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blog http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/ 5 Reasons You Should Go on A Gannet Beach Adventure! http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/5-Reasons-You-Should-Go-on-A-Gannet-Beach-Adventure/ 
Are you a lover of geology? Do rare or exotic bird species fascinate you? Or do you perhaps enjoy seeing gorgeous old tractors rejuvenated and in action? If any of these things ring true for you, perhaps you should consider spending an otherwise normal Sunday morning at Gannet Beach Adventure, at Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. This fantastic tour business will take you on the ride of a lifetime! Their restored tractors will take you down a spectacular beach, wheeling around massive boulders towards the gannet’s nesting site. The guide is probably from a family that has lived on the beach for generations. He’s sure to know plenty about the surrounding area, and the birds that flock there. There’s a few reasons you should consider opting in on this fantastic opportunity:
 1: Come Face-To-Face With Gannets! <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220146-IMG9748.jpg" width="220" height="146" alt="" title=""/>These incredible sea birds only nest in a few places around the world; Kidnappers Cove being one of them. On the tour, the guide will bring you to two of the best places to see the birds, one of which is not accessible by road, and therefore is much less frequented. If you’re afraid you might not be able to see one, rest assured! There are hundreds of birds at the sites every day, incubating eggs, caring for chicks, and going about their daily lives. 2: Get a Hands-On Geology Lesson! The geology of the seaside cliffs is truly incredible. Due to the erosion of wind, sand, and water over the years, layers of rock thousands of years old are visible. The Gannet Adventure tour guide will tell you about some of these different layers, and explain how they’ve become visible over the years. He’ll point out two separate fault lines, and layers in the earth including evidence of a flood a thousand or so years ago, a layer made entirely of volcanic ash, and a layer that contains hundreds of shell fossils. You can also see for yourself how the sea is rapidly washing the cliffs away. 3: Ride Behind An Antique Tractor! <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220146-IMG9722.jpg" width="220" height="146" alt="" title=""/>One of the main draws of the Gannet Beach Adventure is the fantastic vintage tractors the company uses on their tours. However, you will not likely end up riding on the tractors themselves, but rather on a comfortably padded trailer just behind. One of the best parts of the Gannet Beach Adventure is the ride to the gannet nesting sites! The guide will drive at the edge of the water, and if you aren’t careful, you might get a little damp! But don’t worry, it doesn’t get too adventurous, and is perfectly comfortable for very young children as well as adults and senior citizens. 4: Enjoy a Seaside Hike! The first site the gannets have chosen as a nesting site is right on the beach, and is easy to view for any who would not like to participate in much hiking or strenuous walking. This easy access is one of the primary aspects of the Gannet Beach Adventure that makes it so fantastic for elderly adventurers, or families with young children! However, the second nesting site is not so easy to access. To get to it is a lovely adventure in and of itself! To reach the nesting site, you will take a trail from the beach up the hill to find the gannets nesting on its peak. It is possible to finish the hike very quickly if you’re in good shape, but to hike this comfortably, you should give yourself an hour or more. The trail takes you across a green pasture and along the top of the cliff, where you can watch the waves crash against the rocks, spraying mist high into the air. 5: Get a One-Of-A-Kind View of New Zealand’s Spectacular Scenery! <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220146-IMG9751.jpg" width="220" height="146" alt="" title=""/>From start to finish, the tour boasts some of the most amazing scenery to be found on the coastline of Hawke’s Bay. Golden cliffs tower above the beach, where pebbles lie scattered in a gleaming mosaic of myriad grays, blues, and purples. Sea birds screech overhead as they glide over the glittering ocean, searching for their next meal. On the edge of the cliffs, waving welcoming arms out towards the fishing boats, tall trees cling to the crumbling rock beneath their roots. Where better to view these natural wonders than from behind a rustic antique tractor? In all, the Gannet Beach Adventure is a fantastic experience, for young and old alike! Immerse yourself in an authentically New Zealand atmosphere, complete with a wonderful Kiwi guide and beautiful New Zealand scenery! Not only does the Gannet Beach Adventure offer you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close and personal with the famous gannets, it also gives you the opportunity to learn more about some of the incredible geology of Hawke’s Bay, as well as the chance to see antique tractors in action. And who could say no to that? The link to the Gannet Beach Adventure website: http://www.gannets.com/index.html Wed, 22 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/5-Reasons-You-Should-Go-on-A-Gannet-Beach-Adventure/ How to make pebre http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/How-to-make-pebre/ 
 
<span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">One of the best things about travelling is trying local foods — and if you can learn the recipe, even better. This could involve spending time in the kitchen with a local, finding the recipe online, or guessing how to make it from the finished product. I've learned how to make many tasty dishes during our travels, but no dish was as much of as an adventure as pebre. 
 
<span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220159-1-santiago.jpg" width="220" height="159" alt="" title=""/>We were couchsurfing during our stay in Santiago de Chile, and on the first night our host whipped up a light dinner of bread, avocado, and a fresh tomato-and-onion salsa he called pebre. It was delicious, and when we told him how much we liked it, he explained how to make it — and though I caught the gist, my Spanish was pretty rudimentary and I didn't get the finer details. 
 
<span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">No worries though, as we were heading south in the company of a Chilean friend of mine, Moroni, who'd certainly be able to explain how to make it. 
 
<span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The ingredients are simple: onion, tomato, fresh coriander, a squeeze of lemon juice, a bit of hot chilli pepper, and salt. The first night we attempted to make pebre, Moroni seemed pretty happy with the effort -- though he told me I'd chopped the onions too large. No problem, I could do better the next night. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220180-pebre.jpg" width="220" height="180" alt="" title=""/>The next night we were on the island of Chiloe and though we searched everywhere, we couldn't find fresh coriander. Eventually Janine stumbled upon some in a tiny fruit shop near the port, and Moroni waited until we were leaving to mutter under his breath "that's not coriander." He was right -- it was Italian parsley, which bears a striking resemblance to coriander. Our salsa that night was tasty, but it wasn't pebre. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The next night we were further north, in Puerto Varas, and we split up in the supermarket to pick up the ingredients we needed. Coriander didn't pose a problem, but when we cut into the lemon (which Moroni had picked out), it turned out not to be a lemon at all -- it was an orange. We began to despair of ever preparing the perfect pebre. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220165-pebre-ingredients.jpg" width="220" height="165" alt="" title=""/>That night we were awoken at 3.30am by the one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded. Luckily, we were 500km from the epicentre and were completely fine, but Chile more or less closed down for several days, and our plans changed. We found ourselves in Temuco, staying with Moroni's aunt for a few days. To thank her for taking us in, Janine and I offered to make dinner — including pebre, of course. We were chopping enough tomatoes to feed the eight people in the house when the aunt walked in and started telling us off. We couldn't work out what we'd done wrong at first, but eventually we worked it out — we hadn't peeled the tomatoes. It turns out that many Chileans peel their tomatoes as a hangover from the cholera years — the disease was carried in the skins and people got used to eating them peeled. Sigh. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Back in Santiago, we were staying at Moroni's mum's place, and I offered to help prepare dinner. Moroni said that I should make the pebre "to get more practice", and his mum gave me everything I needed, then headed outside to look after the barbecue. She came back in a few minutes later to ask if I'd done "the thing with the onions." 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220123-site21rand1067373631Pebre.jpg" width="220" height="123" alt="" title=""/>What? What was the thing with the onions? I knew about chopping them small. I knew that parsley wasn't coriander. I knew that yellow-skinned oranges weren't lemons. I knew that I had to peel the tomatoes. But what on earth was the thing with the onions?! 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Turns out you cover them with salt, squeeze it in, and wash it off fifteen minutes later. It's a great trick for taking out some of the bitterness. Right. A new rule to learn on the way to the perfect pebre. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">That lot turned out all right, as a matter of fact... And now, whenever Moroni's mum has a barbecue, she sends me a message to tell me to come to Santiago to make the pebre. 
 
 
 
 Thu, 16 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/How-to-make-pebre/ The Lost Art of Hitchhiking http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/The-Lost-Art-of-Hitchhiking/ 
Back in the sixties, when hippies were fashionable and love was free, hitchhiking was a common form of transport. Nowadays, we're led to believe that hitchhikers will end up disappearing off the the face of the Earth in a dark and terrifying demise. Equally, we're led to believe that by picking up a hitchhiker, you put yourself at great risk from an individual who is clearly a threat to all of society. Why is it that the attitude to hitchhiking has changed so rapidly? <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220165-Inside-the-Cab-of-a-Russian-Trucker.JPG" width="220" height="165" alt="" title=""/>Hitchhiking in the Past If you ask the older generation how they travelled in the past, chances are that they'll tell you they used to hitchhike. They did it 'back in the days when the world was friendly and people cared for one another.' They certainly wouldn't do it today. In the modern day, public transport and global travel is more accessible than ever before throughout all of history. People have more disposable income that becomes increasingly powerful every day as the cost of travel decreases. There is no longer such a financial stress on taking long term extended vacations. In the past, many people hitchhiked to make travel possible; it was the only way that they could afford to do it. Nowadays, that need has passed. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220123-A-Slovakian-a-Brit-and-an-American-Hitchhiking-in-Bulgaria.jpg" width="220" height="123" alt="" title=""/>The Modern Day Hitcher In 2012, I decided to start hitchhiking. It all started in Japan when I missed my bus and tried to hitchhike from one town to another. Enjoying the style of adventure, I promised that upon quitting my teaching job in South Korea, I would head to Europe and travel using nothing but my thumb and a piece of cardboard. My one month vacation turned into a five month way of life and I saw more places and interacted with more people in that time than one normally hopes for in several years of conventional travel. By pushing my personal boundaries and fears, I learnt to live life in a different way. I slept by the Eiffel Tower, in fields, under bridges, and in the homes of many wonderful people across twenty something countries in Europe. I herded cows under moonlight, washed in ponds, tried food from bins, and communicated in hand signals. In short, I pushed every boundary that I had ever known. Not once was I robbed, mugged, or molested. I even made a short video of some of the fantastic people and places I encountered which you can watch below. http://player.vimeo.com/video/61456246?color=ff0179 <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220145-Even-as-Night-Approaches-Hitchhiking-Creates-Smiles.JPG" width="220" height="145" alt="" title=""/>Do People Hitchhike Today? During my journey, I met hundreds of other hitchhikers. This sounds like an exaggeration, but by chance I bumped into a couple of hitchhikers in Estonia who told me about a hitchhiking festival in Lithuania. Heading there a week later, I was introduced to a huge micro-culture that I never even knew existed. There were hundreds of people from almost every continent who travelled by hitchhiking. Some did it for financial reasons, others for the sheer fun of it. I did it for the adventure and to be different. I suddenly realised that I was less different than I ever thought possible! Of all the hitchhikers at this festival or that I met standing at the roadside, very few of them had anything bad to say about hitchhiking. In fact, they all loved it and I soon found out that the community is growing continually. Counteracting the increase in global media that spreads a fear of hitchhiking, social media is now used to share the excitement gained from hitchhiking journeys around the world and more people are trying it. Many universities across the UK now run sponsored hitchhiking events or races in which people travel in pairs to predetermined destinations by hitchhiking. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220165-A-Dane-a-Brit-and-an-American-Inside-a-Turkish-Truck.JPG" width="220" height="165" alt="" title=""/>How Dangerous is Hitchhiking? In recent years, global media has promoted horror stories involving hitchhikers. However, contrary to popular belief,hitchhiking safely in the modern world is very much possible. Despite media attempting to persuade us that it is dangerous and irresponsible, I and and the many other hitchhikers that I met on the road have proved this. What we must remember about the news, is that it tells us of all the bad things that have happened. By taking a step back and considering statistics logically, we realise that heart disease, cancer, and common accidents are responsible for many more deaths than those attributed to axe wielding murderers and strange men hiding shotguns in their jackets. Trust the World If we trust a little bit in the humanity of the world, we start to see that it isn't such a bad place. I myself have learnt that people around the world are wonderful. By hitchhiking I have interacted with individuals that I would never have interacted with otherwise. Some of them have even become my good friends. Hitchhiking is not yet a lost art. It is not yet dead. In fact, just the opposite may be true. So next time you see a hitchhiker standing at the side of the road, think twice before ignoring them. Even if you don't want to pick them up, give them a little wave. If I'm there, I promise I'll wave and smile back. So too would most of my new friends.
 Tue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/The-Lost-Art-of-Hitchhiking/ Via de la plata http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/via-de-la-plata/ 
<span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Although the Camino de Santiago has become more and more popular in recent years, not many people realise that there's more than just one route. The most well-known one is also known as the Camino Francés as it enters Spain at the French border, but pilgrims also walk or cycle the Camino del Norte, the Camino Portugués, the Camino Primitivo, the Camino Mosarabe, the Camino Inglés, and many other paths towards their ultimate destination of Santiago de Compostela in north-western Spain. 
 
<span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220146-caminopostcard-11.jpg" width="220" height="146" alt="" title=""/>When Craig and I walked the Camino Francés in 2008 I hadn't really heard much about it. All I knew was that we were going to walk for about 1000km from Pamplona to Santiago and that we had to do it on a budget because we were seriously running out of money. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">By the end of it, though, I was enamoured. The discipline of getting up every day and walking an average of 28km, the community of pilgrims that we were a part of, the challenge of solving small problems, and above all the freedom from the constraints of normal life -- it all combined to make our Camino de Santiago one of the best experiences of our lives. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">When we saw our tenth wedding anniversary coming closer, we started thinking about how to properly celebrate it. We're not big anniversary celebrators -- our fifth was marked with a glass of wine on an Austrian balcony with colleagues, followed by a kebab -- but ten years really warrants a celebration. We didn't want to go on holiday somewhere (since we travel full-time this wouldn't be anything special) or just go to a nice restaurant or stay in an expensive hotel. We wanted to do something REALLY special. So we decided to walk the Via de la Plata. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220293-Villamajor-de-Monjardin-Viana-12-e1356605362654.jpg" width="220" height="293" alt="" title=""/>The Via de la Plata is a Camino de Santiago which starts in Sevilla and follows an old Roman road north towards Santiago. It's less popular than the Camino Francés, so there are fewer pilgrim hostels along the way, and the walking sectors are a lot longer. We chose it over the other options because we were going to be starting in chilly March and we figured that the further south we were when we began, the better. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The good
<span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Via de la Plata is a fascinatingly historical route, many of the towns along it have well-preserved Roman ruins and museums documenting them. There were a lot fewer pilgrims on the route and, unlike on the Camino Francés, not many of them spoke English -- so we had to speak Spanish. I felt like we were experiencing Spain more than we had on the previous Camino, but that we were less connected to the historical pilgrimage. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">We particularly enjoyed the last two weeks or so of the walk, when we followed the Camino Sanabrés. The terrain started to become hillier after hundreds of kilometres of flat, and we saw wild animals in the forests. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The bad
<span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">We'd thought we were prepared but it turns out leaving four years between hikes leaves you a little out of shape. I had a cold for the first three weeks and Craig battled with blisters. We both had to buy new shoes. The weather turned out to be a lot colder than we'd expected and the rain set in just after we left the last major town and we couldn't find anywhere to buy waterproof overtrousers. And our jackets leaked. 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220145-images.jpeg" width="220" height="145" alt="" title=""/>A lot of the route was straight and flat -- unsurprising really, given what we know about Roman roads -- but it did get boring after a while. The most difficult bit though, was the distances. Unlike the Camino Francés, which has a town every five or ten kilometres, along the Via de la Plata there are often stretches of twenty or thirty kilometres without a settlement. This meant that we often had to choose between walking 15km (too little) or 40km (far too much). 
 <span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The end
<span style="font-size:15px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">So, it had been a challenge, but we made it -- and even arrived on April 20, our anniversary. As we walked into Santiago we both felt that we'd accomplished something important, and the fact that we'd done it together made it that much better. And to celebrate, we had a nice dinner and stayed in an expensive hotel. 
 
 
 Thu, 09 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/via-de-la-plata/ Become a Local When Visiting Los Angeles, California http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/Become-a-Local-When-Visiting-Los-Angeles-California/ Most people associated L.A. with “the big screen” and can barely see past celebrity sightings, movie premiers or the Hollywood sign. Once those tourist attractions have been exhausted, the trip is over and your perception of L.A. is lost. You never had the chance to discover the culture engulfs L.A. and instead, your perspective is filled with grime, negative superficies and an untouchable future, which is the consensus from far too many people after their visit. Aside from this stigma surrounding the city, L.A. really is rich in history and culture and boasts a beautiful landscape. From the mountains to the ocean, experience all that L.A. has to offer with this list of local things to see and do while visiting L.A. and you will quickly become an advocate for the city. Don’t be a tourist in L.A., do as the locals do: <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220129-old-pasadena.jpg" width="220" height="129" alt="" title=""/>Old Pasadena: A scenic street located in Pasadena, it is filled with beautiful architectural buildings, retail shops, restaurants, small museums and galleries. This diverse downtown area is clean, safe and pedestrian friendly. Just 10 miles outside L.A. and serviced by bus and train, Old Pasadena is a lively yet relaxing way to spend a day. Grand Central Market: This is an authentic place to taste the diverse international cuisine offered in L.A. Open since 1917, Grand Central Market is the oldest market located in downtown L.A., which offers fresh produce, baked goods and meats and fish to take away or various prepared food from choice vendors. The market is located on Broadway St. and can be reached via bus and train. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220161-3rdstreet.jpg" width="220" height="161" alt="" title=""/>3rd Street Promenade: Located in downtown Santa Monica, this walk street is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The busy street is home to a weekly farmers market, numerous shops, outdoor cafes and exciting street performers. Just steps from the beach and Santa Monica Pier, this is a great day trip accessible on many bus routes. The Grove: The large outdoor mall consists of a variety of retail stores, restaurants and specialty food stores, a cinema, a spa and also, is connected to The Farmer’s Market—a large outdoor/indoor gourmet food market. The Grove’s well-manicured landscape provides the occasional celebrity sighting and a true feel of luxury. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220146-MelroseAvenue_2.jpg" width="220" height="146" alt="" title=""/>Melrose Avenue: This long stretch of road is home to the most eclectic shops and designer labels alike. Made up of colorful street art and fun store entrances, Melrose Avenue represents a true sense of the diversity that makes up L.A. The famous street is accessible by bus. West Hollywood An area of L.A. that merges fine art, modern design and a liberal lifestyle into a vibrant community filled with many restaurants and stylish shops. It is the center for many events and much entertainment. Locally accessible by bus, West Hollywood is a place to walk around and create your own personalized experience. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220152-china.jpg" width="220" height="152" alt="" title=""/>China Town An area of downtown L.A. rich in history, Chinatown consists of authentic Chinese restaurants, traditional Chinese architecture and a cultural farmers market. Check out the area at night via bus or train and the colorfully lit buildings might transport you to the country itself. Griffith Park Observatory The observatory, located inside Griffith Park, is perched high in Los Angeles Mountains and provides amazing views of the city. With a variety of hiking trails and benches and picnic tables, this destination is outside all the hustle and bustle of the city and provides some greenery to your day. Whether visiting for a day or a week, these attractions will showcase a colorful L.A. rich in history and diverse in culture and might just have you coming back for more. Mon, 06 May 2013 10:00:00 +1200 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/Become-a-Local-When-Visiting-Los-Angeles-California/ Why You Should not Miss Golden Temple on Your Tour to India http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/Why-You-Should-not-Miss-Golden-Temple-on-Your-Tour-to-India/ India is a country that offers visitors a vast diversity of cultures, people, lifestyles, languages, and topography. Countless possibilities are available to tourists for exploration in this amazing country. There are hundreds of tourist attractions in India that can be visited on a trip; however, a few selected places are so special that you should never miss them if you are on a tour to India. Amritsar, the city of Golden Temple, is one such place. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220293-GoldenTemple1.jpg" width="220" height="293" alt="" title=""/>Amritsar is the heartland of Sikhism in India. It was established as a town in 1577 by fourth Sikh Guru (Master) Ram Das. At that time, Guru Ram Das asked his disciples to excavate a tank for the local people. With the passage of time, the tank became famous as Amrit Sarowar or Amritsar meaning the pool of nectar, and the small town came to be known as Amrisar. People believed that the water of Amrit Sarowar had healing powers. With the rising fame of sacred tank, the small town of Amritsar became famous in the whole region. Today, Amritsar is famous for the fabled Golden Temple. In the past five years, I have paid four visits to Amritsar just to watch Golden Temple. Each time I see this richly gilded building, I feel mesmerized with its eternal beauty. Golden Temple is actually not a Hindu temple (as most of the international tourists think), but a gurudwara – a religious shrine of Sikhs. The building is famed for the huge amount of gold that has been used to adorn the dome, outer walls, and the interiors. You can see the golden domes of this gurudwara while you walk down the nearby lanes. The main shrine of the temple complex is known as Harmandir Sahib. The dome, outer and interior walls, and roofs of the shrine are all covered with gold leafs. The doors and windows of the shrine feature intricate inlay work. The place where Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of Sikhs) is kept is adorned with gold, silver, and precious stones. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220165-GoldenTemple3.jpg" width="220" height="165" alt="" title=""/>A long causeway connects the holy Harmandir Sahib to the west side of Amrit Sarovar. Within the shrine is played religious Shabad Kirtan from dawn to dusk. On the northern side stand “The 68 Holy Places” shrines. Many of these shrines have now been converted into “Galleries of Martyrs” exhibiting the glorious years of Sikhism. Another important and sacred shrine within the Golden Temple complex is Akal Takht (Eternal Throne). It was built in 17th century, and is regarded as the place where highest ruling body of Sikh community assembles to discusses important matters. In this building are kept weapons used by various Sikh warriors. The big library of Golden Temple boasts a large collection of books on Sikhism. Any visit to Golden Temple complex is incomplete without witnessing the “Guru ka Lungar” – the place where hundreds of people sit in rows to take “Lungar” (holy food). Lungar is offered to visiting people regardless of caste, religion, or gender. Everyday, over 10,000 devotees take the Lungar in Golden Temple. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220165-GoldenTemple5.jpg" width="220" height="165" alt="" title=""/>Every Sikh in the world wishes to visit the Golden Temple at least once in his/her lifetime. They are also expected to volunteer at Golden Temple. You can see hundreds of Sikhs volunteering different works like cleaning rooms, cooking food, serving Lungar to people, etc., within temple complex. Every visitor to this holy place is expected to remove shoes and cover the head with a piece of cloth before entering the temple complex. Shoes can be deposited at shoe store near the main gate. After your visit to Golden Temple, you can also explore the main city. Modern Amritsar displays a mixed culture and traditions. In the narrow lanes that surround the Golden Temple can be found some of the busiest markets of the city. Guru Bazaar, a famous market near Golden Temple, is the best place to buy religious paraphernalia such as swords, daggers, as well as souvenirs. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage220293-GoldenTemple2.jpg" width="220" height="293" alt="" title=""/>Friendly and generous people of Amritsar exhibit enthusiasm in every aspect of life. The citizens of this city are known for their liking for the delicious food. Tandoori dishes are usually the favorites. Plenty of restaurants are available in the city offering traditional cuisines. You can also find simple, non-expensive dhabas offering vegetarian food around the Golden Temple. One of my favorite spot here is Kasar da Dhaba, which I specially visit to enjoy tandoori roti and stuffed parantha. On your trip to Amritsar, don’t forget to visit Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border (India-Pakistan Border), and Durgiana Temple, which are other prime tourist attractions of the city. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/Why-You-Should-not-Miss-Golden-Temple-on-Your-Tour-to-India/ The Benefits of Studying Abroad in Canada http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/BenefitsofstudyinginCanada/ Across the world each year, more and more students are deciding to spend a year studying in a different country. The benefits range from broadening one's horizons through to travelling the world. One of the most popular destinations for students to study in, is Canada. I myself studied there for a year. Here is a summary of some of the great benefits of studying in Canada.
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage250187-A-little-piece-of-London-in-Canada.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="" title=""/>Cheaper than the US Despite sharing a significant percentage of it's coastline with the United States, tuition fees in Canada are notably cheaper than that of their neighbour despite still providing a high quality of education. Not only this, but the general cost of living in Canada is generally lower than in the US making it a much more financially viable option all around.
Weather Extremes Whether you like it hot or cold, you are guaranteed to find it in Canada. Temperatures in summer will soar past the thirty degree mark and all around you people will be sporting shorts and t-shirts as they enjoy beautiful blue skies. In winter however, you are faced with several months of sub-zero temperatures and a continual covering of snow that will force you to wrap up at all times of day and night. The Canadians get this every single year and life continues, oblivious to the harsh winter around them.
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage250374-Ready-aim-throw.jpg" width="250" height="374" alt="" title=""/>Sports Canadians are big on playing sports. While not particularly strong at many sports on an international level, universities offer a huge variety of sports to their students. During my time in Canada, I tried cross country skiing, dog sledding, ice hockey, snow shoeing, and broom ball (like ice hockey with shoes and brooms) during the winter. In the summer, ultimate frisbee, football (both types), baseball (or softball for amateurs), and hiking are all very popular. At all times of year, indoor sports are played and you're never short of people up for a game of indoor football or dodgeball. Whatever you like, Canadians are active people and they will most probably want to play it with you. You might even get to try something that you never even knew existed such as frisbee golf.
A Relaxed Education System This may depend upon where you are from, but coming from the UK, I was delighted to find myself studying in the Canadian system. As a student of mathematics, the UK system involves final tests each semester which account for almost all of one's grades. If you under-perform on your busy exam week, it is too bad. By contrast, the Canadian system is split into manageable chunks and you are tested throughout the year. By breaking the material into smaller pieces and having a closer interaction with class tutors, I found the Canadian education system to be much more to my liking.
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage250187-Ice-hockey-was-another-first-in-Canada-for-me.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="" title=""/>Friendly People Canadians are some of the most friendly people in the world. While this statement can't be proven, I have travelled to many parts of the world and have received both warm and cold receptions from different parts of it. Throughout Canada, I always felt welcome. On the east coast, Canadians are impressed by foreigners and at times, treat them like mini celebrities while on the west coast, there are so many foreigners that you'll fit right in. Smile at the people and they will smile back at you.
Nature Canada is a country that is made largely of the great outdoors. Around 80% of the population live within 150 km of the US border meaning that there is an awful lot of untouched land. If you head out into the wilderness, Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and you can expect to find mountains, lakes, glaciers, and forests in abundance. If you're lucky, you may even get the opportunity to see some of the wildlife of Canada including bears and moose. At first, you may also think that racoons are a great spot until you get woken up by them raiding your bins every night.
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage250333-Lakes-and-forest-are-everywhere-for-your-viewing-pleasure.JPG" width="250" height="333" alt="" title=""/>It's Safe Violent crime and dangerous animals are almost non-existent in Canada. Wherever you go, you can expect to be safe and comfortable. Like all places in the world, there are areas that are more dangerous than others, but on the whole, Canada is a very safe country to live in.
Easy to Adapt Canada has everything. It is a county made up of recent generations of immigrants. This means that no matter which part of the world you are coming from, others from your area have come before you. You will find languages, food, and people that help you to know that you are not alone in your journey to this beautiful new country.
 In Summary I have to stop somewhere and I choose to do so here. Canada is one of the most wonderful countries that I have ever had the pleasure of visiting due to a combination of wonderful people and beautiful landscapes. If you're thinking about taking a year to study abroad in Canada, I can't recommend it enough. Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/BenefitsofstudyinginCanada/ Istanbul in a Day http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/Istanbul-in-a-Day/ Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is home to nearly fourteen million people and spread across two continents. The Bosphorus is the straight that divides Istanbul and on one side of it you find yourself in Asia, while on the other side, you are in Europe. The city was first established over two and a half thousand years ago and is currently growing at an unprecedented rate. With so much to see and so much to do, how can you possibly hope to see all of the city in one day? The simple answer is that you cannot. It is too big. There and too many places and too many people to see everything. However, rather than rushing around the whole of the city and checking things off a list, I decided to take an idle walk through the streets and see what I observed. I did not visit all the tourist sites and I focused on nothing in particular. Instead, I took the time to notice the little things, the things that are normally forgotten. Istanbul is Bigger Than Big <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage250165-Even-by-night-the-business-never-stops-in-this-city.JPG" width="250" height="165" alt="" title=""/>One of the first things that you will notice as you walk the streets of Istanbul, is the sheer size of it. No matter which direction you look, you will see kilometre after kilometre of buildings. There are people and vehicles everywhere and each of them is pursuing their own mission. There are shops for everything and each building is a little different from it's neighbour. If you were to view the city from above, it would appear as a huge ants nest, a hive of activity. It is built on steep hills and this uneven terrain means that as you walk, you will be witness to incredible views across great expanses of human development. Development that spans generations and millennia. What you might notice next, is the huge amount of construction work that is currently occurring.
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage250165-Fishing-is-a-way-of-life-to-both-feed-and-support-your-family.JPG" width="250" height="165" alt="" title=""/>When the Republic of Turkey was established in 1923, the city of Istanbul was estimated to have a population of only half a million. In less than a century, that population has grown to become 28 times bigger. Looking around the city, this seems unlikely to stop soon. In every part of the city, they are knocking old buildings down to make way for more modern designs. In previously untouched areas, developments are springing up. Even mosques are currently being built to help provide a sacred place for the ever increasing population that is largely Muslim. It isn't only people and vehicles that fill the Turkish streets however. There are also lots of animals. As you walk through the streets you will find that you are accompanied by scores of stray cats and dogs. They mostly try to stay away from the people and at times, you can stumble upon small congregations of animals as you walk down a quiet alleyway. The people of Turkey are generally quite compassionate and it isn't uncommon to see animals sleeping on crudely fashioned beds or eating food that has been left out from them. People even choose to feed the pigeons in the streets of Istanbul. The Pride of Turkey <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage250161-One-of-the-two-bridges-that-connects-Europe-and-Asia_2.JPG" width="250" height="161" alt="" title=""/>Turkey is a very proud country. It's proud of it's people, it's history, and everything that the country has produced. Representative of this, everywhere you turn, you will see Turkish flags flying. They hang in shops, from overhead wires, and from great flag poles erected to display the magnificence of Turkey. The flags represent the pride that they have in their own country and people want to keep it that way. They take the upkeep of their homes and their city very seriously and at all times of day and night, you will see people cleaning. Most commonly, it is women who clean homes because the men go out to work, although this is changing quickly in the modern world. On residential streets, you will often see women sweeping clear their balconies, beating out their rugs, wiping down their windows, and even washing clean the pavement outside their apartments. No matter how hard they work, they always find something else that needs to be cleaned more.
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage250165-Wherever-you-look-in-Istanbul-people-have-been-there-before-you-and-made-something.JPG" width="250" height="165" alt="" title=""/>A big source of Turkish pride is their food. Everywhere you look, you will see delicious food tempting you to overindulge. People sell food on the streets and huge windows prominently display the huge assortments of both sweet and savoury food that Turkey has to offer. Whatever your taste, you cannot be disappointed. Nor can you be left hungry. Despite problems in other parts of Turkey, Istanbul is quite a peaceful city. Despite this, there is a large police presence and it is not uncommon to see armed police or police vehicles in any part of the city. Just Walk Wherever you go in the city and whatever you choose to do, you cannot be disappointed. Istanbul is a fascinating spider web of activity that seems never ending. Take the time to get lost in the streets and wander a new way. You never know what you might find.
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</div> Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +1200 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/Istanbul-in-a-Day/ 24 hours in Limassol, Cyprus http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/24-hours-in-limassol-cyprus/ Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus located on the islands south cost on the Greek side. The City is positioned between twohistoric city-kingdoms, Amathus to the east and Kourion to the west. In 1911 the city kingdom Amathus was destroyed by King Richard the Lionheart and through its downfall led the formation of Limassol. Today the city with great historical sites and many hotels, shops, restaurants and bars on its miles long beach promenade is a popular travel destination and lives partly from tourism.
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250334-55708010150662739082129174359182n.jpg" width="250" height="334" alt="" title=""/>To discover the city you should start out at the old historic fishing harbor called old port - the heart of the old city. If you get up early you be able to see the fishermen unloading their boats. A short walk through the narrow alleys up to the historical downtown you can spot Limassol Castle in the middle of a square surrounded by restaurants and bars. If you hadn´t had breakfast jet that´s the perfect place to sit on the street and enjoy a coffee while watching the city waking up in the soft morning sun. Inside the castle you can learn something about history of Richard the Lionheart (who is said to have married there) by visiting the museum. Later on you should walk around through the beautiful labyrinth of old cobbled streets stop at Limassol´s marked which is nearby. Here you can find anything from fresh fruits to faked brand sunglasses. Stroll around and soak up the environment.
If you have a bit time you can also have a look at Limassol New Port it is just a short stroll away from the city center and it became the principal seaport of Cyprus. But besides big containerships you can see beautiful old sailing ships, impressive yachts and huge cruiser. 
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250151-Limasso.jpg" width="250" height="151" alt="" title=""/>Being in Cyprus you can´t leave before you haven´t seen one of the ancient Greek Ruins. A 20 minute Bus drive away from the City center is the excavated city remains of Kourion. Kourion is the better preserved city compared toAmathus but they are both worth visiting. To experience the Ruins of a city which has been founded nearly 2000 years ago is simply astonishing. The restored Amphitheater (which is still in use today), the beautiful preserved mosaics and the well excavated houses take you on a journey through time. Nevertheless you will need some imagination to see the citieswhole former shape. Apart from incredible historical sight you will be rewarded with a beautiful few over the cliffs and the blue Mediterranean Sea. Make sure to bring water and some head covering because it is hard to find some shade.
After discovering the historical sites you could spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach and enjoying a refreshing swim in the sea. The Limassol Beach is several kilometers long and sandy. You can find little stores, coffees and bars on the promenade. If you are keen to experience something more exciting you can rent a jet sky learn to wind surf or do tandem flights over the ocean.
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250140-Mezefood.jpg" width="250" height="140" alt="" title=""/>Cyprians commemorate food. Dinner is more as just eating it’s a social event taking place later at night when the air cooled off. Go to a typicalCyprian restaurant and order Meze – it literally means small dishes and usually comes with fish or meat. But don´t worry about the portion quite the contrary makes sure not to eat too much in the beginning otherwise you will not make it though desert. It is like ordering a set meal despite of it comes on little plates which are placed on the table center so everyone can dig in. After a while plates are getting replaced with more deliciousness. It goes on for hours and usually it´s impossible to finish all the food. The upscale restaurant Neon Phaliron (<a href="http://www.neonphaliron.com/">http://www.neonphaliron.com/</a>) is the perfect place to go to if you want to dine with the Locals and try one of the best Meze in Limassol.
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250166-SunsetLimassol.jpg" width="250" height="166" alt="" title=""/>After the delicious and filling dinner you can go to the more touristy eastern part of the town which offers many possibilities. The population of Limassol is known for their love of live therefore it offers a great variety of bars, pups, casinos. That’s also a place where you can find some locals enjoying one or two Ouzo’s after an exhausting day. If you are looking for something more quiet to end the day have a walk at the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves. 
 
While being in Cyprus you shouldn’t miss out to visit Limassol - a city in the clash of the old and the new which developed it´s very own charm and often surprises.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/24-hours-in-limassol-cyprus/ Traveling from Quito, Ecuador http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/traveling-from-quito-ecuador/ 
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">Because it houses an international airport, Ecuador’s capitol city is a great jumping off place to visit many other areas of Ecuador. The city has 2 large bus terminals, the most popular being Quitumbre at the south edge of the city. This is the departure site for any bus heading south of Quito. If you’re unsure of the name of the bus terminal you need, simply ask someone for the terminal for north or south, and they’ll direct you. You can get to the terminal by metro bus or Ecovia, but if you have more than a daypack, it’s a better idea to take a taxi. A taxi from the historic center to Quitumbre will cost between $10 and 12 USD.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">Buses are an extremely economical way of getting around Ecuador. Typically one can expect to pay about $1 per hour of travel, so a bus to outdoor and adrenaline junky paradise Baños del Agua Santa will cost $3.50. Guayaquil is a 9-hour bus ride and will cost $9 one way. There are a couple of important things to know before you step on the bus, however.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">Getting your ticket is easy and can usually be handled the day of travel. If it’s high season, you may wish to go the day before to ensure the particular schedule you desire is available, but usually that isn’t necessary. In the bus station simply look for your destination on the big signs above the ticket booths. The more popular locations will have at least a few companies servicing the area, and their fees are usually about the same. Now that you have your ticket you’re ready to get on the bus. </div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">Here comes the most important part: On your ticket, usually in the upper right hand side, you will find the bus or vehicle number. Make sure the bus at the platform you were directed to has the same number as that on your ticket or you will find yourself standing alongside the road somewhere waiting for the bus you were supposed to get on. The buses are each independently operated, so if you paid to be on bus 42 at 10 AM but get on bus 12, once they collect tickets you’ll be dropped off at the next stop since they won’t get paid. The numbers for the bus are located on the front passenger side of the bus. Even if they’re loudly encouraging you to hop on the bus, make sure the number matches and don’t get on unless it does.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">You will be most likely to be told there is a bathroom on the bus. That is almost always true. However, that doesn’t mean it’s actually working, and most likely it won’t be, so plan accordingly. On long trips the bus will stop a couple of times for bathroom breaks and for people to grab food. At every bus stop food and drink vendors will board the bus which makes that part easy.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">Traveling by bus in Ecuador is quite safe and quite often an adventure. It isn’t as common to share your bus with livestock at it used to be, but in rural areas you may still get that experience. And considering the price difference between bus and air travel within Ecuador, it’s worth the potential discomfort to ride the bus.</div>
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/activity/_resampled/resizedimage250180-Untitleds.jpg" width="250" height="180" alt="" title=""/>Because it houses an international airport, Ecuador’s capitol city is a great jumping off place to visit many other areas of Ecuador. The city has 2 large bus terminals, the most popular being Quitumbre at the south edge of the city. This is the departure site for any bus heading south of Quito. If you’re unsure of the name of the bus terminal you need, simply ask someone for the terminal for north or south, and they’ll direct you. You can get to the terminal by metro bus or Ecovia, but if you have more than a daypack, it’s a better idea to take a taxi. A taxi from the historic center to Quitumbre will cost between $10 and 12 USD.
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/activity/_resampled/resizedimage250333-DSCN0999.JPG" width="250" height="333" alt="" title=""/>Buses are an extremely economical way of getting around Ecuador. Typically one can expect to pay about $1 per hour of travel, so a bus to outdoor and adrenaline junky paradise Baños del Agua Santa will cost $3.50. Guayaquil is a 9-hour bus ride and will cost $9 one way. There are a couple of important things to know before you step on the bus, however.
Getting your ticket is easy and can usually be handled the day of travel. If it’s high season, you may wish to go the day before to ensure the particular schedule you desire is available, but usually that isn’t necessary. In the bus station simply look for your destination on the big signs above the ticket booths. The more popular locations will have at least a few companies servicing the area, and their fees are usually about the same. Now that you have your ticket you’re ready to get on the bus. 
Here comes the most important part: On your ticket, usually in the upper right hand side, you will find the bus or vehicle number. Make sure the bus at the platform you were directed to has the same number as that on your ticket or you will find yourself standing alongside the road somewhere waiting for the bus you were supposed to get on. The buses are each independently operated, so if you paid to be on bus 42 at 10 AM but get on bus 12, once they collect tickets you’ll be dropped off at the next stop since they won’t get paid. The numbers for the bus are located on the front passenger side of the bus. Even if they’re loudly encouraging you to hop on the bus, make sure the number matches and don’t get on unless it does.
<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/activity/_resampled/resizedimage250188-market.jpg" width="250" height="188" alt="" title=""/>
You will be most likely to be told there is a bathroom on the bus. That is almost always true. However, that doesn’t mean it’s actually working, and most likely it won’t be, so plan accordingly. On long trips the bus will stop a couple of times for bathroom breaks and for people to grab food. At every bus stop food and drink vendors will board the bus which makes that part easy.
Traveling by bus in Ecuador is quite safe and quite often an adventure. It isn’t as common to share your bus with livestock at it used to be, but in rural areas you may still get that experience. And considering the price difference between bus and air travel within Ecuador, it’s worth the potential discomfort to ride the bus.
<div>
 
</div> Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/traveling-from-quito-ecuador/ One day in San Marino http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/one-day-in-san-marino/ San Marino is a small country, the smallest republic in the world, in fact — it measures just 61km2. It's completely surrounded by Italy and its mountainous terrain ensures great views and a good workout if you do most of your exploring on foot. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250335-Guard.jpg" width="250" height="335" alt="" title=""/>Despite its size, or perhaps because of it, San Marino is popular with tourists, both from Europe and further afield. Russians especially seem to love it, and several flights a day ferry tourists from Moscow to the nearest airport, Rimini. You'll definitely come across large tour groups if you're in the Citta of San Marino (the main city), but if you visit during the shoulder seasons of April-May and October rather than at the height of summer, it's not too bad. But all these tourists must be visiting for a reason, right? That's right — San Marino is a beautiful country which is well worth a visit. While you could do a day trip, it's worth spending at least one night there so that you can appreciate what the area is like after all the day tourists have gone, and also to see the nighttime views from the top of the mountain. Morning Depending on where you're staying, you'll need to get to the Citta. If you're coming from Rimini, a bus leaves the main station at 8.10, 9.25, and 10.40 and takes about 50 minutes (link<a href="http://www.bonellibus.it/portale/images/download_pdf/rimini_sanmarino_estivo.pdf"> http://www.bonellibus.it/portale/images/download_pdf/rimini_sanmarino_estivo.pdf</a>). You can catch the bus right into the city for €4.50, or get off at Borgo Maggiore (you'll save €0.50 on the fare, but that's not why I recommend it). <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250376-FLAG.jpg" width="250" height="376" alt="" title=""/>As you enter the country, you'll be aware that you're gradually and then sharply ascending — the city of San Marino is perched on the top of a mountain, Mt Titano. This city, along with Borgo Maggiore (located slightly downhill) have been a Unesco World Heritage site since 2008. Spend ten minutes or so wandering around Borgo Maggiore, then head towards the cable car terminal on the edge of the small town. You can choose to take it up to the top (€4.50 return, runs every 15 minutes) or follow the galeria path that starts on the other side of the terminal. Walk through the terminal and cross the carpark until you see the footpath and cycleway, it's divided by a painted yellow line and marked by brown signs. This path will take you through the old train tunnels known as galerias. Information boards inside tell of their use as bomb shelters during the Second World War, which is when the train lines were destroyed. Stop in at the picturesque cemetery then continue uphill until you reach the top. You'll enter the city by the St Francis Gate, where you can have your picture taken with the traffic cop stationed there if you're so inclined. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250187-Untitled.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="" title=""/>Spend the rest of the morning just wandering around the city, admiring the stonework and soaking up the atmosphere of the place. Make sure to visit the Basilica for its soaring ceiling and clean lines, and check out the view over the entire country from the upper cable car station. Lunch There are many restaurants to choose from, and if you’re particularly hungry you can pay €15-20 for a daily menu, which includes two courses and a drink. These are hyper-inflated tourist prices, though, so you’re better off bringing a picnic or stopping at a food stall near the towers or just outside the city gates. A specialty of the region is a piadine, a type of flatbread that’s heated, folded over, and filled with delicious fillings. A crudo piadine (filled with prosciutto crudo, dry-cured ham) will cost around €4. Afternoon The three towers that shape the skyline of the city is San Marino’s symbol, and you can visit two of them. Although they have names (Guiata, Cesta, and Montale), they are commonly referred to as the First, Second, and Third Towers. The €4.50 Red Card will give you access to the two oldest and largest towers, the First and Second, as well as to the weapons museum housed in the latter. The cobblestone walk between the Second and Third Towers is known as the Witches’ Pass, because (charmingly) this is where San Marino’s witches were executed, thrown off the ridge to their deaths. There’s plenty more to do in the city, so take your time and explore. There’s a wealth of museums to choose from, including a National Museum, a Wax Museum, and three or four museums of weapons or torture instruments. If you’re not into museums, you could do a littleshopping — leatherwork, weapons such as samurai swords and crossbows, and jewellery, seem to be the most popular items on display.
Dinner<img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250199-pizza.jpg" width="250" height="199" alt="" title=""/> Once again, there are many restaurants to choose from in the city, but prices are a little high. Cook for yourself or pick up a pizza. Evening There are no bars in the Citta because of a law against noise in the evening, so if you’re after nightlife you won’t find it here. However, if you have time and transport, make your way back to the Witches’ Pass after dark for a great nighttime view of the country. Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/one-day-in-san-marino/ A Taste of Luxury in Mazatlán, Mexico http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/a-taste-of-luxury-in-mazatl-n-mexico/ With palm tree lined beaches, light turquoise water and fine brown sand, Mazatlán, Mexico is a popular tourist destination for beach lovers. The tropical climate keeps the long stretch of coastline busy throughout the year.
While there are many hotels situated along the ocean, there is one that stands out among all of Mazatlán’s beach resorts for its friendly prompt service and beautiful décor. Pueblo Bonita Emerald Bay Resort and Spa is a stately, well-manicured resort catering to tourists looking for a taste of luxury. With ocean view rooms, two large pools, a private beach and its beautiful landscape, the resort provides an all-inclusive break from reality. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250210-photo-6.JPG" width="250" height="210" alt="" title=""/>Pueblo Bonita Emerald Bay is located on the north end stretch of the coast in what is referred to as “New Mazatlán.” Besides the small water park and the convention center located in its vicinity, the resort stands alone. So for those travelers looking to go on daily excursions or live like a local, don’t book the all-inclusive rate and be prepared to hail a taxi to get outside the resort. The resort has a kind of inside outside feel as large skylight windows throughout the lobby let in the light while the ocean breeze whips through the open verandas built around the complex. Various lounge chairs situated on the verandas and the outside restaurant boasts a calming ocean view. Each of the two pools offer a place to catch some rays, but the beach in front of the resort is an excellent option for some piece and quiet. The sandy coast stretches for miles and is hardly occupied by the resort’s guests. Whether going for a jog, swimming in the ocean or napping on a bed under a cabana, the beach is a very relaxing option throughout the day. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250186-photo-4.JPG" width="250" height="186" alt="" title=""/>Each room offered at Pueblo Bonita Emerald Bay is a suite of some type with a combination of a small kitchen, dining table and living room to relax in. With this much space, the option of sharing with friends or family members is a great possibility. The décor is cheerful and tropical with light blue and yellow hues throughout the seaside rooms. Soft cotton bathrobes, fluffy slippers, Jacuzzi bathtubs, separate showers and luxurious toiletries spoil the guests. For larger parties, there are private villas, each with their own swimming pool, also located on the property. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250186-photo-3.JPG" width="250" height="186" alt="" title=""/>Aside from the food market, small souvenir shops and a gym located on the property, there is a spa and beauty salon to enjoy a day of pampering. There are many different services available to fit everyone’s needs or feel free to just spend the day using the spa’s facilities, which include a sauna, hot tub and various hydrating showers. Each night there is a dinner theme at the large restaurant located on the property, but for those looking for something more casual, it would be the right time to leave the resort and head to a taco stand or restaurant downtown. Or throughout the day, fill up on the extensive menus at the deli or pool bar on the property. <img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250186-photo-2.JPG" width="250" height="186" alt="" title=""/>For those travelers looking to be far away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Mazatlán and off of the congested streets, Pueblo Bonita Emerald Bay is the right accommodation. The rates might be a little pricey during the high season for some, so take advantage of the deals in the low season. But sometimes luxury is worth it. For more information about the resort visit their website. Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/a-taste-of-luxury-in-mazatl-n-mexico/ Taking the Hiram Bingham http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/taking-the-hiram-bingham/ Two years ago I set out to Peru to run a marathon, visit Machu Picchu, and spend some time in the Amazonian rain forest. While researching for my trip to the world-famous Machu Picchu, I had come across a unique train ride, one that sounded quite luxurious and entertaining. Since I felt like this would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I couldn’t resist paying what may seem like an insane amount of money for a few-hour train ride on the Hiram Bingham.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250167-DSC0004-1.JPG" width="250" height="167" alt="" title=""/>Folkloric entertainment before boarding
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What makes this train so special, aside from the price? The typical visitor will take the backpacker train or pay for a slightly upgraded service and will enjoy a ride with plenty of scenery and a fair amount of comfort They will also need to provide their own snacks and beverages or buy them on board. But the Bingham takes getting there and back to a whole new level: Your day begins with a special reception complete with hot drinks, juices, and an array of Peruvian foods while local dancers and musicians provide folkloric entertainment. You then board the train and begin the approximately 3-hour journey (if leaving from Cusco). You enjoy comfortable seating and served a delicious 3-course brunch. The very friendly and attentive staff will make sure you do not go hungry or thirsty during the journey.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250167-DSC0016.JPG" width="250" height="167" alt="" title=""/>A nice spread greets you
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Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, a private van or bus will bring you to the Incan ruins. Your ticket includes the admission price for entry to Machu Picchu. After you’ve had time to explore the ruins, a guide will start you off, you then will enjoy high tea at the Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel actually located at the ruins.
Tired but exhilarated from your experience of the impressive ruins, you will enjoy Pisco sours and a fine selection of Peruvian wines as you journey back to Cusco. Passengers are then treated to a 4-course dinner and often live entertainment after dinner in the bar car.
So what does all this 5-star service cost? You have a couple of options. You can purchase roundtrip fare or just take the luxury train in one direction. For the full roundtrip service, it will cost $588 USD per person (children 11 and under receive a 50% discount), whereas the backpacker train is around $160 roundtrip. If you want to experience a little bit of luxury without the steep price, you can also check out the Vistadome train. 
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250167-DSC0017.JPG" width="250" height="167" alt="" title=""/>Comfortable and luxurious seating
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Conveniently, you can reserve your tickets for the Hiram Bingham online by visiting the <a href="http://www.orient-express.com/web/hb/hiram_bingham.jsp" target="_blank">Orient Express website</a>. It is also possible to book tickets through <a href="http://www.perurail.com/en/index.php" target="_blank">Peru Rail</a>. While it is indeed expensive, the memories are incredible, and the food was some of the best I had during my time in Peru. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/taking-the-hiram-bingham/ 24 hours in Vienna http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/24-hours-in-vienna/ Vienna is the historical capital of Austria and often gets referred to as the City of Music which is attributable to its leading role in the European music centre, from the great age of Viennese classicism through to the early part of the 20th century. Also the legendary musician Mozart spent the last 10 years of his life in Vienna and completed a prodigious number of compositions. The center of Vienna owns many architectural ensembles, including Baroque castles, gardens, grand buildings, monuments and parks. Vienna truly is a city rich of culture, history and has lots to explore.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250187-spanishridingschool.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="" title=""/>Spanish Riding School
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If you are keen to watch a different kind of ballet you could start your day in Vienna by visiting the Spanish Riding School. You will find there the world famous Lipizzaner stallions performing ballet to classical music. The Spanish Riding School offers three different shows: The Morning Exercise with Guided Tour, Performance and Performance &amp; Moderation starts at 10am. Tickets can be purchased at the <a href="http://www.viennaclassic.com/en/shows/konzerte-im-uberblick/spanische-hofreitschule-3.html?gclid=CInB0sODkbQCFZBYpgod5igATQ" target="_blank">Vienna classic online office</a>.
After the show you can visit the stunning Hofburg which is located nearby. Originally it was a medieval castle built in the 13th century and the center of the Hapsburg Empire. Today you can experience how life must have been during this time by visiting the three exhibitions: the authentically-furnished Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250166-Cafe-Centralsachertorte.jpg" width="250" height="166" alt="" title=""/>Cafe Central
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While in the capital of Austria there is no getting around the opportunity to try the famous cake Sacher Torte (A special chocolate cake with apricot jelly). The best place to treat yourself with this delicacy is the Café Central, a beautiful old building with a impressive interior. Although it is a bit expensive it is definitely worth it. If you don´t want to spend the extra money you can also get the sweet treat in any other bakery. 
Have a walk through the historical old town. Besides plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes there are a great many historical buildings, statues and churches to discover.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250187-Hochbrunnen.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="" title=""/>Hochbrunnen
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After a little bit of shopping you could continue to explore the city by follow the Ring Boulevard. The street which frames the inner city will lead you to the Fine Arts Museum. Because of the collecting passion of several art-loving rulers and monarchs, Vienna is rich in priceless works of art. Therefore there are more than a hundred museums to choose from. Even when you are not interested in paintings or craft it is worth the risk to take a peek at them for free, as most have no entrance charge. The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the world´s largest and most distinguished museums and highly recommended to visit. 
 
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250166-Figlmueller.jpg" width="250" height="166" alt="" title=""/>Figimueller - best wiener schnitzel
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The perfect dinner in Vienna is of course the Austrian national dish Wiener schnitzel named after the capital city. The deep fried veal is traditionally served with potato salad and a lemon. My personal favorite Schnitzel restaurant is called <a href="http://www.figlmueller.at/de/" target="_blank">Figlmueller</a>. The popular restaurant is located in the middle of the city close to Stephansplatz. It has a cozy atmosphere and if you are not keen to eat schnitzel they offer lots of other dishes - just make sure to be hungry as the food comes in huge portions.
There are also numerous parks with beautiful gardens to stroll through - the perfect activity after a heavy dinner and before the evening activity. 
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250162-Burgtheater.jpg" width="250" height="162" alt="" title=""/>Burg Theater
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If you are keen to spend a little bit of money and you have packed your tuxedo and gown, you should dressed up and join Vienna’s high society at the famous Burg Theater. Apart from the classical plays the building and its interior is simply breathtaking and definitely worth the money. If you prefer something more casual you can experience Vienna’s countless bars and pubs. One of Austria's most acknowledged universities is located in Vienna and lots of students live in the city and shape the nightlife. Therefore bars are usually busy and you will have no problems finding the bar that suits you. Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:30:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/24-hours-in-vienna/ The Denver Children's Museum http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/the-denver-children-s-museum/ As a connoisseur of fine children’s museums everywhere it was a real treat to explore the downtown Denver Children’s Museum with my youngest. Because we’re always on the move it can be challenging to get special one-on-one time with the little one; so, whenever we get the chance we try and find days out that cater to her desire to run, jump, crash and, most importantly, scare the everloving bejesus out of her poor father. To meet all these needs, save the last part, we’ve discovered that children’s museums across the country, and the Denver one in particular, are a great way to spend a “dad day” exploring different concepts, getting a little physical activity, and just finding somewhere that a parent and their adoring kiddo(s) can hang that doesn’t destroy my wallet and my sanity.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250166-TG-denver-childrens-museum-bubbles.JPG" width="250" height="166" alt="" title=""/>A great range of interactive displays
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One of my favorite things about going to Denver was the time that Sam and I spent at the DCM. The diversity of the exhibits like; 3...2...1... Blastoff!, Bubbles, and Click-Clack-Track, meant that we were constantly moving and learning new things. Exploration and introduction is important to later learning and these exhibits have it in spades. By combining visually interesting and intellectually stimulating activities into the exhibits the museum is really a great first encounter for new concepts. The designers seem to understand the principles of introducing a more complex topic to children and letting them explore it for themselves to build a natural curiosity that can later bloom into more advanced learning. Anyone interested in letting their toddler or small child roam and explore their environment while they play and learn, will find that the DCM play areas and activities are perfect for young minds excited by the possibilities. Of course, with all this interactivity comes some physical activity. Almost as a warning, the outside of the building has a full assortment of playground equipment while the inside holds many physically demanding exhibits that allow the children to crawl, climb, and tumble as they discover all the wonderful things that the museum has to offer. My child was quickly found navigating some of the most labyrinthine structures I’ve ever seen as she giggled, climbed and, much to my chagrin, crashed through the Under My Feet &amp; Over My Head exhibit. Good thing we brought proper footwear since some of the exhibits are particularly challenging for the younger (2-3 year old) children; but, nothing they can’t handle if properly equipped. Visually and intellectually interesting? Check. Exciting and physically demanding play situations? Check. That leaves us with...
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250166-TG-denver-childrens-museum-trains.JPG" width="250" height="166" alt="" title=""/>A great kid time mix to the travelling day
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Wallet friendly. Almost all big cities have a plethora of things to do with your kid, but many of the “kid friendly” venues cost big bucks, even before the add-ons for all the snacks, drinks, souvenirs, premium attractions, and other miscellaneous things that you just must have once you’re there. The Denver Children’s Museum delivered exceptional value; because, along with the low-priced admission we didn’t feel the need for extras and the museum didn’t hide its best attractions behind a premium-exhibit velvet rope. This means that those who are going to be staying a little longer and decide that they can brave downtown Denver on a more regular basis might decide to go with an annual membership, but for the casual one-off tourist like myself the regular fee was neither onerous, nor extravagant for the value received from a full day of fun at the museum. Besides with all the money we didn’t spend on getting into the museum, dad was able to splurge for lunch at the in-house cafe. Just a little “kid time” mixed in to make the day a little more perfect for everyone involved. In summation, if you are in possession of a small child between the ages of 18 months and 5 years, and you are going to be in the downtown Denver metropolitan area, I would seriously consider taking said child to the Denver Children’s Museum for a full on, kid and parent friendly day of fun. It will feed their little minds as it activates their growing bodies; and, to top it all of it won’t even pillage your wallet. What more could a parent ask for on a day out with the little ones? Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:00:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/the-denver-children-s-museum/ Go Hiroshima Carps! http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/go-hiroshima-carps/ Ever been curious what baseball is like in Japan? While it may be America’s pastime, the Japanese have taken it to a whole new level.
Enter the Hiroshima Carps. Sure, there are a slew of things to do in Hiroshima, but very few make it on my personal “top things you must experience while in Japan” list. While the cost (2300¥/$30) may be on par with a Major League baseball game, this should be on your splurge list if you are on a restricted budget.
Established in 1949, the Hiroshima Carps can be found at the MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima across from Peace Park and the A-Bomb Dome. You can see the stadium from the other side of the park, in fact, it’s hard to miss. While it is considered one of the smaller stadiums in Japan, this stadium has heart. Our experience here made us die hard Carps fans for life.
 
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250375-Carps.jpg" width="250" height="375" alt="" title=""/>Major league quality baseball
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With 32,000 seats, games are often sold out and most fans will not miss a game. The Hiroshima Carps fan club (and other hardcore fans) can be found in left field. Complete with trumpets, trombones, and big drums, these guys will sing, dance, and play individual player anthems with unrivaled energy all night long. Make sure to grab some souvenirs to show your pride or you may feel a little left out.
Keep in mind that the players are MLB caliber. These games are not minor league games and will keep you entertained. Not only do the Hiroshima Carps have a baseball training camp in the Dominican Republic (not surprisingly, several of their players come from Latin America) but their team members are also occasionally drafted to MLB in North America.
Much like American baseball, you don’t have to worry about whether you have time to stop for dinner before the game as snacks and food are not only plentiful they are a staple. The two things that always make me nostalgic about baseball are hotdogs and beer. While you can fill your cup with the pony kegs of Kirin making their rounds, hotdogs are mysteriously nowhere to be found. Nachos and peanuts have been replaced by portable bowls of udon noodles, dried squid, and exotic flavored sodas. You were looking for a unique experience, right? While I personally did not try the udon (I’m a messy eater at a table, I can only imagine what I would look like while eating in a box seat), we did get a big order of dried squid. Salty, chewy, and a bit fishy, it reminded me of beef jerky. Wash it down with your massive cup of Kirin and the experience is almost complete.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250166-Carps3.jpg" width="250" height="166" alt="" title=""/>Amidst the 32 000 die-hard fans
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At about the 7th inning stretch there is something incredibly important you should know. Everyone in the audience has these squiggly balloons that they blow up. Thousands of balloons being waved in the stands makes for quite the scene. However, DO NOT TIE THEM OFF. After a quick song from the hardcore fan section, the balloons are released into the air. The one thing we didn’t notice was the attachment of a noise maker on the bottom. When the balloons are released, thousands of balloons squeal into the night sky. As we excitedly let go of ours, it sadly floated to the ground. It was embarrassingly disappointing. After some giggles from our seat neighbors, they quickly untied our balloon and it floated up, the last balloon in the stadium to make its maiden voyage - with a sad, lonely screech.
By the end of the game, my husband and I were happy and exhausted. Not only did we get to take part in one of those experiences that we will file away as “perfect”, but it changed my outlook on what Japan had to offer. I had no idea that this cultural experience existed and all I could think about was how exciting it would be to explore the rest of Japan in such depth. Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:30:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/go-hiroshima-carps/ Skin Names in Outback Australia http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/skin-names-in-outback-australia/ Joining a new family is not an easy thing to do, particularly if you have to change your name. When I started working in Warlpiri country in the Tanami desert in Central Australia, I discovered I had to do just that. On my first day of work in a tiny community 300 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs I went to have a look at the radio broadcast studio where I would be working. One of the senior broadcasters, nicknamed Spunky Monkey, because of a funny song he once recorded, was in the graffitied, concrete building. Spunky Monkey is a very ill, very overweight Aboriginal man with only smatterings of English. The first thing he asked me was: “Skin name? Skin name?” I said: “I don’t have a skin name yet.” He immediately put his arms around me, puckered up his round, ample lips and tried to kiss me. Obviously, not having a skin name has repercussions.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250166-tg-skin-names-portrait.jpg" width="250" height="166" alt="" title=""/>photo: Steve Evans
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I went back into the office where everybody was discussing what my skin name should be and who should give it to me. I began having visions of secret ceremonies and mysterious divinations. But within minutes, the receptionist, Shaurita, a young doe-eyed, round-cheeked Aboriginal woman with a baby of her own, quietly told me I should be Napanangka – one of four generations of names to choose from - so we could be sisters. Everybody exclaimed: “Oh, we haven’t had a Napanangka in this organisation for years,” and on they went discussing how great it was that I would be my male colleague’s sister, his wife’s mother (or is that great, great granddaughter?) another colleague’s aunty and the first choice wife of another senior broadcaster. Oh Goody. My workplace induction involved a quick conversation telling me to beware not to invite Aboriginal people into the office or radio studio. Some men are not allowed to be in the same room as me because our skin names might not be compatible. It’s so normal for a westerner to say “no, please, come in, sit down, make yourself comfortable” but in an indigenous community, this can lead to shame and embarrassment at having to refuse your invitation because of a clash of skin names.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250375-TG-outback-portrait-mark-roy.jpg" width="250" height="375" alt="" title=""/>photo: Mark Roy
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And vice-versa: when I asked about the responsibilities or rules around having a particular skin name, all the non-Aboriginal people made authoritative noises and told me to read this treatise and that book – but nobody could actually tell me - and my Aboriginal friends and colleagues didn’t seem to understand the question. It’s second nature to them and not something they ever have to think about and they seem to make allowances for the likes of me all the time. The only thing I do know well is that four generations of names each have male and female equivalents. I am Napanangka and my brother would be Japanangka. Napurrurla is a sister to Japururrla: Napangnardi, Japangnardi, Nakamarra, Jakamarra. I’m missing one or two more but you get the picture. Once I got my skin name Spunky Monkey no longer tried to kiss me. He’d shuffle into the broadcast studio wearing his threadbare sweater, barely protecting his ample belly and say “cuppatea, cuppatea”. I’d make him a cup of tea with powdered milk, stirred with a pen as I had no spoons, and he’d nod in acknowledgement and head off to do his radio show. I still don’t know the exact reason he stopped trying to kiss me, but having a skin name appeared to be a deterrent. One thing’s for sure: Having a skin name in Warlpiri country is not just a right, it’s a necessity. If you’re still wondering exactly what a skin name is, don’t worry, so am I. Let’s just say it’s a sophisticated and complex kinship system. It’s like this: Everyone in the Warlpiri nation, which is roughly the same size as Italy, but with far fewer inhabitants and no cappuccino machines, has a skin name. All skin names have some relation to each other. So, no matter where you go, you’ll bump into family. It will also determine who you can marry. And this is where it really gets confusing. If you do want to marry somebody who is the wrong skin name, you can take on another skin name so you’ll end up with several, making you your own sister, aunty or cousin. My colleague – and sister - Shaurita ended up having three or four skin names. I tried to get her to explain what that meant for her and she just laughed a cheeky laugh, knowing full well, it would be far too complicated for me to understand. Even now, it still excites me to meet another Napanangka if only because it means I have a whole country full of unknown sisters just waiting to be met. One afternoon Shaurita and I were standing outside watching people. She pointed to an old, wrinkled woman in a dusty skirt, with a beanie on her head, sitting on the ground. She said: “That’s my grandmother.” Moments later we saw a couple of other old women approach the first one. They all wore long cotton skirts, sweaters and bare feet. “They’re my grandmothers too,” she said. We both laughed. “How many grandmothers do you have?” I asked her. She flashed her shiny smile again and with a twinkle in her dark eyes she said: “I don’t know,” and started counting.
 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/skin-names-in-outback-australia/ Study Spanish in Buenos Aires http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/study-spanish-in-buenos-aires/ It's possible to travel around South America without knowing any Spanish, but it certainly isn't advisable - it'll be harder to get around, you'll end up paying more for things because you can't negotiate, and you'll have limited contact with locals, who are what make South America the awesome place it is. It's definitely worth doing some study before you leave home, then expand your knowledge with a Spanish course after you arrive.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250187-TG-Buenos-Aires-Spanish-market.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="" title=""/>Negotiating skills are better in Spanish at the local market
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There are lots of options when it comes to choosing a place to study. Peru is a great choice because the accent is neutral and prices are quite cheap, Colombia has friendly people who are always willing to help you out, and Chile has wine. But we chose to study in Buenos Aires, partly because that was where we flew in to, and partly because it's a great place to base yourself for a few weeks of solid study. Of course, there are also options when it comes to choosing a language school; some are definitely better than others. After trawling the internet and asking around, we eventually settled on Expanish, located in the microcentro area of Buenos Aires, not far from the Obelisk. On arrival, at 8am on a Monday morning, we were given a placement test to determine our level, then had a few minutes free for a coffee before our orientation talk. This was conducted in Spanish and English, so we could hear some Spanish as well as being able to understand what they were saying! Next, we were given our class allocations and were sent off to find our classrooms.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250187-TG-Buenos-Aires-Spanish-locals.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="" title=""/>Spanish classes provide great opportunities to meet new people
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The rooms are small, designed to hold a maximum of ten people -- just the right size actually, since most classes had between three and eight students. I was given a workbook to go with the notebook, pen and "Yo hablo español” (“I speak Spanish") tote bag I'd already been given, and I was ready to go. Classes were held between 9am and 1pm, with two breaks for coffee, and you could do one-on-one lessons in the afternoons at an extra cost if you wanted. I found the lessons very useful, the teachers were approachable and friendly and the grammar was presented logically. But more than that, the atmosphere of the school was positive -- it was a great place to hang out. The students all seemed to get on with each other and frequently went out for lunch, dinner or drinks together -- one guy found a local's tango club that soon became our local too.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250187-TG-Buenos-Aires-spanish-meal.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="" title=""/>Out for dinner at the local Tango club
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The school organised extra activities such as tours and excursions, which were a good way to meet other students and practice your Spanish. There were also free activities, conducted in Spanish, like mate-tasting, salsa dancing classes and movies on Tuesdays, where you could learn something about Argentinean culture as well as immersing yourself more in the language you were there to learn. On the whole, studying Spanish in Buenos Aires was an excellent decision, I highly recommend it for anyone planning on travelling to South America. Mon, 04 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/study-spanish-in-buenos-aires/ A Tourist's Guide to Paris http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/a-tourist-s-guide-to-paris/ At first glance on a map, Paris is intimidating. Twenty arrondissements—or neighborhoods known as municipal districts— arrange the city into a clockwise spiral. Therefore, without a grid plan to follow, navigating your way around the city seems complicated. But understanding the layout of Paris before you arrive makes getting around the city by foot less stressful and timelier.
For starters, you should know that the Seine River flows through the metropolitan area of Paris and determines the location of each arrondissements as either on the Left Bank or the Right Bank. Another hint to help you easily navigate your way through Paris is to know that the first arrondissement is situated at the city center, or in the historic district, and the rest wind around in numerical order.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250224-IMG1130.JPG" width="250" height="224" alt="" title=""/>The River Seine winds its way through the heart of Paris
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Another thing to know is that zip codes come in very handy when trying to find certain tourist attractions or locating addresses within Paris. Each Parisian zip code starts with 750 and ends with the corresponding arrondissements digits. So match them up and you will find your way around Paris that easily. While the majority of the arrondissements are located on the Right Bank of the Seine River, there are still many reasons to make the jaunt to the Left Bank and discover the hidden charm of old-world Paris. Each arrondissement provides a different cultural experience, which gives visitors a true sense of Paris. So, for starters, here is a list of the major must-see sights by arrondissement. 
<h3>1st Arrondissement</h3>
The historic district of Paris with remnants of royalty and elegance, this arrondissement is also home to The Louvre. This large art museum, which houses the painting of the Mona Lisa, is the most central and famed attraction in Paris.
<h3>4th Arrondissement</h3>
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250186-IMG1124.JPG" width="250" height="186" alt="" title=""/>It's Paris - you are never far from a cafe
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This area boasts a multi-cultural façade and medieval architecture known to Paris. The Notre Dame Cathedral—a world-renowned Roman historic church—is known for its Gothic style and colorful large stained glass windows. After touring the inside of the Notre Dame, take some time to explore the narrow streets and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many cafés. Also in this arrondissement is the Pompidou Centre featuring a modern art museum, public library and music research center inside. The high-tech architectural design of the outside of the building can’t be missed from the street.
<h3>5th Arrondissement</h3>
Also referred to as the Latin Quarter, this area is home to many prestigious universities. It is also the arrondissement where the Panthéon is located, which is said to look out over all of Paris. A replica of the Roman Panthéon originally built as a church; it is now a mausoleum for many prominent French citizens.
<h3>6th Arrondissement</h3>
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250186-IMG0177.JPG" width="250" height="186" alt="" title=""/>Paris boasts many gardens to take a break
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This cityscape district is where many people retreat to throughout the day to take a break and relax in Luxembourg Gardens. It is the second largest park in Paris where much free entertainment can be seen and heard.
<h3>7th Arrondissement</h3>
This is where most of the major tourist attractions are located such as the Eiffel Tower, Hotel des Invalides—Napoleon’s place of rest—and the Musée d’Orsay. Discovering this district could take a whole day, so set aside some time especially to climb the Eiffel Tower and look out over Paris.
<h3>8th Arrondissement</h3>
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250334-IMG1191.JPG" width="250" height="334" alt="" title=""/>The most recognisable landmark of Paris: The Eiffel Tower
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One of the business districts of Paris, it is also where you will see the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Champs-Elysées and home to the President of France—Elysée Palace.
<h3>11th Arrondissement</h3>
A trendy district of Paris, this area is filled with outdoor markets to fill up on Parisian delights and then rest your legs on a stone slab or bench in one of the many squares.
<h3>16th Arrondissement</h3>
This is where most of the large sports venues are located. Whether interested in attending a football game or the French Open, this is where the games are played. It is also home to the second largest park in Paris, Bois de Boulogne, which to take a stroll or just relax for a while.
<h3>18th Arrondissement</h3>
This is the location of the district of Montmartre—a large hill in Paris with amazing views of the entire city. When sunset hits, you will find many people climbing the stairs of The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris to get to the highest point of the city and take in the skyline. This neighborhood is filled with cozy cafes, trendy shops and fresh bakeries. It is also home to the famous Moulin Rouge, a cabaret dating back to 1889.
<h3>19th Arrondissement</h3>
Situated on the Seine River, this area provides a serene escape from the populous metropolitan area of Paris. Sit along the water’s edge or take a cruise and see the bright lights of Paris reflected along the canals.
<h3>20th Arrondissement</h3>
See the tombs of some famous composers, artists and musicians like Jim Morrison at the world-known Pére Lachaise Cemetery. With so many attractions to see, map out your route beforehand and start exploring all that Paris has to offer. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/a-tourist-s-guide-to-paris/ Southern Laos - Self-Guided Mekong http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/southern-laos-self-guided-mekong/ Southeast Asia has long been a standard on the backpacking circuit and you’ll be hard pressed to find a country that doesn’t have its share of well worn boot tracks between hostels and suggested highlights. Laos is no exception. It is, perhaps, less traversed than Thailand and Vietnam, which sandwich its long narrow countryside between them, but it’s far from untouched. If you flip through your Frommer’s Southeast Asia you’ll find lots of recommendations for the ballooning north of the country, but the further south you go, the thinner the segments in the books. 
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250166-TG-Mekong-on-the-bus.jpg" width="250" height="166" alt="" title=""/>Bus trip in Laos
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To me, this is a good sign; anytime the guidebooks haven’t made a region a priority, it’s an indicator that there are still adventures to be had and some off the beaten path discoveries to be made. If you’re headed to Laos, by all means, hit the northern highlights, but if you’re interested in seeing a less-trodden Laos, getting completely away from English speaking tour guides, and seeing some things most of your buddies on the backpacking circuit haven’t, may I suggest a self-guided tour down the Mekong River?
<h2>Start In Pakse</h2>
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250375-TG-Mekong-.jpg" width="250" height="375" alt="" title=""/>Champasak Palace- Pakse
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Pakse is a river town, about five hours south of Savannakhet, which is where you’ll have either arrived by bus from Vietnam, Thailand or the north of Laos. It’s a fair sized place that is fun to wander. The river walks are especially nice. There are a couple of good wats. Pakse is a great place to just wander, people watch and get a window into urban Laotian life. You’ll find the people open and friendly and you won’t have any trouble finding authentic local food! Treat yourself in Pakse and stay at the hotel that is the refurbished palace of the last prince of Laos. The hotel is very nice by Laotian standards, but not spectacular. It’s fun to wander the grounds and explore the long hallways of the open air building. Be sure to wind your way all the way to the top of the building and go into the little ballroom perched at the apex. It has a spectacular painted round ceiling with characters from Laotian mythology running around the edge of the room.
Public river boats used to be the only way to travel to the south of Laos when the roads were disreputable and buses unreliable at best. Depending on the time of year you’re there, you may find the public boats running. During monsoon they run sporadically at best and often not at all as people have traded the inexpensive buses for boats on a swollen river. If there are no public boats running, you can still hire a private boat (look for some other travelers who are wanting to do the same, and make arrangements to head down the Mekong. You’ll see signs around town for boatmen, or, head to one of the docks and ask around.
<h2>Head to Champasak</h2>
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250166-TG-Mekong-Rice-paddy.jpg" width="250" height="166" alt="" title=""/>Rice paddy work
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It’s a beautiful couple of hours down the brown-green Mekong river, surrounded by walls of jungle, punctuated by little groupings of fishing families on the shore. Naked children swimming, women washing clothes, men in boats fishing, or collecting the floating drift wood in their long reed shaped barks provide plenty of visual interest as you chug south. It’s easy to imagine how life has unfolded for generations on this great river, largely untouched by the wars that raged in the surrounding countries, an economy built around and dependent on the river. Champasak isn’t even a one horse town. There are a handful of guest houses. If you need internet, the only choice is Inthira, it’s the nicest place in town, but there are other choices. You’re here to see the Wat Phou complex about 10 km from town. You’ll need to hire a tuk-tuk to get there, or rent bicycles if you’re energetic. It’s a good hike and a steep climb when you get to the ruins, but the view from the top is spectacular. If you’re headed to Angkor Wat, later in your trip, these ruins are a great set to see first, as they were built by a similar people group. From Champasak head downstream. You won’t have trouble arranging a boat for the next leg of your journey from in town.
<h2>Don Khong Island</h2>
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250166-TG-Mekong-bike-rental.jpg" width="250" height="166" alt="" title=""/>Don Khong Island - bike rental
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There are several islands in southern Laos, where the Mekong widens before it tips over the falls into Cambodia, approximately 4000, in all. Many of them are tiny and uninhabited, but there are a few that are home to small communities and make excellent places to kick back for a few days, slow down, and catch a glimpse of rural life in Laos at its own pace.
Don Khong is one of our favourites. You’ll find several guesthouses in the main part of town, a lovely old wat, and bicycles for hire along the waterfront street. Rent a bike and ride the flat island. You can do it all in a day, or you can break it up into two loops, the northern half of the island being the longer loop and the southern half the shorter.
<div class="captionImage right" style="width: 250px;"><img class="right" src="http://travelgeneration.com/assets/Blogs2013/_resampled/resizedimage250166-TG-Mekong-sunset.jpg" width="250" height="166" alt="" title=""/>Sunset on Don Khong Island
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Expect to see water buffalo wallowing up to their armpits in wet fields, families tending rice paddies and children selling things roadside. Everyone waves and says, “Hello!” If you’re lucky, you might even get invited into the field to help transplant the new rice plants, or walk behind the big, rattling rice cultivator with a farmer. Spend a few days. Slow your pace. Open your eyes. Meet the mighty Mekong where she wanders. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:00:00 +1300 http://travelgeneration.com/travel-stories/southern-laos-self-guided-mekong/