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 ($4,210.80 USD) per person, staying one night each at Mihir Garh, the Royal Jodhpur Tented Camp and Ranvas during RIFF, plus two nights each at Bal Samand Lake Palace, The Taj Palace in Delhi and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. The price includes return BA flights, internal flights, a three-day festival pass, tours, transfers and full board at Mihir Garh (other hotels b&b).
A family run organic farm plantation with guesthouses for rent near the city of Choiseul
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME. ANCIENT TREES. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. HISTORICAL HOME. Location: Near Choiseul, south-western coast of St. Lucia Island on the Caribbean Sea Airport: Hewanorra International airport; 20 mins away Passport: British, Canadian, and French nationals do not require passports for entry into Saint Lucia on short stays (up to one week). The US nationals require a passport to travel to St. Lucia. Web: http://www.balenbouche.com Tips:
* The best way to get around the island is to rent a vehicle. You will need a local permit, which costs US$ 22 and is valid for three months (unless you have an international driving license)
* A 4x4 is necessary for certain hiking trails and beaches
* Driving in St Lucia is on the left
* Most vehicle rental agencies have offices at the airports and require the driver(s) to be a minimum age of 25 and have three years of driving experience.
* Local bus service is available but with limited routes. Volunteering: http://www.balenbouche.com/volunteering/volunteering.htm
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
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.
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.
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
* 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
Food experts based in Seoul. Experience local cuisines through consultations, tours or cooking classes.
FOODIE'S PARADISE. KOREAN CONTEMPORARY AND TRADITIONAL CUISINES. WHERE/WHAT THE LOCALS EAT.
Location: Seoul, Korea
Web: http://www.ongofood.com/
Contact: Ph. 02. 3446. 1607
Emails: Jia Choi: jia.choi@ongofood.com
** Daniel Gray: seouleats@gmail.com
Tours and classes: English or Japanese language
A cottage vacation island in Northern Michigan on Lake Huron.
FESTIVE. A FAMILY GET-AWAY. BIKE PATHS. HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGES. VICTORIAN ERA CHARM.
Location: Main St on Mackinaw Island
Rate: $74-$349 (Cheapest rates are available on the weekdays in May,late Aug & Sept)
Link: The Inn on Mackinaw
* Book earliest as possible. Often, the rooms are reserved an year advance.
* Ferry coupons
* $3.00 breakfast buffet
Info: Mackinaw Island
A quaint charming and yet hip neighborhood like no others in Seoul.
CUTTING-EDGE. ART. CAFES. GALLERIES. FOODIE DELIGHT. Interactive Map: Samcheong-dong [Landmarks: "Geonchunmun" Gate] Hotel: Hotel SunBee (near Anguk Station Exit 6) Rates: 88,000 - 120,000 WON ($88.00 - $120.00 USD) Info: Samcheong-dong Getting there: Gyeongbokgung Station (orange line) Exit 5 or Anguk Station Exit 1 or 2
* Cab: tell the driver "Sam-cheong-doe+ng" . "doe" is pronounced more like doe the female deer. Most likely, the driver will get on the main Samcheongdong-gil Street; where Gallery Hyundai is located off of (map above) Further Info: Jennyminsook@gmail.com Culinary Tour: O'ngo Food Communications Restaurants:
* http://www.koreataste.org/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/f-bukchonsamcheong-dong-the-classic-style-of-a-traditional-korean-house/
* http://www.seouleats.com/search/label/samcheongdong Note:
It's one of the cutest and most charming part of Seoul to leisurely enjoy the shops, cafes, galleries, and restaurants. But it's also one of the wealthiest and most expensive part of town as well. After 10 pm, it is very difficult to find a cab so you may be required to walk towards Anguk Station before spotting one.
Coffee Shelf or Coffee Seonban (from Embassy of Poland, head north bound and pass Samcheongdong Police Substation. Turn immediate right into an alley-like street. Cafe will be on your right side )
Jazz Story Bar ( north of landmark #5 on map above. You will see small green city buses parked front of a large house-gate on your left side. The bar is located across the street. )
A couples spa and yoga retreat nestled in a jungle paradise.
TROPICAL JUNGLE OASIS. PACIFIC COAST. ESCAPE TO ANOTHER WORLD. Location: Uvita, Costa Rica Rates: $149 - $189 USD Web: http://www.oxygenjunglevillas.com
