Tagged With "East Africa"
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Re: A visit to Saudi Arabia: Part I
What a bureaucratic nightmare! I wonder if there are countries that make it harder to visit than this one?
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Re: A visit to Saudi Arabia: Part I
Originally Posted by Travel Luver: What a bureaucratic nightmare! I wonder if there are countries that make it harder to visit than this one? My wife and I have visited 119 countries, with China, Bhutan and Saudi Arabia the most challenging to enter.
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Re: A visit to Saudi Arabia: Part I
My husband and I were invited to live there for two years while he did a medical fellowship in genetics. The challenge for me was that I am a very independent traveler, and I could not imagine how I would deal with the restrictions on women. In the end, those restrictions influenced our decision to go to Germany for two years instead. However, after having seen your photos, I am curious to see more. I regret that I do not know this part of the world.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 1, 2014: Marsaxlokk
Malta is less than 200 miles from the coast of Africa. It has a winter climate that is absolutely perfect. Its summer climate can be extremely hot. Christmas in Malta is amazing. The locals wearing their furs and heavy coats. And its still between 70 and 80f !
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Re: NYC-The Lower East Side
Thanks for this piece, and especially the notes on the Lower 'Eat' Side. I used to live not far away from Katz and Yonah Schimmel, although in those days I couldn't afford them as often as I might have liked...but I remember enjoying the aromas even when I couldn't eat! By the way, Russ and Daughters has just opened a small sitdown cafe where their "appetizing" can be enjoyed. The Tenement Museum is a great place for families; I've taken small school groups there. Each apartment in the...
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Re: NYC-The Lower East Side
I am embarrassed to say I've never had a knisch. But now I know where to find the best and will have to look the place up when in NYC. A fascinating bit of Americana. Thanks, Jonathan.
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Re: NYC-The Lower East Side
Thanks Jonathan! I'll follow your excellent itinerary next time I visit. I was fascinated by the history lesson you gave us!
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Re: NYC-The Lower East Side
Excellent article, Jonathan, thank you. Such an amazing and colorful history and you've made it tempting to visit (again). We were there in 2007 and I had a pastrami sandwich at Katz's. It was so big I couldn't get my mouth around it!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, July 24, 2014: Floral Clock, Niagara Parkway, Ontario
Outside Pietermaritzburg City Hall, South Africa is a Naval gun from the British Royal Navy Ship HMS Fawn. After the ship ran aground in 1850 the gun was relocated to its current location. It was fired to announce 1 O'clock to the surrounding town. A visiting dignitary asked how the time was kept to ensure its accuracy. "We have a telescope that looks into the local clockmakers shop. He has a 100 year old Belgian clock in the window that is famous for keeping perfect time" So the wealthy...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, July 29, 2014. Shira Plateau, Tanzania
Garry -- that's like saying stay at home with the kids and play in their kiddy pool instead of taking them to see the ocean. It was a hard but most fascinating trip. Standing on the roof of Africa, watching the sun rise above the clouds (which are thousands of feet below you) is an experience I'll never forget! But having done it once, I'm not going back anytime soon.
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All the Tea In...Charleston?
Tea gardens, as the farms are traditionally known, no matter the size, have been seducing me for over a decade. In Yunnan and Guangxi Provinces of China, Himachal Pradesh and Darjeeling in Himalayan India, in the Cameron Highlands of...
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Lonely Planet's Best Bang for Your Buck in 2015
While some of the destinations they include will be no surprise to the well-traveled group here on Travel Gumbo, I was interested in some of the places mentioned. Samoa, for instance, I wouldn't have expected, or South Africa. And I'd...
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Films that affected your Travel destinations
Conde Naste posted a nice piece on 50 films that most influenced travel, which you can find here. As a kid growing up on the Canadian prairies, I do recall films helping open my eyes to the great world out there. Several come immediately to...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 13, 2013: Jeronimos Monastery
Sunlight and shade highlight the complex carving of this stonework at the Monastery of Jeronimos at Belem, in Lisbon. This late-Gothic style is called Manueline, after King Manuel I. It’s marked by ornate stonework, often including maritime...
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The Living Desert Wildlife and Botanical Park, Palm Desert
Palm Desert's LIVING DESERT offers a place to see several desert ecosystems, as well as an interesting assortment of animals from the Americas and Africa.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium: Oceans Apart
Located directly on the Monterey Bay just south of Santa Cruz is a sprawling complex of nearly 200 exhibits of more than 550 species in a 2 storey building nearly 30 years old: the Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA). Started in 1978, and open to the...
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Look east! Gallery re-examines East German interior decor
A glittering new gallery in Berlin, just off Karl-Marx-Allee, is taking a new look at mid-century design in the former German Democratic Republic, along with contemporary design from elsewhere in the East bloc and the west. East German (and...
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A Place of Fairy Tales & Magic – The Biltmore Estate
By JP Chartier NUZZLED SNUGLY, DEEP WITHIN THE PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST AND ENCIRCLED BY MOUNTAINS THAT BREATHE BLUE SMOKE IS WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS PLACE OF FAIRY TALES AND MAGIC. The opulent and somewhat imposing French Renaissance,...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb. 15, 2015: Sweetgrass Baskets
Among the many traditions of the Lowcountry around Charleston SC few are as fascinating or as rich in history as basketweaving using sweetgrass—native bulrush. These baskets are displayed for sale by their makers on the steps of the...
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Magnolia Plantation: Beautiful but Complicated
This story started out simple: A visit to a beautiful riverside plantation, renowned for its centuries-old formal gardens. But the past is usually not so simple, and in this instance involves not only the ugly story of the slavery that made...
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Delta's Cutting International Seats. Will United and American Follow?
Delta is cutting seats for their international routes next winter by 3 percent. A strong dollar and regions that are feeling the decline in oil prices are the markets mainly affected. Service to Africa, Brazil ,India,Japan and the Middle East are...
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Visiting Sicily: An introductory overview
Travel guru Rick Steves likes to say (and I'm paraphrasing) that Italy either gets better or worse as you head south from Rome, depending on what you like. If you like a quieter people, trains running almost on time, etc. head...
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Trinidad de Cuba
Trinidad de Cuba seems frozen in time. That was my immediate reaction on arrival. That was my leaving thought after exploring it for a week too. It's difficult not to fall in love with such a enchanting and unique city especially after experiencing a...
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Spain's 'killer lake' to be disarmed
Carbon dioxide trapped in water at an abandoned mine site has the potential to erupt and replace oxygen, killing hundreds. Help is on the way.
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World tourism numbers on the rise
International tourism numbers are growing at the fastest rate in years, but some big jumps mean less than they seem to.
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Spain: No room at the inn?
Spain's had a tourism boom, especially since travel to North Africa and the Middle East tanked, but high demand is pushing prices up.
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Nov. 10, 2017: Hedgehog, Northumberland
Ian Cook presents background information and some great photos of a hedgehog, found in the pasture with some sheep!
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Arctic Tern Colony, Long Nanny, Northumberland
Ian Cook shares a gallery of photos and detailed natural history of this fascinating bird, which has the world's longest migratory routes.
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Top 10 Things to Do in Birmingham
Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK with a population of approximately 1,000,075 at the latest count. With a distinguished history based on its manufacturing heritage this proud city is now a magnet for tourists from all over the world and whether it is shopping you love, attractions or festivals and events, Birmingham and its surrounding area has everything you can think of. Murder Mystery Events If you are thinking of taking a weekend break in Birmingham why not try a Murder...
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Dubai Museum (Where Gumbo Was #219)
Gumbo was visiting the Dubai Museum in the United Arab Emirates. The Museum is housed in an old 18th century fort, the oldest building in the city, and contains a large variety of exhibits which document the history of the region.
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May 30, 2017: Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary
Marilyn Jones takes us to a sanctuary that rehabilitates injured seabirds and works to raise awareness of the perils they face.
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The West Coast of Puerto Rico
A frequent visitor to Puerto Rico, Jonathan L had never before visited the island's west coast. He shares the visit with us here.
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Finding the right packing accessories for your trip
Road Warrior Marilyn Jones gives us her insights into what accessories work for her, and how to choose them.
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Il Capo: Palermo's Ancient Market
One of Palermo's best attractions is this open-air market that's been doing business every day for a thousand years.
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April 18, 2017: Sunrise, Sunset: Life in the South African Bush
Join Marilyn Jones on a photo-safari in South Africa.
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US-EU Visa Waiver war could get hotter
U.S. hints that Visa Waiver Program may get tighter, rather than complying with EU requirement to include all EU citizens.
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A Market and More in Nürnberg
With a day free to poke around, PHeymont found a late winter market with early spring crops and some unusual contradictions.
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Luggage to withstand airline handling
For someone who's on the road as often as Marilyn Jones, the right bags and the right packing techniques can make a big difference.
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May 2, 2017: Bo-Kapp, Cape Town, South Africa
Marilyn Jones takes us on a visit to one of South Africa's, and the world's most colorful neighborhoods.
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May 16, 2017: A luxurious afternoon at sea
Join Marilyn Jones on an afternoon cruise from Cape Town, South Africa on a luxury catamaran.
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Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily
Agrigento, Sicily's Valley of the Temples is the world's largest archaeological site, and its mysteries are also immense. PHeymont visited and reports.
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Caguas Botanical Gardens: a taste of history and culture
Jonathan L takes us on a tour of the garden, which is organized to mirror aspects of the island's culture and history.
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So, what’s it worth ?
Bob Cranwell shares a discussion and thoughts on the value of things using a memorable experience in Yemen.
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Got 15 weeks? Cunard's got a Round-the-World cruise
Queen Victoria will make a 107-day, 30-port, 6-continent round-the-world trip next year.
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Lanzarote: an Undervalued Paradise
Ian Cook shares a great photoessay and details of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands and a favorite of Ian's. It is a slice of underappreciated paradise.
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Norwegian looks east: Is Japan next for cheap flights?
After shaking up the trans-Atlantic travel market, Norwegian is turning its sights on new horizons, possibly Japan.
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Air Berlin ends Oct. 28, news soon on Alitalia
Air Berlin sets the date for the end of all flights, while Alitalia has a couple of weeks left to learn its fate.
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'World's Most-Useless Airport' opens, finally
Saint Helena, a tiny British dot 1200 miles from Africa gets its first air connection to the rest of the world...if anyone wants to visit.
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France, U.S., Spain top world tourism destinations
Spain breaks into the top three, and may be headed higher as French numbers revive and the U.S. sees a slump.