RAHJASTAN INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL

5 days celebration of folk music in the majestic walls of Fort Mehrangarh
EXOTIC EASTERN SOUNDS. ALL NIGHT DANCING ON FORT ROOFTOP. BRIGHTEST FULL MOON NIGHTS
Location: In and around Fort Mehrangarh; City of Jodhpur in the state of Rahjastan, India
When: October 12-16, 2011; The dates change annually.
Entry Requirements: Visa and passport for US citizens.
Getting there:
* Fly to New Delhi and connecting flight to Jodhpur.
* Train or bus from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and other major cities.
Web: www.jodhpurfolkfestival.org

* Local and international folk musicians perform annually.
* International DJ provides the sounds and beats all night long.

Lodging:
1. To be at the heart of the RIFF festivities, base yourself at the Royal Tented Camp at Mehrangarh Fort. Rate starting at $204.80 per person/ night, full-board.

*The following lodgings are in the city of Jodhpur:
2. Haveli Inn Pal: 15 mins walk to Fort Mehrangarh. Rate starts at $23.63
3. Durag Niwas Guest House. Rate starts at $5.60
4. Hotel Haveli: Rate starts at $20
5. Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli: Rate starts at $30. Located right by Fort Mehrangarch.
6. Hotel Megh Niwas: Rate starts at $20. About 15-20 min walk to Fort Mehrangarch.
7. The Blue House Guest House: Rate starts at $6.15. Great location.
8. Yogi Guest House: Rate starts at $9. Great location.
9. Veggie Guesthouse: Located just outside of Fort Mehrangarh
10. Ranga Bhawan
11. Pal Haveli: Minutes away from Fort Mehrangarch
12. Shivam Paying Guesthouse: Minutes away from Fort Mehrangarch.
13. Jee Ri Havali: Walking distance from Fort Mehrangarch
14. Haveli Guesthouse: Minutes away from Fort Mehrangarch.
15. Hotel City Palace
16. Priya
17. Heaven Guesthouse
More options on affordable hotels and guesthouses

* Greaves Travel: Offering a 9-night tour from £2,599 ($4,210.80 USD) per person, staying one night each at Mihir Garh, the Royal Jodhpur Tented Camp and Ranvas during RIFF, plus two nights each at Bal Samand Lake Palace, The Taj Palace in Delhi and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. The price includes return BA flights, internal flights, a three-day festival pass, tours, transfers and full board at Mihir Garh (other hotels b&b).

Photos:
www.telegraph.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=140546077196

DHARAVI SLUMS. MUMBAI

An economically innovative and self-sustaining slum shantytown in the middle of the city of Mumbai.
CHAOTIC. LABYRINTHS AND MAZES TO NEW DISCOVERIES. VIBRANT. MODEL OF FUTURE URBANIZATION
Tips:
* To tour the village, you must do so with a guide. Navigating is extremely difficult and you can get easily lost.
* No cameras allowed during this tour.
* This tour isn't for the faintest of hearts. Littering, a lack of sanitation and other related problems persist from the sheer high volume of people living together in a condensed concentrated area and also from a lack of proper utility, sewage and hygiene services.
* To better understand the daily life and its people of Dharavi, please read this article.
* Dharavi Slums' future remains uncertain as the city government and developers hope to bulldoze and redevelop with modern skyscrapers and condos. Visit before it's too late!
* Be open-minded and non-judgmental. You will find warmth and kindness of the local people.

Tour operator:
http://www.realitytoursandtravel.com: An organization that gives back to the people of Dharavi by setting up educational facilities and collaborating with the NGO's working in Dharvi . A several touring options are available to better accommodate your time, budget, and experience.

Photos:
http://www.zimbio.com
www.boston.com.

PUBLIC SPACES. SEOUL

Finding peace in public spaces and parks to escape the loud congested street noise of Seoul
GREENERY IN A CONCRETE CITY. FINDING SOLITUDE IN A CITY OF MILLIONS. NATURE WALKS. PICNICS.
1. Seonyudo Park: A former water treatment center in Seonyu Island on Han River transformed into a thriving diverse ecosystem park.
* Hours:
- 06:00 - 24:00 (Exhibit Hall: Summer Time 09:00 - 18:00/ Winter Time 09:00 - 17:00)
* Getting there:
- Take subway line 2 to Dangsan Station and go out of Exit # 1 >> Take bus #605, 6623, 6631, 6632, 6633 and get off at Hanshin Apt. >> Cross over Seonyudo Bridge
OR
- Take subway line 2 or 6 to Hapjeong Station, Exit # 8) >> Take bus #604, 5712, 6712, 6716 and get off at Hanshin Apt. >> Cross over Seonyudo Bridge

2. Namsan Park: Hannam District Botanical Garden.
* Web: http://parks.seoul.go.kr
* Namsan Botanical Garden is open all year, with free entrance fee and located across the street from Hyatt Hotel
* Getting there:
- Taxi: Hyatt Hotel, Yong-san.
- Bus: Subway Seoul station exit #4, take the highway blue bus 402 or local bus (smaller bus) 0014. Get off at Hyatt hotel
- Local green bus 003: from Yongsan Station (Line 1), walk to E-Mart Store. Across the street. Turn left. Keeping walking til you see a booth island at E-mart parking ramp, turn right (You might see a well dressed female in the booth greeting the customers). Look for the bus stop (just around the corner) on your right. *Samgatchi Station (Line 4): Exit 1. Walk to the 1st stop sign and look behind for 2nd bus stop sign. or *Noksapyeong Station (line 6) Exit 1: Past the bus stop. Look for a staircase leading to the underground pedestrian bridge. Across the street. Look for a bus stop sign. Hyatt Hotel is the last stop.
- Hangangjin Station (line 6): Exit 2 then take bus #0014 and get off at Hyatt Hotel (Bus comes every 10 minutes / takes about 10 minutes)

3. Cheonggyecheon Stream: Once a neglected polluted stream, it has been revitalized as a walk-way path through the downtown of Seoul.
* Getting there:
- Subway Line 1: City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, Jongno 5-ga Station, Dongdaemun Station, Sinseoldong Station
- Line 2: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Euljiro 3-ga Station, Euljiro 4-ga Station, Sindang Station, Sangwangsibni Station
- Line 3: Jongno 3-ga Station
- Line 4: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station
- Line 5: Gwanghwamun Station
- Exit towards Cheonggyecheon Stream
* I recommend the starting point at City Hall Station (Line 2)
* Best enjoyed in the evenings. Avoid during festivals or other events held in downtown
* Web & Tour info: http://english.sisul.or.kr

4. Yeouido Park: Although overcrowded, highly recommended during early spring for the celebration of Cherry Blossoms on Yunjunro Street stretching 6kms, behind the National Assembly Building.
* Getting there:
- Taxi: Yoi-e-dow Gong-wan (as in magic "wand" but no "d")
- From Exit # 1 of Yeouinaru Subway Station (Subway Line 5):
walk 10 minutes towards SBS TV Station.
- From Exit # 3 of Yeouido Subway Station (Subway Line 5), walk 5 minutes
towards the National Assembly building.

Worthy mentions located just outside of Seoul:
5. Bok-hansan: Mountain national park just North of Seoul. Streams, Buddhist temples, giant rock formation statues, and a great aerial view of Seoul. Many trails offered. Some can take you all the way to the top for about 7-9 hours of hike.
* Web: english.knps.or.kr
* Getting there:
- Dobong Area: At Exit # 2 of Dobong Subway Station (Line 1) walk 15-20 minutes or take bus # 141. (5 minute intervals/ 10 minute ride)
- Bukhansan Fortress: At Exit # 1 of Gupabal Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) take Bus # 704. and get off at the entrance of Bukhansan Fortress. (10 minute intervals, 20 minute ride)
- Ui Area : At Exit # 3 of Suyu Subway Station.(Subway Line 4) take City Bus # 130, 1217, 170. Get off at the Doseonsa Temple at Ui-dong. (10 minute intervals)

Buddha statues at Choenchuksa Temple

6. Hwaseong Fortress: A fortress 30 km South of Seoul in the city of Suwon which was built during the late 18th century in remembrance of murdered Crown Prince Sado. It is one of the best well preserved fortresses in South Korea and has been declared as an Unesco Heritage Site.
* Web: http://ehs.suwon.ne.kr/ (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
* Activity Information:
- Traditional Archery: 5 arrows = 1,000won (additional 5 arrows = 1,000won / max 20 arrows)
* Operating Hours:
- Summer season 09:00 - 18:00 / Winter season 09:00 - 17:00
* Admission Fees:
- Adults 1,000 won ($1.00) / Youth 700 won / Children 500 won
- Group (over 30 people) - Adults 700 won / Youth 500 won / Children 300 won
* Getting there:
- From Yongsan Station in central Seoul (line 1): Ask the Information Desk about how to get on the faster subway train to Suwon Station (Line 1). Then take city bus No. 2, 7, 7-2, 8, or 13 and get off at Jongno 4-geori (intersection). Walk 5 min.
- Bus: The following options may be a bit more challenging if you are not familiar with the Seoul bus transit system.
1)Suwon~Jamsil:
Take bus No. 1007 from Suwon Station, Whaseo-mun,Kyunggi province police agency,
Suseo Station, Jamsil Station, Seokchon Station or Garak market and get off at Jongno.
2)Suwon~Kangnam,Yangjae:
Take bus No.3000 from Suwon Station, paldal-mun, Jangan-mun, Hanil town, Pajang-dong, Yangjae Station or Kangnam Station and get off at Jongno.

Photos:
http://sweetieroom.webs.com
http://www.myspace.com/visitseoul
http://hosgor.wordpress.com
http://www.cabe.org.uk
http://www.enjoyitaewon.com
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr
http://www.korea.ericfries.de
http://www.cnngo.com
http://www.travelpod.com

ULAAN BAATAR ( Ulan Bator)

The capital city & gate-way to your awaiting adventures in Mongolia.
LAND OF NOMADS & ENDLESS DESOLATE OPEN PLAINS. WILD HORSES. HOSPITABLE PEOPLE. EXTREME WEATHER.
Getting there:
* Fly
* Take the train to Ulaan Baatar from Beijing, China or Moscow, Russia.
* Trans Siberian Express Train Schedule: From Moscow or Beijing

Requirements to enter:
* Passport and Visa required to enter Russia, China, and Mongolia
* An "Invitational Letter" may be required by Mongolian Embassy. Request one from your booking agency, hotel or tour-guide agency in Mongolia.

Tips:
* International credit cards are not widely accepted outside of international hotels and touristy areas in Mongolia. Make sure to have a plenty of cash and traveler's cheques on hand.
* Mongolian weather can be extreme from the summer to winter. Pack your clothes accordingly. Average temperatures over most of the country are below freezing from November-March and are about freezing in April and October. January and February averages of -20° C (-4 F)are common, with winter nights of -40° C(-40 F)occurring most years. The winters often feel much colder with the freezing Siberian wind traveling downwards from Russia. Summer extremes reach as high as 38° C (100.4 F) in the southern Gobi region and 33° C (91.4 F) in Ulaan Baatar

Hotels in Ulaan Baatar:
1. Zaya Backpacker Hostel:$12-25
2. UB Guesthouse: $6-18.
3. Backpackers Guesthouse: Starts at $10 (includes breakfast)
4. Apartment rental with Happycamel Tour Agency: Starts at $48
5. Mika Hotel: Starts at $50
6. Evergreen Hotel: Starts at $45
7. Flower Hotel: Starts at $70
8. Palace Hotel: Starts at $79
9. Narantuul Hotel: Starts at $98
10. Bayangol Hotel: Starts at $145
11. Puma Imperial Hotel: $100

Tour Guides: Many types of tours offered.
1.www.happycamel.com : Belgium owners. It can be found at Chez Bernard Tourist Cafe on Peace Ave. Ph:(976) 998-44844
2. www.discovermongolia.mn
3. www.garditours.com
4. www.gomongolia.com
5. www.tripsmongolia.com
6. http://tserentours.com/
7. www.samarmagictours.com
8. www.gertoger.org: Foundation and agency which works with the local communities for promoting responsible tourism.
9. www.mongolian-ways.com

Tours:
Cultural home-stay at a traditional house, Ger with a nomadic family:
* PBS documentary made with Julia Roberts in 1999
* Many options offered by Gertoger Organization

My friend, Jess with her host family

Naadam Festival (Mongolian National Holiday):
* July 11 - 13 held annually
* A thousand year old warrior festival of competitions in traditional wrestling, archery, horse racing with kids as the jockeys and along with traditional food, music, and other festivities.

Horse Trekking
* An itinerary sample by National Geographic

OR

For more intrinsically rewarding journey, volunteer at one of many orphanages. The poverty and high unemployment rate have been steadily on the rise since the fall of communism in 1990's. The elderly and disabled adults and poor children most often end-up being victimized as a result. There is an estimate of 3,000 orphaned and abandoned children in Ulaan Baatar.

* http://www.projects-abroad.org
* http://www.lotuschild.org



Photos:
ridingworld.com
flickr.com
journals.worldnomads.com
thecareyadventures.com
www.keyposters.com
www.nationalgeographic.comn

HEYRI ART VILLAGE. PAJU

Bauhaus-inspired architecturally designed artist compound situated an hour North of Seoul
EXPERIMENTAL AND MODERN ART EXHIBITIONS. COFFEE SHOPS. ARTIST MELTING POT.
Location: City of Paju, South Korea
Getting there from Seoul:
* Hapjeong Station(line 2) Exit 2. Take red bus 2200. 45-50 mins later, get off at Hey-ri Art Valley.
* Bus schedule: 07:00-23:20, every 15 minutes
Web: http://www.heyri.net
Info: * Businesses closed on Mondays
* Museums and exhibitions are open from 10:00am to 7:00 pm.
* Note that hours may vary slightly at each museum
* Museums with cafes and restaurants are open later.
* A perfect day trip
* Buy a map when you first arrive at the information kiosk at Gate 4 for 500 won.
* Getting around: By foot or rent a bicycle for 6,000 won for first two hours/4,000 won for each additional hour
Further inquiries: Korea Travel Phone +82-31-1330 or in Korea: 031-1330

Gallery TouchArt

Bauhaus on the Imjin

Music Space Camerata: Coffee & DJ plays classical/Jazz fusion on a quality soundsystem

The Chocolate Design Gallery

Hangil Bookhouse

Photos:
Brownpassports
Englisvisitseoul.blogspot.com
seoulselection.com
cnngo.com

LUANG PRABANG

 A former royal capital of Laos which recently has been declared as an Unesco Heiritage Site.

Location: Luang Prabang, northern city of Laos.
Getting there: Lonely Planet Guide

Lodging:  $-Economical to $$-Affordable price rages:
1. Halolao Back Packers: Starts at $12
2. Wat That Guest House: Starts at $10
3. Nam Sok Guest House: Starts at $20. Request for a bigger room in the back
4. Ammata Guest House
5. Souk Lan Xang Guest House: Starts at $30
6. Mano Luck Hotel: Just outskirt of the central district. Starts at $35
7. Villa Merry Lao-Swiss: Starts at $35
8. Lotus Vila Laos: Starts at $50. Supporter of Deak Kum Pa Orphanage.
9. The Apsara: Starts at $55. Great reviews by former guests!!
10. Chanthavinh Resort&Spa: Starts at $55. A few kilometers away from the central district.
11. The Villa Pavilion: Starts at $60. 10min walking to the central district
12. Le Bel Air Boutique Resort & Vila: Starts at $63
13. Baan Lak Kham: Starts at $75
14. Zen Namkhan Boutique Resort: Starts at $86. 30 mins outside of the central district.
15. Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel: Starts at $125
16. Mekong Estate: Pending on the season, Low season starts at $100 & High at $130.
17. Belle River Boutique Hotel: Starts at $120
18. Les 3 Nagas By Alila: Starts at $130
19. Villa Santi Hotel&Resort: A former royal residence.
20. ** Grand Luang Prabang: 4km outside of the town. Shuttle provided into the town. A former residence of the royal family.
21. To immerse yourself into the local culture and stay on a tight budget, inquire about home-stays!
More hotel options

Restaurants that promote eco-sustainable organic practices:
1. Tamarind Cafe and cooking classes: www.tamarindlaos.com
2. L'elelphant: French restaurant. www.elephant-restau.com
3. Le Cafe Ban Vat Sene: L'elephant's sister restaurant, but more casual.
4. Joma Bakery Cafe: www.joma.biz/Joma/Welcome.html

Hong night market

Giving of the Alms proceeding at 6am

A view of the sunset from Mount Phousi

Mekong River

 Tours outside of the city:
* There are many offered. Shop around for reliable tour guides with competitive rates.
***** Jewel Travel Laos and Green Discovery tour guides appear to be reliable.
* Stop by at Tamarind Restaurant and ask to prepare a picnic lunch for your day excursion

Kuang Si Waterfalls

* Getting there:
1. Rent a bike in town: 1 1/2 hours of cycling for 30kms. Bring a plenty of water.
* A great opportunity to pass through farm towns and interact with the locals.
2. Rent a moped: $15 per day.
3. Tuk Tuk canoe: Book with a tour guide. Approx 1 hour each way. 30,000-40,000 Kip per person.
4. Boat: Book with Green Discovery Tour
* Stops at some of the villages along the way on Mekong River
5. By car with Treasure Travel Laos or another guide

All Lao Elephant Camp (1-2 days):
* Please read this following article before deciding to experience an elephant trekking tour.  As an animal lover, you should be more aware of the gruesome torment the elephants face in ordered to be trained to be ridden by humans.
http://journals.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/story/81053/Thailand/Why-Elephant-Riding-Should-Be-Removed-from-Your-Bucket-List

Minority hill-tribe group experience:

* A rare opportunity to see some of the most remote areas in the region and how the people live in tough conditions there.
* Tips:
- Although attempting, please do not give money to the children. This only reinforces the habit of begging as an acceptable behavior. There are better ways to help those who desperately need it. See the very bottom of this page for further info.
- Do not take photos of them without their permissions.
- Do not pity them. They are proud people with proud history.
- Do purchase local goods/food if available. This directly helps their local economy.

Pak Ou Caves: limestone facade caves filled with preserved Buddha sculptures inside.
* Option of boating or kayaking to the caves.

Personal Note:
Undoubtedly, there is no denying the presence of poverty in Laos. When the communist party came to power in the mid 1970's, the people and their economy were completely blocked off from the outside world and became stagnate. This resulted in further decline in poverty and other social related problems. As their land, water, and people became isolated and unimpacted by the globalism and commercialism, an unique culture and a way of life were preserved in the process. Their rich cultural identity, practices and beliefs are uncommonly found elsewhere today. These unique mystical qualities have captivated the world's imagination, and today, millions of international tourists visit in pursuit of capturing and experiencing the essence and beauty of Laos.

As today's vulnerable economy opens up to the possibilities of capitalism and entrepreneurship, I often wonder about how the social impacts of new found wealth and its consumerism, inevitable greed, division of social economic classes, and rising environmental problems will play a role in redefining the society's morals and values and reshaping their culture, politics, and environment. Will the embrace of modernization and prosperity come at a price of destroying the tranquil spirit and beauty which ubiquitously defines Laos? Although there are no easy answers, there must be a solution that balances the juxtaposing views of capitalism and preservation.

By supporting locally owned businesses and social and eco-conscientious tourism practices, we the tourists can make an impact on Laos' fight against poverty and help preserve their natural habitats and a way of life in the process.

To further help, inquire about donations to the local schools, medical clinics, orphanages, and others. Speak with the Aussie expat owners of Lotus Vila Laos Hotel #8 and/or Tamarind Restaurant about how you can contribute. *During your hill-tribe tour excursion, speak to your tour guide about how you can make a donation to the schools, clinics, etc. or directly contact the NGO's (Non-Government Organizations) that are currently working in Luang Prabang or the surrounding areas. Please read the following on how to help promote responsible tourism in SE Asia: www.mekongtourism.org/guide