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Tagged With "Dubai World"

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Re: The Worst Train in the World

GarryRF ·
I hope that wasn't your last venture into third world high speed travel. Reminds me of Austria on the Zillertal Bahn Valley Railway. The Train went so slow that passengers would lean out and pick wild flowers from the trackside. Each carriage had warning notices - in English - not to do this. But ....
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala

DrFumblefinger ·
Thanks, PortMoresby! And we've not even been to the sacred tooth relic in Kandy, the medieval ruins of Polonnaruwa, the beautiful hill country filled with tea plantations and "The World's End", a wildlife safari at Yala National Park, nor any of the nice beaches (but keep reading -- reports on these are coming). Sri Lanka is a great destination, especially now that the civil war is over. I was doubly lucky to not only be able to visit a dear friend there but to have time to leisurely explore...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 30, 2013: Monk on a Ladder, Sri Lanka

PortMoresby ·
It proves one of life's great truths, one I've thoroughly tested myself all over the world, that anything can be done in flip flops.
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Re: Airport traffic up worldwide!

Former Member ·
I've noticed more shops and selection in airports in recent years. Overall, there has been a trend toward "normalcy"; airport offerings and prices have become more in line with the world off airport.
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Re: And the tallest US building goes to?

Former Member ·
The judges have chosen the "fairest in the land". I would be happy to tour both buildings. The ingenuity of architects and engineers never ceases to impress me. Some buildings that I have particularly enjoyed touring - the World Trade Center and the Rockefeller Center in NY, the dome of St. Peter's in Rome, all of St. Paul's in London, the Reichstag in Berlin and all of the small historical buildings at Greenfield Village, Michigan.
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Re: Canal Saint-Martin: Where Gumbo Was

PortMoresby ·
Well, now, am I disqualified from future participation in "Where in the World..."? I'd hate to have to cash out after an easy one like that. Tell me I can still play please.
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Re: Canal Saint-Martin: Where Gumbo Was

DrFumblefinger ·
I say Port Moresby can only play if he/she doesn't know where where in the world is. LOL.
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Re: Share Your Budget Tablet and Laptop Picks

DrFumblefinger ·
If you want something a little larger and with a keyboard and good computing power, there's a new bunch of chromebooks coming out for the holiday season. PC World recently featured one in the $200 price range, weighing on 1.25 kg. Here's that link.
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Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool

Paul Heymont ·
In a way, most of the places in the world worth visiting have some history of being "dirty, industrial" places--that's where people cluster and societies are forged. The ancient cities of the Middle East and Greece, and Rome itself were like that! We recently visited the excavated Roman city under central Barcelona, and were surprised to see how much of the area in the center of the ancient city was given over to commercial laundry, large-scale dye works and industrial-scale wine-making. The...
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Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?

GarryRF ·
I'm well aware that there may be many contributing factors to the problem of poor service. But I'm not there to consider the state of the world nor am I there to balance justice among the poor. I just want a decent meal at a decent price. Just as in any job - my own included - people just want me to do my job. Do it well. No excuses. And they show there gratitude occasionally, with a tip. Its the same with me. Good food and good service gets you well rewarded. Shape up or Ship out !
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Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?

Dave B. ·
Before I retired, I traveled quite a bit on business, both inside the U.S. and abroad. I still travel frequently to racing and club events, but almost all are in the U.S. or Canada. That said, here’s my take on tipping: Restaurants – According to the sources I checked, in the U.S. the Federal minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13. Most states have set higher amounts, but food service workers are still generally paid much lower wages that other ‘minimum wage’ employees. Unless the...
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Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?

Former Member ·
also keeps you from being called unflattering names behind your back. No worries - I find that people don't mind calling me unflattering news to my face Dave B. has given this issue a lot of good thought. My policy in the US is to tip 15 percent for adequate service. I add and subtract 5 percent from there, depending. According to the guidebooks, many servers outside of the US are paid professional wages. In that case, we do not tip, but simply round up the bill. Hope that this is not wrong.
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Re: Doctor List for Traveling

Former Member ·
Thanks, PortMoresby. No, I'm not worried about seeing a doctor. I'm more worried about getting my cousins off my back. Someone else told me that there's an organization that puts out a list of English-speaking doctors all over the world--do you know anything about that? Thanks again...
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Re: Doctor List for Traveling

Paul Heymont ·
Here's another resource that might help you: The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers. It's a non-profit, it's been around a long time, and you can join for free. IAMAT provides a directory of doctors around the world who speak fluent English and have been checked out by the organization for standards and certification. You can read more about them and join here: http://www.iamat.org/
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Re: Doctor List for Traveling

Mac ·
SueZee, wherever you travel in the world your hotel will find you a suitable doctor who will speak enough English for your needs - just like Dr.F says - and Italy will have plenty. Don't bother with lists as they will always be out of date by the time you might want to use them, plus it will no doubt not list a great doc that the hotel knows is just around the corner! At the worst the hotel will have an English speaking staff member sit with you to help translate. Conversely, I do think that...
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Re: The Tulou of Fujian Province

PortMoresby ·
No, Rob. Sorry, I don't remember. I read a lot of publications, online and off, and the original picture got lost in the dust of enthusiasm to research logistics. I don't think there's any lack of enthusiasm in the world but that obscure places are getting less obscure every day. What I do think is lacking is imagination. We tend to read about places people have enjoyed, as here on TravelGumbo and follow, rather than setting out for parts unknown. I believe if a place is hard to get to it...
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Re: Hi Everybody! I'm new here.

GarryRF ·
Hi Ted. Its always good to hear that my Blogs are of interest ! I'm in England and there's a few others scattered around the World too ! Never heard SoCal before - so I'll guess. "It never rains in SoCal" - just when I'm there. Pleased to meet you.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar.4th 2014: Dubai Water Taxi

DrFumblefinger ·
It's a great image, Islandman! I really enjoy photos of people going about their every day lives in different locations about the world, a reminder to me how much more alike we all are than different. This photo is made more interesting by their obviously ethnic diversity -- people who have come to Dubai for a good job and to improve their lot in life. The contrast of the old wooden taxi and modern skyscrapers in the background is great!
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Re: Paine Massif, Torres Del Paine, Chile

DrFumblefinger ·
I've been looking at this mountain repeatedly since returning. It may be the most unusually shaped mountain in the world. But hauntingly beautiful!
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Re: Lighthouses of Lake Havasu – Part 2 of 3

DrFumblefinger ·
Makes me want to go out, buy an RV and go see all the lighthouses in the world! I love lighthouses, and to have so many in one place, even if they're "just" replicas, is great! Thanks, Samantha.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #177

Travel Rob ·
How does a fast food restaurant help you narrow down what part of the world the bridge is located in? Figure that out and you are closer to identifying the bridge Note: This restaurant is still quite a distance from the bridge but it is a valuable clue
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Re: The Battle of Waterloo, June 2015 (part 2)

GarryRF ·
Marvellous piece of history and such a great photo blog to accompany it. Your camera work certainly gives us a taste of the original battle. The end of another tyrant who wanted world domination. Worthy of an entry in any glossy magazine Mac.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#125)

Paul Heymont ·
The Puzzler really hopes to hear more today from the guessers...this usually works best when folks trade questions, hints and more. Today's clue shows another side of the church that is the answr to "Where in the World is TravelGumbo?" It's a stained glass window that is very modern in style, and contains a significant historic reference (as do several others in the building).
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#125)

HistoryDigger ·
Must be Germany. Old Albert had much to say about war. This reminds me of another stained glass window in the Grace Cathedral. The world was much in need of peace that year.
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Re: Air Miles vs Low Fare Airline

Travel Rob ·
We flew Norwegian in May, Orlando-Oslo and were really impressed. The 787 made such a difference and we arrived feeling fresh. The moister air, bigger windows and lighting made a world of difference in how we felt post trip. We brought a decent sized carry-on and personal bag each for free too. As far other extra fees, we didn't pay any. They charge for food or drinks, but we just bought those at the airport. And I think they also charge for blankets, but we brought jackets to cover with and...
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Re: Air Miles vs Low Fare Airline

PortMoresby ·
This is sounding very promising, Rob. I can think of no reason to pay more money to pay with miles than for a ticket on Norwegian. I have enough miles to go around the world and only the first leg (or last, depending) is more expensive using miles. It makes no sense. So you were able to carry on your main bag plus a smaller one? I'm speaking of the limits for discounted coach tickets (aka "steerage").
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Re: November 30, 2017: Delhi in a Nutshell

Amateuremigrant ·
The Ajmeri gate, if I'm not mistaken - Ajmer in Rajasthan was much more important in the past, but now known mainly as the portal to Pushkar, where the world renowned 'camel fair' is held. Perched on a conical hill there is the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma
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Re: Mall of the Emirates

George G. ·
Unbelievable technology to maintain a ski resort in the desert. I believe the world's largest indoor ski resort just opened last summer which is the Wanda Indoor Ski and Winter Sports Resort in Harbin China.
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Re: Back to Oaxaca: Hoofing It, El Picacho & Teotitlan

PortMoresby ·
Another interesting item from the OLL newsletter regarding the weaving village of Teotitlan: TOUR: ARCHEOLOGICAL RUINS in TEOTITLAN Presented by Dr. Robert Markens Instituto de Investigaciones Estéticas—sede Oaxaca Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 / 9 AM-4 PM MX$350 (M) MX$400 (NM) Local archeologist Dr. Robert Markens will lead a tour of the archeological ruins located in the ancient village of Teotitlan del Valle, world-famous for its woven textiles. This...
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Re: Copenhagen's missing tour bus found, busnapper arrested

George G. ·
Our son and his family live in the beautiful rural Jutland Peninsula of Denmark. Though Denmark is still one of the safest countries in the world, they have seen a dramatic rise in criminal activity by immigrant gangs, so no matter where you travel, you should always be cognizant of your surroundings.
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Re: Airline fees hit new $7 billion record

GarryRF ·
I can get 2 weeks in an all inclusive Hotel in the Caribbean including flights for less than my Trans Atlantic flight UK - NY. Of course the US Traveler is getting ripped-off. The rest of the world is enjoying the benefits of cheap-fuel flights. The sooner Ryanair make inroads into the US the better. Maybe Mr O'Leary is guilty of copying the ideas mentioned above for adding on fees !
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Re: Back to Oaxaca: Hoofing It, El Picacho & Teotitlan

GarryRF ·
The beautiful, bold colours of Mexico. Is there anywhere else in the world that has such a display - with no pastel shades to be seen ?
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Re: Say 'Cheese' and board your flight? Maybe

Paul Heymont ·
While JetBlue is testing 'selfie' check-in, this morning's e-mail brought a notice from GOL, the big Brazilian carrier, announcing that it has implemented facial recognition check-in, and claims to be the first airline in the world to fully do so. Smile and watch the birdie!
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Re: The Difference between Tourists and Travelers

Paul Heymont ·
I think it may not be all that easy to divide the world into 'tourists' and 'travelers;' the world is not really that binary, and there are many shades between them. And many of those we meet are on the path to deeper experiences as they experience more and travel more. I think of the many new travelers who used to post on the Frommer forums about their desire to 'see as much as possible' and 'do as many countries as possible' in impossibly short time allowances. Some of us who were regulars...
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Re: Norway getting an all-electric fjord ferry

DrFumblefinger ·
The modern world still needs oil so I'm glad Norway is able to help add to a world supply that makes us all less reliant on the volatile middle east. But they do have abundant hydroelectricity, as does Canada, and it's places like this that I see as good testing grounds for battery powered experiments like this ferry because charging the batteries here doesn't add much pollution. Hydroelectric dams may be somewhat controversial (what isn't?), but once they're built they generate lots of...
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Re: July 23, 2017: Salt Lake, Salt Mines & Salt Caravans, Ethiopia

Amateuremigrant ·
It is almost impossible to describe the debilitating heat in this location. We would instantly scurry to any shade possible, however inadequate. I have been on the southern fringe and broiled in hot springs about 30km off the road to Harar. Afars looked through me, knowing I was irrelevant in their world. In years gone by, my testicles would have been their chief interest in me, for decorating their waistband !
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Re: Got some time? Viking sets 8-month cruise

GarryRF ·
You need to get dressed before breakfast ? That would spoil the best part of the day when we all talk to each other - in our PJ's ! We did 2 months "Around the World" - Physical and Mental exhaustion. Worse than the Marathon my wife and I did.
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Re: No Champs Elysees Christmas market this year

kerouac2 ·
Christmas markets everywhere are always full of crap, mixed in with the good stuff. I went to Strasbourg last year, which is one of the best Christmas markets in France, and even in Strasbourg there are some stands selling crap. Then again, I always wonder what people are expecting. "The best Christmas items in the world?" And about half of the people claim that the items are too tacky and that the items on sale should be higher end. The other half find everything overpriced and would like...
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Re: A Visit to Lovely Lake Orta

Professorabe ·
I booked a rental car earlier today for a forthcoming trip to Portugal/Spain. I had toyed with the idea of going for something a bit bigger than the smallest category - which is what I usually book - but your article reminded me of the potential issues with very narrow streets in this part of the world. So a 'mini' car it is (Renault Twingo)!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #62

Roderick Simpson ·
My first thought was the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, but from what I remember, it was on a river, not a harbour. I still favour a fishing port with some yachts, possibly in Northern Spain. However, I may be literally half a world away!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Sep 18th 2014: Portmeirion , Wales

GarryRF ·
Think I should have put this in "Where in the World is Gumbo?" - be there for ever !!
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #40

DrFumblefinger ·
Mac -- there are S-o-o-o-ooo many military coups around the world on a nearly everyday basis.... But indeed, the military took control of this place recently
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, September 23, 2014: A drive through the Alberta Rockies

DrFumblefinger ·
I think it's one of the greatest drives in the world! Some beautiful images of a beautiful road trip.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#77)

PortMoresby ·
Across the water looks all the world like an airport to me. Hangars, possibly a fuel truck and what appears to be a runway at the far right.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 25, 2014: Fall colors at Upper Kananaskis Lake, Alberta

DrFumblefinger ·
Hi GarryRF, Yes, this part of the world includes vaste stretches of wilderness. Lots and lots of unspoiled mountains, valleys, forests, rivers and lakes. It is only an hour's drive from west Calgary, so lots of those of us who live here spend our weekends in the Rockies. Much like those in Denver. Camping is wonderful in the summertime, as the weather is mild and the days very long. It's also great to hike here at that time. Camping in the winter is only for the brave of heart. You need to...
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Re: Following the European Beer Trail: Oktoberfest to Sorrento

GarryRF ·
Peroni is a good example of Italian Beer. Crisp tasting with a malty flavour. A white frothy head and sparkling. Available around the world. Drunk with Pizza and Italian food at UK restaurants.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 11, 2014: At the Australian Embassy, DC

IslandMan ·
thanks for the pic PH. Nice to see the Aussie coat of arms in other parts of the world. You're right about the reputation for casualness too. We don't take anything too seriously and have a "she'll be right" attitude about life.
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Re: Swayambunath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal. Where Gumbo Was #55

HistoryDigger ·
One of my favorite spots in the world. Thanks for posting.
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Re: Finding Reiner #7: Shrapnel & Bones

Paul Heymont ·
I can't help thinking, as I read your descriptions, and the memories of the people you met, at the people, old and young, caught up in Palestine and in Iraq in circumstances not very different. It is sad that we continue to live in a world where their wishes and hopes are of so little consequence to those who call the shots. Literally.
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Re: Taos NM - Indian, Mexican, and Yarn

HistoryDigger ·
Great pictures!I wish I knew how to knit. You make it look fun and friendly. I have been to Taos four times for a writer's retreat at the Mable Dodge Luhan House , which is in walking distance to the Wired Cafe and other restaurants and shopping. It's also a quick drive to fantastic hiking. (Watch for rattlesnakes though.) And if you're up for a 13,000 ft hike or mountain biking, drive to the Taos Ski Valley . Kachina Peak has one of the best views in the world.
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