That's also the case with travel agents. It seems like an eon ago, but I used to book all my travel through a nice Polish lady who ran a small agency with a few friends. Such shops are few and far between these days, killed off by the same internet forces as Blockbuster. The Polish lady and her friends long ago went on to different careers.
I travel a lot, both for fun and for business reasons. I flew a ton of places while working on Sex, Bombs and Burgers, and for its promotion - something I'll be continuing to do for the next year. I haven't used a travel agent in ages; I've found that booking online is easy and almost always cheaper.
A few friends and I decided we wanted to have a guys' weekend in Las Vegas this fall, so I set to pricing the trip out. For kicks, and because there's five of us involved, I thought I'd check with an agent at the Flight Centre to see whether he could come up with anything I couldn't. The result: not really. The prices he quoted were pretty much exactly the same as what I found, and in at least one case, they were higher. Still, I figured he'd done the work and booking with Flight Centre would mean a small savings in hassle for me, even though there was the downside of having to pay for our flights and hotel up front (if we'd booked independently, we wouldn't have had to pay for the hotel until we checked out of it).
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
South Korea
A few weeks ago, myself and some friends were rounding off the night in a Russian bar in the centre of the district. It was 9am and the place was packed. Overweight Koreans danced with scantily clad Russian whores. A group of Uzbekistani construction workers got drunk in a corner, watched suspiciously by the thuggish security, there to “keep the peace”. Suddenly the music stopped and the sound of broken glass filled the air. Some of the Uzbekistanis had got involved with a few Koreans. Things soon got nasty and as blood was being literally splattered about the place, four musclebound Korean mafiose ran in wielding chains and generally kicking the shit out of people. Predictably this “peacekeeping” measure didn’t calm things down and soon the only people not involved were ourselves and a gaggle of peroxide whores standing nervously in the corner. Eventually the fight ended, the music restarted and everybody went happily back to boozing and whoring.
While not an everyday occurrence, these fights are commonplace in Itaewon, just one of the reasons why many Koreans regard the area as a complete no-go. Most of the action is centered around ‘Hooker Hill’, which, predictably enough is not somewhere for that Sunday afternoon family stroll. No, Hooker Hill is the main red light district in Seoul catering for Westerners, mainly US servicemen. Walking up the hill once the sun goes down is a trying experience. Heavily made up Korean whores literally try and drag you into their ‘bars’. Shouting things like “You want play?”, “Me want talk to you…two minute…come on baby…” etc, etc. Some of the girls are undoubtedly attractive, although most are hideous. And while many Koreans would like to think that Hooker Hill is an aberration, an anomaly simply there to cater for frustrated US soldiers, in reality it is just the tip of a sleazy iceberg.
While not an everyday occurrence, these fights are commonplace in Itaewon, just one of the reasons why many Koreans regard the area as a complete no-go. Most of the action is centered around ‘Hooker Hill’, which, predictably enough is not somewhere for that Sunday afternoon family stroll. No, Hooker Hill is the main red light district in Seoul catering for Westerners, mainly US servicemen. Walking up the hill once the sun goes down is a trying experience. Heavily made up Korean whores literally try and drag you into their ‘bars’. Shouting things like “You want play?”, “Me want talk to you…two minute…come on baby…” etc, etc. Some of the girls are undoubtedly attractive, although most are hideous. And while many Koreans would like to think that Hooker Hill is an aberration, an anomaly simply there to cater for frustrated US soldiers, in reality it is just the tip of a sleazy iceberg.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Turkey Mini Tour Packages:
DAY 01 – Arrival to Istanbul
Upon arrival to Istanbul Ataturk Airport and clearing customs, you will be met by one of our staff at the exit gate of arrivals hall & transfer your hotel. On the way, a brief stop by the 1700-year-old ancient city walls will be a great photo opportunity. There will be time to relax & rest before meeting the guide in the evening for an orientation walk with your guide around Sultanahmet by night. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 02 – Bosphorous Cruise and Asia Sightseeing Tour
Breakfast at hotel, then meeting your guide at hotel lobby short drive down to Eminonu to visit Spice Bazaar with mystical smells of different aromas of variousspices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers,etc. Then walk to the harbour to embark on the Bosphorus Ferry for a cruise on the Bosphorus. We believe a visit to Istanbul is never complete if you haven't joined the Bosphorus Cruise. During the cruise you will see the city from a different perspective, the old wooden villas, Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy Mosque, both bridges linking Asia & Europe, (our banner is a glimps of what you will see) & much more. After lunch, continue on land to visit Camlica Hill for 360° panoramic views over the city & driving back to Europe over the Bosphorus Bridge we visit Dolmabahce Palace, with more than 340 rooms & 8 Turkish Baths the Imperial Residence of the last 6 Sultans, is sure to fascinate its visitors. At the end of the tour the guide will take you back to your hotel, evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 03 – Splendors of Empire Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast meeting tour guide at hotel lobby for full day tour of Istanbul. We start with the Ancient Hippodrome where chariots races and other sporting events took place from the 2nd century A.D. onwards. Then continue to Sultanahmet Cami, also known as the Blue Mosque due to its superb interior decoration and the hand made Iznik tiles reflecting its blue colours from the 16th century. We then continue to the Museum of Hagia Sophia, the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown. Hagia Sophia dates back to 6th century; when it was built, its dome was the largest in the world. Now it is one of the world's finest examples of Byzantine architecture. We reach the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) after a short drive. Here you will be amazed with the variety of souvenirs such as rugs, leather, pottery, jewellery, spices you can find or just stroll around for the fun. We have lunch at a local restaurant serving Turkish Cuisine. Free afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 04 – Flight to Izmir and Ephesus Ancient City Tour
Breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to Istanbul Airport. Departure on the domestic flight to Izmir. On arrival to Izmir Airport and meet with your new guide depart on to the town of Selcuk to visit the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best preserved Greco-Roman Cities in the world. Depart for the House of Virgin Mary where she is said to have spent the last of her days. After lunch in a local restaurant, the tour also includes a visit to the remains of Artemis Temple and if time allows a visit to the old Greek Village of Sirince. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for the domestic flight to Istanbul. On your arrival to Istanbul Airport, you will be met at the airport for the transfer to your hotel in Istanbul. Evening at lesiure. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 05 – Transfer to Istanbul Airport
Breakfast, check-out and meeting your transfer staff for drive to Istanbul International Airport
Upon arrival to Istanbul Ataturk Airport and clearing customs, you will be met by one of our staff at the exit gate of arrivals hall & transfer your hotel. On the way, a brief stop by the 1700-year-old ancient city walls will be a great photo opportunity. There will be time to relax & rest before meeting the guide in the evening for an orientation walk with your guide around Sultanahmet by night. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 02 – Bosphorous Cruise and Asia Sightseeing Tour
Breakfast at hotel, then meeting your guide at hotel lobby short drive down to Eminonu to visit Spice Bazaar with mystical smells of different aromas of variousspices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers,etc. Then walk to the harbour to embark on the Bosphorus Ferry for a cruise on the Bosphorus. We believe a visit to Istanbul is never complete if you haven't joined the Bosphorus Cruise. During the cruise you will see the city from a different perspective, the old wooden villas, Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy Mosque, both bridges linking Asia & Europe, (our banner is a glimps of what you will see) & much more. After lunch, continue on land to visit Camlica Hill for 360° panoramic views over the city & driving back to Europe over the Bosphorus Bridge we visit Dolmabahce Palace, with more than 340 rooms & 8 Turkish Baths the Imperial Residence of the last 6 Sultans, is sure to fascinate its visitors. At the end of the tour the guide will take you back to your hotel, evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 03 – Splendors of Empire Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast meeting tour guide at hotel lobby for full day tour of Istanbul. We start with the Ancient Hippodrome where chariots races and other sporting events took place from the 2nd century A.D. onwards. Then continue to Sultanahmet Cami, also known as the Blue Mosque due to its superb interior decoration and the hand made Iznik tiles reflecting its blue colours from the 16th century. We then continue to the Museum of Hagia Sophia, the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown. Hagia Sophia dates back to 6th century; when it was built, its dome was the largest in the world. Now it is one of the world's finest examples of Byzantine architecture. We reach the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) after a short drive. Here you will be amazed with the variety of souvenirs such as rugs, leather, pottery, jewellery, spices you can find or just stroll around for the fun. We have lunch at a local restaurant serving Turkish Cuisine. Free afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 04 – Flight to Izmir and Ephesus Ancient City Tour
Breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to Istanbul Airport. Departure on the domestic flight to Izmir. On arrival to Izmir Airport and meet with your new guide depart on to the town of Selcuk to visit the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best preserved Greco-Roman Cities in the world. Depart for the House of Virgin Mary where she is said to have spent the last of her days. After lunch in a local restaurant, the tour also includes a visit to the remains of Artemis Temple and if time allows a visit to the old Greek Village of Sirince. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for the domestic flight to Istanbul. On your arrival to Istanbul Airport, you will be met at the airport for the transfer to your hotel in Istanbul. Evening at lesiure. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 05 – Transfer to Istanbul Airport
Breakfast, check-out and meeting your transfer staff for drive to Istanbul International Airport
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A New Twist On Tourism
Can I get an Amen? HA! Anyway, I tell you this so you understand that I have a healthy appreciation (and fear) of tornadoes. When spring comes around, which is traditionally the beginning of storm season (though this year it seems to have started in winter), you can be sure that my mind automatically and unconsciously calculates the most internal space available in whatever building I'm during a storm. (It really does, just like my brain automatically calculates Italian time when I look at the clock.)
Now, don't be thinking I'm all obsessive or take cover whenever there's even a slight chance of tornadoes. I don't do that. However, I have been through one and it makes an impression. But normally, I am not that nervous during the season, just keep a watchful eye on the weather. My Italian on the other hand, did not grow up with extreme weather conditions. He has a tendency to "freak" out a bit when severe storms come our way. (shhh don't tell him I said that) I am completely surprised he has not yet built a storm shelter in our home. HA! I will admit though, he has gotten much much better =) But with his fear comes a fascination with tornadoes, that I cannot conceive. Evidently, he is not alone in that.
Over the last several years, it has come to my attention that a new tourist attraction has been created. Storm Chasing. People from all over the world descend upon our fair states looking for the awe-if not fear-inspiring onslaught of tornadoes, hail and severe storms that roam Tornado Alley. These are tours folks. Tours which have the ultimate goal of seeing a tornado spawned from the sky.
For me "storm chasers" are trained people who work with the weather centers and news meteorology teams to let them know what is developing. They are quite an organized group, full of HAMM radio operators, many with in-vehicle radar screens and whatchimacallit weather related gadgets. But not anymore. Recently, we watched a BBC produced show of a group of English travelers on a tour. In Italy, out of the beautiful town of Teolo, you have these guys who ride along with experts from OU every year. My Italian explains that while of course these storms bring about terrible damage and heartache for the people involved, it is one of the very unique "American" experiences a foreigner can have. Kind of like visiting the Southwest. It is the awe-inspiring raw power and sometimes terrifying beauty of nature.
In light of this, he dragged me to a severe storm seminar. *sigh* You would not BELIEVE how many people were in attendance! I am not even exaggerating when I estimate around 400. The place was packed. All of us were there to learn how to identify characteristics of severe storms, possibly tornadic storms, in the cloud formations. I learned a lot. As much as I griped (internally) about not wanting to go, it was actually very interesting. I even found myself a little excited about the phenomena. Anticipating severe weather so I can put what I learned into practice. What is wrong with me? lol
I am such a nerd.
Now, don't be thinking I'm all obsessive or take cover whenever there's even a slight chance of tornadoes. I don't do that. However, I have been through one and it makes an impression. But normally, I am not that nervous during the season, just keep a watchful eye on the weather. My Italian on the other hand, did not grow up with extreme weather conditions. He has a tendency to "freak" out a bit when severe storms come our way. (shhh don't tell him I said that) I am completely surprised he has not yet built a storm shelter in our home. HA! I will admit though, he has gotten much much better =) But with his fear comes a fascination with tornadoes, that I cannot conceive. Evidently, he is not alone in that.
Over the last several years, it has come to my attention that a new tourist attraction has been created. Storm Chasing. People from all over the world descend upon our fair states looking for the awe-if not fear-inspiring onslaught of tornadoes, hail and severe storms that roam Tornado Alley. These are tours folks. Tours which have the ultimate goal of seeing a tornado spawned from the sky.
For me "storm chasers" are trained people who work with the weather centers and news meteorology teams to let them know what is developing. They are quite an organized group, full of HAMM radio operators, many with in-vehicle radar screens and whatchimacallit weather related gadgets. But not anymore. Recently, we watched a BBC produced show of a group of English travelers on a tour. In Italy, out of the beautiful town of Teolo, you have these guys who ride along with experts from OU every year. My Italian explains that while of course these storms bring about terrible damage and heartache for the people involved, it is one of the very unique "American" experiences a foreigner can have. Kind of like visiting the Southwest. It is the awe-inspiring raw power and sometimes terrifying beauty of nature.
In light of this, he dragged me to a severe storm seminar. *sigh* You would not BELIEVE how many people were in attendance! I am not even exaggerating when I estimate around 400. The place was packed. All of us were there to learn how to identify characteristics of severe storms, possibly tornadic storms, in the cloud formations. I learned a lot. As much as I griped (internally) about not wanting to go, it was actually very interesting. I even found myself a little excited about the phenomena. Anticipating severe weather so I can put what I learned into practice. What is wrong with me? lol
I am such a nerd.
Livorno Travel
The Medicis decided to turn Livorno into a perfect city, whose social life, economic development and architecture were at the level of that impressive port, emblematic because of the fortifications which protected it, and whose commercial and military activity were going to produce great economic benefits to Tuscany, besides protecting its coasts from enemies’ attacks and mainly from the recurrent raids of Ottoman pirates.
So, just like that, as if out of the blue, appeared a splendid city, whose developing neighborhoods started to connect with the center by means of navigable canals, turning into a small and peculiar “Venice” to the whole of Italy’s amazement. Livorno could be considered a city which had been marvelously invented in the late Renaissance. Therefore, the best of its urban layout and its architecture starts with designs and monuments with clear cuts and mannerism character, successively passing from the baroque, to the rococo, to the neo classical style, to finally delight us with a Belle Epoque and Art Noveau architecture, which is mainly present in the marvelous promenade seafront and the areas adjacent to it, impregnating the city with a lyrical and nostalgic atmosphere.
In general terms, I guess you must have got the picture of what Livorno is like, but, its external aspect, in spite of being as fascinating as particular, is not the only thing that denotes the true idiosyncrasy of the city as it bases itself on the historical universality of the city, thing which would not be surprising in nowadays Europe, but we are talking about the late XVI century, when thanks to the Constitution of Livorno, enacted by Ferdinando I de Medici, Duque of Tuscany at the time, the doors of the city opened up to everyone who wanted to live in the city and to work there together with their families no matter their race, country of origin or religious belief. The Constitution offered full rights Tuscan citizenship, religious freedom and the indult of any crime they had been previously condemned of in their country of origin, as from then on Livorno would be ruled by local criminal and civil laws, regulated by their own courts, independent from those of the Grand Duchy.
Thus, the city became a new and true home to thousands of sailors, artisans, merchants and other workers, who found there the freedom and well being their countries of origin deprived them from.
People came from all over Italy, which, at that time, was completely fragmented and subjugated by the different local governments of Greece, Armenia, the east of Europe, the Middle East; and so did hordes of Jews and Muslims, who were forced to go into exile because of terrible religious persecutions. The same thing happened with the Catholics from the most diverse social classes and intellectual backgrounds, who arrived from England, Holland, Germany and some places in France to be able to live in freedom according to their beliefs.
They not only lived together peacefully sharing the same neighborhoods and places, but each community started to establish their own churches, cemeteries; and the Jews, who called Livorno the "new promised land", built temples, schools, a university, a museum and different cultural establishments. Working all together, side by side, they turned Livorno into a rich city, which at the beginning of XVII century was already “porto franco”, recognized as such by an international treaty.
Those stateless people, either by choice or forced to become so, exchanged, languages, customs and gastronomy giving birth to a singular language, or local dialect, which still runs, and in which they could understand each other perfectly well, despite their mother tongue. It was also as from that moment that the gastronomy of Livorno, considered in Italy as one of the best in the country, experienced an amazing development, both in quantity as in quality, as the recipes from one and other started to circulate all round the city, and to become adopted by the other cultures as their own. Nowadays you can indulge in the exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and savor the famous "cacciuco", a superb fish and seafood stew, accompanied with pieces of toasted bread with garlic and olive oil, as well as in the refined "cuscussú", a Jewish variety of the traditional "cous-cous", or enjoy many other dishes and extraordinary desserts from the most diverse countries, which are only properly stewed and served in Livorno.
You can’t miss Livorno. I can assure you visiting Livorno is a unique experience.
On the other hand, I can’t stop thinking about how convenient it would be for those who make and enact the current immigration laws to learn a little from the sensible and generous Ferdinando I de Medici. Deep inside, many of them would feel ashamed of their short intelligence and meanness, and maybe, some would change their ultra-conservative conduct, which only leads to confrontations and impoverishment.
So, just like that, as if out of the blue, appeared a splendid city, whose developing neighborhoods started to connect with the center by means of navigable canals, turning into a small and peculiar “Venice” to the whole of Italy’s amazement. Livorno could be considered a city which had been marvelously invented in the late Renaissance. Therefore, the best of its urban layout and its architecture starts with designs and monuments with clear cuts and mannerism character, successively passing from the baroque, to the rococo, to the neo classical style, to finally delight us with a Belle Epoque and Art Noveau architecture, which is mainly present in the marvelous promenade seafront and the areas adjacent to it, impregnating the city with a lyrical and nostalgic atmosphere.
In general terms, I guess you must have got the picture of what Livorno is like, but, its external aspect, in spite of being as fascinating as particular, is not the only thing that denotes the true idiosyncrasy of the city as it bases itself on the historical universality of the city, thing which would not be surprising in nowadays Europe, but we are talking about the late XVI century, when thanks to the Constitution of Livorno, enacted by Ferdinando I de Medici, Duque of Tuscany at the time, the doors of the city opened up to everyone who wanted to live in the city and to work there together with their families no matter their race, country of origin or religious belief. The Constitution offered full rights Tuscan citizenship, religious freedom and the indult of any crime they had been previously condemned of in their country of origin, as from then on Livorno would be ruled by local criminal and civil laws, regulated by their own courts, independent from those of the Grand Duchy.
Thus, the city became a new and true home to thousands of sailors, artisans, merchants and other workers, who found there the freedom and well being their countries of origin deprived them from.
People came from all over Italy, which, at that time, was completely fragmented and subjugated by the different local governments of Greece, Armenia, the east of Europe, the Middle East; and so did hordes of Jews and Muslims, who were forced to go into exile because of terrible religious persecutions. The same thing happened with the Catholics from the most diverse social classes and intellectual backgrounds, who arrived from England, Holland, Germany and some places in France to be able to live in freedom according to their beliefs.
They not only lived together peacefully sharing the same neighborhoods and places, but each community started to establish their own churches, cemeteries; and the Jews, who called Livorno the "new promised land", built temples, schools, a university, a museum and different cultural establishments. Working all together, side by side, they turned Livorno into a rich city, which at the beginning of XVII century was already “porto franco”, recognized as such by an international treaty.
Those stateless people, either by choice or forced to become so, exchanged, languages, customs and gastronomy giving birth to a singular language, or local dialect, which still runs, and in which they could understand each other perfectly well, despite their mother tongue. It was also as from that moment that the gastronomy of Livorno, considered in Italy as one of the best in the country, experienced an amazing development, both in quantity as in quality, as the recipes from one and other started to circulate all round the city, and to become adopted by the other cultures as their own. Nowadays you can indulge in the exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and savor the famous "cacciuco", a superb fish and seafood stew, accompanied with pieces of toasted bread with garlic and olive oil, as well as in the refined "cuscussú", a Jewish variety of the traditional "cous-cous", or enjoy many other dishes and extraordinary desserts from the most diverse countries, which are only properly stewed and served in Livorno.
You can’t miss Livorno. I can assure you visiting Livorno is a unique experience.
On the other hand, I can’t stop thinking about how convenient it would be for those who make and enact the current immigration laws to learn a little from the sensible and generous Ferdinando I de Medici. Deep inside, many of them would feel ashamed of their short intelligence and meanness, and maybe, some would change their ultra-conservative conduct, which only leads to confrontations and impoverishment.
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