Tagged With "casa particular"
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Re: Casa Bacardi Rum Plant, San Juan, Puerto Rico
I've visited the Bacardi plant too, and remember being quite impressed by it. As I recall, the original was in Cuba and the family moved to P.R. to escape Castro. And I'm proud to see you standing after those free samples! Thanks for the post.
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Re: Top 10 Most Beautiful Gardens In The World
I think that's one of the problems with so much travel journalism: Top-Tenism, the urge to line things up in order and crown a winner. That means, often, directing attention away from wonderful things that 'didn't make the list.' I'd much rather see lists of 'Ten wonderful gardens you might enjoy' or 'ten restaurants I've enjoyed.' As for gardens: Some are quite formal, others either informal or with the goal of showing nature rather than decor. Some are large, others small. Some are...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar. 19, 2014: Bouillabaise
A number of times we've found dishes or cooking methods that have become part of our routine at home--but I'll pass on this one because (among other things) the particular fish needed are only available here at prices that would make you think they flew first-class! But we have continued to make the meat-stuffed zucchini we learned in our Bologna cooking class two years ago. No shortage of domestic zucchini!
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #5.5
It might very well be St.-Paul-de-Vence. I've never been there so can't say. However, it doesn't seem tidy enough for France. At least where I've been in France. I think the French are more particular about details in their medieval towns than this picture seems to indicate. I suppose it could be in a very out-of-the-way corner but, still, it just doesn't seem French to me for that reason.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 10, 2013: Banff and the Bow River Valley
There are a lot of fabulous places to visit. I need to get busy. The list is handily sorted by countries. I will bookmark this and consult it when planning a trip to a particular country or region. Thanks for the information.
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Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
No, not thinking of mills and chimneys, necessarily--note my very pre-Industrial Revolution examples--but certainly industrial, and by the nature of sizable cities with people living in close quarters and with the side-products of their industry, an argument can be made for dirty. It's not a slam...it's just the condition of cities that are alive. Here's a quotation, by the way, from the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health: The industrial revolution in England had by the beginning...
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Re: controversial architecture? - Parasol Sevilla
Certainly an interesting "sunbrella". Wonder if they put special light effects on it at night ? The support columns seem to be very substantial. Did you happen to notice - Do the legs have a particular purpose - hiding the WC, entrance to the Metro, covering utilities ?
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Re: Charging your mobile devices on the go
That article has good advice...but should have noted one thing more: Not all USB ports on planes and trains carry power for devices (including chargers). Some are data links only; if you don't know about a particular plane or airline, check or don't count on it!
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Re: Photo sharing services
I've used Picasa Web Albums (linked with the Picasa desktop software, by the way) from Google for that; I upload the raw pictures as an archive (not shared) and then a selection of edited ones that are shared with whoever I give the link to. Free up to a point, and added storage is pretty cheap. the one downside is that you occasionally have to click some links to say that NO, you do not want it linked to Google+ The other reasonable choice is DropBox; once you've created a folder in your...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#122)
Yes, Jonathan, that gutter would keep the squirrels -- and nuts -- out...or perhaps keep them in...... Time for some more clues. A little more perspective of this particular building:
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Re: Historic Georgetown Post Office, Colorado
A lot of the buildings in Georgetown would have been seen by your great (x3) grandfather, but I'm not sure about this particular building.
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Re: Do traveling Brits hate kids?
Has anyone used noise cancelling headphones or maybe recommend a particular model ?
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Re: Chrome Sparkles at Sherborne Castle (Part 3)
Thanks TG Gurus! I have been lucky enough to have a pass for each of the past 3 years and indeed stayed from early 'til late. Each year has a slightly different mix of cars really by chance rather than for a particular theme showing that there is a lot of lovely metal tucked-away out there. Some cars there that you can walk right up to (but please don't touch!) are valued in 'telephone numbers'. Having said "no theme" in particular, last year was Aston Martin's 100th anniversary, hence the...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct. 4, 2014: A Courtyard in Marrakech
Mac, will you by any chance be going to Taroudant? I was there briefly years ago and am thinking of returning for a longer visit. Wherever you go, I'll look forward to your report and in particular, about your experiences in smaller places.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#77)
I wasn't suggesting any particular province, only confirming that Sprint Insight has an Ontario corporate address. I'm thinking not as far west as BC, maybe a plains province, given the the grain elevator, if that's what it is.
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Re: Photography at the Edges, New York & San Francisco
I did, indeed, go to the two exhibits at the Met...and they actually have a relation to the SF show that PortMoresby has described. Marville, in particular, was working at the beginning of photography, without all the digital devices, or even a light meter, and with media so slow that a photograph of a relatively busy street appears to be empty of traffic—because during the 30 seconds needed to expose that plate no one stayed in front of the camera long enough to register an image! The Paris...
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Re: Spain's booming tourism hits record numbers
Most countries would envy Spain this particular problem. Given how week other aspects of their economy are, I can't see the government putting a stop on this, despite the actions of some mayors. I'd suggest they look at diverting tourists to less traveled parts of the country. Spain is a large place and there are lots of places tourists hardly ever go.
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Re: Airbnb's plans for business travelers
I definitely agree that the interface has become more difficult to use in many ways, although easier in a few. In particular, some parts of the filtering and some information...more difficult. But I do think that the point of what McCabe was saying was that the corporate travel departments want to place restriction on what their employees can rent, and that Airbnb will help them do that...for their employees. Independent business travelers, or those who work for corporations with a more...
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba
It's big news - BBC had an interview with one of the Airbnb guys this evening, talking about just this. I'm getting ready, just watched 'Our Man in Havana', (1959, Alec Guinness).
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba
The internet is accessible for most people in Cuba. Phone lines are still a rare item for private houses. Many share a local service with business and families using the same web address. Just like we used to - when we shared a public phone. Yes - years ago - I know !
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba
I know this is open to double meaning in this context...but yes, I remember sharing a party line. Leavenworth, KS, 1951. Our number was 779-J and we were #10 of the 12 families on the line. There was a distinct ring for each family...can't remember ours (I was 7 at the time).
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba
Did it go Brrr....Brrr... or was that the Polar Bear without his coat on ? Yes party lines were great fun if you picked up the receiver when someone else was talking.
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba
Garry, it seems like you were a naughty boy. I suspect you actually took part in some of these party line calls, rendering some good advice, I'm sure -- whether wanted or not.
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba
Don't remember exactly what it sounded like, but I remember what my mother sounded like when she caught me listening...
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba
Ours was 2 shorts and a long (or was it 2 longs and a short?), also early '50s, Danville, California. It was an idyllic new subdivision in the rolling golden hills, golf course next door and a community pool under the oaks, a short walk from home. It would never have occurred to us that a party line made life any less wonderful.
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba
Apparently Airbnb in Cuba, so far, is only for Americans who have permission to go there.
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba
Many of my Canadian friends travel independently to Cuba. They all stay with these guys -Pinot and Agnia. Too far from Havana to travel but it will give you a taste of what to expect from Casa Particulars. http://www.hostalpinoyagnia.com/
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Re: Eurostar, Eurotunnel, ferries shut by sailor protests
I may get myself in trouble, not the first time, but this sort of behavior, inconveniencing their fellow citizens as well as others, seems to be particularly part of French workers' way of doing things, and an aspect of the culture in general, self-aggrandizing on many levels. I love France, but not this particular national trait.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#120)
I reckon I've got it, Travel Gumbo. Although it's only across the ditch from me, I haven't been to this particular city - yet.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#121)
It's a particular building, and an unusual one, but not so unusual in its home town...but its importance is less for its location than its history. Does that clarify? Hmmmm....
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Re: SF: Walls take revenge on public urination
Time will tell to see if this will work. In that particular area of the city, the worse offenders are usually (1)too drunk to notice until it is too late or (2) are transient. If it does work, I say that they add this special paint to all areas of the BART stations! Please! It sure is a wake up call on certain mornings!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#110)
I really, really don't mean to spoil the fun, knowing that whenever someone says that he does in fact exactly that. However I'll use the occasion to share a very useful tip for anyone: Google Picture Search. it allows you to search for any picture on the web and it will find similar pictures or - like in this case an exact match. You can either paste in the direct url of the picture or download a copy and later upload it again. If the website doesn't allow that (which really makes no sense...
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Re: Max Gate - home of British author Thomas Hardy
Applying a bit more thought to my previous statement, I think it's the countryside in relation to the history of people in a place that drives me to walk town to town, in particular in England. Historically, people traveled on foot and the English countryside is crisscrossed with those same ancient footpaths that have been used a thousand years or more and that, even when crossing private land, farms or estates, still belong to the people. The thought of all that human history thrills me...
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Re: Safety tip: Hold that Instagram!
Another angle to this came to the front of my mind recently. A female friend is doing a solo walk along a long distance trail through very unpopulated areas. She attracted a lot of followers from her Instagram prepping, but soon became aware of a group of supportive women hikers advising her about known unwanted followers. In particular she was advised not to post locations until they were long past so it would be more difficult to track her movements. This could equally apply to any form of...
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Re: A Month in Chiapas
I'm curious if you'd return to either of the Airbnb rooms you used during this stay? And why?
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Re: A Month in Chiapas
I think I'd have to say, probably not. Neither was perfect and we're always looking for some sort of perfection, aren't we? I am certainly, not a member of the "it's only a place to sleep" club. It's my home for the time I'm there & even on a paltry budget, I'm fussy. I liked the 1st place, in part because I had it to myself nearly the entire 2 weeks. But the bed wasn't great. The 2nd place (located on booking.com, my other favorite site) was very comfortable but the noise would rule it...
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Re: The Lure of the Abandoned
Looks very interesting. The cover photo, in particular, caught my attention. I have since discovered that it is the Castello di Sammezzano near Florence. It is now firmly on my list. I have also ordered a copy of the book - ask for your commission. :-)
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Re: Kruger National Park - South Africa. Pt 2
Some great pictures in this batch again, David. Nicely done! I've two particular favorites in this lot, the leopard for its spectacular beauty, and the one of the hyenas -- a brutal portrait of nature.
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Re: A shout-out for Ryanair...no kidding!
My reason for boycotting Ryanair is philosophical, rather than the practical considerations you mention and I'm sure I'm not alone. The few times I flew them I had no particular complaints. But at one point, after one more obnoxious attempt to get our attention by the CEO, I resolved that if Ryanair was the only way to get somewhere, I just wouldn't go there. I can only elaborate by comparing my feelings about the airline to those regarding some hotels. Under no circumstances would I stay in...
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Re: Wrong Airport: Help, I've landed and I can't get up!
There are few stories more embarrassing for a pilot than the old "landed at the wrong airport one". Wonder how often this happens? This particular story is news because it couldn't take off easily without special clearance. In this era of modern flight navigation, one has to wonder how it could happen at all.
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Re: I get to Boomerang to Spain ! Cheap !
Garry RF and PHeymont - Thank you very much for the information. In this case, APD is not incurred - Flying NYC-LON-Continental Europe: No problem; as long as your time in UK is less than 24 hours, you are a transit passenger and don't pay APD. In this case, there is an APD, even if the transit is less than 24 hours ? - Flying Continential Europe-LON-NYC: Not so good; you pay the APD on the trans-Atlantic leg, and that's high. Concerning the third item, this explains why Worker Bee had a...
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Re: Walking the Buffalo
Thanks! this is fascinating; most people I know who have gone to China have been with organized groups, or on teacher tours, so their experience was very different from this. What drew you to that particular area? I'm also curious to know whether the farms you encountered were individual holdings, or whether there is still an active collective agriculture in areas like this.
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Re: Where's a Warm Spot for March
Welcome, Gulliver, and two weeks will give you a nice break. I'm not sure where you're traveling from. Easiest and cheapest place for a warm break from North America is to head south, especially to Florida or the Caribbean, or from the West coast to Hawaii or Arizona. But the south of Europe is also quite nice this time of year. Italy, Sicily, Greece are places I'd consider going, depending on what interests you and where you've traveled before. Do any of these interest you? Are you...