipment can only be done via KOREA post office. Well, I sent mine through surface parcel (by ship)...by right it would take between 50~70 days to Malaysia. Check the delivery standards for surface parcel here.
- Determine your parcel's box size. You have to ensure that you receive the CORRECT box's size by the post officer. An IMPORTANT reminder, you have to buy the box from the post office or EMS parcel center with the 'CORRECT' size of box according to your country's limit. Otherwise, incorrect box's size will be held by custom.
- Fill up the correct form. Air or EMS form is different from Surface form.
- If you pay the insurance or EMS, you could track your stuff here.
REMINDER: Do seal your package neatly and just duct-tape it as much as you can. Mine was wrapped nicely and tightly but after 6 weeks, the box was kinda 'well' handled. Thankfully the items inside were still intact.
Me sending my parcel at Dong-Incheon post office.
A sample of the form via Korea Post for Surface or Air (no EMS tracking).
TSA Expands Pre-Screening
The U.S. Transportation Safety Agency has announced that pre-screening for airline passengers will be available soon at 60 more American airports. This is in addition ot the 40 airports that already have it.
If you pay for pre-screening, you do not have to remove shoes and belts or take your computer out of your carry-on baggage while going through security. The cost is $85 for five years, and you need to submit to a security check and fingerprinting. So far, the pre-screening registration is offered only at Washington Dulles and Indianapolis airport.
This sounds like a good deal, especially for frequent travellers. U.S. airport security is, in my view, the second most obnoxious in the world, after Israel. The need to remove shoes and take out computers adds a lot of time to screening, and rules on scissors and small pocket knives lead to the loss of a lot of these items.
I was in Argentina shortly after the rules about scissors came into effect, and I had a small pair in my luggage. Rather than confiscate them, as happens in the U.S., Canada and most other places, the security people wrapped them up and sent them as checked baggage, which was very nice.
Maybe some day they will just do away with all the airport security, and we will take our chances as we used to do.
If you pay for pre-screening, you do not have to remove shoes and belts or take your computer out of your carry-on baggage while going through security. The cost is $85 for five years, and you need to submit to a security check and fingerprinting. So far, the pre-screening registration is offered only at Washington Dulles and Indianapolis airport.
This sounds like a good deal, especially for frequent travellers. U.S. airport security is, in my view, the second most obnoxious in the world, after Israel. The need to remove shoes and take out computers adds a lot of time to screening, and rules on scissors and small pocket knives lead to the loss of a lot of these items.
I was in Argentina shortly after the rules about scissors came into effect, and I had a small pair in my luggage. Rather than confiscate them, as happens in the U.S., Canada and most other places, the security people wrapped them up and sent them as checked baggage, which was very nice.
Maybe some day they will just do away with all the airport security, and we will take our chances as we used to do.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Senior Travel Discounts
One of the few advantages of getting older is that you may be able to qualify for discounts on hotels, rental cars, air fare and other travel costs. The age required to qualify varies, usually no younger than 50 and no older than 65.
If you are willing to admit to your age, it never hurts to ask about senior discounts anytime you are travelling or buying anything, for that mattter. Sometimes you may have to show proof of age, or of membership in a group like the American Association for Retired Persons (www.aarp.org.) AARP advertises its senior discounts, which may amount to as much as 30 per cent on some rental cars.
If you are a fan of the national parks in the United States, there is a particularly good deal for seniors. My friend Paul was recently visiting the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and found that a lifetime pass to the parks costs only $10 provided you are 62 or older and a U.S. citizen or green card holder. This compares to an annual rate for a park pass of $80.
In most developed countries seniors qualify for reduced fares on public transit and sometimes on trains. Museums, too, often charge lower rates for seniors. In the U.S. Sunbelt, seniors and others can benefit from the lower cost for early bird specials in many restaurants.
If you are willing to admit to your age, it never hurts to ask about senior discounts anytime you are travelling or buying anything, for that mattter. Sometimes you may have to show proof of age, or of membership in a group like the American Association for Retired Persons (www.aarp.org.) AARP advertises its senior discounts, which may amount to as much as 30 per cent on some rental cars.
If you are a fan of the national parks in the United States, there is a particularly good deal for seniors. My friend Paul was recently visiting the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and found that a lifetime pass to the parks costs only $10 provided you are 62 or older and a U.S. citizen or green card holder. This compares to an annual rate for a park pass of $80.
In most developed countries seniors qualify for reduced fares on public transit and sometimes on trains. Museums, too, often charge lower rates for seniors. In the U.S. Sunbelt, seniors and others can benefit from the lower cost for early bird specials in many restaurants.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Volunteer in 40 Countries
United Planet (www,unitedplanet.org) is an organization that offers volunteer placement in some 40 countries around the world. From one week to one year, the tasks include teaching, improving the environment, working with women, disabled people or animals, or working in orphanages.
The opportunities are not cheap, but for the longer placements they can be quite reasonable on a per day basis. A one-week placement starts at $995, while a six-month arrngement goes for $7965. The six-month fee works out to about $45 a day.
These prices include food and lodging, airport transfers and medical insurance, but not air fare or visas. Program fees are tax deductible for U.S. taxpayers.
I checked out the possibilities in Russia, which require at least a six-month stay. You can work with people with disabilities, with veterans, the poor or the elderly, or in a cultutal centre. Based on the map shown, the placements seem to be in Novosibirsk, which would be a great place to work on your Russian language skills. It is far from Moscow (and just about everywhere else) and its suburb Akademgorodok was one of the jewels of Soviet-era science.
The opportunities are not cheap, but for the longer placements they can be quite reasonable on a per day basis. A one-week placement starts at $995, while a six-month arrngement goes for $7965. The six-month fee works out to about $45 a day.
These prices include food and lodging, airport transfers and medical insurance, but not air fare or visas. Program fees are tax deductible for U.S. taxpayers.
I checked out the possibilities in Russia, which require at least a six-month stay. You can work with people with disabilities, with veterans, the poor or the elderly, or in a cultutal centre. Based on the map shown, the placements seem to be in Novosibirsk, which would be a great place to work on your Russian language skills. It is far from Moscow (and just about everywhere else) and its suburb Akademgorodok was one of the jewels of Soviet-era science.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Flight Attendants Required
If you have ever dreamed of life as a flight attendant, you should check out the jobs offered by American Airlines at bit:ly/WorkWithAA, or http://careers.aa.com. To qualify, you need to be able to work legally in the United States and to speak one of several foreign languages fluently--French, Finnish, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Italian or Korean.
This sounds like a good opportunity if you want to fly internationally. Candidates are required to spend eight and a half weeks being trained in Dallas (8 and a half--wasn't that a Fellini movie?) and then be able to move immediately to the city that will be their home base.
Flight attendant is one of the many careers I have considered. I actually applied a few years ago when Air Canada had openings--passed the premilinary interviews and language test, but no job offer. Earlier this week I ran into a woman who is a flight attendant flying between Montreal and Rome, and felt a twinge of envy--that sounds like a nice route.
The best chance to gain one of these coveted jobs probably is to be able to speak several common foreign languages fluently, and of course to have extensive customer service experience, a lot of patience and impeccable references.
Working for a large airline is one of the best way to qualify for travel perks while at the same time earning decent money.
This sounds like a good opportunity if you want to fly internationally. Candidates are required to spend eight and a half weeks being trained in Dallas (8 and a half--wasn't that a Fellini movie?) and then be able to move immediately to the city that will be their home base.
Flight attendant is one of the many careers I have considered. I actually applied a few years ago when Air Canada had openings--passed the premilinary interviews and language test, but no job offer. Earlier this week I ran into a woman who is a flight attendant flying between Montreal and Rome, and felt a twinge of envy--that sounds like a nice route.
The best chance to gain one of these coveted jobs probably is to be able to speak several common foreign languages fluently, and of course to have extensive customer service experience, a lot of patience and impeccable references.
Working for a large airline is one of the best way to qualify for travel perks while at the same time earning decent money.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Flights from $39
For as little as $39 one way, you can fly from Tampa-St. Petersburg airport in Florida to the Tri-Cities in Tennessee. This amazing fare is being offered by Allegiant Airlines (www.allegiantair.com,) a low-cost carrier.
Fares from Tampa to Niagara Falls NY start at $68 one way, and to Plattsburgh NY at $89. These airports attract a lot of Canadians who are willing to cross the border to enjoy much lower air fares.
I have flown once with Allegiant and found the flight was fine. I did encounter some problems once on the ground in Plattsburgh, NY but they were not related to the airline.
However, the airports Allegiant uses are not the largest ones, and it may cost more to get there. In addition, if there is any problem with a flight it may take a long time to get a replacement aircraft.
Fares from Tampa to Niagara Falls NY start at $68 one way, and to Plattsburgh NY at $89. These airports attract a lot of Canadians who are willing to cross the border to enjoy much lower air fares.
I have flown once with Allegiant and found the flight was fine. I did encounter some problems once on the ground in Plattsburgh, NY but they were not related to the airline.
However, the airports Allegiant uses are not the largest ones, and it may cost more to get there. In addition, if there is any problem with a flight it may take a long time to get a replacement aircraft.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Travel Memories
What are your favourite travel memories? Why do some events and some trips stick in our minds, while others are soon forgotten? That's a question for a psychologist, I suppose. I suspect it has something to do with a positive or negative emotional charge associated with different things that have happened to us.
One thing I do know is that it has little or nothing to do with how much a trip costs. Some of my fondest travel memories are from trips where I was living on a strict budget. For instance, one summer I was able to stay in Europe for more than two months on a budget of about $500
. I had paid for my travel to and from Europe in advance, and for some of my lodging. Still, I had to economise and one of the ways I did so was by not eating much. I was the thinnest I have ever been as an adult. Losing weight wasn't my goal, but cutting back on food helped me spend a long time abroad. Of course, this happened a while ago, when $500 was still a fair amount of money.
One of my most vivid recent travel memories is of a trip I took to Berlin with an older friend who had never been there. It only lasted a week, but we made the most of the time packing in lots of museums, an opera at the Staatsoper and a concert at the Philharmonie. Still, my most vivid recollection is of the first night we were there, when we strolled along Unter den Linden enjoying the scenery and cold, crisp air.
You may find, as I have, that what you remember best has little relation to the amount of money it cost. But by building up travel memories, you will have something nice to think about if you ever reach a stage where you can no longer travel.
One thing I do know is that it has little or nothing to do with how much a trip costs. Some of my fondest travel memories are from trips where I was living on a strict budget. For instance, one summer I was able to stay in Europe for more than two months on a budget of about $500
. I had paid for my travel to and from Europe in advance, and for some of my lodging. Still, I had to economise and one of the ways I did so was by not eating much. I was the thinnest I have ever been as an adult. Losing weight wasn't my goal, but cutting back on food helped me spend a long time abroad. Of course, this happened a while ago, when $500 was still a fair amount of money.
One of my most vivid recent travel memories is of a trip I took to Berlin with an older friend who had never been there. It only lasted a week, but we made the most of the time packing in lots of museums, an opera at the Staatsoper and a concert at the Philharmonie. Still, my most vivid recollection is of the first night we were there, when we strolled along Unter den Linden enjoying the scenery and cold, crisp air.
You may find, as I have, that what you remember best has little relation to the amount of money it cost. But by building up travel memories, you will have something nice to think about if you ever reach a stage where you can no longer travel.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
New York to Istanbul for $630 Return
Air France (www.airfrance.us) is offering some great fares this fall from its hubs in the U.S. The best seems to be the one between New York and Istanbul for $630 round trip, but some other fares to European destinations are also good.
For instance, Chicago to Prague goes for $982, New York to Paris for $978. You must book two weeks ahead, stay for at least 10 days, and book by September 12.
Don't ask me why it is cheaper to fly to Istanbul than to Paris, since Istanbul is about three hours longer in flying time. It all has to do with competition, or lack of it, I suppose, or perhaps just the popularity of certain destinations.
In any case, the Istanbul fare is quite tempting, and fall is a better time to visit the city on the Bosporus than summer, when the weather can be unpleasantly hot.
For instance, Chicago to Prague goes for $982, New York to Paris for $978. You must book two weeks ahead, stay for at least 10 days, and book by September 12.
Don't ask me why it is cheaper to fly to Istanbul than to Paris, since Istanbul is about three hours longer in flying time. It all has to do with competition, or lack of it, I suppose, or perhaps just the popularity of certain destinations.
In any case, the Istanbul fare is quite tempting, and fall is a better time to visit the city on the Bosporus than summer, when the weather can be unpleasantly hot.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Sail TransAtlantic for $799
You can experience the elegancee of a transAtlantic crossing with Cunard (www.cunard.com) for as little as $799 per person, based on double occupancy in an inside cabin. The trick is that you have to book by September 1, and travel in January 2014.
Cunard is offering two for one pricing on many of its 2014 sailings in different parts of the world with the same September deadline. The line sails pretty much everywhere you might want to go--through the Panama or Suez canal, to South America, South Africa, Asia or the Mediterranean.
Cunard, now owned by Carnival, is the successor to the White Star Line of Titanic fame. It probably provides the closest you can get to a feeling of stepping back in time on board, with afternoon tea, lectures and a sense of leisure. I haven't sailed with Cunard for about a dozen years, but I would still choose them over most other cruise lines. .
Cunard is offering two for one pricing on many of its 2014 sailings in different parts of the world with the same September deadline. The line sails pretty much everywhere you might want to go--through the Panama or Suez canal, to South America, South Africa, Asia or the Mediterranean.
Cunard, now owned by Carnival, is the successor to the White Star Line of Titanic fame. It probably provides the closest you can get to a feeling of stepping back in time on board, with afternoon tea, lectures and a sense of leisure. I haven't sailed with Cunard for about a dozen years, but I would still choose them over most other cruise lines. .
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Teach English in Ukraine
No teaching experience? No CELTA or TEFL certificate? No problem if you meet a few other requirements and are prepared to teach at the American English Center (https://facebook.com/AmericanEnglish.ua) in Ukraine. To be eligible to teach there, you must be a North American with a university degree in any subject.
The school runs its own free 10-day training program before you have to face your first class. Teaching hours are mainly in the evening, in buildings that serve as elementary schools during the day, so facilities are not luxurious. Teachers are asked to sign a contract for eight or 12 months.
In addition to Kiev, the school has centres in a number of other cities in central and eastern Ukraine, so you can experience life in smaller cities.
For an account from a teacher who was there for 19 months, check out www.8monthsinukraine.blogspot.com. for a relatively positive account of teaching at this institution. Some other accounts on the internet are less positive.
Still, how bad could it be? An opportunity to spend time in the beautiful Ukraine, have a job and get paid for it. The Ukraine is Russia light--the same culture, the same or (in western Ukraine) a very similar language, no visa requirements for North Americans, lower prices. In addition, wonderful scenery and gorgeous churches, good food, friendly people should contribute to a pleasant experience.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Ports d'Attache
If you are looking for inspiration to travel, and if you can understand some French, consider checking out the program Ports d'Attache (http://ports.tv5.ca.) You can watch at least one episode, about Lima, Peru online.
It is a series about port cities around the world, and it is not just the usual tourist television show about major attractions, hotels and restaurants. Host Heidi Hollinger, who is also a noted photographer, interviews many different types of people to uncover various aspects of a city. Hollinger is at least trilingual (English, French and Russian) and so some of the interviews are in those languages, helpful if your French is rusty.
So far I have seen only the episode about St.Petersburg, Russia, and part of one on Copenhagen, as well as part of the one about Lima. I was especially impressed with the St. Petersburg show, since Hollinger interviewed, among others, a woman who still lives in a communal apartment in the centre city, an American woman who has been running a restaurant for many years, and a local artist.
The woman who still chose to live in the communalka had to bring her own toilet seat every time she wanted to use the bathroom, but still considered she was better off than she would have been moving to a smaller place in the distant suburbs. Fascinating. Since I have stayed on one of those small apartments far from the centre, I have some sympathy for her choice.
Hollinger is particularly knowledgeable about Russia, where she lived for many years after the fall of the Soviet Union and snagged a job as a photographer for the newspaper Pravda. Today she has returned to her home in Westmount, QC but still manages to get around a lot.
In any case, the shows are well worth watching. Below is a picture of the Russian battleship Aurora, now at permanent anchor in St. Petersburg. A shot from this ship signalled the start of the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
It is a series about port cities around the world, and it is not just the usual tourist television show about major attractions, hotels and restaurants. Host Heidi Hollinger, who is also a noted photographer, interviews many different types of people to uncover various aspects of a city. Hollinger is at least trilingual (English, French and Russian) and so some of the interviews are in those languages, helpful if your French is rusty.
So far I have seen only the episode about St.Petersburg, Russia, and part of one on Copenhagen, as well as part of the one about Lima. I was especially impressed with the St. Petersburg show, since Hollinger interviewed, among others, a woman who still lives in a communal apartment in the centre city, an American woman who has been running a restaurant for many years, and a local artist.
The woman who still chose to live in the communalka had to bring her own toilet seat every time she wanted to use the bathroom, but still considered she was better off than she would have been moving to a smaller place in the distant suburbs. Fascinating. Since I have stayed on one of those small apartments far from the centre, I have some sympathy for her choice.
Hollinger is particularly knowledgeable about Russia, where she lived for many years after the fall of the Soviet Union and snagged a job as a photographer for the newspaper Pravda. Today she has returned to her home in Westmount, QC but still manages to get around a lot.
In any case, the shows are well worth watching. Below is a picture of the Russian battleship Aurora, now at permanent anchor in St. Petersburg. A shot from this ship signalled the start of the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Advice for Potential Expats
International Living (www.internationalliving.com) is an organization that has been providing information to expats and potential expats for a long time. They research subjects such as the cheapest places to live, work or retire abroad, and the pluses and drawbacks of each.
Their Website claims it is possible to live well in some locations overseas for as little as $1,000 per month. Unfortunately, to find out more you need to supply an email address. They do have a quiz on the site that is supposed to tell you the best destination for you, depending on your answers to a few questions.
I tried the quiz and my country turned out to be Brazil, not a place I have ever considered living, and one which I understand is fairly expensive now. In any case, it's fun to take the quiz.
I wonder why the destinations most recommended for expats usually tend to be in very warm climates--perhaps because they are cheapest? I have lived in two European countries for under a year each--Ireland and Italy, and while they are nice places the cost of living is similar to that in North America.
The country where I would most like to spend a considerable amount of time now is Russia, a place not generally on the expat hit list. I am also attracted to Finland, but the language there is even more difficult than Russian, and the cost of living is fairly high in both places. Guess I'll be staying put for the moment.
The Cathedral of the Epiphany in Siberian baroque style. It is in Irkutsk, Russia, an interesting city but not a big expat destination.
Their Website claims it is possible to live well in some locations overseas for as little as $1,000 per month. Unfortunately, to find out more you need to supply an email address. They do have a quiz on the site that is supposed to tell you the best destination for you, depending on your answers to a few questions.
I tried the quiz and my country turned out to be Brazil, not a place I have ever considered living, and one which I understand is fairly expensive now. In any case, it's fun to take the quiz.
I wonder why the destinations most recommended for expats usually tend to be in very warm climates--perhaps because they are cheapest? I have lived in two European countries for under a year each--Ireland and Italy, and while they are nice places the cost of living is similar to that in North America.
The country where I would most like to spend a considerable amount of time now is Russia, a place not generally on the expat hit list. I am also attracted to Finland, but the language there is even more difficult than Russian, and the cost of living is fairly high in both places. Guess I'll be staying put for the moment.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Airline News
The proposed merger between U.S. Airways (www.usairways.com) and American Airlines (www.aa.com) may be blocked by a lawsuit that has been filed by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Department claims that the merger would "substantially lessen the competition" for air travel.
As we know, less competition tends to mean higher prices, so mergers can be bad news for consumers. Two other large airline mergers have already taken place in the U.S., between United and Continental and Northwest and Delta, so even now there is a lot less competition than there used to be. And I saw recently that Southwest Airlines (www.southwest.com,) which made its reputation as a budget carrier, is now chasing the more lucrative business class market.
The airline business is a difficult one, but from the point of view of travellers, the more airlines, the better usually.
Passengers who survived the crash of an Asiana Airlines (www.flyasiana.com) plane in San Francisco recently have been offered compensation of $10,000. According to reports, accepting this money does not affect the ability of the 288 surviving passengers to file lawsuits in the hope of recovering more compensation. Many passengers suffered serious injuries in the crash of the South Korean based plane and several died.
As we know, less competition tends to mean higher prices, so mergers can be bad news for consumers. Two other large airline mergers have already taken place in the U.S., between United and Continental and Northwest and Delta, so even now there is a lot less competition than there used to be. And I saw recently that Southwest Airlines (www.southwest.com,) which made its reputation as a budget carrier, is now chasing the more lucrative business class market.
The airline business is a difficult one, but from the point of view of travellers, the more airlines, the better usually.
Passengers who survived the crash of an Asiana Airlines (www.flyasiana.com) plane in San Francisco recently have been offered compensation of $10,000. According to reports, accepting this money does not affect the ability of the 288 surviving passengers to file lawsuits in the hope of recovering more compensation. Many passengers suffered serious injuries in the crash of the South Korean based plane and several died.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Most and Least Expensive Destinations
According to a mid-year report by Expatulator (www.expatulator.com,) Switzerland continues to be the most expensive country in Europe for expatriates, and Zurich and Geneva are Europe's most costly cities. So it may not be just Oprah Winfrey who will want to avoid this country for a while. Norway is the second most expensive country, followed by Liechtenstein, Denmark and humble Jersey (ancestral home of your correspondent.)
Among the best bets for inexpensive living in Europe are Sofia, Bulgaria and Budapest, Hungary.
In the Middle East the country with the lowest cost of living is also one where foreigners may have the best chance of being kidnapped or blown up, Yemen. This country and its capital, Sana'a, rank lowest in this region for price. It is unfortunate that the country is so dangerous, because it is also home to some amazing architecture, tall houses built entirely out of mud brick.
The priciest countries in the Middle East are mainly the oil states, Qatar, the Untied Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, along with Israel and Lebanon.
Tax haven islands such as Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and Aruba are among the most expensive destinations in the Americas, and New York is the city with the highest prices. The best bet for a low-cost expat lifestyle is Managua, Nicaragua.
Tourist costs do not correlate exactly with the cost of living in a city, but they tend to be similar in terms of most and least expensive places to go.
Among the best bets for inexpensive living in Europe are Sofia, Bulgaria and Budapest, Hungary.
In the Middle East the country with the lowest cost of living is also one where foreigners may have the best chance of being kidnapped or blown up, Yemen. This country and its capital, Sana'a, rank lowest in this region for price. It is unfortunate that the country is so dangerous, because it is also home to some amazing architecture, tall houses built entirely out of mud brick.
The priciest countries in the Middle East are mainly the oil states, Qatar, the Untied Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, along with Israel and Lebanon.
Tax haven islands such as Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and Aruba are among the most expensive destinations in the Americas, and New York is the city with the highest prices. The best bet for a low-cost expat lifestyle is Managua, Nicaragua.
Tourist costs do not correlate exactly with the cost of living in a city, but they tend to be similar in terms of most and least expensive places to go.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Savings on Flights to Cancun
American Airlines (www.aa.com) if offering savings on flights to Cancun, the big Mexican resort, from a number of U.S. gateways. The return air fare inlcuding taxes is as lwo as $318 from Miami, $466 from New York's La Guardia airport.
To get these fares, you have to book by August 19. American also offers cut rates on weekend getaways, with varying destinations. They can be a good hoice for a quick holiday.
I have never been to Cancun, but it is located quite close to some interesting archeological sites of the Yucatan peninsula, and is noted for its beaches.
To get these fares, you have to book by August 19. American also offers cut rates on weekend getaways, with varying destinations. They can be a good hoice for a quick holiday.
I have never been to Cancun, but it is located quite close to some interesting archeological sites of the Yucatan peninsula, and is noted for its beaches.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Tours Good for Singles
If you travel alone and are tired of paying high single supplements, consider the offerings of On the Go Tours (www.onthegotours.com) of Britain. The company specializes in tours to exotic destinations, and its voyages offer the possiblity of avoiding an extra charge for travelling alone if you are willing to share a room with another person of the same gender.
Their tours cover a lot of territory--Asia and Central Asia, Russia, Africa, etc. They have tours on the TransSiberian train that permit some stopovers at fairly reasonable prices. On the Go Tours was named the best medium tours operator in Britain in 2012. I'm not sure what this means, but presume medium refers to price, not quality.
Some people are relucatnt to share rooms with strangers. I have done it several times, once on a safari where I shared a room with a pleasant British girl, several times on Atlantic crossings where I shared with older women, and once at a Club Med in the Caribbean. I never had a bad experience, and found it a useful way to save money while travelling.
Their tours cover a lot of territory--Asia and Central Asia, Russia, Africa, etc. They have tours on the TransSiberian train that permit some stopovers at fairly reasonable prices. On the Go Tours was named the best medium tours operator in Britain in 2012. I'm not sure what this means, but presume medium refers to price, not quality.
Some people are relucatnt to share rooms with strangers. I have done it several times, once on a safari where I shared a room with a pleasant British girl, several times on Atlantic crossings where I shared with older women, and once at a Club Med in the Caribbean. I never had a bad experience, and found it a useful way to save money while travelling.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Political Tours
If you are looking for more than the usual organized tour and really want to learn about the destination you visit, consider the offerings of Political Tours (www.politicaltours.com.)
Founded by Nicholas Wood, a former New York Times correspondent, these tours are all led by top experts in the country and include meetings with local experts and academics. They are not cheap, but some of the destinations are fascinating--Libya, China, North Korea, Bosnia, Kosovo, South Africa, Northern Ireland.
These itineraries are not a day at the beach--they are intended for travellers with a serious interest in their destinations. I am particularly attracted by the tour to North Korea, a destination that is little known and hard to access. It is also one of the few remaining socialist societies in the world, and something of a pariah state. Only about 2,000 Westerners are admitted per year, according to Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com.)
In a world that is becoming more and more homogeneous, these tours seem to offer something a little different.
Founded by Nicholas Wood, a former New York Times correspondent, these tours are all led by top experts in the country and include meetings with local experts and academics. They are not cheap, but some of the destinations are fascinating--Libya, China, North Korea, Bosnia, Kosovo, South Africa, Northern Ireland.
These itineraries are not a day at the beach--they are intended for travellers with a serious interest in their destinations. I am particularly attracted by the tour to North Korea, a destination that is little known and hard to access. It is also one of the few remaining socialist societies in the world, and something of a pariah state. Only about 2,000 Westerners are admitted per year, according to Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com.)
In a world that is becoming more and more homogeneous, these tours seem to offer something a little different.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Mexico Remembered
Mexico was the first really foreign country I ever visited. (I was in Ontario briefly, but it didn't seem sufficiently different from my Ohio home to count as foreign.)
I had heard about the country all my life, since my parents both liked it. My mother had visited Mexico a couple of times before she married, and my dad made frequent business trips there. He admired the business men he met there, and became quite friendly with one industrialist, Anwar Canavati, who lived in Monterey. A Mexican of Arabic descent, Canavati was a bit of a cowboy when it came to driving, my dad said, sometimes forcing oncoming cars off the road while piloting his big Cadillac.
Canavati had been a member of Mexic's equestrian team, and loved all sports. He died as a result of injuries suffered during a polo match in Texas. His death was untimely, but it always struck me as a rather elegant way to go. I still have some of the gifts he sent my mother and me, and I sometimes wear the sequin-decorated, Aztec motif skirt to costume parties.
My frist visit to Mexico was with my parents. It was a great introduction to the country, partly because there were photographers to meet us at the plane in Mexico City. My dad was in town with a big convention, and so we got royal treatment, including a large suite at the Maria Isabel Hotel on the Reforma. Our balcony was almost at eye level with the gold angel monument, and we ate breakfasts of delicious local fruits and breads there, along with fragrant cafe con leche.
I remember visiting Sanborn's House of Tiles, where I especially enjoyed the lime sherbert. We toured the sights including the zocalo and the massive Cathedral, the Aztec ruins at Teotihuacan, and the shrine at Guadalupe. My mother spoke of having visited the floating gardens of Xochimilco earlier, but we didn't do that on this trip, perhaps because it was no loonger possible. We also explored Chapultepec Park and the stunningly modern National Archeological Museum.
In later years I explored other parts of Mexico on my own, or on press trips. The ancient monuments were my special interest, so I travelled to the Yucatan peninsula and the region of Oaxaco. I also visited some of the wonderful colonial cities, such as San Cristobal de las Casas and San Miguel Allende. The only Mexican resort I visited was Puerto Vallarts on the west coast. Unlike my mother, I have never seen the cliff divers in Acapulco--perhaps one day. I also saw Guaymas before it became a tourist destination, and Ciudad Obregon in the northwest of Mexico.
Most of my travel in Mexico was before certain parts of the country became dangerous. I never had a bad experience, and always found the locals helpful despite my very poor Spanish. .It is a destination I would recommend highly, so long as you heed travel warnings about difficult areas.
If you are interested in reading about a time when Mexico was more dangerous than it is now, Graham Greene's book "The Lawless Roads" tells a most interesting story of his adventures there in the 1930s.
I had heard about the country all my life, since my parents both liked it. My mother had visited Mexico a couple of times before she married, and my dad made frequent business trips there. He admired the business men he met there, and became quite friendly with one industrialist, Anwar Canavati, who lived in Monterey. A Mexican of Arabic descent, Canavati was a bit of a cowboy when it came to driving, my dad said, sometimes forcing oncoming cars off the road while piloting his big Cadillac.
Canavati had been a member of Mexic's equestrian team, and loved all sports. He died as a result of injuries suffered during a polo match in Texas. His death was untimely, but it always struck me as a rather elegant way to go. I still have some of the gifts he sent my mother and me, and I sometimes wear the sequin-decorated, Aztec motif skirt to costume parties.
My frist visit to Mexico was with my parents. It was a great introduction to the country, partly because there were photographers to meet us at the plane in Mexico City. My dad was in town with a big convention, and so we got royal treatment, including a large suite at the Maria Isabel Hotel on the Reforma. Our balcony was almost at eye level with the gold angel monument, and we ate breakfasts of delicious local fruits and breads there, along with fragrant cafe con leche.
I remember visiting Sanborn's House of Tiles, where I especially enjoyed the lime sherbert. We toured the sights including the zocalo and the massive Cathedral, the Aztec ruins at Teotihuacan, and the shrine at Guadalupe. My mother spoke of having visited the floating gardens of Xochimilco earlier, but we didn't do that on this trip, perhaps because it was no loonger possible. We also explored Chapultepec Park and the stunningly modern National Archeological Museum.
In later years I explored other parts of Mexico on my own, or on press trips. The ancient monuments were my special interest, so I travelled to the Yucatan peninsula and the region of Oaxaco. I also visited some of the wonderful colonial cities, such as San Cristobal de las Casas and San Miguel Allende. The only Mexican resort I visited was Puerto Vallarts on the west coast. Unlike my mother, I have never seen the cliff divers in Acapulco--perhaps one day. I also saw Guaymas before it became a tourist destination, and Ciudad Obregon in the northwest of Mexico.
Most of my travel in Mexico was before certain parts of the country became dangerous. I never had a bad experience, and always found the locals helpful despite my very poor Spanish. .It is a destination I would recommend highly, so long as you heed travel warnings about difficult areas.
If you are interested in reading about a time when Mexico was more dangerous than it is now, Graham Greene's book "The Lawless Roads" tells a most interesting story of his adventures there in the 1930s.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Go-To-Mall Shopping Heaven
I am having withdrawal syndrome now as the weather is becoming warmer and warmer in Korea. Leaving this land of the morning calm is unavoidable and mentally challenging.
Summer is here and it's about time to do a lot of shopping!! I could wear them in Malaysia too...that's the best thing. Omo..omo...shopping is soooooo not me!!
I use to yawn, dragged my friends away from any shopping or SALE related places and hardly shop myself. Hardly had any appetite for shopping and pretty famous among my friends as shopping-mood-killer. Hahaha...
So when I found myself crazily shopping at Express Bus Terminal - Go To Mall, it seemed pretty alien; even to my dear self. Heh...
Go To Mall...where have you been? Why didn't I care about your existence until recently?
Not the best picture...I know ^^ but trust me...if your size is like
the Korean...slim and slender, you will be spoiled with choices!!
This place rocks my wallet man!! Nope...Go To Mall torn it to pieces T_T...literally. I never know that doing my math on my account real time is quite..err interesting. A word unknown to me before was mentioned so many times: deficit
Be ready to exercise your feet....there's so many shops and clothes to check out and you will hardly feel tired.
Well...without further ado I will rest my hand and my weakened heart over shopping at Go To Mall. Here, I introduce you a place that "you" should not miss when you shop for clothes.
You should be:
How to go to Go-To-Mall?
This is the entrance from Line 9, Exit 8, 8-1 and 8-2
By Subway
Take Line 3,7 or 9 to Express Bus Terminal Station. Make sure you find either exit 8, 8-1,8-2. This will lead you to the middle of Go-To-Mall entrance.
For example:
From: Ewha University Station, Line 2 ---> Express Bus Terminal, Line 3
Time: 33 minutes
Stop: 14 stations for 13.9 km
Transit: Euljiro-3-ga station
Fare: 1,150 by T-Money or 1,250 by cash (one way journey)
By Bus
If you speak or know Korean language, try to use this smart phone application: Seoul Bus 2
Key in: 고속 터미널
The buses going to Express Bus Terminal will be listed.
This is how Express Bus Terminal looks like.
Shinsegye is just next to it.
Check out DiscoveringKorea on Go-To-Mall Shopping center also known as Gangnam Underground Shopping Arcade (강남 고속 터미널 지하 상가).
Summer is here and it's about time to do a lot of shopping!! I could wear them in Malaysia too...that's the best thing. Omo..omo...shopping is soooooo not me!!
I use to yawn, dragged my friends away from any shopping or SALE related places and hardly shop myself. Hardly had any appetite for shopping and pretty famous among my friends as shopping-mood-killer. Hahaha...
So when I found myself crazily shopping at Express Bus Terminal - Go To Mall, it seemed pretty alien; even to my dear self. Heh...
Go To Mall...where have you been? Why didn't I care about your existence until recently?
Not the best picture...I know ^^ but trust me...if your size is like
the Korean...slim and slender, you will be spoiled with choices!!
This place rocks my wallet man!! Nope...Go To Mall torn it to pieces T_T...literally. I never know that doing my math on my account real time is quite..err interesting. A word unknown to me before was mentioned so many times: deficit
Be ready to exercise your feet....there's so many shops and clothes to check out and you will hardly feel tired.
Well...without further ado I will rest my hand and my weakened heart over shopping at Go To Mall. Here, I introduce you a place that "you" should not miss when you shop for clothes.
You should be:
- woman
- young or at least until early 40's
- have loads of cash either on hand or in your bank account...teehee..
- shopping experience is not a pre-requisite...double teehee...^_^
- tip...once you see a pretty and nice one, just grab and pay..don't ever hesitate as Go To Mall is HUGE!! and you will regret it if you say..."ahh..it's okay, I will check out other shops and come back here later". Trust me, you would want to hit yourself if you couldn't find that particular shop later.
How to go to Go-To-Mall?
This is the entrance from Line 9, Exit 8, 8-1 and 8-2
By Subway
Take Line 3,7 or 9 to Express Bus Terminal Station. Make sure you find either exit 8, 8-1,8-2. This will lead you to the middle of Go-To-Mall entrance.
For example:
From: Ewha University Station, Line 2 ---> Express Bus Terminal, Line 3
Time: 33 minutes
Stop: 14 stations for 13.9 km
Transit: Euljiro-3-ga station
Fare: 1,150 by T-Money or 1,250 by cash (one way journey)
By Bus
If you speak or know Korean language, try to use this smart phone application: Seoul Bus 2
Key in: 고속 터미널
The buses going to Express Bus Terminal will be listed.
This is how Express Bus Terminal looks like.
Shinsegye is just next to it.
Check out DiscoveringKorea on Go-To-Mall Shopping center also known as Gangnam Underground Shopping Arcade (강남 고속 터미널 지하 상가).
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