With the day to spare, as we are catching a bus tonight, we walk around Yogyakarta’s shopping areas. We buy a few things, including a guitar and case for £10! It’s not the best guitar, but sounds OK and will provide a good deal of fun.
We also wander into a supermarket which is a fun experience. I like visiting supermarkets in different countries. Each offers something different.
Shopping in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia Read More »
Another very early start (5am) to catch the bus to Borobudur. We bump into a couple we met in Gunung Bromo.
Borobodur is stunning, and a temple I have wanted to visit since seeing it in Baraka. The rain holds off, and the clouds offer a stunning backdrop to the site.
We also stop at the Hindu temple of Prambanan. Not as stunning as Borobodur, but impressive.
A huge earthquake in the last few decades has left a lot of damage here.
Visiting the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, Java, Indonesia Read More »
I’ve been thinking of buying a new laptop for a while now. After breakfast I ask the waiters if they know of anywhere. They recommend a place and we set off. We don’t find the place, but on the way back we stumble upon a big shopping centre with a whole floor of computer stalls.
Everyone is selling the same computers at the same price. I eventually settle on a Toshiba. It’s a good laptop.
It was a fun experience, although a little strange. Very few of the people spoke English, which is in contract to out experiences of Indonesia so far, where everyone seems to speak good English.
Laptop shopping in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia Read More »
BBC Worldwide has bought the travel guide publisher The Lonely Planet.
Lonely Planet was founded in 1972 by husband and wife team Tony and Maureen Wheeler . Currently publishing around 500 titles that are widely used by backpackers and other travellers.
Lonely Planet also produces travel programmes and its web site receives 4.3 million visitors a month.
The BBC have made the purchase to expand their online revenues and operations in America and Australia.
The Wheelers, who owned the business along with John Singleton, will retain a 25% shareholding in the company.
After travelling overland from Europe to Australia, the Wheelers produced their first book, Across Asia on the Cheap, from their kitchen table.
Today, Lonely Planet has offices in Melbourne, Oakland and London, with more than 500 office employees and more than 300 on-the-road authors.
BBC buys the Lonely Planet Read More »
I still long for a campervan road trip in America.
I love camper vans, I load road trips, I’ve loved my short time in America (2 weeks in NYC and Niagara) and I love exploring the wilderness. The problem with touring and spending a long time in a campervan is that you are in a small space, and one can tire of that small space quickly.
You can help avoid the ‘camper fever’ in a number of ways.
Unless you have a truly massive RV or motorhome, chances are your bathroom and/or bedroom space is a bit of a compromise. You probably don’t have all of the space you want. This can also cause a bit of ‘camper fever’. I’ve found one of the best remedies for this is to, every so often, stay at a motel or hotel.
Some people think it’s crazy spending money on a motel when you have your own camper. I think it’s a great treat that helps continued travelling inside the camper.
When touring I like to stay in a motel once every 4 weeks. It allows one to sleep somewhere different for a change, pack and unpack a bag, spread out a bit, and just enjoy being somewhere else.
Now, it’s not that I don’t love the vehicle I travel in, I always do, but I also love change. I love the change that living in the motel room brings. I love the different bed, the different shower, the fact that I might have a TV for a while, and just about everything else that is different.
And then, I also love packing my bag again and returning to the camper which has been parked outside the whole time. I then love starting the engine, choosing where to go, driving off and spending the next few weeks in the camper, experiencing the freedom and flexibility only that vehicle can bring.
When choosing a motel, I tend to do a bit of research. I love the sort of feedback sites like TripAdvisor give. You can establish pretty much where to stay from the reviews other travellers have left.
If you run a motel or hotel it’s fairly easy to get yourself a good name by offering great service and getting good reviews on TripAdvisor. Credit card services for motels are really important today, and all good motels need to be taking payments via credit cards. I book everything online and with a credit card, whenever possible these days. It’s convent, quick and you can do lots of research.
So right now the plan is to work a bit more, enjoy living in Brighton a bit more, and save and plan for the USA road trip.
When a Motel becomes a treat Read More »
I still long for a campervan road trip in America.
I love camper vans, I load road trips, I’ve loved my short time in America (2 weeks in NYC and Niagara) and I love exploring the wilderness. The problem with touring and spending a long time in a campervan is that you are in a small space, and one can tire of that small space quickly.
You can help avoid the ‘camper fever’ in a number of ways.
Unless you have a truly massive RV or motorhome, chances are your bathroom and/or bedroom space is a bit of a compromise. You probably don’t have all of the space you want. This can also cause a bit of ‘camper fever’. I’ve found one of the best remedies for this is to, every so often, stay at a motel or hotel.
Some people think it’s crazy spending money on a motel when you have your own camper. I think it’s a great treat that helps continued travelling inside the camper.
When touring I like to stay in a motel once every 4 weeks. It allows one to sleep somewhere different for a change, pack and unpack a bag, spread out a bit, and just enjoy being somewhere else.
Now, it’s not that I don’t love the vehicle I travel in, I always do, but I also love change. I love the change that living in the motel room brings. I love the different bed, the different shower, the fact that I might have a TV for a while, and just about everything else that is different.
And then, I also love packing my bag again and returning to the camper which has been parked outside the whole time. I then love starting the engine, choosing where to go, driving off and spending the next few weeks in the camper, experiencing the freedom and flexibility only that vehicle can bring.
When choosing a motel, I tend to do a bit of research. I love the sort of feedback sites like TripAdvisor give. You can establish pretty much where to stay from the reviews other travellers have left.
If you run a motel or hotel it’s fairly easy to get yourself a good name by offering great service and getting good reviews on TripAdvisor. Credit card services for motels are really important today, and all good motels need to be taking payments via credit cards. I book everything online and with a credit card, whenever possible these days. It’s convent, quick and you can do lots of research.
So right now the plan is to work a bit more, enjoy living in Brighton a bit more, and save and plan for the USA road trip.
When a Motel becomes a treat Read More »
Berlin is fast becoming one of Europe’s favourite cities to visit. It’s a big place, and there’s a lot if interesting things to do. He is my essential guide to Berlin.
Photo by carolynconner
The truly iconic relic of the modern times. Perhaps one of the best places to see the wall is at the East Side Gallery. It is the longest remaining piece of the wall. It consists of 106 paintings all painted on the east side of the wall.
Photo by jdn
The last remaining gate that in medieval times, would have been used to enter the city. It is one of Berlin’s most important landmarks, and a symbol of the city. The gate was used by the Nazi’s as a symbol of their power. The gate was not damaged during the bombing of Berlin.
Photo by dydcheung
A vast complex of classic sculpture and artefacts from Rome, Middle East, Greece and Babylon. Exhibits include the Altar of Zeus, a panel from the Palace Throne Room from Babylon and more.
The famous border crossing between East and West Berlin. American and Russian forces stood against each other after the creation of the Berlin wall on August 13th 1961.
After this event, Checkpoint Charlie became the only point at which tourists, western military and foreign diplomats could cross into the communist state.
The name “Checkpoint Charlie” came from the phonetic alphabet. There were two other American checkpoints – Helmstadt (Checkpoint Alpha) and Dreilinden (Checkpoint Bravo). Following this scheme, the third checkpoint on Friedrichstrasse was named “Checkpoint Charlie”.
Photo by topgold
Berlin has a fantastic thriving nightlight. A long established home of dance music, especially techno. If this is your thing you’ll be in heaven.
There are also a lot of great friendly bars and restaurants to visit.
People
German people are friendly and helpful. In my experience they are some of the friendliest people in Europe. Many speak English very well, which helps a lot when you visit.
Where to stay
Berlin is big, and can be expensive. If you’re staying for more than a few days, or are travelling with more than a few people, then consider renting an apartment rather than staying at a hotel.
Berlin is an old city with lots of churches, parks and interesting streets to explore.
The best time to visit is spring and Autumn. Summer in Berlin is not as busy as cities such as Paris or Barcelona. But winter time in Berlin is COLD! So think twice before visiting in Winter.
Berlin – The Essential Visitors Guide Read More »
Last minute holidays are a great way of getting away for less. Experience the same holidays as others, just pay a lot less for it!
For maximum holiday value, always go self-catering, shop at the supermarkets and enjoy yourselves!
Last Minute Holiday Tips and Ideas Read More »
Edinburgh is high on my list of cities to visit. This ancient and atmospheric city offers so much to do for visitors over a weekend or an even longer visit. In my planning of a future visit I’ve put together a list of great things to do in this wonderful city.
Edinburgh is well known internationally for a number of festivals and any visit is not really complete without being able to take in one of these. Hogmanay kicks off the Scottish New Year. This is surely one of the finest New Year Eves you will experience. The International and Fringe festivals are a must for anyone who enjoys comedy or theatre. And in summer the Tattoo is the festival to visit.
There is a huge choice of accommodation for travellers in Edinburgh. Be sure to plan well ahead if you’re visiting a festival time in August, and anytime around Christmas and New Year.
There are hotels of all budgets, from backpackers to the finest hotels. One of the best value places to stay in Edinburgh is the Holiday Inn in Edinburgh. It’s just a short walk to the Haymarket railway station, and within easy access to the city.
Edinburgh is a great place to visit, which lots to do for everyone. I can’t wait to get there myself.
Edinburgh – Things to Do and Places to Stay Read More »
Edinburgh is high on my list of cities to visit. This ancient and atmospheric city offers so much to do for visitors over a weekend or an even longer visit. In my planning of a future visit I’ve put together a list of great things to do in this wonderful city.
Edinburgh is well known internationally for a number of festivals and any visit is not really complete without being able to take in one of these. Hogmanay kicks off the Scottish New Year. This is surely one of the finest New Year Eves you will experience. The International and Fringe festivals are a must for anyone who enjoys comedy or theatre. And in summer the Tattoo is the festival to visit.
There is a huge choice of accommodation for travellers in Edinburgh. Be sure to plan well ahead if you’re visiting a festival time in August, and anytime around Christmas and New Year.
There are hotels of all budgets, from backpackers to the finest hotels. One of the best value places to stay in Edinburgh is the Holiday Inn in Edinburgh. It’s just a short walk to the Haymarket railway station, and within easy access to the city.
Edinburgh is a great place to visit, which lots to do for everyone. I can’t wait to get there myself.
Edinburgh – Things to Do and Places to Stay Read More »