tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309436992024-02-08T03:48:27.881-08:00babai travelogueUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30943699.post-65043014418000036892015-04-01T13:54:00.000-07:002015-06-14T13:20:55.091-07:00Babai travelogue-2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Travelogue 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Table of Contents<o:p></o:p></span></h6>
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<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc317864116'></span><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc317864116'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:9.0pt;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>TOC \o
"1-3" <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘14/02/01 Ecuador: <span style="color: #0070c0;">Quito, Vilcabamba,
Cuenca</span>.................................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc317864116'></span><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc317864116'><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'> PAGEREF
_Toc416204883 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span></span><![endif]-->1<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300034003800380033000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-bookmark:
_Toc317864116'></span><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc2">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘14/09/03 China – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Beijing, Datong, Wutaishan, Pingyao, Guoliancun, Kaifeng,
Luoyang, Huashan, Xi’an, Jinan, Qufu,</span>.</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Guilin, Xingping,
Yangshuo, Longji, Chengyang, Kunming, Shagri-La, Lijiang, Dali</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">............................................................................................................... </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">11</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘14/10/27 Malaysia – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Kuala Lumpur, Penang</span>....................................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc317864116'></span><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc317864116'><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'> PAGEREF
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</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-bookmark:
_Toc317864116'></span><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘14/11/08 Cambodia – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Phnom Penh, Siem Reap/Angkor</span>..................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc317864116'></span><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc317864116'><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'> PAGEREF
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</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-bookmark:
_Toc317864116'></span><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘14/11/16 Vietnam – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Chau Doc, Saigon, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Sapa, Halang
Bay-Cat Ba</span>.................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc317864116'></span><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc317864116'><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'> PAGEREF
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘14/12/05 Laos – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Luang Prabang, Vientiane</span>......................................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
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_Toc317864116'></span><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘14/12/16 Myanmar – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay</span>................................................................................. <!--[if supportFields]><span
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘14/12/25 Malaysia – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Kuala Lumpur, Melaka</span>........................................................................................ <!--[if supportFields]><span
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘14/12/25 Ecuador – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Otavalo, Cotacachi, Ibarra, Banos, Puyo, Vilcabamba,
Cuenca</span>.......................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
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</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-bookmark:
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc415325918"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘14/02/01 Ecuador: <span style="color: #0070c0;">Quito, Vilcabamba,
Cuenca</span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sat., 02/01 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">. At breakfast table, I met a young Dutch
couple who had just returned from Boquete. They recommend “Risking Everything:
Coming Out in Coffee Land” by Elizabeth Worley, an American who had relocated
to Boquete and had established a medicinal finca which the couple had just
visited. Also check out her “Romancing
The Bean: Chronicles of a Coffee Snob In Panama” and another book by her
husband. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After the breakfast,
Patrick of Hostal drove me to the airport ($20). We talked about the
Panamanians culture. He said a Panamanian will always choose a bottle of rum if
he had a choice between a book and a bottle of rum. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We took off for Guayaquil
at about 11:30 for a one-hour flight. At 4:00PM we took off for Quito for a 50
minute flight. I took a cab to my hostal It cost $28 and took about one hour.
The city is very scenic with tall green hills, windy roads, and volcanic deep
crevices. At my hostal my host showed me the various keys to the doors. She is
an Italian who worked at Italian consulates in Quito and Tanzania before
retiring to Quito and starting this new business. She advised that I should walk
on the downhill side of the road to breathe less of cars exhaust systems. She
had decorated the place very nicely – as expected from an Italian. She lived in
the next door – in a large secret garden with three very loud small dogs that I
never saw but would start a chorus every evening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Casapaxi <span style="background: white;">12808-88857796<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>
Luigina Fossati</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Navarro 369 y La
Gasca, Navarro 364 y La Gasca,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.hostelworld.com/search" title="Quito Bed and Breakfasts"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Quito</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.hostelworld.com/bed-and-breakfasts/Ecuador" title="Ecuador Bed and Breakfasts"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Ecuador</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: #F6F6F6; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Pasaje R.Navarro 364
(N24-70) y Avenida La Gasca, between Domingo Espinar and Lizarazu,</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Twin Private Ensuite US$11.20 * 2=2 US$22.40 WIFI: Mariano
Merchan …364karibune <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">COOP. De Taxi: 0995 800 696 / 2 429 878 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sun, 02/02 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
woke up at 7:00, took a long walk to the Plaza de Indepensia or Old Town and
walked around there for a few hours before retiring back to my hostal. The Old
Town was lively - teeming with tourists and natives in the shopping areas. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mon, 02/03 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
I was still adjusting to the noise after a long period of quiet in Boquete I
decided to head for two nearby small towns, <b>Cumbaya </b>and <b>Tumbaco</b>.
They are both located on the way to the airport. I took the trole at Av. America – Seminario
Mayor. It was a one-hour ride to the </span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Quitumbe</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> bus terminal. The airport
bus departed shortly and it took about 45 minutes to Cumbaya – a small town,
with many fancy shops and houses mostly behind the gates attended by guards. I
stopped by a bakery where I bought a very delicious loaf of bread and some
cheese and had it there. I stopped at the peaceful main plaza and rested there
for some time before taking a short bus ride to Tumbuco, a typical crowded
small town – nothing to write home about.
I took the bus back to Quito but a passenger told me I could get off at
Cumbaya mid way and take another local bus closer to my hostal. We both got off
at Cumbaya and he asked a young woman at the bus stop to help me get to my
destination. We again change at a crowded square by the Coliseum that I had
seen in the cab on the way from the airport to my hostal and also on the walk
to the Old Town. I took another bus there which dropped me off nearby to my
hostal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After seeing Cumbaya I
could envision Cotacachi – being close to the capital and also a shopping
center for leather products – another undesirable town and decided to cut short
my stay in Quito and head for Cuenca. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">At hostal I had another
cheese sandwich with the bread I had bought at Cumbaya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I then tried to make an
online flight reservation to Cuenca. The system showed two tickets were
available but by the time I got to finalize my payment they were sold us and
the system tried to give me alternate days for Feb. 6. I then tried Tame Air
(edreams.com) but my confirmation was postponed pending resolution of Credit
card payment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tue, 02/04 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
I checked my email after waking up I saw an email from the airline requesting
copies of my passport and credit card. I went to three shops to be able to have
my credit card scanned. Back at hostal I email the documents and then went out
for a walk. I stopped at Santa Clara Produce Market. It was lively and
refreshing with the smells. I stopped at a both which had a sign for coffee and
coffee pot and since I saw no signs of Nescafe I asked the guy there if his
coffee was fresh. He assured me but when I sat down he handed me a cup of hot
water and showed me the container of dense coffee previously brewed. I ended up
having a meal of rice and chicken there and bought a coffee strainer from a
passing vendor. I then walked around for a while longer and headed back to my
hostal to check if my reservation was confirmed – no confirmation email. I
contacted the US number of edream agent but the woman could rebook the flight
that TAME still showed as available. I called TAME directly and the rep made a
reservation and said I had till 6:00 PM to stop at the reservation office to
pick up the ticket ($118 vs. online price of $82). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I made a decent coffee at
the hostal using the coffee that I picked up at Super Maxi and the strainer I
had just bought. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">By 3:00 PM it started to
rain and I headed to the TAME office to purchase my ticket. Finally, after
spending so many hours on this simple task I had my ticket at hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I then looked for a bank
for some time to get some cash and finally found one. After the machine dropped
off the old bills it took me a couple of seconds to pick them up but the door
closed and the last bill got stuck and after I ended up ripping it off I asked
a guy who had just walked in to use my machine so that my bill would be
released. He kindly obliged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I then stopped at a phone
store to get a Claro SIM card for my Panama phone as Lonely Plant had advised,
but it did not work – same result in the second shop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On the way back to hostal,
I bought a loaf of bread, some more cheese, and two eggs for tomorrow trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Later at night, my host, </span><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;">Luigina Fossati</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">, stopped by to tell me that the
volcanic ashes of Banos had moved all around from Cuenca to Quito and that is
why all the flights to Cuenca were canceled yesterday – hence the shortage of
the seats for the next few days. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Wed, 02/05 – Cuenca-Loja-Vilcabamba </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">At 9:30 the old driver in suite and tie that Luigina had called
for me picked me up for the 1:15 min. ride to the airport. Initially I waited
in the wrong line that was for sales where a man cut in front of me, and when I
protested he said his flight was taking off in ten minutes – though I saw him
again in the departure hall after 30 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">At the check-in counter I
was forced to check in my larger backpack. My departure flight was at 11:50 AM.
First, they changed the gate and then they announced the long delays. While waiting, I met a man from Nashville who
was planning to move to Ecuador in a few years upon retiring from Whole Food.
He is a recent divorcee with two college age kids. We had a long conversation
and he said he was in Quito for only one day but already was having a very
vibes about the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Our flight finally took off
at about 4:00 PM, and after landing in </span><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Cuenca</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> I took the short cab ride to the
bus terminal right as the rain was starting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When I got off and asked
two men for the Loja ticket window, they told me I was in the wrong place and
came out of the terminal to take me a taxi that had just dropped off his
customer, but it drove away. I then walked to another taxi and asked for a ride
to the Loja bus terminal and he pointed me to the terminal I was at. By the
time I made to the Loja ticket window it was a few minutes past 4:00 PM
departure time and the next bus was at 7:30 PM. I asked the clerk if there were
more buses to Cuenca and she said there was none. I walked away and asked
another man who told me there was another window on the other side of the
terminal. I bought a ticket for the 4:30 bus and entered the boarding section.
I had only a few minutes to departure time, therefore I asked a guard on the
other side of the turnstiles to buy me a bottle of water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Next my seat on the first
row a six year very pretty native girl was sitting and biting on a big candy
bar. I could not help but offering her a small candy bar which she thanked for.
She then moved across me and sat between her mother and grandmother. She gave
the candy to her mother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Later on she took out her
mobile phone and played with it for some time, read a book for a short time and
then fell asleep on the floor. The grandmother covered her with a sweater
before I could do that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A young girl, Kathrin, took
the seat next to me. After a while, she took out her only pack of jelly and
offered it to me and when I said no, she made her offer for a second time. She
was taking training in Internet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I suddenly noticed that she
had not used a cell phone and when I ask her why she told me that it had been
just stolen otherwise she would be using it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The scenery on Cuenca-Loja
road was just gorgeous, with many green small fields with some cattle and
houses scattered here and there and then as the sunset time approached the
skies were brightened with beautiful yellow and red colors on both sides of
throughout the horizon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We arrived in </span><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Loja</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
at about 10:00 PM. The bus terminal to Vilcabamba was down the stairs. I bought
a 10:15 ticket to </span><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Vilcabamba</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.
The turnstile required a dime but I had used all my change for the ticket and
had only two nickels on me. The attendant tried the handicap door that was
supposed to take nickels but after a few attempts, he gave up and let me use
the back turn of someone else who had just used one of the turnstiles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When we approached the town
I asked the driver and the conductor about my hostal but neither one knew where
it was. I native said she knew the place and we got off she directed me in the
general direction of the place – though somewhat off the mark and I had to ask
someone else again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When I got to the hostel
the gate was closed and neither the bell nor the knocks would get anyone to
open the door. After a while a car pull over and a couple – the name of the guy
was Chris as I later found out – called the owner and since he could not get
attendant on the phone Chris drove me to <b>hostal
Jardin Escondido</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thurs, 02/06 - Vilcabamba </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
the morning after a delicious Mexican breakfast made by <b>Andre,</b> I walked to the plaza where I met Bill and Colleen King, </span><a href="mailto:IrishColleen@rocketmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">IrishColleen@rocketmail.com</span></a>,<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
a Scottish-Canadian couple who invited me to sit for coffee. They have been
looking for a property under $20K for a while and they had looked at quiet a
number of houses for the past year here. They gave me information on a few of
their choices. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Fri, 02/07 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
stopped by at Huilco Real Estate to meet <b>Bernie
Uhe</b>, recommended by Colleen and Bernie. The receptionist called him on the
phone and we arranged to meet the next day at his other hangout, the <b>Meditation Center (CMV</b>) </span><a href="http://mindfulnessmeditationinecuador.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">http://mindfulnessmeditationinecuador.org/</span></a>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">593 8 959-2880</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.
I went to look for the place and once I found it I entered the compound and met
<b>Sonia Jirka</b>, an Argentinean guest,
who told me she was paying $400/mo for the room and the sessions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The place was very clean
and well maintained, therefore I asked the office next door to call Bernie who
told me he had one room available and I could move in the following day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In the afternoon, I walked
past the El Atillo and on the way back I took a taxi that happened to drop me
off at Kiavash’s restaurant. Kiavash was standing outside and saw me and
therefore I ended up having dinner there for the second night in a row. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">At my hostel I sat in the
yard surf but two guys and a woman with a dog were there also and they did not
stop loud foul language and I had to retire to my room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sat, 02/08. </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <b>To CMV</b>. I met Bernie at CMV, talked
about my RE needs, and he said he had two lots that he could show me. I then
went to Jardin Escondido, checkout and settled in my new room at CMV and then
drove to two lots with Bernie.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo9; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">An 8H, 110K lot on Secapo road,
4500’ above the sea, 7km or 20 min from the road to Malacatos, adjacent to <b>Podocarpus National Park</b>. It had some nice views but the home sites have
to be flattened. The nearby neighbors, Susan and Sven had two goats on their
yard. The lot belongs to the heirs of a native man, with no title. It would
take 4-8 months with a cost of 7-12k to obtain a revised title.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo9; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A 140H, 192K hill in Chigolomaga,
towards San Pedro, on the road to Phranama. An American woman, Maryann has
purchased the adjacent 200H, 203K lot and I have to build a road to be shared
by her to this lot. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Title
cost: 15k Road + Power: 20 k <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Later in the afternoon I
attended ‘<b>Sweat Lodge’</b> ceremony led
by Bernie of CMV. A large pyre with wood with volcanic stones was setup. We
entered a circular hut covered with blanket. The session consisted of four
parts. Initially someone played the drum and sang the native songs. In the
second part we prayed with the chanting of “mitakyasi” that in Lakota Sioux
Indian means “to all my relations”. We prayed for good health and happiness -
the ultimate goal of Man. We then had a shorter prayer session mostly dedicated
to the women and children who are abused. This we followed by another chant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In each part, seven burning
volcanic stones - as the symbol of the four quarters, upper, lower and inner
self - were removed from the pyre and piled up in the pit inside the hut. The
heat and steam would become very intense at times and the goal of the heat was
cleansing of the body, appreciation of the nature, fire and elements, and to
sharpen the senses before hunting, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.google.com.ec/?gws_rd=cr&ei=HXUJU_GdMoeSkQei1ICwCg#q=tunkasila"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">https://www.google.com.ec/?gws_rd=cr&ei=HXUJU_GdMoeSkQei1ICwCg#q=tunkasila</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Lakota translations goes as follows,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;">TUNKASILA</span></b></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>(</b>made
all of Creation)<b>.</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sun, 02/09 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
woke up early and walked to the Natives Sunday Market behind the bus station.
By 7:30 AM it was already lively – with many vendors and customers. I picked up
as much I could carry in my backpack, came back to CMV, had my breakfast, and
went back to the market for stocking up on a few more items as their prices was
much better the than the town’s mercardos. I met Bill & Colleen who said
they were moving today and we arranged to meet at 2:00 Pm to meet the lot of
San Francisco, a taxi driver, at 2:00 PM with David, another friend of theirs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Back at CMV, I cleaned my
vegetables, had a quick lunch, and went to meet Bill & Colleen. It turned
out that San Francisco was sick and had postponed the meeting to the following
day. I ended up helping them to move. We hired a taxi for and hours for $8 and
loaded their stuff and drove to the new home – on a side road on the road that
I had taken a long walk on my first day here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When I returned to the main
plaza, I saw Kiavash who was talking to <b>Golpa</b>l,
the Kazakh yurt maker. Kiavash invited me to a chant session in his restaurant
later that day, lead by Max and his wife. The couple is from Hawaii and moved
here with three kids in the mountains after the Fukushima nuclear incident. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The session was
interesting, though long, and the attendance was a mix of young and middle age
men and women. I left before the end of the session. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I then had a decent pizza
at the restaurant at the hostal near the bus station. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mon, 02/10 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
woke up to find out the bathroom door was locked from inside. The previous
night I shut that door not to get the noise from the street through the
bathroom’s open window. I had to wait for Eddie till 09:00 to show up and
unlock the door with a coat hanger.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I then went to the plaza,
to meet Dave, friend of Colleen and Bill, and Francisco – the owner of a 2H lot
– to drive to the lot. Neither one did show up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I met Gopal in the
afternoon, per as our appointment, to go see his yurts on Yamburara Alto but he
had stomach pain and we had to cancel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I stopped at a couple of RE
offices to check their listings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tues, 02/11 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
the morning, I met Wilson who was waiting for me in front of RE office for a
visit to his lot at the end of the one of Malacatos dirt roads. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Wed, 02/12 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
the morning, I took the Yambuara road to find the yurts of Gopal. I arrived to
the end of the dirt road where the rive continued but the road became a narrow
trail. O the return I took a turn for a cafeteria but could not find one and
walked a trail for sometime until it became narrow and muddy. On the return, I
had a short chat with a Canadian couple who had hired a taxi to see around the
town. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Further down I the road I finally saw the yurts in a distance, but
the entrance to the camp was closed. At this time I saw the next door neighbor
on his lot. He introduced himself as Luis and it turned out that he was the
owner of the cabin that I had seen his ad for rent. He had about six cabins
with beautiful views of Vilcabamba for $240/mo. though the cabin needed some
final changes and he was waiting to rent it before finishing up the place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In the afternoon, I went to
Sacred Valley RE where I met Carlos and Ivan - an American whose parents had
moved here in 1976 – as his translator. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We visited a lot in Quinara
that did not have good views and then to Yangana to visit a second lot which
had some better views. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thurs, 02/13 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
the morning Carlos of Sacred Valley RE picked me up to visit again the lot in
Yangana that we had visited the night before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I noticed that at the home
site many trees had to be taken down to be able to see the view if about 40
degrees. Also the frequent passage of road building trucks may be a problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In the afternoon, I took
the bus to Malatacos for my appointment with Gladys that I had met two days ago
when I was walking back from Wilson’s lot. When I arrived there the father, <b>Luis,</b> was preparing the truck and <b>Gladys </b>was leashing the digs and taking
care of the turkeys. Soon her sister, <b>Marline</b>,
with her kid, and another woman showed up. The father cleaned the back of the
truck of the cows’ manure, swept it on the ground, and covered with soil.
Gladys and the other women got in the back and Marline sat behind the wheel. It
was a 20-minute rise to the lot. We parked and passed through a large gate and
stared our long hike to see the 70H lot. It was a beautiful lot with many home
sites with beautiful views. There were 40 cows roaming around and 3 streams
with small amount of water. The women left us to pick up blackberries and
cactus fruit and the father and I circled the beautiful lot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We came back to the tiny
house at the base and we had to wait for the sisters to finish picking the
cactus fruits and then Marline drove me all the way to Malacatos. The whole family was very kind and pleasant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In Malacatos, as soon as I
boarded the bus a heavy rain stared and by the time we arrived in Vilcabamba,
the raid stopped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As I had missed my 7:00 PM
appointment with <b>Marsha</b>, the
Canadian potter, I went out but since I could not see any place appealing, I
returned to my place and had some home-prepared food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Fri, 02/14. </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
attended the first meditation session in the morning. Robert, the guide, gave a
useful summary of breathing – deep breaths, relax on the inhale, calm on the
exhale, if the focus is lost bring the focus on the breath, if any annoyance,
then resolve it, such as a scratch. In addition to a few expats, a native
couple with a father and two teenage son attended the session.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In the evening we I went to
the Valentine’s party of a couple on San Jose road (FB: VilcaPeople). They had
a beautiful house that looked like a fairy tale, with beautiful grounds and
views. I felt out of place, left after a drink, and ended up at Kiavash’s
restaurant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sat. 02/15. </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
met <b>Eddie of CMV</b> for a visit to the
140H, 192K hill in Chingolomaga at 07:00. When we arrived there at 07:30 we had to walk for about two hours to get to
the base of the hill of the initial lot. The whole hike took about 6 hours. The
fog was very intense a couple of times but it cleared in a short time. Open
vistas were about 50 degrees, at the maximum, at about 2/3 up the hill. I gave
up on going all the way to the top as the walk to the lot was a long way and
impossible to build a road. We headed back from the creek side of the lot,
somewhat lost, but finally made it back on the road by 12:30 PM. Eddie then
drove me from another road to in front of the gate of Maryann’s lot. Bernie
later confirmed that there already is some road going up the hill. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sun, 02/16. </span></b><a href="mailto:SandyLeeJackson@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">SandyLeeJackson@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">, and her
husband, Jean-Michel of Malapampa, friends of friends of Alwyn and Lewis
Lawrence </span><a href="mailto:alwynL@primus.ca"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">alwynL@primus.ca</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> of Toronto, came over to CMV. Sandy invited me to go along
and we went to their home for a cup of tea and some conversation, which at
times was embarrassing to witness as the hosts did not have much interest in
topics the guests were talking about. We then drove to Hoseteria for a very
good lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mon. 02/17 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> I
walked on Malapampa Rd, looking for a quiet place but could not find one. I met
Edmond, of S.A., who complained about the shift in his rental house. I then
walked on Yamburara, stopped at restaurant Copamaco, at the primer puente, for
a cup of coffee. The young female attendant was weaving the hair of her
Argentinean boyfriend. I asked her for a cup of coffee – not expecting much.
The boyfriend fetched the cup of coffee on a dilapidated piece of wood. The cup
was cracked, with its handle glued. There was also a slice of banana cake, and
on a coconut shell, some raisins and cane. The stirrer was a piece of cracked
bamboo. It was the perfect treat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I then found Charlie’s
cabins. He is from Boston-Oregon and moved here thirty years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Tues.
02/18. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> Nada<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Wed.
02/19. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> In the morning, I drove with Carlos and
Ivan to a lot in Taxiche, Malacatos, but the lot was subdivided and possibly
sold.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then returned to Vilcabamba and took
a bus to Malacatos to meet Deddine Swyter, <span style="background: white;">09 6817
4944, who has a house next to Ira’s house (use for taxi direction), but she was
not home. The sale sign said 3 casas for sale, with a total size of 11,000 m2.
It consisted of one old native’s house and two very small cabins. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Thurs.
02/20. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> I took the bus to Malacatos and walked to the
house of Mr. Luis. He was not home but I found Marlene in her house next door.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">She said her father was travelling. I
asked her to call him and finally I got the price for the finca, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to the finca. I stopped in a
few places to inquire about lots for sale and found a few. I continued my walk
on the Mr. Luis finca road and came across a very quiet road where the views
were very open. When I walked for about ten minutes, I came across Ira’s house,
the direction that Deddine had given me. I asked a woman behind bamboo door
about Deddine. She opened the door and introduced herself as Daniela of France.
He give me a full report of the neighborhood, walked me to the lot with three
houses for sale, where Deddine is renting a cabin, and introduced me to Chris,
the owner. She then invited me to her house. She had managed the construction
of the beautiful house herself – though with some glitches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">She then showed me the direction to
Deddine’s lot. I found Deddine at her site, supervising a construction project.
When I asked for her cabin, she told me that since they had not lived in
Ecuador for a few years, the adobe house was run down and they had to demolish
it to build a new house. She and her partner plan to build two additional
houses with pools on the small lot. She had left Ecuador for a few years after
the rape of her teenage daughter in that house by two Peruvian laborers. She
was not bitter with the experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I then walked to Chris of
Colorado house and we had a long chat. He had bought the lot with one house
three years ago and had built two cabins that he is renting for $230/mo each. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He offered me a banana and
some pitaya, a yellow skin prickly fruit - the most delicious and refreshing I
have tried here. I can buy them at a stand on 18 De November, across Av.
Mercadeo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When I left Chris’ place,
Mark (09 8299 5336), a motor cyclist who is a worker at Deddine’s lot, gave me
a ride to the main road, right before San Jose. His uncle has a 2H lot for sale
in Landangi, near Nick Vassy’s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On the main road, I got a
ride from Hector Gonzales, a very happy, friendly and talkative Ecuadorian who
had lived in Madrid for a few years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Once at my place I made
delicious pasta. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Fri.
02/21. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> I packed and moved my luggage a room #10
which was occupied by Alice of UK. Bernie facilitated my move since I had
complained about her loud voice on Skype in his office next to my room.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then took the bus to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Loja</span></b>,
stopped at Claro office but was unable to fix my phone. They told me to go to
another location where they were able to unlock my phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I met Colleen and Bill at the plaza and
joined them for a cup of coffee and some nightmare stories of affairs in
Ecuador, from lawyers to cable installation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I then stopped by the Mercado
where I had lunch, and bought some produce and fish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Sat.
02/22. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> Bernie and I drove to a finca (65H, 154k)
in Malacatos, by brick factory and chicken farm. It was a nice lot with a nice
flat area with good views at the front of the lot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Tue.,
02/25. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> I met John of Tennessee/CA renting a house
for $150/mo. We walked to Charlito for lunch where I met Dennis & George, a
Vietnam War Vet who left US in 1968, after return from the war and facing the
negative reaction of the Americans to the soldiers, calling them baby killers.
He married to a Cuban and the US embassy in Panama threatened to stop his VA
benefits. They also denied his wife a visa to USA. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Fri.,
02/28. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> In the morning the driver whose name I
was given by the Nicole, the daughter of the late Michael - the owner of the
house for rent - was waiting for me at CMV. When I got in his car and told him
to “Michael’s house’ in </span><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Barrio San
Jose. <b>Yusanga</b>,</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> he said he
did not know where it was. It turned out that he was not “Rafael”, but a
different person who was using Rafael’s phone. I called <b>Fintan</b>, Michael’s British neighbor who gave the driver the
directions to the house. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">As we arrived at house, Fintan drove in
and showed me the house. The house was decent and the views were jaw dropping,
with Podocarpus on the West and Mandango on the East. I stayed there for a few hours to absorb the
views. I also met Manuel – the gardener who works there three days a week for
$54 – and his very friendly wife and pretty daughter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked back to the city within one
hour and fifteen minutes, had a burrito at Charlito, and by the time got back
at CMV and checked my email, I had a message from Nicole that the house was
rented. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Sat.,
03/01. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> Today is the start of the Carnival. Due to
heavy rains throughout the night the festivities were delayed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The festivities consisted
of mostly throwing water from balloons, buckets, water pumps and gun, and
occasional powder and eggs. There was some recorded music. The celebration
lasted until Tuesday. On Sunday night there was a loud music in a field near
CMV – which I had checked it out a few days due to the noise they were making
while setting up the place. I was able to fall asleep a little past the
midnight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On Tuesday, <b>Sonia and Amalia</b> left for US. Sonia
left the leftover <b>Cachaça</b> bottle
which I left in the freezer for some time and it made a much better drink this
time. I also enjoyed the book “the 100 Year Old Man Who Walked Out of the
Window and Disappeard”, that Amalia gave me. It was the funniest book I had
ever read. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">With Sonia gone, Mike, a
40-year old guest who had moved to my first room by the office, move to my
section. He could not stop making all sorts of very loud noises, from sneezing
to blowing nose and spitting. At night he would sit in the porch at his laptop
and kept moving his chair on the tiles – making another loud noise; he is a
pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Thurs.,
03/06. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> I walked to San Jose in the morning. In the
evening, I went to ‘<b>La Cultura – The
Enchanting Wind’ </b></span><a href="http://enchantingwind.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">http://enchantingwind.com/</span></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="mailto:maya@enchantingwind.com"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">maya@enchantingwind.com</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> restaurant at the
start of the San Jose Road. The place was already full. When I told the
waitress - Ashley - that I had reservation for one person, she already knew my
name. That was a good sign. I had met
Yasu Umet (</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/yasu.umet?fref=ufi"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">https://www.facebook.com/yasu.umet?fref=ufi</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> ) , the
chef, in his kitchen, when I had walked into his restaurant – after getting the
name of his restaurant from Amalia and reading all the great reviews on Trip
Advisor. The sun was setting amid the clouds, with only one opening where the
sunset rays were shining on a lone tree on a distant hill – it was picture
perfect and it was good I did not have a camera. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The food was great. I was short of a
few dollars, so between leaving a tip for Ashley or owing $4 to Yasu, I left
the tip and told Yasu I will bring him $4 the next day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Fri.,
03/07 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">In the
morning, in the company of Howard of Brooklyn, and Spencer of Canada, headed
for the Cascada, located at the end of <b>Yamburara</b>.
We took a taxi to the end of the road and then hiked for about 1 ¾ hrs to the
cascade. The hike was pleasant and some beautiful views. The cascade was about
30 meters high. We all took a bath – naked. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">We then headed back and stopped for a
cup of coffee at the coffee place that I had previously tried. The serving was
the same – but the first time I was there by myself, I could appreciate the
experience much more deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Howard, 59, has been through two
divorces and now is looking for a fresh start but his problem is that he cannot
be alone. While having our coffee, he
asked us to tell him of his shortcomings. Spencer could not think of any, but I
told him he come across as showing off much. He said he had been told of that
before. As Spencer was worried about his girlfriend being upset with his long
absence, we headed back and as we could not find a cab, we walked all the way
back to CMV. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After making and having my delicious salad,
I went to Café Cultura and left the $5 balance of my check from the night
before for Chef Yasu – as I could not find him and later emailed him as to
where to find the money. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then tried to get a haircut but the
hairdresser was busy with one customer for a long time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Sat.,
03/08 - Cuenca </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">In the
morning, I packed, and after breakfast said goodbye to the guests and Bernie
and took the bus to Loja and then 12:30 PM bus to Cuenca. We arrived in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Cuenca</span></b>
at 5:00 PM. I took a cab to my hostal, <b>Macondo</b>.
I then went for a walk, though the rain had started by this time. I made it to
the rive Tombabamba though it was rather dark,. I headed back to my
neighborhood, had dinner and called the night. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Sun.,
03/09. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After the
breakfast at the hostel, I took my camera and headed out. The town, the
buildings and the streets were a feast for the eyes. I could not stop
photographing almost every building – so much that my full battery was
exhausted by 6:00 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">In the morning it started to rain again
but that did not stop the crows. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to Calle Lagar, the road
parallel to Tombabamba. I saw a beautiful house – with large wooden windows -
on the stairs leading to the river.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">It was a perfect location as it was one
the few places that was closed to the traffic. Across the street was ‘Casa del
Rio”, at Bajada del Padron 4 -07, Calle Larga. I entered the place to find out
more about the house. The owner said that the house belonged to a US Marines,
so I could conclude that it was not for rent. The guy showed me a nice room,
with a beautiful view of the town and the river, with three bed and access to
the large terrace and also the use of the kitchen for $20 per night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After much walking and photography, I
stopped by the charming coffee shop-<b>restaurant
Oliveto</b>, at Calle Larga 8-27 Y Luis Corder where I had a good coffee and
pastry. The waiter showed me around the beautiful restaurant but as it was
still too early for lunch, I continued my walk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Later for lunch I stopped at Don Carlo,
named after the owner whose history was listed in the menu. He had a long and
successful career as a chef-owner in US but finally returned home and opened
this restaurant. I could guess correctly that the guy who was sitting at a
table with a large family was him. O ordered a special Don Carlo sea bass but
unfortunately, it came fried with thick breading and therefore not much taste.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">By the time I went to the counter to
pay my bill, Don Carlo was behind and at the register. I handed him a $20 bill.
He asked me if I had $1.50 change. When I gave him two single dollar coins, he
had no change to give me back. I thought he was a good person to ask why there
was seldom change available in his country – especially even in a place like
his as he has run businesses in US, but did not want him to get uncomfortable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I continued my walk for the rest of the
day, taking pictures, until my battery died. I walked to the town Mercado on
Lamar. Most of the stalls were closed. I picked up some fruits and headed back
to my hostal. After a rest and having some fruits I headed back out but the
streets were too quiet and dark and most of the lights in the buildings were
out. I returned to my hostal – after a day of very enjoyable walk – though
mostly in the rain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Mon.,
03/10. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I woke up at
2:30 AM and was awake for a couple of hours. when I woke up in the morning it
was already 8:30 AM. I had my breakfast at the hostal – with much strong and
delicious coffee, and the integral bread I had bought the night before. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After the breakfast, I took my camera
and headed out. The first stop was the Mercado on Lamar. It was lively and in
full action. When I passed by the stall of the woman I had shopped from the
previous day she recognized me and hissed me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked around and ended up at Calle
Larga again. I stopped at the Archeology museum, where the attendant gave me a
30-second orientation of the field with tree civilizations of the Incas,
Mexicans, and the Spanish before leading me to the field and opening the gate
for me. There was not much left to see except some wheels and stone arches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">For lunch I ended up at café Austria
where I had a chicken curry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I continued walking around after lunch
and ventured out to the other side of the river where still I saw more charming
buildings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then stopped at a barber shop for a
haircut at a cost of $3. The radio was broadcasting a prayer – where the
pronunciation was clear and slow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to ‘Original Italy” restaurant
on Luis Codera– it was recommended on Wiki Travel. The attentive owner, with a
glass of wind in hand chatted for a while and the disappeared. The young waiter
recommended their pizza as the best choice – though I had to repeat myself
three times until he understood that I only wanted a ½ half bottle of wine. The
pizza was delicious but the service was awful. As a lady next to me commended,
“the waiter took every order wrong.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked back to my hostal, stopped at
an ice cream shop – just in time for their closing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Tue.,
03/11. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">This is my
last day in Cuenca. I headed out for more walking and picture taking. I went to
a barber shop for a shave. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> I then walked to the flower market, sopped at
a lovely coffee shop for a coffee and then walked to Calle Larga to visit Todosantos
monastery restaurant. The menu looked good but as there were no other customers
i decided to go Oliveto Restaurant where I had had a cup of coffee before. They
had a special lunch menu for $7, consisting of mushroom soup, lobster ravioli,
and ice cream desert. The food was good and the view was beautiful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">At the main plaza I met Marcelo
Carrion. a friendly older man who is a plant trader (Las Trancas arboles y
cabras @ La Glorieta, Avendia Primero de
Mayo y Calle Carlos V, Cuenca (7) 2-810282 cell: 593-96-781-1397 - mashico8@hotmail.com
). He suggested that I visit the south of the old town, the second river. I
took a pleasant walk there as the drizzle started. The section of the town was
a large and well-kept area, with many beautifully designed houses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then decided to visit the second
area, PIasta De Atellana, almost in the continuation of Sangurima, that Marcello had recommended, but I
walked to the other side of the town
before noticing that the area was towards the airport. As I was approaching to
my 08:00 PM flight, I walked back to Sangurima, a lively street, where I did
some food shopping for a few sandwiches and then went to my hostal, rested for
a while and then took a cab to the airport. As I had left my hand cream in my
bag rather than a zip loc, the inspector spent a few minutes, checking my luggage
and then put my toothpaste and hand cream in a zip loc bag, though she did not
mind my water bottle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I took the 50 minute flight to Quito
and waited for 5 hours for my 11:55 PM flight to Houston.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Wed.,
03/12. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">We had a
6-hour flight to Houston and landed there at 06:00AM. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I waited for my 07:00 AM flight to
Newark, but missed the time and lost my flight. I went to the UA counter where
they issued me a ticket for a flight that was taking off within an hour and
informed me that my luggage will be OK. We arrived in Newark at about noon. I
had to look for my luggage on a few carousels and file a report so that UA
would deliver my bag to my home. But just as I was giving up, I found it,
picked it up and took the air train to Secaucus. I arrived there at 03:00 PM,
but as the next Dover train was arriving at 05:00 PM, I took the 03:00 PM
Montclair train to Newark Broad St. for the Dover train. The ride was pleasant
and scenic as the train cut through the air, with much snow and wind on its
path - and a drizzle as the companion. <b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416204884"></a></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416204885">‘14/09/03 China
</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">– </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Beijing, Datong, Wutaishan, Pingyao,
Guoliancun, Kaifeng, Luoyang, Huashan, Xi’an, Jinan, Qufu, </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416204886"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Shanghai, Suzhou,
Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Guilin, Xingping, Yangshuo, Longji, Chengyang, Kunming,
Shagri-La, Lijiang, Dali</span></a></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #a6a6a6; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;">$1=</span><span style="color: #a6a6a6; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;">¥</span><span style="color: #a6a6a6; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;">6.25 Yuan/RMB</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #a6a6a6; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Beijing & Great Wall at
Zhuangdaokou)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Datong & Yungang grottoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Wutaishan <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Pingyao <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Guoliancun, Henan (via Changzi)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Kaifeng (via Huaxian, Xinxian) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Luoyang
& Longmen Caves >Rail <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Huashan <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Xi'an ^Air
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Jinan & Jujiayo Village <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Qufu >Rail<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Shanghai & Zhujiajio Village >Rail<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Suzhou & Tongli Village<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Hangzhou<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Guangzhou ^Air<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Guilin ^Air<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Xingping >Boat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Yangshuo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Longji-Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Chengyang villages via Longshen,
Sanjiang<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Kunming ^Air
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Shagri-La=Zhongdian >Sleeping bus <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Lijiang, Baisha, Shuhe <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Dali <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Kunming <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"><v:shape id="_x0000_i1029" o:ole="" style="height: 150.75pt; width: 276pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</v:imagedata></v:shape><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OLEObject Type="Embed" ProgID="Excel.Sheet.12" ShapeID="_x0000_i1029"
DrawAspect="Content" ObjectID="_1491572612">
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</xml><![endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/03/2014 Wed.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I woke up at 03:30. At 04:30, as the
driver of the Axle’s Taxi Company I had called the day before had not called to
confirm, I called another company for a 5:00AM pickup. The first driver should
up after a short while but I had to tell him I had called another driver.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">We arrived at Newark airport at 05:40
after a 30-minute ride. I went through pre-check security line and therefore
did not have to take off my shoes. We had a 5-hour flight to Vancouver on
United. The hills surrounding the town looked beautiful with the clouds rising
above them. The airport itself was a piece of artwork, not unlike a copy
Natural History Museum, and the bathrooms were as elegant as the New York’s
Four Season Hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The connecting <b>Air Canada</b> flight was a brand new plane. I had the isle seat and a
Chinese woman and a Chinese man were next to me. They were both very friendly,
though the man did not speak any English.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">There was a small raucous when an older
Chinese man, dressed in semi monk dress, started an argument with a young
Chinese man because he had pushed his seat too far back. The attendant took the
old man’s hand and lead him to business class and that was the end of it. I
hoped that I would not confront situations like that on this trip. Otherwise,
we had a smooth flight and a timely arrival in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Beijing</span></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/03/2014 Thursday - Beijing.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I took a taxi to my hostel; that was a
mistake as it was close to rush hour. It took me more that 1 ½ hours to get
there and the fare was ¥170 (at 6.15 exchange rate to USD.) I then went out for
a walk and ended up in the nearby old Hutong. I had some dumpling at a
restaurant where I almost fell asleep while waiting for my order to arrive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/05/2014 Fri. <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I stopped at a place where the server
was making a fresh baked wrap and breaking eggs on it to cook and then adding
scallions to the mix. I braved it and ordered one but then my stomach started
twisting and turning for the next day. Fortunately it did not get more serious
than that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to Tian’amen Square and the
visited the Forbidden City. It was larger that I could have imagined - with
many building all around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then tried to visit the Mao’s
Memorial but it was close. I was also rather late to be able to get in the
museum. I then visited the charming hilly Jingshan Park where the views of the
Forbidden City and its rooftops were great.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/06/2014 Sat.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I took the metro to Nanluoguxuang stop.
Instead of changing for Shichahai to the Drum and Bell Tower, I exited to walk
there. It was a long walk but I had a chance to see two very old neighborhoods,
one with a canal and the other with a large lake where the Starbucks branch was
still close at 8:30AM. Finally when I arrived at the towers I found out that
they were being renovated and being connected by a courtyard between them. From
outside both seemed very beautiful structures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After an inedible lunch of liver soup,
I tried Mao’s Memorial to find out that it was close for an extended period of
time but I was able to make it to the Beijing Museum which was much less
inspiring than what I had expected. I
then visited the huge Tempe of Heaven Park. The highlight if the visit was a
group of the choir singers practicing under the graceful leading of a
conductor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then took the metro to Dongzhimen
station - also used for line 13 to the airport - and had a delicious Peking
Duck at LP recommended Jingzun Peking
Duck Restaurant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/07/2014 Sunday - Zhuangdaokou, The
Great Wall of China <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I took the metro to Dongzhimen
transport hub and then bus 916 to Huarirou. I walked to the bus stop for <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Zhuangdaokou</span></b>,
a couple of hundred meters ahead. I asked for the bus for the village and was
told that I was at the right stop. After a while, a private van showed up and
the group at the stop decided to take that one as it was faster than the
official bus. They asked me to join them for the ¥15 fare. They were two guys,
Shao and Gong and three woman, Hen (a Chinese teacher), Ding (</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Pir/OneDrive/_B/_%20Psn/ding_508@chengmingwxl@163.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">ding_508@chengmingwxl@163.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">) and Wang.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I stayed with them for the rest of the
day. We took a walk around the park like area of the village where Shao started
kicking every tree for some chestnuts. At a tree where a soldier was standing
guard he asked for permission to kick a tree but it was denied. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">We had a picnic lunch where Shao and
Gong where the most gracious hosts and offered me the first tasting of
everything that was becoming prepared. Gong opened a bottle that we shared but
I gave back some of my remaining drink to Gong who passed it to Shao who became
a bit tipsy and lied down on a bench to take a nap. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After lunch, we did some hiking on the
wall which was supposedly much less touristy than the other sections of the
wall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Gong was most amusing. Every step of
the way it was a photo opportunity where we had to take pictures trying all
permutations and combinations of the individuals and cameras, he was possibly
doing this as a chance to take a break from the hike. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">We then left the village and on the way
to bus stop Shao would bargain with each vendor but again he made sure that I
would get a free sampling of their foodstuff. He was the most animated and
friendly person I have seen in a long time. We made it to back to Dongzhimen station where he and Hen, without
saying good-bye to me, left us. I boarded the metro with Ding and Shao but they
got off at different stations. Therefore I was not sure if they were a couple
or not but they were all very friendly and kind people. It was a great
experience to get to know such hospitable people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/08/2014 Monday – Datong – Yungang
Grottoes<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I went to the front desk and asked for
the manager. He showed up after a few minutes and I told him about the loss of
wallet. He said that was not possible. When I persisted, he asked another guy
who was standing there and seemed to be the owner of the place. They
accompanied me to my room to investigate. Soon a few more people showed up and
started looking for the wallet. Finally, Lucy, the sales manager, who spoke
English showed up. I explained to her that I had left my wallet inside a
magazine on the shelf. Throughout my stay, I had the “do not trouble” sign on
the door. She said that the only person who had entered my room needed to check
on my safety and therefore had entered the room. I asked for her. When she came
she explained that while in my room, since on that day they had received the
new issue of the hotel’s monthly magazine, she had taken away the old one and
left the new one. We then went to the storage room where all the last month’s
magazine were stacked up, but we could not find the wallet. Lucy, with a very
disarming tone, told me that I should have been more careful and should not
have used the hotel’s property for use other than what it was intended
for. Since the loss was an accident and
everybody was helpful I gave up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then took the metro to the <b>Summer Palace</b>. It was a huge park, with
a large lake in the center surrounded by old willow tree. A perfect Chinese
music for the setting was being broadcast. The place was mobbed, yet still
there was a sense of peace and tranquility and the beauty of the place could be
appreciated. I thought that if the emperors could have done one public service,
it would have been the creation of this site for the future generations of
their citizens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then took the metro to Dashilar
neighborhood where I visited <u>Nujie Mosque</u>. It was a very charming wooden
ex-temple. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I went back to my hotel, picked up my
luggage and headed for the bus station for my four-hour trip to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Datong</span></b>
where I checked in at the very clean “Fly by Knight” hostel on the penthouse of
high-rise building.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/09/2014 Tuesday</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> - Datong<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I had tofu, a duck egg and a wrap on a
sidewalk stand behind the city wall for ¥5. I then took a taxi to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Yungang
grottoes</span></b>, a large area made of a dozen caves with many statutes and
beautiful temples and grounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then took the bus to the train
station and found a favorites restaurant. There was a party coming to and en
and the guest were leaving, some very tipsy. The waitress initially did not
want to seat me as it was late. But when I insisted she took me to a private
room. I ordered their hotpot; it was delicious with some fat and greens. When I
was leaving I asked a group of customers at the exit for direction to the bus
station and showed them its location on the map. They got into a discussion for
a few minutes and finally one of them who was very drunk grabbed my arm and
took me to the reception and ask me to sit and told the girl behind the desk to
help me. Again, more talk and then a middle age woman with two teen age girls
showed up. It seems that the woman agreed to give me ride. The person turned to
me and said that even though the woman was old, she was OK. I politely thanked
and got out before more discussion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">When I asked a bus conductor for bus
terminal to Wutaishan, he asked me to board his bus, and issued a ticket. When
I said I planned my trip for the next day he backed off and finally dropped me
at the station where I purchased my ticket. I then tried to ask the girl at the
information desk to write down the address of the place but now matter how hard
I tried I could not make her understand what I meant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I left the place and entered a pastry
shop and while I was looking around a young girl enthusiastically rushed to me
and asked if I needed help. I asked for the direction to the old town, she
consulted another woman and told me it was rather far. After my purchase of a
couple of Portuguese custard cakes, she walked me out and took a taxi for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I spent some time in the old tow; it
was too commercialized. I then took a cab to my hotel. After some rest I tried
to get some cash from ATM at a few banks, but even the ones with the right
logos did not give out cash. Fortunately, I found a branch of Bank of China
where I took a large sum as there are not ATMS in my next designation,
Wutaishan <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/10/2014 Wed.-</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Wutaishan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I woke up at 6:30 for my 07:30 trip to
Wutaishan. On the way to the bus station, I showed my ticket to the taxi driver
I hailed and asked him if he knew where the bus station was. He said he did but
once I boarded he made a few comments and said he did not know, and therefore I
got out and took another taxi. He had to call his station to confirm the
location. When we arrived at the station, I asked the driver to wait and I ran
to info desk to confirm. I was running back to get my luggage from the cab when
I hit the flask that a young girl was carrying and it broke with a loud bang. I
apologized and went to pick up my bag. I then saw the girl talking to a friend
while trying to open the flask. I offered some money but she did not accept and
added that it was also her fault since she was running also. Both girls spoke
almost fluent English.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I entered the waiting area. The friend
of the girl with the broken flask came to me and asked me if I needed any help.
She said they were both English major seniors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After I said good-bye to her, a man
approached me and tried to help me. He asked me to show him my ticket and I was
afraid of a long one-way discussion and therefore denied. He asked me to show it to the attendant at
the gate. He somehow knew my departure time and pointed to clock and added that
I should board the bus within the 5 to 10 minutes prior to departure. He later on asked another official to check
my ticket. The official asked me to enter the gate to board the bus. The
helping man entered the departure area and showed me the written destination on
the windshield and the one on my ticket to convince me that I was boarding the
right bus. He then tried to help me to check in my luggage but as I was late,
there was no room left and I had to carry my backpack onboard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The helping man then boarded the bus –
it turned out to be a full minibus – to help me with my seat. Someone else was
sitting at my assigned seat and I found out that the assigned seat numbers did
not mean much. Only then I noticed that he was unable to speak and al this time
was communicating with gestures. I felt
uncomfortable to offer him some money for his efforts – just in case he was not
doing all this for money. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After an hour of drive we entered the
mountains and soon the fog covered the scenery. The landscape was green, with
many cows and sheep grazing on the lush grass. We arrived in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Wutaishan</span></b>
at 11:00. I walked while asking the direction to my hotel from many people but
as could not ask how far or how long, I had to keep asking. A few drivers
stopped and tried to give me a ride. One of them was following me for a long
time. I finally boarded a bus. When I wanted to pay my fare a girl told me it
was a free bus. After getting off the bus I made more inquires and the last
person, a woman in front of a beauty shop who was playing with her son on a
bike, accompanied me to a hotel. Only after check in I noticed that was neither
of the two places I had made reservations for the night before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I went to lunch in a nearby restaurant
where the waiter-owner even charged me for the plastic wrapped cup and the pot
of the hot water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I visited some of the temples that the
town is famous for. They were all very lively with very devout pilgrims, the
monks and the incense burning. I then tried to find out the bus schedule for
Taiyuan-Pingyo. At the bus station a few drives were playing cards inside a bus
and did not even raise the heads to my pleas. At the stop on the other end of
the town I asked a photographer for the next day buses but he insisted a bus
for the same day day. He made a call and then did not let me walk away until a
van with the driver and an assistance showed up and tried to give me a ride.
When I pointed to my shirt they figured out that I should have some luggage and
would not become a fare that very same day. They were more understanding than
the photographer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/11/2014 Thursday -</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> Wutaishan-Pingyao
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">It was raining when I woke up. I waited
in bed and wrote some notes while waiting for the rain to stop before I could
go for a hike. Since the rain did not stop I decided to pack and leave. I went
to the North bus terminal and asked a driver for the bus to Taiyuan. He pointed
to another bus the driver of which sent me to a small hotel across the bus
terminal. The young girl there told me I needed to go to another station. I
asked her to write down the name of the station and after some persistence, she
complied. I then took the slip of the paper and got on a city bus and showed
the conductor the slip. She said she would let me off at the station. A few
people were kind to ask for the paper to check the address while I was riding
the bus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Finally the bus stopped at a small
storefront that I had crossed quiet a few times but could have never guessed
that it would be a bus terminal. I purchased a ticket for the next bus that was
leaving shortly, had a fast noodle, and boarded my bus. The 4-hour ride was
uneventful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Once I got off the bus at the terminal
in Taiyuan I entered the ticketing office asked information for the bus to
Pingyao. The attendant walked me to a window where the clerk spoke some
English. I asked her I needed to go to Pingyao to which she responded there
were no buses to Pingyao. I asked for about the train and she said there were
no trains to Pingyao. I repeated my request three times and she repeated her
answer three times. I told here about buses the following day to which she
responded I needed to go to another bus terminal. I begged her to write down
the name of the terminal. I then shared a taxi with a young guy who tried to
smoke in the car. Fortunately, there was a no smoking sign on the dashboard and
when I pointed it to him he complied. At the bus terminal I purchased a ticket
boarded on a bus with only six passengers. The driving manners were the worst I
had ever seen anywhere in the world. The incoming cars were driving from the
rightmost lane; there were no traffic lights even at the throughway
intersections. There were only some cameras placed visibly where the drivers
would slow down to a crawl and then after a few seconds things would go back to
the same lawlessness way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">We made it to<span style="color: #0070c0;">
<b>Pingyao</b></span> in under three hours
where I took a rickshaw to <b>Hotel Harmony</b>
in the old town. The owner showed me my room, which looked like a fantasy room
– the Persian version of a Sufi room. But since the view was not too good I
asked her for a better view and she complied. I was so excited with the place
that I kissed her and thanked her for her thoughtful and charming decoration of
her place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/12/2014 Friday-Pingyao<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I woke up excitedly early
next morning and started exploring the charming small town. I purchased a 3-day
ticket of all the sites for ¥180 and then walked the around town and visited
only a handful of the sites. I then noticed that all the hotels had a design
similar to my place – a beautiful green courtyard with fancifully decorated
rooms. But each building had some uniqueness that made it unpredictable and
pleasant enough to stop at to take a picture from. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I then walked out of the
gates of the old town and stopped by a large electronic shop and showed them my
Chinese adapter which was not working and asked them where I could find
something similar. About eight people consulted for a few minutes and once they
were sure what it was that I was asking, one volunteered and walked me to a
hardware store. The owner had to examine the adapter for a couple of minutes
before telling me that he did not carry what I needed. The man at the next shop
was a bit faster and had the replacement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I stopped at a restaurant
where their menu was showing a braised fish which I ordered and when it came it
was as good as I was hoping. The owner offered me some of his own food – I was
not sure what it was, and offered me a glass of rice wine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">While walking I stopped at
a vendor who had a large fake Omega glass globe clock on display selling it for
¥250. When he did not agree with my asking price of ¥100, he offered e a
smaller one for ¥50. I also ended up also buying the larger one for ¥73. But as
it was too heavy to carry around for the rest of my trip regretted purchasing
it. I stopped by another vendor who had a similar version of the clock on
display and I sold my large clock to him for ¥50. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As it was a bit cool and
drizzling, I decided to go back to my room to dress properly. I was asking for
the directions on the map and I ended up walking for three hours – waking along
the same streets a few times each – until I finally saw the other branch of my
hotel where I met the waitress <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Who had served my breakfast
tht morning. She was kind enough to get his bike and walk me to my place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I then went out and
purchased some jasmine tea and fruits. The fruit vendor was kind enough to
offer me a couple of free peaches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/13/2014 Saturday-Pingyao<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">In the morning I called Bahram to tell
him about my gmail account access issue and asked him to contact me via yahoo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then had breakfast at a sidewalk café
and went to the bus terminal to inquire about the ticket to Changzi on the way
to Xinxiang for Guoliangcun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">They did not offer advance sales and
asked me to return the next morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then climbed the North gate to walk
on the wall for about half of the path that was open. There was a good view of
the houses and the daily lives of the natives as the walls are at least 15m
high so one could see everything from that height. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The roofs of the buildings, concaved
arcs made of grayish shingles gave the very characteristics of Chinese Ming
era, as I had seen in a few other Beijing’s charming old neighborhoods. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then visited the remaining of the
about 20 sites that my three-day ticket covered. I walked along a few of the deserted
streets, the wall and then stopped the LP recommended restaurant on Yamen Jie
for a delicious braised eggplant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/14/2014 Sunday</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">: <u>Pingyao</u>-Guoliancun
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I woke up at 6:30AM, 30 minutes past my
malfunctioned alarm but was able to shower, pack, and have a sidewalk breakfast
of tofu, dumplings and eggs to go and make it to station at before 7:30AM for
the 8:00AM departure to Changzi for connecting bus to <b>XinXian</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">We arrived in <b>Changzi</b> at 11:30. A group of young China Mobile staff was promoting
their service at the entrance to the bus terminal. I showed them my destination
on the map and they all very enthusiastically tried to assist. One of the girls
who spoke some English commented, “But we are in Hebei and Xinxian is in
Henan.” When I showed her on the map how close the two cities are, she ran to
the ticket booth and came back to tell me that I have to go to another bus
terminal. She then volunteered to walk me to the city bus and tell the bus
driver where to drop me off. I told her I was in a bit of rush and preferred to
take a taxi. A hawker was present and said the cab fare would be ¥20. The young
girl wrote the address for me and she and the hawker walked me out to the taxi.
At the next bus terminal I showed the map to the woman at the information desk
who informed me that there was a direct bus to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Huixian</span></b> (possibly through
Anyang) at 13:30. I had one hour to kill during which I had a decent huge lunch
at the terminal restaurant. The bus ride was through a secondary road with some
beautiful lush scenery but soon it became very mountainous. It became a bit
scary when on a narrow road in the rain the bus driver tried to pass other
trucks against non-stop oncoming trucks. At one point we passed through a long
solid rock cave with openings at some intervals. It was hard to tell how much
of it was natural and how much man-made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">At 15:30 the bus conductor dropped me
at an intersection. I took refuge from the rain under a door and I asked the
owner of the shop how I could get to my destination. He asked his son to help
and at that time a bus arrived and the son hailed it for me. It was a 20
minutes ride to my destination on a beautiful tree lined road. A friendly young
man started gesturing that I will be sleeping at his place. We got off at a
hotel and I registered for a room (</span><a href="http://www.ask.com/allabout?q=%C2%A5&qsrc=470" title="¥"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">¥</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">200>150).
Meanwhile the man waited – possibly to make sure his commission would be
materialized. I did not want to take a chance as it was raining and I was not
sure how crowded the weekends were. I then walked to the entry point of the
village where I purchased a ticket for </span><a href="http://www.ask.com/allabout?q=%C2%A5&qsrc=470" title="¥"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">¥</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">150 and walked
towards the village. It was raining hard and at the intersection of Napping and
<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Guoliancun</span></b>
I took the bus which passed through another cave-like tunnel. The scenery was
dramatic - the rocks reaching sky high and lush green vegetation filled
everywhere. The LP had recommended the hotels past the tunnel for their better
views. On the way back I showed the bus driver my hotel card and entrance
ticket but I gathered there was no address on either one of them. The bus
started heading down the mountain on a different road and I was sure we were
headed for <b>Naping</b> where I had to spend the night as it was
getting way past 4:30, the time for the for the last bus. Luckily, the bus
ended up at my starting point. I assume we had gone through a loop. I was so
relieved that I stopped at a store, got a beer and stepped outside to drink it
in the rain. I then retired to my room. The room was not too bad. I had a large
bed and clean sheets – I could not have been upset with the woman at the
reception for using a hawker to get customers. It could have been a worse night
if the bus had not returned to my hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I just hope tomorrow will be a clear
day for some hiking and enjoying the magnificent views of the surrounding
mountains. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/15/2014 Monday: </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Guoliancun-Kaifeng<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">When I woke up it was still raining. I
took the bus to upper Guoliancun and walked around for some time. I then went
back to my room to get my camera for a few pictures of the magnificent view but
the fog was heavy and visibility bad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I decided to leave the village since
even it stopped raining, the trails would be too damp to walk on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The staff at the motel was very
helpful. The young receptionist called and find out the bus schedule to
Huixian. I was waiting outside with a young worker at the motel for the bus but
the driver of the coming bus did not see us to stop. The worker called again
and was told another bus is leaving soon. Within five minutes the next bus
showed up. We arrived at Huixian where the driver dropped me across the bus
station and I took a bus that was just leaving for <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Xinxian</span></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">In Xinxian, I entered a small office
with “Tickets” sign and asked for a ticket to Kaifeng. On the ticket it was
written 18:00 which meant I had to wait for more than three hours. I then
entered the main hall and went to the ticket windows to find out if I could get
an earlier ticket. After asking the woman at a ticket booth about eight time to
write the departure times, she wrote 08:00 and 13:00 which meant there were no
more buses for that day. I then walked along the gates while asking for the
gate to Kaifeng. At the last gate, an attendant took my ticket, ripped it and
let me through the gate and in a few minutes the bus left for Kaifeng. Both
buses in Huixian and Xinxian looked like intercity buses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After about 1 ½ hours drive the bus
stopped and the driver asked the passengers to move to another bus that was
waiting in front of us. I picked up my luggage and ran for the next bus. After
about ½ hour I suddenly remembered that in the other bus I had took out my LP guide
to read it and then had left it on the chair. It was very upsetting. I thought
if I wanted to order a copy from Amazon, the shipping will take some time.
Possibly, I could purchase a PDF format but that would not be very convenient
to use.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then walked along the bus. I asked a
few younger passengers if they spoke English to which they all answered
negative. The last couple young couple I asked could speak English. The woman
English was decent. I explained to her what had happened and asked her to ask the
conductor to contact the other bus to find out if they had my book. The
conductor was on the phone for about a few minutes and I kept hearing Meyou (do not have) which was not what I was
hoping for. I thought if they had found the book I could go back to Xinxian
terminal to get the book back. Just as I had given up, a man, in shabby suit
and slippers, who was sitting on a chair back to back to the conductor,
mentioned something, opened his shopping bag and pulled out my book – that was
some luck especially as it happened that the man was sitting on a chair where
he could hear the conversation. I was so glad that I kissed him and thanked him
and the girl who was translating. Once we arrived in Kaifeng and when the man
got off the bus, I ran to him and tried to pass him a few bills but in spite of
my insistence, he did not accept the reward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Once in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Kaifeng</span></b>, I tried to take a cab
but the driver did not want to use his meter and quoted my ¥20. I got off and
at this time, another girl, Fan, who was in the same bus as I, checked the
hotel that I was going to and we shared a taxi. The fare was only ¥5. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After checking in at <b>Jinjiang Inn</b>, I left my luggage in the
room and walked to Gulou night market. Due to the rain the stalls were closed.
I found a restaurant with a nice rustic setting and sat for dinner. I had some
meatball, a seaweed noodle dish and some edamame and cooked peanut. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">There was young father and his 10-year
old boy sitting next to my table. The boy came over and handed me a piece of
paper on which he had written in English, “Welcome to Kaifeng”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">By the end of my meal two young guys
came in and took the seat where the father and son had sat earlier. Soon a
bottle of rice wine showed up on their table and I asked them if they had
ordered it at the restaurant or had brought it in themselves. That started a
conversation and the first of many salutes. They invited me to sit at their
table and soon we finished three bottles. One of the guys did not drink much
and he kept to his only cup. I could see that the other guy as sweating and
getting red but I did not notice that I was getting drunk faster than him.
Before I knew it was too late and the next I remember was when the guys were
taking off my jacket and lying me down in my bed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/16/2014 Tuesday-Kaifeng<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I had to stay in bed until noon to
recover from the previous night, though I do not remember how I made it to my
room – or rather how the guys were able to find my place. As a precaution, I
had put my room key and the address cover in two different pockets, just in
case I lose one of them it would be of no use to anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I found a note on the desk and could
read the name ‘Wang” and a phone number but the rest was in Chinese. I took it
to the front desk where I asked them to translate. He had written, “Iran and
China are good friends. Welcome to Kaifeng.” I stepped out while filled with
much gratitude for the two friends care and hospitality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> I then went across the street to McDonalds at
Sheng Fu Jie & Zhongshan Lu for a burger. I walked to the peaceful no-car
traffic street to the left of the <b>Sheng
Fu Jie Gate</b> where I had a decent coffee (¥8), walked to the Moslem section
and visited the Dongda Mosque, a converted temple with beautiful and peaceful
grounds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to the Xisi night market but
it was closed as it was raining. The area around the market was a beautiful
wide winding river which in better weather should have been a very nice place
for a walk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I had a curry rice and tofu (¥18) at a
fast food joint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Overall, the city was pretty, clean,
normal traffic, and charming. It was a pity as it was raining most of the day
with some heavy winds and coolness at times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/17/2014 Wednesday: Kaifeng-Luoyang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I woke up at 05:30 and after a so-so
breakfast the hotel’s cafeteria tried to take a cab on an intersection where
there was no place for them to stop, nor a place on each of the intersecting
roads. The flow of the traffic was continuous. Additionally, it seemed waving a
taxi does not mean much. I finally ran to an empty taxi behind the red light
and boarded it. I arrived at the bus terminal at 08:30. The ticket that I
purchased was for 09:30 whereas earlier I had been told to be there at 08:40;
therefore, they want customers to get there about 50 minutes before the
departure to ensure ticket availability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The ride was a pleasant one as the
driver was riding slowly in the rain, playing a soft music video, and I was
snoozing most of the time. In the last hour a kid in the seat across from me
started crying due to some pain and his mother tried to comfort him. Meanwhile
a woman with a loud voice from the back of the bus was grumbling. In<span style="color: #0070c0;"> <b>Luoyang</b></span>
I tried to get some info about the ride to Huashan. The woman at the ticket
booth fetched a young guy who was very helpful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then tried to reboot my PC for the
address of my hotel, but since before getting off the bus I had turned on it
followed by immediate pressing the power off switch it went to a recovery mode
for a long time. Fortunately, it finally booted OK. I then went to the street,
boarded a cab, and showed the driver the address in Chinese. He consulted the
dispatcher and after a long time they could not figure out the exact location
though, the driver was quick enough to quote a price of ¥50 without turning on
the meter. I got out and crossed the street where a car coming out from a side
road almost hit me. I found another taxi and when I was boarding I dropped my
large backpack in the rain. The female driver knew the whereabouts and used her
meter that came to ¥9. I then had to ask for the hotel from about ten people
before finally the owner of a bike shop knew the hotel and pointed me in the
right direction on to a side street. The hostel, Luoyang Heartland
International Youth Hostel (</span><a href="http://www.ask.com/allabout?q=%C2%A5&qsrc=470" title="¥"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">¥</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">75), seemed
very organized with a helpful English-speaking female owner and a friend of
hers. The room was just perfect, large, bright, nicely decorated and with a
good bathroom. I showered and took the bus to the old town vicinity and tried
to practice my Chinese, asking for the old town. Almost eight out of ten people
did not understand me. Those who did would only point me towards the main
street rather the side alleys where the actual old town would start. I walked
in the rain for some time. I took the bus back, rested for some time and this
time I took a taxi to Old Town for a LP recommended restaurant. The Peking duck
was OK but not as good as the one in Beijing. The vegetable dish was OK, with a
kicker of tiny mushroom-like vegetable. The braised eggplant was also OK though
there was more pork in it than eggplant. I took a taxi back to the hostel. When Nana, the friend of the owner saw me she
presented me a woven wristband souvenir that she said she had made it herself.
I thanked her for her kindness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/18/2014 Thursday-Huashan</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The rain finally had stopped. I took a
taxi to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Longmen
Caves</span></b><span style="color: #0070c0;"> </span>(¥40) and spent a few hours
there. It was a great site known as 100,000 Buddha images; this was nat an
overstatment. The grounds were also beautiful – on the banks of the Li River.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then wanted to go to North (Longmen)
train station to buy a ticket to Huashan. I boarded bus 81 and asked the driver
if he would go to train station to which he said, “Yes.” He then drove all the
back to the town. I had a meal in a cheap fast food joint. I took my tray
outside and sat a table of another restaurant. A female worker came over and
asked me to leave the table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then went back to my hostel, tried to
rest for some time but some construction work was going on upstairs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I packed and took a cab to the train
station and bought a ticket on bullet train to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Hua shan</span></b> (17:45-19-10; ~300km at
the speed of 300 km/hr with a few short stops).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Two girls were waiting in the line.
They helped me with gate and seat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The scenery along the way was beautiful
– rolling hills and terraces, woods and farms – as far as eyes good see, with a
beautiful sunset; I could imagine the sacrifice of so many lives for capture of
some of this land by the warring armies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Huashan is a lively town, much bigger
that I expected. I met Hiasin, a young woman, who gave me some information as
to what to visit and where to eat. I had a decent barbecued fish loaded with
spices at the restaurant near my hotel.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/19/2014 Friday-Huashan<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I took a taxi to the Huashan Ticket
Center that was about 2km from my hotel and the meter showed ¥15, whereas the
yesterday’s cab ride from the train station to my hotel that was more than 10km
was also ¥15. When I protested the driver settled for ¥10.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The ticket office was packed with
visitors – all Chinese. I bought my ticket (¥180), existed across from the
entrance and two guys showed me a bus that was going to the start of the
walking trail after a ½ hour wait. They said it would also take ½ hour walking
there. I decided to walk but at a police booth I stopped and was told that the
road was open only to buses. I was told to walk on the other side of the fork.
I did that but ended up on the main road that would lead to the hotel. I ended
up walking back all the way to the ticket center where I was told that I should
exist from the same door that I had entered and walk to parking lot 2. In the
parking lot, I ended up waiting for ½ hour for the bus to become half-full and
then depart. We ended up at he temple on the road across my hotel – the spot
with the reclining Buddha that I had visited the night before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I climbed for about 2 ½ hours. The
scenery was beautiful – very tall granite cliffs, rivers with clear water, many
waterfalls and temples. There were a large number of hikers but the trails were
not too mobbed to cause slowing down. I then decided to turn back before my
knees would cause me trouble as my backpack was somewhat heavy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then had a haircut, went to my room,
rested and had some tea and went to another restaurant next to the one I had
eaten the night before. When the chef at the barbeque saw me standing outside
he pulled a chair for me at his worktable and cleared some space for me to
sit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I had some barbequed kebobs, chicken
wings, a large fish and some eggplant. Again, they were all loaded with dried
spices and very flavorful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">As I was eating outdoors, a few people
stopped by to try the food as the chefs were preparing them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I also saw a mother and her son
approaching an older man who looked like a friend. He took the child from the
mother’s arms, took him away into a shop and within a few minutes when he
returned and wanted to give the child back to the mother the child started
crying and did not want to leave his arms. He had a very friendly and kind
face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then walked to the square by the
temple. Last night there was a Tai-Chi group there. Tonight on an adjacent
field there was a social dance. About 50 couples, including female partners,
some dressed very elegantly - and one lonely gay man were dancing to beautiful
Chinese music. Some were very good dancers. The air was clean and fresh, a bit
nippy and perfect for the dance. I sat there and watched the crowd for about an
hour. A man approached me and we talked
for some time - he in Chinese and I in English. Whenever I would stop him to
tell him I did not understand him he would try to gesture the writing of the
word on his palm, as if I knew the 50k plus Chinese characters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then watched a few men and even one
woman who would make very loud sound, similar to firecrackers, with a rope,
either rolling it on the air or hitting ground. It was amusing. One of them, in
full dress rehearsal, offered me to try it but I passed. The people were very
friendly and jovial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/20/2014 Saturday - Huashan-Xi’an<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I made it to the train station for the
07:58 express train to Xi’an but the clerk said, “mey pa”, and offered me the
09:19 train. After paying for the ticket I went outside and sat on the steps to
do some people watching on the large plaza. The morning Taichi had just
finished. One of the woman got on her rickshaw with the loudspeaker and while
the music was still playing pedaled away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I noticed that the women, mostly young,
as most people are here, were very well dressed, more than other countries and
carried themselves with confidence. You could also see ready smiles on their
faces more than other places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The train took off on time and at the
speed of 250km/hr made it to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Xi’an</span></b><span style="color: #0070c0;"> </span>under
an hour. I bought a metro ticket on arrival, choosing the longest destination
for ¥5 in order not to be stuck at my exit. I then asked a guide what train to
take and exited at Zhong Lu. I mistakenly took Dong Dajie where as Bei Dajie
would have been closer to Nanxin Jie. Han Tang House, my intended hostel, did
not have a room (¥200) for the night and they sent me to Facebook. The friendly
attendant accepted my offer of </span><a href="http://www.ask.com/allabout?q=%C2%A5&qsrc=470" title="¥"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">¥</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">140 vs. the
price of ¥160 and led me to a decent room. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then headed for the Muslim Quarter
around <b>Dapi Yuan</b>. It was a very
lively spot. I could not find the LP recommended restaurant after many inquires
and ended at another restaurant where the bossy female attendant was working
from a large tub of carrot rice and meat. I asked for and it was delicious. I
spent some time there since even though only about 10% of the seats were
occupied yet it was a lively place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">When I was leaving an old Moslem man in
traditional garment showed up and when I told him I was a Moslem he became very
friendly and asked me to take his picture posing at the rice pan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then walked around the area for a few
hours, visited a couple of mosques, the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower and then
visited the <u>Folk House</u>. On entry, I was stuck with a hawker who he led
me to the tearoom and after having been served a few varieties of teas -
including the delicious and sweet lychee infused black tea, ginseng and Woolang
by the female server - he tried to sell me some tea and tea service. He then
showed me a few rooms and in two galleries tried to sell me some paintings and
calligraphy. As I was upset with him for delaying me to see the charming
building itself I resisted him despite his persistence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then walked along the liveliest
street I have ever seen, the <b>Beiyuanmen</b>
leading to Drum Tower. The place became more crowded at night. I asked a young
man who was doing showmanship at his ice cream stand, similar to those in
Istanbul, about the whereabouts of the Great Mosque. He asked someone to watch
his stand, walked me to a narrow alley, and gave me the directions from there.
He was a Pakistani who has been studying in China for three years. The mosque
was a magnificent building, both the courtyards and the interior – supposedly
dating back to 8<sup>th</sup> century. I entered the prayer hall and sat there
for sometime before getting up and entering inner hall after confirming my
religion to some present. They were much more relaxed than the Arabs I had
dealt with in Jerusalem when it came to testifying to my religion. At any rate,
as soon as I sat in the much smaller inner hall, it was filled quickly with the
evening’s prayers and the man I was sitting next to pointed me to join the
prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">On leaving the prayer hall, Hassan
approached me and when I told him I was from Iran he treated me like a lost
brother. Someone told him I had left the backpack I just purchased in the hall.
I fetched. He then showed me a few older objects around the courtyard,
including a Persian Stella from 700 years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then walked back on <u>Beiyuanmen</u>
and the varieties of choices for the dinner where so many I decided to sample
small servings of all the sidewalk presentations. I tried some grilled octopus,
Kebob, noodle sandwich and a delicious sweet made of flour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then headed back to my hostel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/21/2014 Sunday-Xi’an<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Per as advice of the owner of the hotel
I took bus 46 to the train station and as soon as I got off a bus arrived and
the female conductor hollered something and when she did not get any response
from me showed me the “Terracotta Warriors” sign on the side of the bus. I
boarded the bus and after about one hour the bus stopped and everyone got off.
I asked the conductor if that was the place and she confirmed. I got off and
someone showed us to the ticket booth. I bought one for ¥110, entered the
grounds, walked around the pleasant gardens, and then waited in the line to
enter a hall that I thought was pit 1 of the “terracotta Warriors.” After about
½ hour wait, we entered the hall and went through four floors, where in each
one they displayed the story of a king, his lover, and his defeat in a war and
his pain and suffering. The movies were almost full 3D. I then knew that I was
in the wrong place. After leaving the hall, I ended up in the restaurant and
asked a waitress for help. She fetched someone who walked me out and showed me
where to take the bus. This time the trip was about 15 minutes. Pit 1 was as
impressive I had read about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then headed back to the train station
where I took another bus to the <u>Great Goose Pagoda</u>, a seven-storey
temple, with huge court in the middle of long plaza. It was very lively with
all the couples and parents and their children walking around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then took bus 610 to the Drum Tower
and went to the Moslem Quarter and ended up in the Moslem restaurant I had
eaten the prior day. A few of the relatives of the owner joined me at my table
and we talked about religion, and Islam as the only real religion. The men were
very friendly. Then a group of for guys entered and sat at a table. One of the
men I was talking to told me that the men who just came in spoke Farsi. I got
up and went to their table to say hello. They were all Iraqis. One of them,
Kamen, was married to a woman whose father is Iranian and he spoke decent
Farsi. The others were Mazan, Ghasem, and Mohammad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then walked around the old market for
a while before heading back to my room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/22/2014 Monday-Xi’an<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to the North Gate to take bus
#4 to <u>Han Yangling Tomb (The Mausoleum of Emperor Jingdi)</u>. I asked a
dozen people and a few bus drivers about the tomb and no one had any idea. The
last bus I boarded initially said he did not know the site but after I told him
I was looking for bus #4 he asked loudly from other passengers and again there
was no answer. Finally, he stopped another bus whose driver knew how to get
there. After a while the driver dropped me off at #4 bus stop. I knew the bus
runs very infrequently therefore I stopped a taxi and asked about the fair. The
driver quoted ¥200 and I stopped a second cab who said ¥70 but finally he cut
down the fare to ¥50. It was not a far distance to the site and possibly on the
meter fare would have been around ¥30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Once at the tomb the driver got off and
led me to the ticket office and after I purchased my ticket he waited around
for about 5 minutes. I was not sure why he was waiting – maybe he wanted to
give me a ride back. There were a few halls and the burial pit. The museum was
not too impressive, but finally when I walked to the archeological hall I saw a
magnificent collection of all sorts of discoveries from 2<sup>nd</sup>c B.C.,
the emperor’s time. They included mini terracotta soldiers, animals, vases,
ironworks, and other remains. The trip was well worth it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">It was just a shame that being the
second most important site in Xi’an, not too many people knew about it; though
on the other hand, that made the place to be very quiet and almost it was like
a private viewing. The clean air, pleasant breeze, and the green grounds were
an added bonus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">At one point I sat on the steps outside
the museum to get a short beak. I noticed a very rusty faucet that was possibly
used for irrigation of the grounds. I wondered why the quality of the
merchandise should be so low grade that after a short time more effort would be
necessary to replace the piece. Shortly, two elder women who were passing by on
a bike stopped by there. One of them walked to the faucet and tried to turn it
on to wash her hands but the turner was missing. The woman ended up washing her
hands in the stagnant water collected in a pit below the faucet. Then the
second woman stepped over to do the same. At this time, the attendant who was
sitting at the other end of the building came out, and pulled out the turner
from his pocket and let the woman use the faucet. Then they chatted and laughed
for sometime before the two ladies rode away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The guard then started talking to me
and I thought he was inviting me to tea inside and therefore I followed him;
but I guess I had misunderstood him and therefore I said goodbye and walked
away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then took the 15:00 bus #4 and the
last stop was at subway #2 line on direction of train station to town (6 stops
to Bell Tower at Zhong Lou). I looked around for a place to eat but could not
find anything appetizing. I took the metro to Bell Tower. I finally found a recommended dumpling joint
where I had some mediocre dumplings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then walked around the Old Quarter
and after many inquires finally found the recommended Moslem restaurant but it
was not inviting at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then came across a second branch of
the Moslem Food Restaurant I had eaten at the day before, same carrot rice with
an on-site bakery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to the Great Mosque and walked
on the peaceful grounds, came across Hassan again, and then headed back the 2<sup>nd</sup>
branch of the Moslem restaurant and sat for a dinner. I picked up a roll of the
delicious sesame bread and my kebobs arrived soon. The place was very lively,
even though it was dirty and messy. A long line was waiting in the street for
the on the orders of kebobs to-go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Midway my meal a couple came in and I
pointed them to share my table as the other five tables were all occupied. The
man (Kay,Chung 8618091809124 </span><a href="mailto:kay0124@QQ.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">kay0124@QQ.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">) knew some English therefore we talked
a bit about our countries, politics, family. jobs, and the fact that U.S. is a
“tyrant” ( I should not have been surprised by his knowledge of the word even
though his English knowledge was limited) but were agreed China and Iran were
good friends. Kay worked at the post
office and his wife worked at a lighting business. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">He apologized for not being able to
speak English well but gave me his contact information and asked me to call him
in case of need and he would conference in a friend who was fluent in English
to assist me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">As I was finishing my meal, and in the
middle of their meal, the wife left the place, and when she returned, she
presented me with a tiger doll. This was the fourth time I felt humbled by the
kindness of the Chinese on this trip – Shao, Gong, and their female friends at
the Great Wall of China, Wang and his friend in Kaifeng, the old lady in
Beijing metro, and today by this couple. Many others had extended their
kindness to me, including Nana at Luoyang Heartland International Youth Hostel,
The sweet receptionist at Facebook here in Xi’an, and the attendants at most
hostels I had stayed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">They finished their meal, took some in
a plastic bag, and walked to their motor bike that they had parked next to the
entrance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I stayed around as a beautiful ethnic
Uighur music was playing and my cup of tea in a paper-thin plastic cup was just
rather delicious. It was a warm feeling – in that small dirty restaurant –
without a bathroom or a sink. The staff knew I was from Iran. I think earlier
in the day, as I was walking around and passing by the place, the son of the
owner had seen me and had told his friends about me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">On the way back home, I stopped at the
stand that I had purchased some persimmons the night before. They said hello to
me. After I had chosen a few and had placed them in a box, the salesgirl came
to me and said the ones I had picked up were not ripe enough and replaced them
with some more ripe ones from another box. She even made room from the eighth one
vs. the usual six or seven that they usually come in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Today, everyone, even the bus driver, a
group that I have not been too impressed with until now, proved otherwise by
trying his best to get me to my destination.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/23/2014 Tuesday. Xi’an -Jinan<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I took a taxi (¥130) to the airport for
my 10:30 flight to Jinan. It was initially drizzling but the rain picked up in
a short time. It took us about an hour to get there, despite the
resourcefulness of the driver to even passing other cars on turns. I had
forgotten to dispose the knife I had purchase in Beijing and therefore I had to
open my backpack for further checking. This made me forget completely about my
laptop that I had placed in a tray so after the inspector was done with me I
picked up my two backpacks and headed for the gate. After about five minutes I
remembered about the laptop, rushed back to the security and told a female
guard who was standing at one of the idle entries about my laptop. She checked
my boarding pass to find out at which entrance it was stamped and radioed them
and within two minutes a guard with the tray of my laptop showed up and asked
me if that was my laptop. One more time I felt lucky to get away with my
forgetfulness. We had a ½ hr delay and after 1 ¼ hours arrive in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Jinan</span></b>
at 12:30. I took the shuttle bus that was waiting outside and it took another
hour to arrive at the bus terminal where I asked an attendant for the bus to <b>Jujiayo</b> and walked in the direction
that he had pointed. It turned out that the place was the high-speed train
station. The attendant asked someone to walk me next door, to the regular train
station. I met young bright-face Dimitry (</span><a href="mailto:N-ART@bkru.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">N-ART@bkru.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> ), of
Kazakhstan who was headed for Beijing and was being helped by the same guard.
He gave me his email and said he could help me with my visa to his
country. After I showed my destination
in Chinese to information desk attendant and she wrote the departure times and
train numbers of two early morning trains for the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then checked in nearby <b>Shendong Hotel</b>. When I asked the
attendant about the number of the room where <b>Mao</b> had stayed in he walked me to a plaque and showed me the
Chinese writing about the stay of Mao in 1955 but added that the room number is
a secret and I could not make him divulge it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then went for lunch, but after
ordering and waiting for five minutes, I was told that the kitchen was out of
chicken and I ended up with a lousy alternative. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to the park area. The city was
dusty and after having visited the grand Xi’an, this looked like an also ran
place. I walked to the nearby Moslem area and the grand mosque – but again
after Xi’an they seemed uninspiring. I sat at a large restaurant at the plaza
and ordered some kebobs. The place soon got crowded and lively. It was a
hustling restaurant where the staff would chase the passers-by and invite them
to sit. I ordered 16 skewers of kebobs – though they were much smaller than the
ones served in Xi’an – a quadruple portion of edamame that I left unfinished
after digging in it for a couple of hours, a large beer and a skewer of
eggplant and the bill came up to ¥29. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then started to walk back to the
hotel. By this time the streets had become livelier and I ended up at a greener
part of the town where the air became more pleasant. I stopped at the railroad
to purchase my ticket for the morning but when I showed my destination to the
window clerk she said there was no train to that site. I left the place, found
two officers outside who did not know about Jujiayo but one of them used his
phone and told me I had to go the long distance bus station. I asked a rickshaw
driver who claimed that he did not know about the second bus station but later
said if I use his rickshaw he would take me there. I walked and asked many
people, most did not know about the second bus station, but few pointed me in
the correct direction. The last woman I asked who happened to be standing right
in front of the terminal claimed she did not know about the terminal but engaged
me in a conversation for about ten minutes saying there was no terminal there.
I finally found out she was a hostel hawk. The last person I asked pointed the
sign of the terminal to me where I purchased my ticket for the next morning and
asked the security inspector to write down the address of the place for the
taxi driver. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/24/2014 – Wed. Jinan-Jujiayo<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I took a taxi to the bus terminal and
boarded my 07:55 bus. The ride was supposed to be about 80 minutes. We stopped
at another bus terminal after about some ninety minutes where we changed buses.
Fortunately, this time just before the change, I had packed my guidebook in
case of a bus exchange. After about two hours in the bus, while it seemed that
we were still within the Jinan city limits the driver stopped and pointed to
the direction of <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Jujiayo Village</span></b>. I started to walk and after a few minutes
met a hyperactive man who was standing on the road and talking to someone. He
offered me a ride and quoted me a price of ¥10. He was talking non-stop and I
had no idea what he was saying. Then he offered me to buy the entry ticket to
the village from him and handed me a ¥40 ticket. He stopped and asked me to
move to the back seat and stay low when we saw the guards just before the gates
of the town. I was smuggled into the city but I did wave to the guards and they
saw me but possibly they knew about the scheme of the driver. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The driver stopped at my requested
hostel, showed me the name written in Chinese – again assuming like others that
I could read Chinese and then handed me over to the owner of the place. I
dropped off my luggage and went out for a walk in the lovely village – many
stone building from 200 yeas ago in a hilly village with windy roads. There
were no cars or bikes in the city and it was not crowded so one could really
appreciate the scenery. I entered a restaurant and before I could point at a
vegetable dish on a table, I was led into the kitchen and found out that it was
the recommended restaurant in my guidebook. The cook was cutting up a rabbit. I
asked for half the rabbit (¥40) and some potatoes that a female cook was
shredding. The rabbit was very good, cooked with some hot pepper and mushrooms
– as the guide had indicated. The bones did not go to waste. Three small stray
dogs fought for every piece of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">As I was eating my lunch, the female
cook twice approached the roosters’ cages with a scale and ax and each time
would use the scale to weigh one, and then within five minutes, an old female
help would carry the skinned and fully shrunk pompous rooster discreetly into
to the kitchen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I toured the village and then headed
back to my hostel. I asked for a room on the second floor that had a much nicer
view of the surroundings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">While I was sitting on the balcony on
the second floor I saw that the female owner of the hostel started to wash the
lunch time dishes. There was a huge pile and all she had in front of her was a
tub of water. Everything, including some small bowls, spoons, chopsticks and
other dishes were placed in a huge container after being washed and then about
30 large plates that did not fit in the container sat on top of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">At that moment, I wished to head back
home but it was after 6:00 PM and there was no more transportation out of the
village. I assume that this a
commonplace practice – as I had also observed it in Datong, in a more high end
restaurant – not un-similar to the waitress in a beautiful Santa Fe, Argentina
who would use Windex to clean the wine glasses. In case of China, with a large
population, something has to give.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I asked the female owner to boil me six
eggs for that night and some reserves for the next couple of days – in case I
could not find non-plated dishes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I had settled for the no morning shower
at the hostel, but also the sheets were not changed. I also found out about the
tub sitting on top of the toilet. It was for self-service flush – it had to be
filled with the sink water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The large mosquitoes appeared after
dinner and therefore I had to move in. The barking of the stray dogs was loud
for a couple of hours and I hoped it would wind down as the night wore out. I
would worry about the roosters in the morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I am glad I made this side trip. The
village was a reminder of how peaceful the life could have been in another age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">That night I went to bed with my street
cloths - hoping they would be cleaner that the sheets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">9/25/2014 – Thursday-Qufu <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I woke up early and went out for a
walk. The place was still beautiful but this morning the sound of the
earthmover was much louder – with heavy banging – it had even quieted the
roosters, or maybe they were recovering from the losses that fell upon them the
day before at the restaurants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I went back to my room and wanted to
wash hands before having breakfast but the water was not running. I therefore
packed, left the room fee under my supper plate and left it on a table near the
office. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I had walked about 100 yards when I saw
the owner who was coming from the opposite direction. He stopped and mentioned
something that I did not understand. I assumed he was asking for his money. I
opened my dictionary and showed him the word for watermelon and gestured the
word for plate. He called someone - I assumed his wife- and talked for a while.
We walked back to the hostel, I gave him the money and told him about the
water. We waent to our room for him to check – and he pretended that he did not
know anything about this; he even tried the hot water which I was sure it had
never been used.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Back downstairs, I tried a sink in the
yard where I could wash my hands with some detergent. I told him that I wanted
to sit down and eat something but he insisted that I should go. When we walked
out, I saw the yesterday’s driver waiting outside, today with even bigger eyes
and a bigger sneaky smile. I got in his car and told him I want to go <b>Qindao</b>. I felt that he was reprimanding
me for my plan, as there were no buses from that location. We waved to the
guards at the village gate and then picked up a few more passengers. He dropped
me off on the road and after a few minutes I boarded a bus for Jinan. A young
man was sitting next to me. He had three phones that rang often and he would
ignore as he was already talking to someone.
He told me that he was a tourist leader and when I told him about the Jujiayo
village he said he had heard of it. He was kind enough to lookup the bus number
for the trip from the bus terminal to the train station. I took the city bus
for a ½-hour trip. When I asked for the train schedule to Qindao, the
information attendant wrote that it was four-hour trip plus a three-hour wait
for the connecting train. I walked to window 1 of the ticket office and the
clerk said there were no more tickets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I tried to take a taxi near the train
station but a young girl showed me a line where more that 400 people had queued
up and said I had to wait in that line. I therefore walked a few minutes to the
street where the bus station was located and took a taxi there. At the bus stop
I took the bus that was leaving in a few minutes. It was a 2 ½ hours trip and we arrived in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Qufu</span> </b>at
13:30. The scenery on the road could have been beautiful but the haze was too
heavy to see anything except the silhouette of the plateau visible for only a
couple of hundred meters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Once in Qufu, as I passed the taxi stop
the first driver in the line said he would use the meter and therefore I got
in. I checked at hostel Youth ______ with two very attentive receptionists. I
had a nice and clean room. That was like coming back to life – especially after
a shower with lukewarm water. I then headed out. I felt too hungry to visit the
Confucius complex. I therefore found a row of produce shops, purchased a few
items and went back to my room to have one more egg and some fruits. They all
tasted great.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then walked to the train booking
office on the other side of the town but as I had forgotten to carry my
passport I could not buy a ticket. I walked to the Moslem quarter, but the
mosque was closed and I did not see any sign of a kebob house, as indicated in
LP. I headed back to my hotel, and just next to my hostel, on a row sitting a
bit back from the main street, saw a large restaurant. There was a large
banquet room full with a group and one lonely customer on the main hall. I
entered and walked to the table of the lonely guy and pointed to his dish for
the waitress. There was a large bowl of hotpot, an unappetizing chicken dish
and a beautiful dish of tofu. I asked for the tofu. The waitress came back with
a menu with a listed price of ¥48. When I said that was too expensive, she cut
the price to ¥45 and I made a counter offer for ¥40. She left and returned with
a piece of paper with a written price of ¥25. The tofu tasted as good as it
looked. The kind chef sent me a free soup that was also good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Today it felt I did not do much but
still it was a full day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/26/2014 – Friday-Qufu <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I visited the Confucius Temple in the
morning. I then had an eggplant lunch at the restaurant I had dined the night
before. I visited the Confucius Mansion and Forest - where his tomb site is
located - in the afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I met Brigitta of Berlin and had a
banquette meal at my favorite restaurant with her. My friendly waitress was
fetched and I put ¥300 on the table and said, “feed us”. She took care of
everything. The meal was good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Brigetta was not happy with the
situation at her school where she worked. The Chinese manager had raised the
tuition for VW Company and VW had pulled out of the contract with them,
therefore they had lost a big portion of their students. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/27/2014 Saturday-Shanghai<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I went for a walk outside the city wall
and walked along the well-kept canal. I stopped by a tiny baker where the baker
was using a very old broom to spread the dough and place them in the tiny coal
fired oven. I picked up three loaves. I then bought a couple of large
persimmons from a female vendor. That was the only thing that she was offering
for sale. I then had a leisurely breakfast at the courtyard of my hostel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in this
small town, even though I stayed there for only two nights. There was much less
to do here compared to Xi’an or Pingyao, but it was just the right size and mix
to make it an enjoyable stay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I took a taxi to the train station
(¥35) and just made it for my 11:25 -14:37 train to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Shanghai</span></b><span style="color: #0070c0;">.</span>
The train averaged 300km/hr. The ride was smooth but the smog was very bad all
along the road, unlike the Luoyang-Huashan train path where the visibility was
much better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I bought a metro card and took #2 metro
with a transfer to #3/4 lines to my hostel, Rock&Wood International Hostel.
I got a nice room (¥260). I went for a
walk on W. Nanjing Rd. It could be taken for a street in any European country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I sopped by LP recommended Le Tour
Hostel (¥300), but I thought my hostel was a better value. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/28/2014-Sunday-Shanghai<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After a leisurely breakfast, I took the
metro and stopped at Shanghai library. It was busy for a Sunday morning. The
building was new. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then went to French Concession and
visited around Xintiandi and the building where the first National Congress of
CCP was held with Mao and other comrades. I then visited the similar area
around Tianzifang. I took the metro again, and got off at Xiaoanmen and walked
around the old town. It was a run down area that looked more like slums. I met
a native Chinese who had migrated to Australia and was visiting home for the
funeral of his father. He was from that neighborhood but did not like the
rampant smell and the poverty there. He also added that the city tore down the
wall around the old town five years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then had had a lunch of duck – I was
too hungry to look for something else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to Yuyuan Garden area – a very
lively neighborhood packed with tourists and shoppers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I visted the Shanghai Museum. They had
a great selection on pottery, one from about 6000BC, some beautiful and
elaborate bronze wine vessels from 1700BC, and some Silk Road coins with a
large collection from Iran from 500BC onwards. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I sat by the People’s Square for some
people watching people and enjoying the pleasant breeze. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to East Nanjing Rd. and had a
fish and mushroom dinner at LP recommended Sichuan restaurant Yuxin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked along the very lively East
Nanjing. The sex trade was very active. They would approach and would always
start with, “Hi; where are you going?” to which I would respond with, “Going to
see my wife.” They would get the message and walk away with a smile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to Bund, another lively
section on the river The high-rise building across the river were all lighted
colorfully and the crowd was very excited with the colors and lights. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">On the way to metro I walked by Yuyuan
Gardens area again, where people were singing and dancing and right at that
time a big fireworks from Bund could be seen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/29/2014 Monday-<b> </b>Zhujiajio Village.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I had a breakfast of boiled eggs and
Qufu bread before heading for the metro to go to the bus station for trip to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Zhujiajio</span></b>,
a Ming & Qin dynasty village 30km away from Shanghai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">In the metro there was a young girl
sitting on a chair next to her granny. The granny lovingly handed her a pack of
juice. I thought it was nice to have a granny. The girl had a hard time opening
the pack but finally managed with the help of her teeth. She then spilled some
of the juice on her pretty dress and the granny started scolding her – a bit
harshly. I felt sorry for tor the kid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I exited the metro at People’s Square
and asked someone for the bus station. He walked me to it a short distance
away. I checked my destination with a driver and he directed me to the right
bus. I was sitting behind the conductor and midway suddenly a man walked to the
conductor while shivering from the pain and told the conductor he had to get
out to relieve himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The conductor walked to the driver and
explained to him the emergency while grinning. We were riding on a highway with
no shoulder and therefore there was not much that the driver could do for the
poor man. After five minutes, we arrived at a fork between a bridge and an exit
where the driver stopped. A kind woman sitting next to the conductor handed a
pack of pocket Kleenex to the man and then he disappeared. He returned in five
minutes and when he tried to give back the Kleenex pack to the woman she shook
her head and her hands as if saying, “you creep, leave me alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After arriving in the village I sopped
at the Tourist office and asked for a map but they said a map could be given
only if I purchase a ticket. I bought the cheaper ticket that included four
sites for ¥30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I visited a few sites. The small town
was too commercialized for tourism industry, filled with gift shops and many
empty teahouses due to the usual high price. When I saw a branch of Starbucks –
which really looked out of place - I turned around and headed back to Shanghai.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">On the way back, a woman with an infant
took off from the side walk to cross the highway while cars were passing at
full speed. She had slippers on. Our driver, a big man, who for half of the way
had his hands on the horn, not only did not slow down, but he sped up. All it
would have taken for a disaster to occur was for the infant to make a wrong
move, or one of her slippers had slipped or a car would have been passing on
the right hand side of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">When I got off the bus, I asked for the
directions to the metro from two young guys. They happened to be Korean
tourists. One used his phone to navigate which took us a long time. I wanted to
relieve them of the trouble but they said they were going to take the subway.
When finally we arrived at the subway entrance, they said they just wanted to
escort me and then we said goodbye. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I took the metro to<b> Guoyan</b> by the football stadium. It turned out a great LP
recommendation. I had a delicious eggplant, sizzling beef, and a beer along
with tea and the bill came to ¥63 – that could have been the price just for the
good tea they served in a pretty green tea service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">A young couple took the seats across
and next to me but each of them was mostly focused on his or her phone. Nevertheless, the girl next to me managed to
pullout a hair with chopsticks from the beautiful big steam fish. The smiling
waitress picked up the plate and without a blink emptied the contents in a
trash tray and then went to kitchen to reorder the dish which arrived shortly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">At the end of the meal I asked her for
the menu. There were two menus, one in English, laminated, and the other one in
Chinese, for one-time use. She gave me the Chinese menu and I asked for the
English one. She resisted and I insisted. She kept saying only one – she was
thinking I was going to get out with her only copy. The meal and the experience
was nevertheless great. However, at the very end the man across from me asked
for an ashtray, poured some tea into it and then lit a cigarette. I picked up
my bag and walked out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Later at night, I tried to make hotel
reservations in Suzhou, Hangzhou and Xiamen, and could not get the dates that I
wanted. I therefore I did a partial reservation for the first two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">09/30/2014 Tuesday - Shanghai-Suzhou<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I woke up early and was at the Railroad
station by 08:30. I was able to get a ticket to Suzhou for the 10:10 departure.
I sat down, listened to some music, read the LP, and before long boarded the
train for the ½ hr ride to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Suzhou</span></b>. I took the subway for two stops and
then took a taxi to my hotel “Cross Street Shop” as listed by cTrip. When we
got to the area the taxi driver could not find the site and tried to call the
place. I got off the taxi to ask the front desk of a Motel 99 and they told me
I was at the right place. The driver started arguing with them why they did not
have the correct name in the front. The motel seemed more like a love motel,
with tiny rooms. They could not find my reservation. I had to show them the
copy from ctrip email as my confirmation and they accepted it. I then went out
to explore the town. The weather was cool and there was a pleasant breeze. A
few people kindly helped with the directions. I took bus 262 to the town
museum. The best part of it was the design of the building by I M Pei. I then
visited the most popular park of the town, The Humble Administrator’s Garden (¥90). It was a pleasant
park, tastefully designed and a bit crowded – as warned by LP. It was buit i<span style="background: white; color: #252525;">n 1513 by Wang Xiancheng, an Imperial Envoy and poet of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ming_Dynasty" title="Ming Dynasty"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ming Dynasty</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">. <span style="background: white; color: #252525;">The garden was named (first evidence
around 1517</span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humble_Administrator%27s_Garden#cite_note-Craig_Clunas_1996-3"><sup><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">[3]</span></sup></a><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">) after a verse by the famous scholar official of the Jin
Dynasty,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_Yue" title="Pan Yue"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Pan Yue</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">, it his prose,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>An
Idle Life</i>. It goes as following: "I enjoy a carefree life by planting
trees and building my own house...I irrigate my garden and grow vegetables for
me to eat...such a life suits a retired official like me well." This verse
symbolized Wang's desire to retire from politics and adopt a hermitic life in
the manner of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_Yuanming" title="Tao Yuanming"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Tao Yuanming</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">One pavilion was named, “<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;">The </span></span><span style="background: white;">Far Away Looking Pavilion”. <span style="color: #252525; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The name is derived from a poem where the poet
describes the beauty of his lover getting more desirable the further away it
gets. Interestingly, the son of the owner lost the garden as a payment of a
gambling debt. That reminded of the movie, “Gambler.” </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then walked around the alleyways and
by the canal. There were some beautiful houses on and off the canal – and the
areas were mostly non-commercialized. I then found the <b>Pingiang Lu</b>, a beautiful and lively long narrow street along a
canal. There were some very tastefully designed shops – more like the NYC’s
Village than a small town in China. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then tried to have dinner at a LP
recommended place. I found the street but there were no numbers on the building
so after some search I gave up and had a decent fish at a noodle shop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">10/01/2014 Wednesday - Tongli<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I took the metro line 2 for two stops
towards Lindun and transferred to bus 933 to the bus terminal. There was a mob
and many parked bikes out of the station. Only those with a ticket could enter
the terminal. I asked someone where I could buy a ticket and he pointed me to
go around the corner. I walked some distance, and then returned and found out
the ticket office was underground, in a location that I initially had thought
was an underpass. Surprisingly, they had a ticket available for Tongli, though
the clerk initially could not recognize the town. I then passed by the guards
inspecting the tickets but once inside the terminal, I was pointed to go across
the street where was a long and tall construction fence and after some walk I
knew I was going at the wrong direction. I returned and found out that the
temporarily made stop was adjacent to the terminal. I waited for sometime in
Line 1, but as the departure time was approaching, I went ahead of the line and
showed my ticket to the clerk. He asked me to wait in front of the line and
shortly someone walked us to Tongli bus. This time the seat numbers were
enforced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The ride seemed longer than the only
the 18km distance we were supposed to travel. Once in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Tongli</span></b>, I purchased an electric
car ticket for ¥5. The car dropped us at the entry to the town. The small town
is a Ming era canal town and although it was somewhat crowded, yet it was a
pleasant walk and I even found a few non-touristy areas to walk along. The
price of the ¥100 ticket included the visit to a half a dozen courtyards and
exhibitions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">On the way back I walked about ½ hour
to the bus stop, I bought the very last ticket for the next bus that was leaving
within a few minutes. When I handed my ticket to the ticket inspector he and
the driver noticed that the seat was already occupied. The driver walked me to
the seat, checked the ticket of the passenger staking it, and there was some
talk between them, and then the driver scolded him and asked him to get off and
asked me to sit down. They then had more discussion outside, and finally the
driver brought the man in and asked him to sit on the floor just next to me. It
seemed that the man had the same seat number, 31, but for the next bus and the
guard had just scanned the ticket and let him in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After ½-hour drive, the driver stopped
the car, and walked the man to a bus parked just behind him and the man boarded
that bus. When we arrived at the bus terminal, I purchased my ticket for
Hangzhou for Friday, and took the metro back to my motel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">10/02/2014 Thursday – Suzhou<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I had no agenda on this last day of my
stay in beautiful Suzhou. I picked up a couple of small cookies from a nearby
pastry, took bus 633 half way to the Museum and got off to walk the remainder
of the distance. The streets were packed with holiday tourists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"> I stopped at LP recommended Wumen Renjia (Our
People). It was about 11:00 and a few tables were full. I ordered a fish from
the menu that they did not have. I ended up ordering a sweet & sour
Mandarin Carp (¥138). It was heavily battered and too overpriced. I guess they
could get away with it based on their laurels and the pictures of the
dignitaries posted on the walls. By the time I left all halls and courtyard
were packed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then walked to the lively<b> Pingiang Lu </b>and continued to Soochow
University, stopped by a park were social dance and opera were being performed.
I took a long walk to Confucius temple just in time for its closing. On the way
back to my hostel I stopped at a lively street. At a restaurant where a woman
was barbecuing chickens I ordered one. She asked me to sit at a table inside
but I took my plate and placed it on her fridge on the sidewalk to eat standing
outdoors. Her attentive young son brought me a chair. Then the next door
shopkeeper permitted I sit at the table that he had setup outdoors. The chicken
was decent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">As I was eating a middle age woman
entered the store of the shopkeeper. A teenager rushed to the store, ordered
something and handed the shopkeeper a ¥100 bill. The woman claimed that the
bill was the money she had just lost. The teenager denied her claim. As the
argument was heating up, the young kid who had brought mea chair went to the
middle of the street, picked up the bill and handed it to the woman. The
argument ended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I tried to walked back all the way to
my motel but got lost and a few people to whom I showed my motel card could not
help. I took one metro stop to my place.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">10/03/2014 Friday – Hangzhou <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I took the metro to South Bus Terminal
and waited for about ½ hour for my 09:15 departure to Hangzhou. The trip was
about 2 ½ hours. I had the front seat on the upper deck with a good view. T</span>h<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">e lower deck
was used for storage bins. Once in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Hangzhou</span></b>, I took a taxi from North Bus
Terminal to the South Bus Terminal (¥65) and tried to check in but the
receptionist seemed to have a problem with my reservation at hostelworld.com.
It turned out I had made a reservation for the period of 10/04 to 10/06. My
reservation in Suzhou was for 09/30 – 10/02 and on arrival I had paid for the
room for 10/03. This morning I had mixed up the dates. While making the on-line
reservation for the two hotels neither one had 10/03 open, and I ended up
paying for that day twice, once in each town. Therefore, I lost one day of room
charge in Suzhou. Nevertheless, I felt lucky to be able to get a room for
today, as it seemed the city would be mobbed with tourists today. I got a
decent room on the 15th floor, therefore the traffic sound seems to be
bearable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then walked cross the street to the
bus terminal and asked a few guards if there was a bus to the West Lake and the
response was “Meiyo.” I then went to the information and asked the clerk, she
asked a colleague and wrote “bus 51” on a piece of paper. I stepped out, and at
the bus stop boarded that bus. I showed the map to the driver and asked him if
he would go there. He seemed confused and did not give me a “yes” or “no”
answer. After a while, an old man who felt I needed help walked to me and I
showed him the map. It seemed that he
knew how to get there. At a stop, he asked me to get off with him. He then
accompanied me for about 5 minutes to “bus 51” and told me that was the bus to
my destination. The traffic was very slow due to the large number of visitors
but we made it there in a shorter time than I was expecting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The <b>West Lake</b> area was packed with tourists. The lake and its surrounding
– whatever visible and the parts shrouded in smog – was pretty. It should have
been gorgeous in earlier times – as the emperors would visit here often. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I then looked for the LP recommended
restaurant, ______, and after a few times asking for directions I found the
place and had a decent eggplant and chicken clay pot and a good and tender
steam fish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After walking out of the restaurant, I
accidentally walked into _____, a fun passers-by street mentioned in LP. It was
almost as lively as Xi’an’s Moslem Quarter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">After some walk, I tried to take bus 51
but at the bus stop it showed the hours of operation was only till 18:30. I
took a taxi and the fare was ¥17 despite the fact that the driver had to take a
longer path due to the traffic. At the South Bus terminal earlier in the day, a
private car had asked for ¥60 and a cabby had asked for ¥80. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">10/04/2014-Saturday <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked along the path of Bus 51 and
stumbled on a hilly temple where I had a nice walk in a very peaceful
surrounding and then after a short while I ended up in <b>Wushan</b>. The parents were
treating the kids to all kinds of games and treats. I continued my walk to West
Lake and on the way visited Confucius Temple and the gallery of painter Pan
Tianshou. I stopped at <b>Green Tea Restaurant</b>.
There was a very long line and. I had to get a number. I walked away and when I
returned I had lost my spot. The receptionist was kind to call me again after a
five minute wait. The place was fun and lively, the food was very good and the
prices very reasonable. I then almost circled the whole lake. It was a fun
place and people in celebratory mood. I also visited the hill grounds of
another temple where I had a very nice walk in peace and quiet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">10/05/2014-Sunday <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
stayed in my room for most of the morning as I had seen most of what I had
planned to see. I then walked in the
alleyways and found a bakery with the Xi’an’s Moslems’ bread and a female
seller with a headscarf. I had missed good bread so much that I could not stop
eating until I finished off the rolls. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then ended up getting on the main road by the bridge I had passed by in the
past. I walked all the way to West Lake area and lunched at Green Tea. The
streets were a bit less packed today but at the restaurant still I had to wait
for more than and hour – though it was worth it as I had a decent lunch. One
appetizer was peppercorn cucumber. It was almost like a pickled cucumber,
though fresh and crisp, in sesame oil and soy sauce marinated with chili pepper
and green peppercorn. It was so good I had half the bowl and then my lips
started to shiver like violin strings. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">As
I was leaving the restaurant I saw an argument between a young couple and a few
police officers. The young man was very aggressive and kept pointing and
screaming at one of the cops. Another cop was filming the scene on his iPhone.
Had it been in U.S., the man would have been arrested multiple times, but here,
in a communist country, he finally walked away at his own will. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked to Wushan and ?Zhong___,
stopped at Huqingyu Tang Traditional Medicine shop and Fang Hui Chun Pharmacy.
It was doing a brisk business. I walked along the Drum Tower street. It was
full of restaurants all preparing for the dinner traffic. I asked a few times
for the directions to my motel. The last time I askedit was by the bridge I had passed by in the
morning. A police officer who was just finishing his shift pointed me in the right
direction. Then as I was planning to enter the alleyways, again he stopped by
on his bike and said I was going the wrong direction and offered me a lift
which I accepted. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
the elevator there was a notice regarding some undesirable elements that have
been slipping business cards for hookers services under the doors. It claimed
that the matter had been brought to police attention and the case was under
investigation. For the two nights that I was in that hotel I found three times
the same business card under the door. Possibly the hotel markets to single
male guests and it should be a more profitable business for them that the room
charges – even if they have to pay off the police. How they could claim that
the cameras were not capturing images of the perpetrators is another
story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">10/06/2014-Monday
– </span></u><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Hangzhou</span></u><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-Guangzhou<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
woke up at 04:30, took a taxi to the airport and settled for a fare of ¥100. At
the airport I gave the driver ¥110 and he tried to return the extra bill to me.
Same thing had happened in Xi’an airport ride. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
checked in at 06:40 for my 07:10 flight to Guangzhou - just in time - since it
was posted that the windows close 40 minutes prior to the flight. As I was late
they had given my seat away and the clerk said she would give me a business
class seat without the privileges. I did end up getting the privileges. A pair
of slippers was placed at my feet. Breakfast
was served but the utensils came late and then I had two forks instead of a
fork and a knife. I guess the use of two similar chopsticks is institutionalized
here! We had a timely and smooth flight to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Guangzhou</span></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
purchased a transit ticket (¥50 + ¥30 deposit) and took metro line 3 to my
hostel, <b>Plum Flower House</b>, and I
found the place easily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then took the metro to the top restaurant of the town. I did get a good seat
and a decent steam fish. The tea service was again very uninspiring. I am sure
the Japanese can make a robot with more grace and elegance or maybe I should
not have seen the Japanese tea ceremonies in New York. The service was lousy
for a top restaurant. No napkins – as it was always the case. I asked for a
second bowl of rice that came at the end of my meal. Finally, I had to wait for
about 10 minutes for my change. In the bathroom, for a change, there was a wall
soap holder but it was too filthy to touch. The place has a dozen halls and a
map of the halls at the main reception hall.
It had also posted the awards for being recognized as one of the top ten
quality restaurants in Asia – that possibly meant in China. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> I then took the metro to the actors’ studio
and Bahia Academy of the Art but they were all closed. As for the ancestral
house of Bruce Lee, it seemed no one knew him or his father, an opera singer.
Finally, someone who knew of the house said there was nothing to see as it had
been demolished. Two cops were kind enough to walk me to another Ming era house
but that one was also closed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
<b>Chen Ancestral Academy</b> was open and
I spent ½-hour walking around there. I then walked to the Mosque of Prophet. It
was a converted temple with the ugliest minaret I have ever seen. Across the
street there was a Halal restaurant where the two Uyghur female attendants
where as indifferent as it was possible; occasionally they had to attend their infant
babies. The male owner was kind enough to bring me a fork and a spoon. I did
forgo the use of the fork with some greasy stains. Nevertheless, the food was tasty. I was the
only paid customer for the night, as the rest of the guests were relatives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked in the lively market in the adjacent alleyway, bought some fruits
and headed back to my room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/07/2014
Tuesday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In
the morning I had a chat with Plum, the friendly woman who manages the hostel.
She said that the price of the apartment is about ¥6.5m and the rent they are
paying is 7k/mo. The owner bought the unit for </span><a href="http://www.ask.com/allabout?q=%C2%A5&qsrc=470" title="¥"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">¥</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">4.5m 4 year ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
headed out for a hike in <b>Baiyuan Shan</b>,
a nearby park. It was crowded with hikers, parents and grandparents
accompanying kids. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
also visited <b>Shamain Island</b> and
hilly <b>Yuexiu Park</b> and the lovely <b>Orchird Garden</b> with a beautiful
teahouse on a pond where I had a tea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then went back to the hostel to join Plum and other guests, a German and his
Chinese girlfriend and another German, Simon Mezger, for a hotpot meal. It was
a pleasant meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
made a reservation for the flight to Guilin for Thursday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/08/2014
Wednesday <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went for a pleasant hike with one of the Germans, Simon Mezger, in the morning.
The park was much less crowded today as the national Holiday is over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
headed out to try the Dim Sum place that Plum had kindly recommended and
written down in Chinese the items to try. The food was good and the service was
yet the most professional. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then had a hard time locating the Indian Consulate building and when I entered
the office, I was told there is a five-day waiting period for the visa application.
I guess the India does not need the hard currency much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a great coffee at Starbucks and took the metro to <b>Heizhu</b> where I had a pleasant “<b>Pearl
River Cruise</b>” around the river. The views were great – in particular the
tasteful lightings on the rooftops of the high rises all along the river. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/09/2014
Thursday - Guangzhou -Guilin<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> I said good-bye to Plum, my host, and took the
metro to the airport. I tried to get a refund for my transit ticket but I was
told I had to do it at a certain station. I tried to give it to a couple of men
but they rejected it; I just left it in a corner. The 45-minute flight was on
time. Once in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Guilin</span></b>,
I took the shuttle to town and walked a few hundred meters to my hostel, <b>Wada.</b> I<b> </b>went for a walk. It took a long time to find the restaurant that I
wanted to eat. It also took me a long time to get back to my hostel. The city
was featureless, except for the large number of motorbikes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/10/2014
Friday - Guilin -Xingping <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
the morning I decided to go for a boat ride on the Li river to Yangshuo (¥230).
I was late for the 08:30 departure and took the 10:30. We took the bus for
about an hour to the pier and then boarded small motor boats. I met Goshen, a
Polish/Norwegian psychologist who had travelled in India for four months the
previous year. She used her phone camera to take pictures to send her mom so
that the mother would be assured of her safety. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
ride was a surreal experience of scenery of karsts on both banks of the river.
The haze or smog made the imagery more unreal. Once in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Xingping,</span></b> I decided to stay
there rather than going all the way to Hangshuo with the rest of tour group. I
checked in at “<b>This Old Place</b>” and
then went for a hike to a nearby hill. By the time I got to the top it was
17:00. The sunset should have been pretty but I decided to head back and tried
a walking path along the river but as it was getting dark, I decided to the
walk the next day. I had a decent eggplant dish at a restaurant belonging to
the hostel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Han Yu</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">, a great poet in Tang Dynasty, had
written a popular poem to praise the beautiful scenery of Lijiang River.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
river winds like a blue silk ribbon,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">While
the hills erect like green jade hairpins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/11/2014
Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
planned to go for a bike ride along the Li River In the morning, but I read on
Wikitravel that the bikes at my hostel were not well maintained therefore I
decided to walk the bike path to <b>Luotian</b>.
I was lost a few times and got a bit hungry, but finally made it to a paved
road, and walked back to town, dusty and tired. I went to a Wiki recommended
restaurant for an eggplant dish and chicken pieces. A Dutch biker stopped at the restaurant and
took a photo of a shopkeeper across the road, posing with much pride, in front
of a Mao’s picture hanging in his shop.
This was the second time I saw a portrait of Mao in China. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
joined a French couple for <b>cormorants’
fishing</b> in the evening. The birds were sitting on the deck with a string
tied to their feet. The angler tied up their throats and then we headed into
the river – with a very bright light in front of us, encircled by many
mosquitoes. The birds were agile and hungry. They would swim and dive fast in
front of the boat and with each dive they would come up with a fish in their
beaks. They would try to swallow the fish if they were small enough to go
through their tightened throat. In case of the bigger fish sometimes they would
try to hide it in their mouths but the fisherman would notice from the
projected throats and he would stretch a long rod that they would climb and he
then would bring them on board and remove the fish from the mouths and then
reward them with a smaller fish. It was a perfect cooperation between men and
beast with some cheating on the part of the birds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
did my laundry in the evening, went for walk, and passed by a Moslem restaurant
and entered to ask for some Moslem bread, which they did not have. I then
wanted to leave but that was not an option. I was led to a seat and had some
rice. The owner knew of Iran and its presidents and he showed me the pictures
of the huge mosque with a capacity of 25,000 in his city and a page of Quran on
his phone. I read a few lines of it to
him. He then played a recording of the prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
purchased a few postcards to mail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/12/2014
Sunday - Xingping -Yangshou.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
took the one-hour bus drive to<b><span style="color: #0070c0;"> Yangshou</span></b> and then took a taxi (¥30) to “<b>The Cozy Garden</b>”, ¥80, in a village
near the town. After going to my room I found out that I had forgotten my LP
guide book in Xingping. The friendly receptionist called them and they said
they got the book. I had to take a bus to Xinqping. This time the scenery was
more pleasant. As we arrived in town we passed by the small well laid garden
with raised beds in the front yard of a house that I had passed by the day
before and it felt so familiar. After getting off the bus and as I was
approaching the Moslem restaurant I had dined the night before I thought of
stopping by there to say hello to the owner and maybe take a picture when the
man drove by on a bike and greeted me and pedaled away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
the hostel, I thanked the receptionists and got my book. I stopped at their restaurant
for their eggplant dish. The waitress knew what I was going to order. After
lunch I took the bus back to Yangshou. This time the trip was a bit tiring,
maybe because I did not have a good view of the front windshield. Once in town,
I walked to the touristy section of the town. It was mobbed – as crowded as the
National Holiday Week. While walking to my hostel I took a wrong turn and it
took me a while to get back to the hostel. I was planning to go to the night
market but I read in LP that the market is not for the squeamish as they serve
everything, including dog meat. I thought of the miserable looking dogs I had
seen earlier in the day in cages in the back of a truck. I had hoped that they
were stray dogs being collected by the town. However, with LP comment my,
second thought happened to be the case. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> I rested for some time and went to Trippers
Retreat across the road for a dinner of lasagna. For the desert, I had a water
buffalo yogurt at my hostel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/13/2014
Monday – Yangshou-Guilin.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
made a delicious omelet with fresh eggs at the hostel. There was even some semi
whole wheat bread in the fridge. Nancy, the sweet receptions, made a
reservation for me for the cooking class (¥180). I walked to town and met the
group at the 09:30. Amy, the chef, took us - a couple from New Zealand, and
another couple from Israel - to the market for a quick shopping and then at her
place, out of the town in a pleasant area, she demonstrated and we cooked
eggplant, beer fish, chicken cashew nuts and some steamed stuffed mushrooms.
Every thing came out delicious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had planned to go to Guilin that night to take the tour of the ”Longji Dragon's
Backbone rice terraces” at Wada hostel the next day. But I decided to go to
either Longji or Sanjian on my own. I went to the hostel to get my luggage.
Once there, Chris, an Australian that I had earlier met at Wada in Guilin was
also headed for the bus station. We shared a cab and boarded the bus together.
As we were looking for seats, two seats across had one passenger each and each
man was reserving the empty seat next to him. Another guy in the front row of
these two guys that his adjacent seat was also empty, got up his seat and
offered it to us. We sat together. When we got off the bus in <b>Guilin</b> Chris noticed that his backpack
that he had left between his legs on the floor was ripped. Apparently, the guy
in the back row had managed to go under the seat and use a razor to cut open
the bag. The one sitting on the isle could have covered up the man sitting by
the window. Fortunately, Chris did not have anything of value in his bag. His
camera was in his larger backpack in the side storage and his wallet was in his
safety belt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">As
it was past 4:30 PM and we had arrived the North bus station I could not make
it to either one of my destinations and therefore I went to Wada hostel. That
nigh the hostel had free dumpling night. Each of the guests helped to roll or
fill the dumplings - many of them. The three girls working at the hostel did
the flattening of the dough and the boiling. They were delicious and with the
hot chili sauce, every one ate a lot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/14/2014,
Tuesday - Longji Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
took bus 12 to the South bus station and took the 09:35 bus to Longshen. At
about 12:00 we arrived at <b>Heping</b>,
the starting point of the <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Longji Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces</span></b>.
Immediately a minibus showed up and the female conductor invited me to board. I
asked the driver for my designated hostel in Pin’an. He did not know it – that
was not a good sign. Then the ticket agent boarded the bus and I purchased a
ticket for ¥100. She said the bus was going to <b>Tiantouzhai</b>, a larger village, and as LP had recommended another
hostel there, I decided to go there. Once in the village I found out that I had
to hike a long distance. There were many female carriers offering to carry the
luggage in the baskets on their backs. Most of them were half my size and twice
my age. It did not feel comfortable to have them carry my backpack. I decided
to walk on my own but once I started hiking, there were many intertwining paths
and there was no one around to ask for the directions. I headed back to the
entrance gate. I boarded the same minibus I was previously on and when the
conductor came to collect her fare, I showed her my payment receipt. She smiled
and walked away. After some 20 minuets of driving she dropped me off at a fork.
I walked for some time until finally another bus showed up which stopped and
took me to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Ping’a</span></b><span style="color: #0070c0;">n</span> village. Once there, another native woman
carried my bigger backpack for ¥20. A few times she asked to carry my smaller
back also for another ¥20. Hostel <b>Lonji
One</b> had upgraded and the new rooms were going for ¥900. I did not take a
room there. The receptions said she had another hostel next door that was
cheaper. We walked there to check it out. It was a decent room with a great
view of the rice terraces. Her sister made a decent ‘Sizzling beef” which I had
on the terrace. A group of eight Chinese arrived. The men sat at one table,
lighted their cigarettes, took out their tea flasks and started a card game.
The woman did the same at another table. The sweeping views across the terrace
were not much noticed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then went for a walk. The crowd was not too bad. Farmers were working the
fields. I saw the receptionist of the hostel a few times carrying large bags of
rice in a basket on her back. When I tried to lift one of them in her basket, I
could not lift it all the way. Next day when I saw her again she told me that
she had carried “eight ten” (literal translation of eighty from Chinese) that
day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
stopped at a shop to buy water. There were some mandarins on the table. I asked
the saleswoman if she sold mandarins. She said, “No”, but picked up one and
gave it to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/15/2014,
Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went for a pleasant hike to the village nearby. The scenery was pleasant and
the weather was perfect. I walked to the end of the trail, by the entrance
gates, and then returned on the same path, stopping at a busy restaurant for
rice and local wild vegetables. I then purchased five passion fruits for ¥5
from a friendly female vendor. She cut them open for me. She then told me I
could take 6 more for ¥5. I did, as I had planned to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Back
at the hostel, the Chinese group from the day before was having lunch. They
invited me to their table. I told them I had already eaten. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then got some hot water, made some tea, and sat on the terrace to enjoy the
view of the terraces. I had a chat with Hediyeh via Skype. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Later
in the evening, I walked to the restaurant that I had eaten lunch but it was
closed. I returned to the village and stopped at a large restaurant with a few
tables with native customers. Later a large group of French showed up. I had
steamed fish and eggplant (¥120). They were both very good. I took a few wrong turns on the way back but
finally I made it to my hostel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/16/2014,
Thursday – Longji -Chengyang (Rain and Wind Bridges) <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
relaxed in the balcony for a while – enjoying the scenery and reading some
Khayyam. I then packed, and headed to the village gate where I took the bus to
Longshen. I had a chat with Luvian, a young friendly woman from Nanning, who
had just graduated from the college and has been working in a hotel in Ping’an
since February. She said she liked her job since it gave her a lot of freedom.
She works one day and takes the following day off. She hopes one day to open
her own small coffee shop but she wants to keep her prices low. She was going
to Longshen for shopping – a small watermelon that sells for ¥3, as there are
no supermarkets in Lonji. A supermarket is not practical there since the
natives have to carry their shopping way up in the villages. She recommended I
shop at supermarkets as the prices are fixed there. I gave her my email and asked her to let me
know when she opens her shop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Once
in <b>Longshen</b>, I walked across the
long bridge to the other bus stop and purchased a ticket to Sanjiang. As soon
as I got my ticket someone showed up and led me to my bus – I am not sure how
he knew I was going to Sanjiang. I left my large bag in the bus, stopped at a
noodle shop across the bus station for a quick tasty noodle for ¥4 – my
cheapest meal so far in China. The trip to Sanjiang was pleasant as there were
collection of large rocks of various shapes in grey and brown at short
intervals forming sculpture gardens along the road. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Sanjiang</span></b>,
I tried to get some cash from an ATM and my third try at ICBC was successful. I
then walked across the bridge to the other bus terminal and took a minibus to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Chengyang.</span></b>
The road was under repair and dusty but yet pleasant. At one stop, about 40
primary school students got on board. The bus driver dropped me off at the gate
of the Chengyang where I purchased my entry ticket (¥80), walked across the
bridge and stopped at International Youth hotel. It had no vacancy as a lot of
students from Hunan on a drawing workshop were in the village. I met <b>Li Hua</b>, one of the students. I walked
to a large hotel nearby with a good view of the surrounding and got a room
there. Afterwards, I went for a walk, met Li Hua who was having dinner with
other friends. He invited me to join them. I took a bowl and the servers filled
it with a few items, vegetables, pumpkin, eggs and meat with carrots. When I
tried to pay Li said the meal was free of charge. I think it was part of his
college arrangement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
sat at his table with Li’s male friend, QQ. A few girls, Tantan, Swallow, Ivan
from the next table joined us. We had a short walk around after the meal. They
recommended going for some rice wine. We went to a cute ancient wine shop and
had a few shots of the yellow wine rice that I had seen often. For good
measure, we also shared some sort of snake vodka. The girls become very
talkative – especially Tan Tan, the tiniest and sweetest one, who kept saying
she was shy. They then presented me with a bottle of wine as souvenir. When I
tried to pay at the end they did not let me and said I was their guest in
China. While walking Tan Tan kept asking if I needed to go the bathroom and
made sure kept the path lighted with her phone and asked me to be careful not
to fall down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">They
showed me to my hotel and then I walked with them to the bridge before
returning to my room. It was a fun evening spent with these friendly kind college
students. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/17/2014,
Thursday – Chengyang <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
did some more walking around the villages, had an uninspiring breakfast at
Dong, contrary to what Wikitravel had said, and then a good lunch at Yang. I
met a few people from the group of he students I had met the night before and
joined them for some tea and then some wine at their hostel. They were leaving
for another destination the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/18/2014,
Friday – Sanjiang to Guilin to Kunming to Shangri-La <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">After
a great omelet at Yang, I took a van to Sanjiang. We settled for ¥25 and midway
the driver stopped to collect his fare. He picked up a few more passengers and
they paid only ¥5. In Sanjiang, I arrived at the ticket booth two minutes late
and ended up getting a ¥50 Guilin ticket for an hour later at 13:52. The
approximate travel time was 3 hours, plus a 40-minute ride to the airport that
meant I possibly would not make it for my 16:00 flight to Kunming. The taxis
were charging ¥400 and I passed on that.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
asked the bus driver to drop me off at the road to the airport and he agreed.
We arrived as the road to the airport at 14:40 and a taxi was waiting there. I
offered ¥80, thinking that it would be a 30km ride and the driver gladly
accepted. I then saw a sign indicating that it was only 15km to the airport.
The driver asked my departure time and then instead of taking the toll highway
took a scenic service road; it was one of the most gorgeous scenes of the rice
fields I had seen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
arrived at the <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Kunming</span></b>
airport at 17:00. I had some my rice wine hopping to get the rest past the
inspection. The inspector opened the bottle and asked me to drink some of
it. He then took away the bottle with a
quarter of the content left inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
departure was on time, as was the arrival. I took the shuttle at Kunming
airport and by mistake went to South rather than the West station. It was a
messy area with no taxis in site. The customer service at the Metro and another
guard nearby could not help. A teenage girl showed up who knew exactly what bus
I should take - bus C143 - and walked me to the stop one block to the right of
the metro. She had been to States for three months and when I asked her what
she liked most in NYC she said, “The Brooklyn Bridge.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
West bus station was also a bit unorganized. I had missed the last bus, 19:20,
to Dali. Therefore I purchased a 20:30 sleeper bus ticket to Shangri-La for
¥20. From the street vendor outside I
bought a huge baked sweet potato for ¥10. The next two beds next my seat were
empty and the one next to my bed was the longest one and I took that one. I
woke up a few times throughout the night. The bus topped for a bathroom break
at 01:30 but the driver did not start the car till 05:00. Therefore, the
equality was observed and every one could take a nap for the night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">10/19/2014,
Saturday – Shangri-La</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">As
the sun came up a magnificent view of the landscape, the mountains and the
temples and other structures came into view. We arrived at <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Shangri-la (Zhongdian)</span></b> at 08:30;
I took a taxi to a recommended hostel and when I got off in the vicinity, I had
a hard time to find it. I ended up checking in at a decent motel, <b>Vitality Inn</b>, for ¥280.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
town was mostly unattractive, overbuilt and still being heavily demolished and
rebuilt. A small portion in the old town still had some charm left. The air was
light and the weather was cool. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/20/2014,
Monday - Shangri-La Day tour<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
took a tour to a few sites around the town (¥240). We visited a mostly deserted
village, <b>Bala Village</b>, and then
drove to a gorge, where we walked on a passer-bys bridge and Shangri-La Grand
Canyon. On the way back I took a raft (¥120) which was also overpriced but the
views of the gorge were beautiful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">One
Chinese and two German girls were in the bus. The Chinese girl was the happiest
person I have ever met. She never stopped smiling while talking. When at a
temple I told her she was a very wise person to be so happy she thanked for the
compliment and said one had to be happy when praying. She asked me for my wish
and when I asked hers, she said she wished for some chocolates. She later told
me that she was on a three months volunteer work for a foundation established
by the children of MR. Malek, an ex US ambassador to the UN. She was studying
simultaneous interpretation in UK. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
returned to the town at 16:30. I walked around, visited the Dance Square where
a local dance was in full session. I then stopped at <b>Tara Gallery</b> for dinner. Tara, the Bengali Indian owner, was there
and she greeted me. She has been living here since 1995 fulltime. She told me
that half of the Old Town was burned down the previous year. Nancy, a young
woman, who has written “The Shangri-La Story” and her photographer were there and
were interviewing Tara for her new book. They were both most kind. The
photographer got up about a half dozen times to fetch hot water to fill my cup.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/21/2014
Tuesday - Lijiang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went for a quick walk around the old town, then called Bahram to check on my
mail, took a cab to the bus station and purchased a 10:40-13:20 ticket (¥71) to
Lijiang. A 31-year man from Hong Kong was sitting next to me. He was on a two
weeks vacation with his wife. He told me the last time he was here five years
ago he had to tell people that he was from Guangzhou in order not to cause any
hard feelings but within the past five years the standards of living in the
mainland were getting close enough to Hong Kong that he felt more comfortable
telling people of his birthplace. He said he had already purchased an apartment
with a 3% mortgage rate and the monthly payment on it was about 30% of his and
his wife’s total income. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
checked in at <b>Garden Inn</b> (¥160/d) in
<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Lijiang</span></b>
and then went for a long walk in this touristy, lively, and pleasant Old Town.
The Old Town was fun and easy to get lost in it. Thought very touristy, yet it
was charming with many canals and buildings from the turn of Song and Yuan
dynasties – some 800 years history. It was fun and easy to get lost to enjoy the
less visited areas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/22/2014
Wednesday - Lijiang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
woke up early to go for a walk before the crowds get heavy. I had a boat-shaped
eggplant at Sakura Good Food Square for breakfast and lunch at LP recommended
“Tian He Canting.” I had a fun training session with the staff at the latter
where as soon as I sat down the waiter put the 10-page meu in front me and bent
over me with paper and pencil to take my order. He did not understand when I
told him I need some time before I can decide what to order. He seemed
hopeless. The two other female staff/owners were more attentive. I did a
role-play with them. I asked them to hand over the menu to the diner and say,
“Please let me know when you are ready” and then walk away. I also made a sign,
reading “LP recommended” and the owner posted it on the wall and thanked
me. A couple sat next me. The man asked
me without knowing Chinese how I managed to order. I said it was very easy.
Some restaurants have English menu. Otherwise, I either order from the pictures
on the walls or just point to dishes of other customers and I usually like what
I end up getting. He introduced himself as Lorne ( </span><a href="mailto:53401265@QQ.com"><span style="background: yellow; color: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-highlight: yellow;">53401265@QQ.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> ). He was on his honeymoon. Even
though he worked in computer field he thought the email addresses were still
case-sensitive. When I explained to him otherwise he did not seemed convinced.
I asked him to try it for himself. He
recommended visiting “Shuang Lang Town”, on the </span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">East<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>side of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Lake<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Erhai<span class="apple-converted-space">, </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">two
hours away from Dali. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">After
lunch, I continued walking around and getting lost before heading back to my
hostel, calling Feri to confirm their arrival date to Kuala Lumpur. I then met
a couple from Penang who were sitting at my table on the terrace. The man was
very friendly and gave me some information about Penang. I then walked around more. The area near the
Big Stone Bridge was packed with crowds and the restaurants and many bars with
singers and dancers were almost packed with young crowds. I had a Naxi Ham and
goat cheese at Prague Café; although the cheese tasted more like mozzarella,
yet it was a decent sandwich. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/23/2014
Thursday - Lijiang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
took the direction to Baisha, from the young man at the hostel the night
before. As the road was under construction, instead of taking Bus #6, I had to
take bus #11 at <b>Zhong Yi Market</b> and
at the last stop change to bus #6. I could not find the stop for bus #6 and
when I asked a young girl who was sitting on her bike with her friend at the
back seat in front of Lijiang Tourism School, she asked the friend to get off
and rode her bike while I was chasing her. She stopped after a few hundred
meter and told me to wait there. She did not speak much English. The school
should be more focused on domestic tourism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Baisha</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> had a tiny section with some
cobblestone streets and then a very large area filled with hostels and still
being heavily expanded. I visited the Governor Mu’s Mansion, converted to a
museum with some murals a few millennium old. I also visited the famous <b>Dr. Ho</b>, the 90-year old herbal medicine
man, who is a landmark of the town. He had one patient who was given a large
bag of a powder. A few other guys were waiting. I asked about the arthritis
pain of my mother. He asked whether she had had blood pressure or diabetes.
Without giving me a chance to ask any questions he gave me a powder to be added
to alcohol and rubbed on the affected areas for the pain (¥50) and an herbal
tea (¥600), I passed on the tea and took the powder. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then stopped by at a local restaurant packed with customers and ordered a
couple of dishes. A young girl entered and as there were no other empty tables,
I invited her to sit at my table. She was a 26-year old Chinese language
teacher though she looked more like a student. She spoke very little English
and at times she would start speaking in Chinese for a long time before I would
let her know that I did not understand her. She had travelled to Lijiang for
two days from her hometown 300km away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
took the bus to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Shuhe</span></b>
where I had a short walk but as it was too touristy, I turned around and headed
back to Zhong Yi Market where I purchased a whole rotisserie duck for ¥20. I
then did some walking. At a drum store, the popular souvenir of the town, I
heard a Persian music accompanied by the drum of a female drummer. She was
selling the CDs in packs of five in a pretty case for ¥100. I purchased the single CD at an inflated
price of ¥30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Then
as I walked to the restaurant where I had lunch the day before, I saw a printed
sign of “Lonely Plant Recommended” as I had told the owner to make. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> <u>10/24/2014 Friday - Dali<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I had an
adequate breakfast and coffee under the beautiful sunshine on the terrace. I met <span style="color: #222222;">Don & Cynthia Jackson </span><span style="background: yellow; color: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">(503 310 8025 </span></span><a href="mailto:DonH.Jackson@gmail.com"><span style="background: yellow; color: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-highlight: yellow;">DonH.Jackson@gmail.com</span></a><span style="background: yellow; color: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-highlight: yellow;"> )</span><span style="color: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">of Portland, Oregon. Don is an
Architect with a few Iranian colleagues.
I told him I was considering a trip to Roseburg. He said I could contact
him for help with any information. They were travelling on their own without
speaking any Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">As
I had missed the 08:30 train to Dali I had to take the bus which run more
frequently. I headed out for one last walk, got lost and therefore missed the
next bus. I was getting to like the town
so much that I wanted to stay one more day. As I was debating with myself I
went back to the hostel. I met Nicholas, the knowledgeable and articulate
manager who told me Dali is even more beautiful than Lijiang. I therefore
checked out of my room, left my luggage in the luggage room and went out for
lunch and one last walk. I then picked up my luggage and took a taxi to the New
Bus Station, a different one from the one I had arrived in from Shangri-La, and
took the 15:00-17:30 bus (¥63) bus To Dali. As we neared the town, I showed the
driver the address my hostel, the LP recommended, Austrian owned, <b>Jade Emu</b>. He dropped me off at an
intersection In <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Dali</span></b>
where I took a private car, as there were no taxis in sight, and checked in at
the well-managed hostel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went for a walk and as I had a small lunch, went for an early dinner at Panda
restaurant. I walked in the main road, “Ren Min Lu.” The Old Town seemed much
smaller than Lijiang, and a somewhat quieter, with only a semi version of a
small canal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> I saw a Western artist/vendor who was busy
drawing and therefore I did not interrupt him to get the scoop about his life
here. The next Westerner I met was sitting near the artist with a collection of
handmaid bags in front of him. I said
and inquired about his life in China. He introduced himself as David
from Michigan. He asked me if I wanted to hear his life story or not. I said I did. He continued that he came here
in 2004, took a one-year assignment as a teacher and after four years living
here was out of job, addicted and with a broken up relationship. At the bottom
of his life one night Jesus appears in his dream and saves him from his
torments. We had a long chat about religions.
He said he believed in the imminent coming of the Jesus and the Kingdom
of the Heaven as it was predicted as far back as the age of Adam. I was glad
that beforehand I did not quote James Gogle that had quoted in his book, “How
to Read the Bible”, that there was a ward for people with that belief in
Jerusalem. He was not offended by my
different opinion and when we said goodbye, he took my hand and prayed for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/25/2014
Saturday - Dali<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked around the town today, dined at a restaurant on some lima beans and
eggplants. I then stopped by a barbershop, waited a few minutes until the
hairdresser finished with her customer. I inquired the price of a haircut and
she said it was ¥20. I asked for the price for beard trimming, and she said it
was ¥20. After the haircut I handed her a ¥100 note and she gave back to me ¥80
in change. I handed her a ¥10 note and as she was confused, I told her my
haircut looked very good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then stopped by the big market again and bought some fruits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">For
dinner, the hostel, Jade Emu, had a very decent buffet dinner for ¥60 that was
my best value meal in China. There were about a dozon customers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/26/2014
Sunday - Dali<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had an egg and ham sandwich for the breakfast in the courtyard, had a short
chat with the Australian owner who said after seven years of backpacking he
opened this place four years ago with his partner. I complimented him on the
well run hostel and the professionalism of the staff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">He
said a Canadian Iranian man has an organic produce business here in Dali.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
stopped by at the mosque again which unlike yesterday, when it looked like a
butcher shop, it looked more like a market day, with old men sitting around the
courtyard and at the next-door tea shop. An old man talked to me a few minutes
after I told him I was from Iran, and all I understood was when he showed with
his kicks and shaking ass that he was happy Iran was kicking some asses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked towards the Jongdeh Temple for a hike but there was a ¥70 entrance
fee. One of the guards was asleep and the other one was busy with his phone. I
could have probably just walked past by them but I returned and walked the
other way and ended up in a forbidden military zone. I then returned to the
town and did some more walking, had a fried goat cheese at “<b>The Good Panda” restaurant</b>. I then
stopped at the stand of a Moslem girl and asked for a couple of small cookies.
She gave me one extra and with a smile said, “bye bye.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
stopped at the hostel’s book store to inquire about the notice on the wall
regarding the fact as of April 2014 only official China Post postcard are
eligible to be mailed as postcard. Therefore, my procrastination in mailing of
the postcards that I had purchased in Xing Ping worked out. The helpful
attendant said I could use envelopes and ¥6 international stamps to mail them.
She then corrected herself and said I could remove the postcard stamps and use
them on the envelopes with additional ¥2 stamps. She gave me a glue bar to take
care of the task. After I placed the stamps I returned to my room but the
envelops did not have enough glue to close up. I went back to the library and
glued envelops. I check with the attendant again if only the recipient name on
envelop was sufficient or not. She said I had better put the sender address
just in case the envelopes are undeliverable. She wrote the address of the
hotel on all the envelopes. This whole
process reminded me of the teenage girl in a small city in Egypt who after dropping
her mail in the mailbox closed her eyes and crossed her chest with a prayer
some twenty years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">After
a rest on the terrace under the pleasant sun and with the beautiful views of
the mountain, I went out for a walk and dinner.
I walked to LP Bai restaurant Mei Zi Jing, with a collection of a few
pleasant courtyards. The table of produce also contained hives of maggots. On
second thoughts I though I should try “The good Panda” for their okra, but the
outdoor table, which would have been perfect for people watching and the view
of the mountain with beautiful clouds above it, was taken, therefore I settled
for the first choice. I continued walking around, managed to get lost and
stumbled on a road past the South Gate which I had not noticed earlier in the
day, possibly because the shallow, almost above the ground canal, did not have
running water in the day time. All the bars on the two sides of the street were
almost empty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went back to Bai restaurant, the female owner showed me to my table, put the
ten page menu in front of me, and stood over me with pen and paper in hand. For
five minutes I tried to have her leave me alone in order that I could go
through the menu. When she did not heed my request, I just ignored her and
started looking at the crowds. This time she got the message and left me
alone. The English translations on the
menu were rather amusing. Some entries were as following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Fried
Peach Kernel Wild Purse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Sewing-Kit
Fried Lily<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
Fragrance of Oranges Sika Deer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Sauna
Old Bacteria <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Good
Luck Walnut Fried Chestnut<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Liver
Confer Hair Steamed Tofu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Duck
Hotpot Chicken<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
settled for braised spicy chicken in pumpkin flower and “Fan fried eggplant
with Onion.” I called the bossy lady and placed my order. She repeated the
eggplant dish a few times and I thought maybe the “Fan” in the name was a deal
breaker but I told her that was what I wanted. She then recommended beer, fried
vegetable, soup, and another item, but as I had already upset her, I passed on
all her recommendations. When the food arrived, the eggplant was what I was
expecting – delicious – and the chicken was spicy with much chili pepper,
scallions, garlic, and a couple of other strongly flavored items. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
the counter, after paying my bill, I said goodbye to the young waitresses who
were resting on a bench, but had animated the whole courtyard with their chattering.
They waved back at me with friendly smiles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">It
was getting cooler by now. As I was
walking by the ‘Good Panda” the owner saw me and I pointed to the outdoor table
that had just become empty to make her understand that the reason for my not
stopping there for the dinner was because of the occupied table. She smiled
back and I think she could understand my gesture. I headed back to my room and made the last
entry of my China trip in my journal. I will be leaving for Malaysia tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Today
was a recap of the encounters I had in this country, the invitation to
breakfast at the mosque, the surprise gesture about the long distance to the
Zhonghe Temple when I asked for direction from a young woman at the base of the
path, the asleep guards at the start of the path to the temple with a high
entry fee, the complimentary cookie by
the Muslim salesgirl and tea by the owner at The Great Panda, the friendly
attitude of the workers who were finishing a hotel with beautiful woodwork by
letting me get in the grounds and check a couple of rooms, another woman who
let me in her house to look at the large collection of plant pots she had in
her courtyard, and yet another woman who let me get in her porch to look at the
beautiful hanging flowers from her wall, the girl at Jade Emu guesthouse who
helped all the way with my postcards, and finally the friendly good-bye waves
of the restaurant staff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Without
knowing the language, or the possibility of even considering to learn it,
somehow I have felt more at home and more welcomed here than in South America.
If I could adjust to the hygienic standards, or rather the lack of it thereof,
I could have extended my trip a lot longer in this vast ancient land. I am glad
that I could make this trip at this time, as with all the rapid construction
that is going on everywhere, I am not sure in a decade how much originality of
the historic sites will remain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<h1 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416204887"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘14/10/27 Malaysia – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Kuala Lumpur, Penang</span></span></a><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/27/2014
Monday – Dali – Kunming - Kuala Lumpur<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">After
the breakfast I went to the front desk and asked Tom, the helpful staff member,
for my ride to the bus station for the ride to Kunming. He said it was too
early, even though it was only ten minutes before my 08:30 departure time. At
08:25 a young girl showed up and walked my to the near-by ticket office/waiting
room where a few other people and I waited for a couple of minutes before the
bus showed up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A
guy who sat next to me, Michael Liu (</span><a href="mailto:topsinoservice@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">topsinoservice@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">), a trader, was a non-stop speaker
and on a few occasions when I interjected he did interrupt me – though he was a
very informative person, with a wealth of information on many subjects that
were brought up. He was travelling with a woman he had shared dorms with on this
trip. He quoted an Israeli businessman that, “we may all have different
religions, but when we die, we are all Buddhist.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Prior
to arriving at <b>Kunming</b> bus station I
asked Mike to check with the driver whether I could get off at a location
closer to the airport for my flight to Kuala Lumpur. The bus driver stopped
after a short while, four other people got off and he asked me to follow them.
Five of us shared a minivan to the airport and paid </span><a href="http://www.ask.com/allabout?q=%C2%A5&qsrc=470" title="¥"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">¥</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">24 each. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
took the 17:40-21:50 AirAsia Kunming-<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Kuala Lumpur</span></b> flight. At KL airport, I took a
budget taxi (R80) to <b>Maison Boutique</b>
($47) on Jalan Baba, near Times Square Buildings and Imbi tramway station. I
then walked out and found an Egyptian restaurant, Hors, a few blocks away where
I had a good meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/28/2014
Tuesday - KL<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went for a long walk to Petronas Twin Towers, the Jameh Mosque, the Centrl
Market, and the Merkada Square. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/29/2014
Wednesday - KL<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
took the KLIA Ekpress Train to the airport where I met Feri, Hediyeh and
Tahmineh. We took a taxi back to the hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/30/2014
Thursday - KL <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
visited the <b>Batu Caves</b>, a large
Hindu temple complex where the monkeys were running amok. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
also visited the <b>Genting Highland</b>,
an outdoor park and casino complex where the weather was cool and pleasant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
also visited The Islamic Art Museum and the National Mosque. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">10/31/2014
Friday – KL - Penang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
took the bus to George Town in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Penang</span></b> where we stayed at <b>Glow hotel</b> for three nights. We walked around town, took the ferry
across the Island and had a bus ride around the town, tried a briyani at
Hamidieh - a town’s institution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Below
are two good restaurants that we tried in KL.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Thalappakattu
Briyani #375, Jalan Abdul Rahman, KL –
We were taken there by the friendly taxi driver who said they have the best
brianiy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Wadi
Almadinah Group – Hadra Mawt Palace - #251 Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL </span><a href="http://www.hadramawtpalace.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">http://www.hadramawtpalace.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">. We were taken there by the Chinese
taxi driver after we told him to take us to Arabasque in China Town and he
claimed there was no such place in China Town. When I asked him if he had tried
their food, he said his gods did not allow him to eat the lard that the Moslems
use. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Wadi
was a large restaurant with very good food. Incidently, on my second trip to
KL, I did found Arabasque in China Town.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<h1 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416204888"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘14/11/08 Cambodia – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Phnom Penh, Siem Reap/Angkor</span></span></a><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/08/2014
Saturday – Phnom Penh<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
took a taxi to the airport. I saw off Feri & family for their 13:30 flight
to Iran. I then tried to check in for my 470.00 MYR 15:15-16:00 (+1:00 hr)
flight to Phnom Penh but I was told I needed on onward ticket out of Cambodia.
I therefore purchased a returned ticket to KL – as AirAsia had no flights from
Phnom Penh to Laos – to be able to board the plane. Although, the last window I
tried to check in did not ask me for my onward ticket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
the airport in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Phnom
Penh</span></b>, I paid $35 for a tourist visa – no one asked for the onward
ticket – and then took a taxi ($12) for the short ride to my hostel, <b>Aqua Boutique</b> ($35). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/09/2014
Sunday – Phnom Penh<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a simple breakfast at the hostel and then headed out to explore the city.
It was less chaotic than what I expected even though it seemed that every resident
had a motorbike and was engaged in the tuk-tuk business. I walked around the
grounds of a temple near my hostel and then headed to the Royal Palace. I
visited the National Museum and had “amok fish ravioli” at ‘Blue Pumpkin’. I
walked to the National Monument. On the way to the hostel I bought a coconut;
the cold aplenty juice was a delicious refreshment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">After
a rest, I walked to the river and took a cruise boat as it was leaving the
port. The crowd was very subdued, very different from the Chinese I had seen on
the cruise boats in China. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a meal at Beirut near the Tourist Boats Deck and then walked back to my
hostel on rather quiet streets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
left my passport with Saloth at hostel’s front desk for Vietnam Visa. He said
the charge was $65 and it would be ready the next day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/10/2014
Monday – Phnom Penh<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
visited <b>Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum</b>,
a school turned into prison by the <b>Khmer
Rouge</b> where about 20,000 people were imprisoned and tortured. As LP had
indicated, the site is not for the squeamish. There were vivid pictures and
scenes of the torture everywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then took a tuk tuk to <b>Choeung Ek
(Killing Fields)</b>, about 15km out of the town, the site of the mass graves
of the prisoners of Tuol Sleng. It was an eerie day – the signs of cruelty and
savagery were everywhere, from the torture beds and cells, the smashing of
skulls with hammers, the cutting of throats with a sharp tree blade, and the
pits where the guards would smash the children on trees, before killing their
mothers, so that the children would not revenge them one day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">On
the way back, as I had not had the tuk tuk driver wait for me, I asked a
Japanese visitor if I could share the ride back in town and he agreed. The
driver took a more scenic shortcut this time. In some areas the floodwater was
so high that we had to lift our feet from the floor of the tuk tuk not to get
wet, yet the traffic was heavy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
asked the driver to stop at Central Market, where I saw a large squid being
grilled and I asked for it. It was delicious, with a somewhat sweet sauce. At
the end when I asked for the bill, the price of the squid was $9 and I thought
I was being overcharged. I asked the price of a large raw squid at a fish stand
and it was $7. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
the hostel, Saloth, the attendant told me that my Vietnam Visa was ready. I also booked a $35 speedboat ride to Siem
Reap-Angkor Wat for the next day. Per as the brochure, it is a 6-hr ride vs.
the 4-hr bus ride. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/11/2014
Tuesday – Phnom Penh-Siem Reap<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
was told the tuk tuk will pick me up at 07:30 but the driver of a van was there
at 07:10. There was also a Swiss man taking the same speedboat to Siem Reap. We
departed at 07:30 and arrived at <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Siem Reap</span></b> at 14:30. The ride was very
pleasant. I stayed on the deck for the whole duration of the trip in the
pleasant cool wind and overcast sky – therefore the sun did not burn too much.
The scenery was varied, with changing width of the river, and as we got closer
to the destination, the river got so wide that the shores were not visible. On
the narrower parts there were fishermen, floating villages, and farms and
temples and mosques on the shores. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
the destination, Cou Cou, the arranged tuk tuk driver picked me up but his
vehicle ran out of gas after a few kilometers. Another driver who stopped to
help got a gas bottle from a stand a few hundred meters away and we were able
to continue the 10km ride to my hostel, <b>The
Siem Reap Room</b> ($17.50). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">After
checking in I went for a walk in the town. It was too touristy and somewhat
dusty, with heavy traffic. I headed back to my room early to be ready for the
05:00 pickup by Cou Cou to visit Angkor Wat ($16).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/12/2014
Wednesday – Siem Reap/Angkor<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
woke up at 04:30 and when I went out, I saw a new driver was waiting for me.
Possibly Cou Cou had found another customer and had contracted me to this new
driver. We headed for the ticket office. There were about eight windows and
there was a long line in front of all of them. I purchased a 2-day ticket for
$40 and we continued to <b>Angkor Wat</b>.
The road was already crowded with many tuk tuks and some bikes. At Angkor Wat,
we waited by a pond to view the sunrise over the buildings. I toured the
magnificent temple before driving to <b>Ta
Phram</b>, another beautiful Wat. Many parts of the temple were covered with
the roots of the banyan trees that gave them a more ancient mysterious feel. We
then drove to <b>Angkor Thom </b>where I
visited <b>Bayon</b>, the temple with many
huge faces of Buddha, and <b>Baphuon</b>, a
temple built in the form of a ziggurat.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/13/2014
Thursday – Siem Reap/Angkor<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had breakfast at the hostel courtyard before being picked up by the tuk tuk
driver that the hostel had called for me. I visited the following temples:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Roluos
: Angkor Bakon, Angkor Preah, Angko Leilo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Mebon,
Preah Khan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Terrace
of the Elephants, Phimeanakas (Royal Palace) just next to Baphuon, Angkor Thom
temple I had visited the day before, Leper King Terrace, Preah Palilay Temple
(a small temple across the road from Leper King Terrace)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Phnom
Bakheng – Located on a hill with a good view of the surroundings. It rained
heavily and I had to shelter inside one of the smaller temples. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Of
all the temples, <b>Preah Khan</b> was the
largest and the most impressive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
driver then dropped me off at my hostel. I went out to have a scan of my
passport for Myanmar visa, and had a grilled fish dinner at a lively outdoor
restaurant.. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/14/2014
Friday – Siem Reap-Day Tour<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
was the first passenger to be picked up for the day trip I had booked the day
before. We then picked up an Indian couple and a Chinese couple, Li Yi, an
articulate person and his soft-mannered wife (</span><a href="mailto:LiYial@163.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">LiYial@163.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">) from Kunming. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
biked for an hour, visited a village market, and then took the boat to the
house of a local person for lunch. The house was built on the river. We had to
take off shoes, caps and even sunglasses before entering the house. We then
took the boat to another village, visited a small school and rode on the boat
again for some time. As the tides were rising we had to make the trip short. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">On
the way back I asked to be dropped off at the town market where I walked around
for some time and then walked back to my hostel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/15/2014
Saturday – Siem Reap-Phnom Penh<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
woke up at 05:00 for my 06:00 van ride to the boat for <b>Battambang</b>. The riverbanks looked familiar and similar to what I
had only seen on the way from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Only after we reached
our destination, Phnom Penh, I found out that I had taken the wrong boat. There
were two boats at the deck and the driver had dropped me off the wrong boat.
When the guard checked my ticket before boarding he did not notice I was
boarding the wrong baot. I should have verified the destination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
asked a tuk tuk driver for a ride to <b>Natural
House</b>, a LP recommended hostel. He approved of the place and said if I was
planning to stay only one night, <b>Queen
Wood Hotel</b> is a better choice. I agreed and at the hotel I asked the
receptionist to look at the room that she was going to give me ($35). When the
attendant showed it to me and saw the disapproval look on my face he led me to
a nicer room with two windows and I took it. I had a decent Amok Fish Curry at
Chip and Chat and then walked around the town. When I stopped at the Natural
House and asked to look at one of their rooms ($20), I liked it better than the
room at Natural House – especially as the teapot was metal and not plastic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/16/2014
Sunday – Phnom Penh-Chau Doc, Vietnam<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to the boat station and purchased a ticket ($24) for the 12:00-17:00
Phnom Penh-Chau Doc, a Vietnam border town near the border. I then visited the <b>post office</b> and stopped by the park and
watched the children enjoying the rides. The was a well-dressed couple with the
most adorable two-year old triplets, in cute tops and puffed out shorts with
smiling faces. They were having a ball riding the tube slide. I then did some
more walking before going back to the hotel, packed up and took a tuk tuk to
the boat station. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">As
we were boarding the boat the sound of the prayer from a mosque across the
river, about 2 km away, could be heard.
The boat ride was pleasant. There were about 10 people in the boat with
a capacity of about 34. We stopped at the Cambodia immigration and <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Vietnam</span></b>
Immigration for about one hour of formalities. I was going to buy an ice coffee
in Vietnam stop but when the female vendor picked up the ice with her hands for
the coffee of the man in front of me I changed my mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<h1 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416204889"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘14/11/16 Vietnam – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Chau Doc, Saigon, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Sapa, Halang
Bay-Cat Ba</span></span></a><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/16/2014
Sunday – Phnom Penh-Chau Doc, Vietnam<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Chau Doc</span></b>
I got a cyclo ride ($1) to <b>Hai Chau
Hotel</b>, about 500 meters away from the deck, but they were full. I asked the
driver to take me to <b>Thrung Nguyen,</b>
which was on the same block. The very pleasant and soft-spoken receptionist
offered me a decent double room ($17) as there were no more single rooms
available. I then went out for a walk. I stopped at Bay Bong for a delicious
Fish hot pot, with many vegetables and enlivened with the sweetness of
pineapple and sourness of tamarind pieces – almost similar to the soups I would
get from Saigon Restaurant on second Ave in NYC. The awakening of the taste
buds also reminded me of Robin Williams’ ‘Good Morning Vietnam.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked around the small town center – by the market and the temple. The
cyclo drivers were less of a hassle here than in Cambodia. At the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">templeI
lingered for some time to watch the prayer ceremony in a pleasant breeze. There
were three outdoor platforms where people would approach, pay their respect,
say a prayer and then kneel down for repeated bowings. I noticed how similar
their movements were to the movements of Moslems’ prayers. As if one was
adapted from the other one. A beautiful formal hymn was in session at the main
prayer hall – with attendants in long robe uniforms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">People
in general were friendly. Young kids would occasionally say hello with a smile.
I had thought that with the involvement of the French and the Americans in
their country there would be some reserved resentment towards foreigners. The
standards of living were somewhat better than Siem Reap – a city of equal size,
though with much more income with the hordes of foreign tourists to Angkor Wat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/17/2014
Monday – Chau Doc,-Saigon<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went out for a walk and tried an ATM at a bank with all the logos affixed to it
but the transaction failed. I tried a second back that fortunately worked. I
then had breakfast at the hostel, packed, and went to the lobby at 09:30 and
asked for a 10:00 AM bus ticket ($8) to Saigon. The male attendant called a
number and quickly arranged it. We had a chat. He said he was 30 years old, had
been working at the hotel for ten years, his work shift was 09:00 PM-01:00 PM,
seven days a week, and his monthly salary was $120. I felt bad for him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Shortly
the pick up van arrived and took me and the other few passengers that were
already on board to the bus station about ten minutes away. The bus shortly
arrived. It was a sleeping bus, newer and in better shape than the sleeping bus
I had taken in Kunming-Shangri la trip. We had to take off the shoes prior to
boarding the bus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
scenery was varied. Throughout the first five hours of a 6-hour trip we were
driving through residential areas and continuous towns, no farms or open
spaces. The houses and commercial buildings were neat, except for the large and
small metal houses that were built at or on the rivers - which happened to come
into views every couple of miles. We had to cross a river in a boat at one
point. The boat was large enough that it accommodated two large buses parked
next to each other. There were no signs of any high-rises until we arrived in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Saigon</span></b>.
We drove in an area where the rice paddies were in view for a short while. Most
had half dozen square structures – somewhat similar to graves, or stupas. At one bathroom stop, we got off and I went
to the bathroom and walked around the market for some time. When I returned the
bus was not there. I checked the half dozen buses that were parked around but
there was no sign of my bus. I circled the buses again desperately – as I had
left my smaller backpack also in the bus with the laptop and everything else. I
was wearing slippers. After every worrisome minutes a young girl approached me
and told me that she was in my bus and the bus had gone to the parking and will
return shortly. I was relieved. Her name was Phuong (</span><a href="mailto:TrinhPhuong265@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">TrinhPhuong265@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> ). She was doing her masters in
Vietnamese Studies. She also teached. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
waited for a whil, she checked with the information desk and they confirmed the
bus would return shortly. Then in the public announcement system it was
announced that the bus was being repaired. Finally, the bus showed up after about
40 minutes – I was not going to complain, as things could have been a lot
worse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
Saigon the flow of the motorbikes – while heavy throughout the bus trip - got
even heavier. They had taken control of the streets. The cars seemed like an
afterthought – only second-class citizens – or maybe just a luxury. It was like the march of an endless army of
the civilian riders – though very unorganized. The flow reminded me of the
assembly line in the movie, “Modern Times”. One moment of distraction, and a poor
passerby would be in big trouble. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
the bus station, I took a taxi to LP’s <b>Madam
Cuc 127 Hostel</b>. It was rather a long drive – through the army of the
bikes. The old Madam was sitting in the
lobby. I asked a couple of guests in the
lobby how they were managing with the bikes. One of them said her bag was
cutoff from her shoulder with a razor the night before and her phone was gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
asked for a restaurant recommendation from the attendant and she recommended <b>Quan an Ngon</b> at 160 Pasture Street. The
restaurant was a lovely multi-story spacious building, with a large pool in the
main courtyard. The food was just as enjoyable. I made it in one piece walking
there and walking back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/18/2014
Tuesday – Saigon<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
visited the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
Town Hall – It was under renovation and I could not get in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Public
Library<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Reunification-Independence
Palace (ex presidential Palace)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Notre
Dame Cathedral (closed)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Post
Office – a beautiful French nouveau building
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Museum
of Vietnamese History<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
Hung Kings Temple- Erected by the French in 1926 as a WWI Memorial<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">War
Remnants Museum – heavy war propaganda exhibition with many pictures of the
injured <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had lunch at <b>Hua Tuc</b>, in a converted
opium refinery courtyard, warm settings, with wooden posts and metal
chandeliers – The food was delicious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/19/2014
Wednesday – Saigon<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">During
the breakfast I asked the friendly receptionist at Madam Cuc for a plane ticket
to Hue. He checked Vietnam Airlines that had a ticket for the next day for
60,000 VND with only 2 tickets remaining. She asked me to hurry up and
purchased it; but I sat for breakfast and by the time I made it back to my room
the seats were gone and the next price was 180,000 VND – the breakfast cost me 120,000 VND. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to the <b>Ho-Chi-Minh Museum</b>, a
decent collection of city’s historical artifacts and pictures; it was also a
venue for wedding pictures – as the admission was free. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then lunched at nearby <b>Huang Lai</b>
Restaurant, staffed by disadvantaged youth. The food and service were both good
and the place was a pleasant spot to hang out for a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked to <b>Central Mosque</b> - on a
block with Starbucks and many Halal food eateries - a simple structure, but it
became lively when a busload of Moslem tourists arrived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to the river and then continued walking towards my hostel. I stopped at
a bakery but it was too inside hot and as I was stepping out, another guy –
somehow reminding me of Bill Karl at Pfizer, whom I had seen leaving the
pharmacy next door with a rather large backpack, looking like a Pharma
salesperson, stepped out. We settled for another cooler coffee shop next door.
We started talking. He introduced himself as Steven Baker of Boston, an English
teacher in Saigon for the past two years. He had studied Chinese in Beijing for
a while and had visited a few countries in Far East, though had not visited
much of Vietnam in the past two years. He had a good knowledge of the history
of the Far East that we talked about for a while. He, like his siblings, born
to Christian parents, is an atheist. He commented that religious people think
of atheists as immoral. He has many
Moslem friends in Saigon and enjoys Halal food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">After
a rest in my room I went out to a massage parlor, administrated by the blind, a
few doors away from my hostel. The fee was $3.50 for an air-conditioned room
and $3.00 for a room with a fan. The receptionist gave a ticket for $3.50. I
pointed to a fan and he put a ticket for $3.00 on the table. The massage was
done by a woman – a bit more tenderly than the one in KL. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then had dinner, a rice noodle soup, Pho, and water morning glory at Dinh Y,
also steps away from my hostel for $3.50. The bill for the night, for the
massage and tip, and a three-course meal, came to $9.50. Life can be good under
Communism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a chat with the helpful receptionist at the hostel. She said that she
worked 16 hours a day, seven days a week. I did not dare to ask her pay. She
took my Hue flight departure info for the next day to call a cab for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/20/2014
Thursday – Da Nang-Hoi An<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
private taxi that Tyh, the helpful staff at Madam Cuc had arranged ($10) showed
up at 13:30, Thye saw me to the car. The driver and his friend drove the short
distance to the airport located within the city limits. It was a tiny airport.
At the airport I had a chat with a very delicate, feminine looking 30 year old
man who was going to Hanoi for a job interview. He said he liked travelling but
due to lack of money had not been able to travel much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> I had two bottles of water with me. One was
inside a backpack and the other one in an outside pocket. They passed the x-ray
but then a guard noticed the visible one, wrote my name in a book, and had me
sign it. My flight was delayed for one hour and my gate was changed from 10 to
2 and back to 10 again. The only announcement that could be heard was about
delay of the flights and changing of the gates – which was going on
continuously. Luckily I made it to Da Nang, where I took a taxi ($25) to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Hoi An</span></b>
and checked in at <b>Thien Nga</b> Hotel
($35), with a room with a good view of the rice paddies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to <b>Little Menu</b> Restaurant in
the rain and had a very nice meal of Sea Bass in Banana Leaf.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/21/2014
Friday – Hoi An<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
visited the <b>Old Town</b> and the five
sites that my admission ticket allowed me. I walked the rest of the day in the
lovely town. I had a great lunch at <b>Morning
Glory</b> Restaurant, which looked like an institution in town. Actually, it is
owned by the person who opened Mermaid - the first restaurant in town in 1992.
I tried Mermaid for dinner – where the owner had written a good biography of
how he started his business. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/22/201/4
Saturday – Hoi An-Hue<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked towards <b>Tra Que village</b> and
stopped the <b>Japanese trader tomb</b>
where there were some water buffalos grazing in the rice fields. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then took a short walk in the old town and had a good chicken curry with
coconut at Indian Ganesh. I went back to my hotel. A man on a bike showed up to
lead me and another passenger who was also going to Hue to the bus for our
trip. The man offered to carry the trunk of the traveler on his bike. The young
man ended up holding tight while following the man a block away – I guess
concerned that he would take off with his trunk. The bus showed up on the
corner immediately and the concern was resolved. We had a sleeping bus for the
3-hour trip. In Da Nang a Vietnamese man boarded the bus with his family. He is
an employee of the Ministry of the Health. We had a long chat on Vietnam
culture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Hue</span></b>
I stopped at <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Jade
Hotel</span></b>, a few steps away form the bus station, but they were full.
The young girl at the reception called <b>Hue
Nino</b>, another LP hotel and they said they would send someone to pick me up.
A man on a bike showed up shortly and we rode to his hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to a LP restaurant, but I think the address was wrong as I could not see
a restaurant at that address. Later on I was told they were possibly closed on
that day. While walking, I stumbles into Jade Hostel and asked the same helpful
receptionist for a place to eat. She recommended <b>Serene Restaurant</b>, a few steps away from them. The dinner was very
good – with two very friendly waitresses, Sami and Amy. Sami told me that both
Jade and Serene are owned by the same person.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/23/2014
Sunday – Hue<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I walked to <b>citadel</b>, the palace of the Nguyen Dynasty, a succession of 13
emperors, who ruled from <span style="background: white; color: #252525;">1802 to
1945 when the last king abdicated and Ho Chi Minh took over. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">The
palace was heavily bombed by the French and the Americans. The Purple Forbidden
City was for the most part destroyed. Yet there is enough to represent the
glamour and elegance of the place. I almost spent 6-hours walking around the
many courtyards and buildings, all done tastefully, less pompous then the
Beijing’s Forbidden City, but with more charm.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I stopped
at a beautiful building inside the citadel, turned into a restaurant, for
refreshment. After finishing my drink I got up and went to check upstairs.
Suddenly I saw that all the staff was running around the building – two girls
who were folding toilet papers into fancy napkins and had fallen asleep after a
while and the other two girls who were having their steam rice and I had not
wanted to interrupt them to ask for my bill. Soon a young man showed up. He was
talking on his radio. I was watching the scene from the terrace of he second
floor and soon I figured out they had started a manhunt for me. This went on
for a few minutes until one of them saw me and notified the other ones and the
search operation was terminated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I went
to the Royal Theater for a Orchestra performance at 02:30 but the saleswoman
told me that they needed at least five customers to perform the show and as it
was almost past 02:30 and I was the only customer the show was going to be
cancelled. I asked a few guys around to join the performance but did not
succeed to persuade them. Soon a French Couple sat at front row. I told them
the situation and asked the woman if she wanted to share the cost of five
tickets among three of us. She said, “Then you will buy two tickets and we will
buy three?” I nodded. After a minute three Chinese tourists stopped by. I
invited them to the show and they agreed, therefore one ticket per person was
OK. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I stopped
at LP’s <b>Mandarin restaurant</b>. The
owner, Mr. Cue, who is also a photographer, was there and we had a chat. He
brought his album for me a watch. It was a beautiful collection. He also
brought a book on history of Vietnam and a book on Vietnam War for me to glance
at. The food was decent and very inexpensive, but during the couple of hours
that I was there only a couple of customers showed up. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/24/2014
Monday – Hue<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went on a day trip tour to following sites.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo11; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Minh
Mang Tomb<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo11; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Khai
Dinh Tomb<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo11; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Martial
Art of Kinh Van An<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo11; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Tu
Duc Tomb<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo11; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Conical
hat making and incense making village<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
the afternoon we visited the following by boat:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo12; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">An
Hien Garden House – Belonged to a Mandarin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo12; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Thien Mu Pagoda – A 5 story tall pagoda, with
some political history – A monk, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thich_Quang_Duc" title="Thich Quang Duc"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Thich Quang Duc</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">, drove
from here to burn himself to death in 1963 to protest lack of freedom </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thi%C3%AAn_M%E1%BB%A5_Pagoda"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thi%C3%AAn_M%E1%BB%A5_Pagoda</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">. The car
that drove him was on exhibition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">A
Swiss girl from Geneva was sitting next to me. She had quit her marketing job
in Geneva and was checking a cooking school in New York throughout the bus
trip. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/25/2014
Tuesday – Hue-Hanoi<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
visited the town’s market – a huge space next to the bus station<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
stopped at <b>Café Nina</b> that per as
Wiki Travel was supposed to be a great restaurant. It was nothing to write home
about. They should have had either a great PR or the pretty waitress had done
the trick. The Swiss girl showed up and sat at another table so that she could
smoke. she hardly looked up from her phone throughout the meal. She also
commented that the food was nothing special. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
visited the <b>Ho Chi Minh Museum</b>. I
was the only visitor and therefore the lights and the fans were turned on for
me. During the couple of hours I was there, no one else showed up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
was stopped by a student for an impromptu interview while walking by the river
to my hostel along the river, A half dozen other students soon joined to
practice their English. As I had ½ hour with nothing to do, we talked about our
countries and the importance of learning English language. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
the hostel, the driver showed up at 18:00. We had a short delay and landed in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Hanoi</span></b>
at 21:00. I took taxi to <b>May Deville
Hotel</b> ($25).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/26/2014
Wednesday – Hanoi<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
visited the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Memorial
House, a Heritage House restored in 2000, with some original furniture and a
working kitchen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Jewelry
Communal House, restored in 2009 aftre removing 25 households with 83 members<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Hoan
Kiem Lake<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Ngoc
Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Compound
of Diocese of Hanoi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">St.
Joseph Cathedral<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Maison
Central-Hoa Lo Prison Museum, French prison of Vietnamese Resistance 1896-1954<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Temple
of Literature-Dedicated to Confucius in 1070<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then had a lovely meal at <b>Koto
Restaurant</b>. The Green Mango Salad and it was delicious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/27/2014
Thursday – Hanoi<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
did book tours to Sapa ($145), Cat Ba ($250), and Laos’ Luang Prahbang flight
($138 vs. Laos Air Website of $168). The knowledgeable and helpful travel
agency clerk, Mrs. Lien (01639711799 – at Hotel du Center Ville) gave me her
number to contact her in case of problems.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
stopped at LP Pho Thin to try their Pho Bo (Beef noodle soup). It was OK. A
young man showed up and tried to sell me the folding cards as I was walking
around the lake. When I told him I did not need them, he offered me a tour of
the city on the back of his bike. He asked for 300,000 VND per hour and we
settled for 500,000 for a 3-hour tour. He was an intelligent 31-year old man.
We visited the French Quarter, and the Fruit market where we had some tea and
also a good <b>Ban Cha</b> at another stop.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Some
of his comments were:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">There
is freedom of religion in Vietnam, as the church provides some free schooling.
His sister converted to Christianity a few years ago and his Buddhist family
was OK with that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
government has given the church some freedom but does have some informers
there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
government should be working with Mafia in distribution of heroin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
government provided some soldiers to Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war in lieu of
the payments for the oil purchases.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">His
rent is $150/mo plus $30 in utilities, including internet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">One-half
of the Vietnamese have stomach problem, possibly due to the water or lack of
hygiene. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
ate at pleasant <b>New Day Restaurant</b> where
I had a chat with a German, who has been to Vietnam a few times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">As
I was walking around the lake, I met Mai and Sinh. We had a chat about our
countries and life. They are Journalism and Law students who have part time
jobs to pay for their expenses and $150 annual tuition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/28/2014
Friday – Hanoi-Sapa<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
was picked up at my hotel at 6:45 and we drove to the bus terminal for Sapa. It
was a sitting bus, as I had asked for, though, very comfortable. The road, with
vey light traffic, had been just opened two months ago, cutting travel time from 11 hours to 5 ½
hours..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Sapa</span></b>,
all passengers dispersed. The conductor led me the to lobby of a hotel and in a
few minutes a guy on motorbike showed up and took me to <b>hotel Summit</b>. I got a decent room with a beautiful view of the town
and the mountains. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">After
a lunch of fried fish, I walked about 10KM to Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall) and
took a van back to the lively town square where the native women and children
with beautiful costumes were the main attraction for the tourists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/29/2014
Saturday – Hanoi<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
waited in the lobby of the hotel for the badly organized tour operators for our
trek to <b>Y Lin Ho Village </b>(The Black
H’mong Tribe) and <b>Lao Chai Village</b>,
Ta Van Village inhabited by Dzay minorities exhibiting a strong Chinese
culture. Finally, we departed in a team
of eight visitors and twelve native women.
The scenery through the terraced rice fields splendid. The natives accompanied
us until after lunch. Each found a sponsor – in my case, Ye, a 9-year old
girl.She kept walking within two steps ahead or behind me throughout. At times
when I sped up she could keep ahead of me without even running. When the going
got rough, she would turn back to keep an eye on me. She was a great companion.
She reminded me of the behavior of Pavlov, the dog who kept my company in
Sitra, Portugal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">She
knew how to say, “What is your name?” and “What country are your from?”, but
otherwise she did not know any thing else in English.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">When
we stopped for lunch, they natives took out their wares and each sold something
to the person they had kept under watch. I pulled Ye aside and bought from her
a bag. Somehow, others found out I had given her some money and they all rushed
to me. I had to excuse myself from any more shopping. They finally left me
alone except for one who kept persisting. She said she had left her two kids
for the day and had not sold anything for the day. I finally had to give her
some money to leave me alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">11/30/2014
Sunday – Sapa-Hanoi<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
the morning, we trekked to <b>Cat Cat, Sin
Chai</b> Village where we saw the people of the Black H’mong Tribe weaving and
embroidering their clothes. The scenery was pretty. We passed by a waterfall,
and stopped for a short time for a dance & music performance. The group was
a small one, with only six people. The native saleswomen left us alone after a
short while following us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">On
the way back I saw a native woman walking with a young girl. She stepped back
and bent her knees slightly and relieved herself on the raod. This was in
contrast with another native selling artifact by the hotel. She crossed the
street to spit in the bushes around a field – more consideration here from what
was usual in China. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Back
at the hotel I showered, had lunch, read the book that Feri had given me, “The
road with no return”, by Hossein Shahid Zadeh, a memoire starting from 1912,
when the aurthur was in the third grade. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
headed for the sleeping bus to depart for Hanoi at about 17:00. For about an hour
the bus was riding on very windy road until finally it got on the highway. We
arrived in Hanoi at about 23:00. I shared a cab with Cindy of Brazil who was in
Hanoi for an audit job. When I was boarding the driver put my luggage on the
front seat covering the meter. When Cindy was getting off, she asked to see the
meter. It showed 200,000 VND, which seemed to be a fast meter. We protested and
the driver cut the fare to 100,000 VND. Then I agreed to another 100,000 VND
for my destination that was only a short distance away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/01/2014
Monday – Hanoi<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went to the lobby of the hotel to wait for my pickup for Halang Bay- Cat Ba
trip. The receptionist said due to the typhoon all trips were cancelled. I went
to the tour company around the corner and that was the case. I was told the
tour would be postponed to the following day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then headed for the <b>Ho Shi Minh
Mausoleum</b>, though I knew it would be closed on Mondays. After some walking
I asked a hotel receptionist for the direction and she recommended to take <b>Phan Dinh Phung Street</b> as it was a
beautiful street. She was correct – indeed it was a pretty street. I stopped
for a coffee at a small plaza which was a great spot for people watching – with
locals joining friends at the outside tables, the customers parking the bikes
on the curb and the waiter parking them across the street, the shoeshine man
offering his services, and all sort of vendors selling their wares. After the
break, I continued walking one the beautiful street that by now consisted only
of governmental building – all from French era. I then stopped to watch the
mausoleum and visited <b>Ho Chi Minh Museum</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had lunch at beautiful<b> Quan An Ngon
Restaurant</b> on Phan Dinh Phung Street. The mango salad with shrimps was
great and the fried tofu in tomato sauce was the best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
tried to withdraw some cash in Old Quarter but according to the ATM my card was
expired – that was indeed the case. I called my bank for help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/02/2014
Tuesday – Hanoi-Halang Bay<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
was picked up by the “Imperial Cruise” in the morning for my tour to Halang
Bay-Cat Ba. There was a 4 ½ hrs bus ride to Halang Bay, including a 30-minute
shopping stop at a huge complex of artifacts. At <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Halang Bay</span></b> we took a small boat
to the larger “<b>Imperial Cruise Boat</b>”.
The ride was a pleasant one with a large number of huge karsts projected out of
the water all around us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Once
on board, one of the staff members made a speech on the fact the boat was just
refurbished ad every thing on it was brand new. At lunch table, I met Malcolm
McDonald (Education Advisor, Leap Ed Services Sdn Bhd </span> <a href="mailto:Malcolm.McDonald@LeapEdServices.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Malcolm.McDonald@LeapEdServices.com</span></a> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">) , a tall Australian middle age man,
whose huge luggage on the bus I had noticed, and his short but muscular
Filipino boy-friend, Brian. Also at our table was a Mexican, from ex-hippie
parent where all the family members were vegetarians. He was doing his graduate
studies in International Studies in Seoul.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
visited <b>Sung Sot Cave </b>later in the
day, and then did some kayaking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">There
was a Karaoke session after the dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">There
were no blankets in the cabin. I ended up sleeping with only a sheet, and after
the cool wind and the drizzle on the deck and blasting A/C in the van earlier
in the day I ended up with a cold and congested throat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/03/2014
Wednesday – Halang Bay<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
the morning, we took a small boat to ride to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Cat Ba</span></b> Island for the overnight
stay in the cabins. We stopped at an Oyster farm where they produced
pearls. The rain had started and the
cool wind was making my cold a bit more serious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
Cat Ba, after lunch, I idled and read for a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/04/2014
Thursday – Cat Ba-Hanoi<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
took a boat from the cabins in Cat Ba Island for the one-hour ride to the
Imperial Cruise Boat. While riding to the Halang Bay we had a cooking session
where one of the staff members demonstrated how to make spring rolls and every
one tried to participate in the trial. We had lunch and after arrival in Halang
bay waited for about 10 minutes for our bus to Hanoi. We arrived in Hanoi at
17:00. At hotel I was handed over my emergency card but when I tried it at the
ATM machine it did not work. I called the Visa hotline and after entering the
card number, the automated voice response system announced that my card had
been activated. I went back to the ATM machine, and on second unsuccessful try,
the machine retained my card. I contacted VISA but they said there was nothing
they could do and added that I had to work with the the Allianze Bank. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then took out some cash with my other card and walked to the <b>Opera House</b> where I met Malcolm and
Brian who had just arrived there. I purchased a ticket for 200,000 VND and the
sales clerk agreed to give us three adjacent seats. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
Concert was better than I had expected, with a performance of Rimsky-Korsakov <b>Scheherazade</b> and the Opera House, built
in 1910, was beautiful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/05/2014
Friday – Hanoi-Luang Prahbang, Laos<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
went to the ANZ bank branch at 08:30 to request the return of my card. The
receptionist called the Customer Service Department and the woman who took the
call promised to help to return the card prior to my 09:30 departure to Laos.
By the time I returned to the hotel they had left a message for me. When I
called back the person who answered the call knew about my situation and said
someone will be dispatched shortly. I remained in the lobby and at 09:30 the
receptionist of Essence Hotel where the ATM was located stopped by to inform me
that the ANZ representative had retrieved my card. I went to his hotel, paid
the $10 fee for early retrieval and got back my card. I then went to the travel
agency where I had purchased my flight ticket to Laos. The taxi arrived at
09:50 and Mrs. Lin, the agent, saw me to the taxi and said goodbye. I arrived
at the airport at 10:40. The plane took off at 12:00 and we arrived in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Luang Prahbang</span></b>
at 13:20. I was granted a 30-day visa on arrival for $35. I then purchased a
cab voucher for 50,000 KIPs and took a taxi to <b>Nora Singh</b> Guesthouse. After checking in I noticed that I was the
wrong place, as the sign on the front door read “Sita - Nora Sing” at Chao
Sisouphahn Rd, Ban Aham </span><a href="http://www.sitanorasingh.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">www.SitaNoraSingh.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">. I decided to stay there. I then went
for a walk in the beautiful streets of the town. The buildings were all
charming, but every single one, beside the temples, was converted to a store,
satisfying the tourists’ needs. I walked for a few hours. On the way back to
hotel I could not find it and it seemed no one knew the place. After a long
search I went to the original ‘Nora Singh” where the lady who seemed to be the
owner knew the address of my hostel. She contacted my hostel and told them know
I was lost. She then gave me the directions and the phone number of the place
and this time I was able to locate the place.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
could hardly speak today with a congested throat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<h1 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416204890"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">‘14/12/05 Laos – </span></a><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Luang Prabang, Vientiane</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/06/2014
Saturday – Luang Prahbang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked around the town and enjoyed the beautiful scenes and architecture of the
Wats and buildings with a French influenced designs and much wood. It is amazing how much warmth and character
wood can give to any design. I am surprised that it not more widely utilized in
modern settings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked on <b>Bamboo Bridge</b> on <b>Nam Khan River</b> to the other side of the
town where I had a leisurely pot of Lao tea at expansive Dyen Sabai Restaurant.
I then returned to the town on the <b>Old
Bridge</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
visited Wat Visounnarth and the beautiful <b>Wat
Xienthong</b>, where the young monks were playing an inspiring music inside a
cage-like room. I entered the ground of <b>Khoum
Xieng Thong Guesthouse</b> </span><a href="http://www.khoumxiengthong.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">www.khoumxiengthong.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> and I liked the calm and beautiful
place with a lovely small fishpond. I took a room there for the next day. I
walked for a few hours around the peaceful and chic area at this end of the
town, where <b>Nam Khan </b>is branched out
of <b>Mekong River</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Today
I had a good breakfast of French Baguette and homemade jam, though with
packaged butter, and a pot of coffee at <b>Cafe
Bat Van Sene</b>. I later noticed it was a LP recommended café. I also had a
good lunch of pumpkin soup and Mekong River fish, both with much flavors,
including lemongrass and coconut milk, at LP<b> Café Toui</b>. I saw the young Korean girl, whom I had taken for a
native and had asked for the location of the restaurant. She had approached me
earlier in the day to ask if I lad found the place - that is what happens in a
small town. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">For
dinner I had a tasty barbecued fish (25,000 Kips - $1=8,050 kip), again with
lemongrass at one of the sidewalk cafes off the main drag. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/07/2014
Sunday – Luang Prabang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a good breakfast of French bread and a rich coffee. I then went back to my
room, checked out and took a tuk tuk to my new room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
sat outside to read. Immediately the sound of construction from a villa to my
left and the banging from the Wat to right started. I used my headphone and it
worked. Then the stubborn flies – I had read about them - started hovering
about. I got rid of a few of them. By
the late afternoon, the mosquitoes appeared also. I got up, walked to the Old
Quarter, and did some walking there. When I returned to my room by 19:00, I
could hear music and loud conversation from the Wat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/08/2014
Monday – Luang Prabang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Today
was another lazy relaxing day. I walked around the town and visited a few small
temples before visiting <b>Phou Si/Chomsy
Hill</b>, which covers most of the old quarter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
chatted with Sith, a 14-year curious student monk. He spoke decent English
after studying it for 2 years. He has been living at temple for four years.
Before that, in his village, where they speak only their tribal language, he
did not even speak Lao language. His parents were not happy with his decision
to join the temple since they had to pay for his robe and his almsgiving
basket. He asked me many questions on many subjects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
called Bahram in the evening to send me my ATM card he had received in the
mail. The connection was bad and he could hardly hear me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/09/2014
Tuesday – Luang Prabang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
checked my email first thing in the morning. I had asked Bahram to drop me a
note to confirm he had received my email when I emailed him my address last
night. There was no email from him. I
had to call his shop a half dozen times since he could not hear me. Finally, I
managed a good connection and he confirmed that he had shipped my card. That
was an unpleasant process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a lazy day, aging just walking around the town. I had a good breakfast at
French <b>Le Banneton</b>, and a very good
lunch at <b>Tamarind</b>. I took a chance
and had the stalls food at the night market. I hope I will be OK since I picked
up mostly the cooked stuff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">It
was another pleasant day to enjoy the charm, peace, and novelty of the city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/10/2014
Wednesday – Luang Prabang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Another
day, another breakfast at Le Banneton, another lunch at Tamarind – a delicious
stuffed lemongrass - and a dinner of Duck with OJ sauce at Café Tuie and a few
rounds around the town and the temples. This routine is almost becoming an
addiction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
also had a very good massage at <b><span style="background: white;">L'Hibiscus Spa</span></b><span style="background: white;">
for 60,000 Kips.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/11/2014
Thursday – Luang Prabang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
finally tried the noodle soup at <b>Xieng
Thong Noodle Shop</b> around the corner; it was OK. I then visited the <b>National Museum</b>. It had an elaborate main reception room, but most
of other room were not too extravagant – possibly sign of a humble monarchy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
ate again at Tamarind. By now, the staff was getting warmer. The Pakistani-Canadian female manager treated
me with some dry bamboo shoots as snack and the headwaiter treated me with a
free dessert. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to the other side of the Nam Khan Bridge. When I asked for the direction
for Wat vipssanaram form a biker, he turned a familiar face whom I could not
remember – either from a travel agency or a restaurant. He offered me a ride
and took me to Wat Paphonphao Vacnaram. I then found Wat Vipssana nearby. I
took a walk back to town center to the night market. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
bought a grilled fish and sat to eat. A solo female traveler sat at my table.
She was a geologist from Berkeley, CA.
She had sneaked away from her Hindu group to eat some chicken. We talked
about organic food. Then a Parisian man joined us. He had left home after
retirement as he did not care much for Paris and had settled in </span><a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Samui" title="Ko Samui"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ko Samui</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">, Thailand for the past four years. He
was also a geologist who has been working in Iran one week a month for the past
year. He was very impressed with the hospitality and friendliness of the
Iranians. Then another young woman joined us. I asked whether she was American or
Chinese. She said she was from Seattle of Thai background. She could speak some
Thai with the French. It was interesting how the connections were made like the
dots of a circle. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/12/2014Friday
– Luang Prabang<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had another enjoyable breakfast at Le Banneton and lunched at Coconut dinner at
Tamarind. Otherwise, I did nothing, but just walking along the two rivers, and
having a chat with a couple of monks at a wat. It is amazing how little can
make a day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
booked a flight to Vientiane for tomorrow (740,000 kip). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/13/2014
Saturday – Luang Prabang-Vientiane<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
woke up early and walked to <b>Wat Sop</b>
next door to view the almsgiving ceremony of the people. There was a long row
of seats and blankets with baskets of foods consisting of sticky rice, packages
of cookies, candies and other stuff. The almsgivers were sitting politely and
soon as the monks started marching in front of them with extended jars, the
almsgivers would place the pieces in their jars while kneeling. There were many
kids lined up on the curb with bags that initially I could not figure out what
they were for. I then saw that the monks would pass on whatever food that they
did not need to the kids. The givers were all Asians. It was an interesting
spectacle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then stopped by at Le Banneton for my last breakfast. I young French man joined
me at my table. We talked about the charm of Luang Prabang and the snobbishness
of the French – we both agreed on that point.
He recommended visiting <b>Corsica
and the Pyrenees</b> in low season around March and April for their beauty and
peacefulness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Back
at the hotel I paid my bill, took a tuk tuk (50k>30k kips) to airport. Upon
boarding my plane at 13:05, I could not see row F where my seat was supposed to
be. When I asked the flight attendant I found out I had boarded the Bangkok
plane and at the gate they had let me in the plane without noticing the error.
They had only checked that my name on the ticket matched the name in the
passport. To get off, the passengers behind me had to get off as the aisle was
too narrow for me to get out with them on my way. I then had to wait for the ½
delay for the ½ hr flight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
checked in at <b>Siry 1 </b>in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Vientiane</span></b>,
located in a quiet area, while close to everything. I then checked a few other
hotels and they were all full. The friendly hyperactive attendant at a juice
store told me that December is the high season in Vientiane.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a decent lunch at Café Lao, though service was awful. All four wait staff
were hiding behind a counter busy with their phones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/14/2014
Sunday – Vientiane </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had breakfast at popular Western restaurant Joma who also had a few stores in
Luang Prabang. I then took a walk in the park overlooking Mekong River, passed
by the humongous unfitting – for a poor communist country - presidential palace
where I had a chat with a native who lived in Australia. He said he hoped that
someday soon there would be free elections in his country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then visited <b>Hor Phra Keo Museum</b>, in
an elegant former temple and <b>Putaxi</b>.
I had a long walk around the town and lunched at <b>Istanbul</b> where I had a chat with Egyptian Sharif Omar and a few of
his friends. Sharif said he worked in Far East Asia for a few Iranian investors
in UAE. He added the Iranian were the best businesspersons. I also had a chat
with the owner and told him he would be better off cutting down his prices as
prospective customers looked at the menu and walked away. He did not get my
point of making money on the volume. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Later
I had some wine at <b>Makphet</b> and a
dinner at Japanese owned <b>Yulala</b>
where a guest at Syri joined me for a long chat. She had horror stories l of
her very long trip in China to Kashghar and Tibet – of price gouging and
unhelpfulness of everyone she had encountered. Some of her stories seemed
familiar. She is writing a book on Buddhism, criticizing it for the lack of
progress for nuns. Buddha was weary of elevating women in the ranks - comparing
them to plight of the plants. She said the Dali Lama is into Shaman dances and
mentioned the existence of the caste and class within the temple and the sexual
abuse by insertion between the thighs of the young monks by the elder monks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">She
had managed the Mandela elections as the principal commissioner and had somehow
made up 8 million votes from the unreported districts under the guidance from
UN and the election committee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/15/2014
Monday – Vientiane </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had breakfast at Le Banneton – though I liked the one in Luang Prabang more. I
then purchased a ticket to Yangon for the next day for $230 via Bangkok, on
Bangkok Air. A couple of other quotes I obtained were around $320 on Thai Air. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a decent curry fish at Lao Kitchen, a few shakes at Fruit heaven where the
lively attendant greeted me warmly – after I had left her a small tip a couple
of days earlier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
visited the city’s museum; it had beautiful grounds and inside there was a
large collection of everything from fossils to arms, pottery, handcrafts and
much propaganda materials on French colonial forces and the aggressor USA. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a long walk to <b>Wat Luang</b> – the
most important in Lao. The perimeter walls were impressive but otherwise I
liked Lunag Prabang’s temple more for their elegance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">There
was a large night market next to the temple with many food vendors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Back
at the hostel, at the front desk a young man was swearing that he had paid for
one night but he did not have a receipt to prove it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
city was peaceful; due to lack of buses and trucks, the noise level was low. It
was relatively clean, organized and with decent traffic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<h1 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416204891"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘14/12/16 Myanmar </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">– <span style="color: #0070c0;">Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay</span></span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/16/2014
Tuesday – Vientiane, Laos-Yangon </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to Scandinavian Bakery for breakfast as I had seen a few branches of it
in this city and in Lunang Prabang. Le Banneton was of higher quality – the
coffee, the bread and the ambiance. This
one was out of napkins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked back to my room, packed, and paid my bill (130,000 Kips/day). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
took a tuk tuk to the airport (40,000 kips) and got my boarding passes for both
flights to Bangkok and Yangon. The attendant asked for my onward ticket from Yangon
but I told here that I had been told I did not need one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
took off on time, at 11:40, for the one-hour flight to Bangkok. A decent meal
and drinks, including wine, were served. In Bangkok, I sat in a lounge area to
wait for my 17:50 connecting flight to Yangon. Across from me, a Thai girl kept
taking many selfies, and asked me to help with a couple. After she left, an
African family, two women and three kids took the seats across from me. They
were an active group. Once they all left and only a 10-year old girl was left
behind who after a while walked away with half dozen bags but after a few
minutes they all returned. Then the mother and two kids left and the youngest
kid and the other woman were left behind. The kid asked for her mom but she got
repeated beatings and throwings. She kept crying for ten minutes. I left the place and took the escalator
downstairs to my gate but I still could hear the crying of the child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
had a short delay, but had a pleasant one-hour flight to Yangon, again, with a
decent meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Upon
arrival in<b><span style="color: #0070c0;">
Yangon</span></b> I was surprised seeing the relatively decent airport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
immigration, there were half dozen desks, all staffed by women, and as the
plane was only half-full, the lines were manageable – though I was the first
person on line. The officer was courteous and returned to me two pictures that
I thought they needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
took a taxi outside, though I could not bargain the 8,000 Kyats fare that I was
also quoted inside the airport. The taxis were mostly new and the road was
fine, with three lanes for most of the 40-minutes trip. We passed by an elegant
BMW showroom. There were a good number of parks, and some illuminations – for
the Holidays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
checked in at my Hostel, <b>Agga,</b>
($27/day - $1=1,033 Kyats) and then went for a walk around the lively
neighborhood. Many streets were occupied by the sidewalk cafes – most were busy
with diners - though unlike Kuala Lumpur, the sidewalks were wider and more
navigable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/17/2014
Tuesday – Yangon </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had an uninspiring breakfast in the hotel and walked on <b>Pyay Road</b> towards Shwedagon Paya Temple. I passed by the embassy
row, with some charming embassies and pleasant quiet side roads. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
well-manicured People’s Park, both elegant entrances were shut. I could get in
via the entrance of a large Chinese restaurant - the only one open on the
grounds of the park; the donation to the park commissioner should have been
generous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
visited <b>Shwedagon Paya Temple</b>, one
of the most sacred Buddhist sites. It was very lively, with many pilgrims and
monks. It felt like holy grounds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then looked for Aung Thunk restaurant but I gave up finding it as the streets
had no signs so I took a taxi to it. As LP had mentioned it was like eating at
a family gathering. I had a few dishes and the bill came to $3.50. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked to the <b>Kandawgyi Lake or
Royal Lake,</b> a huge park with a beautiful large lake with wooden bridges
throughout. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
sat for a beer at a lake view restaurant at the end of the park. Two young men,
one with a guitar, were sitting next to me. They invited me to their table. The
one with the guitar, Constantine, said he did not play guitar and was waiting
for his brother who is a professional player. He was a 21- year man who had
dropped out of college after one year of studying English. To live with his
school sweetheart he had to marry her. He starts his day with a joint. He
spends most of his days drinking. He is unemployed – so is his wife. He had to
sell a piece a gold necklace to buy the $35 Johnny Walker Black Label that he
was drinking. They know him at the restaurant therefore he does not pay service
charge. He said he enjoys the rainy season as much as other times as he can
sleep a lot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">He
got up to go to toilet at one point but as there was none on the grounds of the
restaurant he needed to walk to another site. He returned to the table, picked
up an empty large bottle of water, walked to a corner chair, relieved himself,
returned to the table and threw the bottle in the lake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/18/2014
Wednesday – Yangon </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
bought an airline ticket to Mandalay for the next day from the travel agency
around the corner for $56.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
visited the following sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo13; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
General Hospital – A grand colonial building, and very busy as it seems to be
the largest medical establishment in town<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo13; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
Scott Market, a large indoor market with all kinds of vendors, including clothes
and precious stones. I met a man who said his Turkish grandparents had
immigrated here during WWII. He took me to the shop of his son, Joshua who He
sells rubies and jades. He is working with a Japanese company to open a booth
in Tehran.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo13; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sule
Pagoda – a popular pilgrimage site<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo13; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A
charming postal distribution center<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo13; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
Armenian Church – it had a very interesting history. The original Armenian
influx was from New Jolfa, Tehran in early 1700’s. They established a great
trade network along the Silk Road that Shah Abbas and the British Tea Company
tried to take over. While I was walking around, the caretaker, Ashoud,
approached me and introduced himself. He lives in Singapore. He took over the
church from an Indian crook and he has been cleaning up the grounds for the
past few months – to his credit, the church looked beautiful. The young guards
were very attentive. A few women were weaving the worn-out benches. He was a
very dedicated man. I also met Eileen of Niece. Ashoud invited us both to lunch
at Shangri-La where we had a very good lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo13; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
spent much time at the jetty by <b>Botataung
Pagoda</b>, where people of all ages, kids, teenagers, adults and the elderly
stopped by to feed the seagulls. I hung around until the beautiful sunset. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/19/2014
Thursday – Yangon </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Ashoud
had invited me to breakfast at his hotel at 09:00. When I arrived there, he was
not there and after waiting for ten minutes, I entered the restaurant. As soon as I sat down, he arrived and
apologized for being late. He had lost track of the time at the gym. He talked
about his faith and the fact that before 1991, the possession of the bible in
Armenia was a crime with a 20-year jail sentence or even worse – and the fact
that practically he was an atheist before that date. When I told him I was
single, he brought up the suitability of a missionary position for a single man
– though later when we were driving in his car to his church and I told him
that I lived in USA, he did not seem too happy about it. I assumed that they
have enough missionaries in States. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">After
some walking around I went back to my hotel, packed and took a taxi to the
airport. The city looked beautiful in daytime – as I had observed on the way
from the airport to the city upon my arrival at night. There were lots of green
spaces, many decent areas and buildings and good roads. This should be the one
of the most beautiful cities in a third world dictatorship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">By
the time I got to the airport, I was a bit late and I could not board my 13:25
plane to Mandalay. I returned to the city and checked in at <b>Three Season Hotel </b>– in a more quiet
area near 52<sup>nd</sup> street. I called the hotel in Mandalay that I had
called earlier to make a reservation to tell them to cancel my
reservation. I then went for a long walk
around the new neighborhood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
passed by a moneychanger who had posted the buy and sell prices of USD at 1032
and 1033 Kyats. This was even less than the 2 kyats margin I had seen earlier
at another moneychanger. Now, here was a moneychanger that even Jesus would
have been proud of. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/20/2014
Saturday – Yangon-Bagan </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to an agency in nearby street a ticket to Bagan. The friendly and lively
female attendant, after taking a look at his monitor and promptly giving up
using it, got on the phone and talked to the party on the other side for 15
minutes. She then asked for my passport and $120. I left my passport there and
she asked me to return in an hour to pick up my ticket. I went for a walk, had
a delicious briyani, picked up my ticket, checked out of the hotel at 12:00 and
took a cab to the airport. This time, again, the driver did not know that for
local flights he had to stop at domestic terminal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
the check-in counter, for the first time during this trip, I did not manage to
carry on my larger backpack. The clerk said it would not fit, and she was
correct. Even though the plane was an average size, the overhead cabins were
too small. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
had a ½-hour delay. There was a woman with her mother and a few kids – one of
them a very charming and playful 3-year old girl. At one time as she was
playing with the boarding passes the mother was holding; suddenly the mother
slapped her three times and the girl held back crying. One the fourth beating
she cried for a short time, then, sat silently next to her mom. After a few
minutes when I looked back, she was asleep in the mother’s arms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
service on the flight was good. They served an egg sandwich and soft drinks. We
had a 15-minute stop in Hohe and arrived in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Bagan</span></b> at 17:00. After checking
in at <b>New Hyde Hotel</b> ($35), I went
for a walk in the dust-filled streets of the small town. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/21/2014
Sunday – Bagan </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
rented an E-Bike for $7. I visited many temples and pagodas. What have remained
were mostly in decent shape. It seemed the builders had mastered the art of
brick making and brickworks. The bricks were made in Mandalay, where the soil
is more suitable and then they were shipped here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a very decent meal at ‘<b>Do not Kill
the Animal, Moon</b>’ for $3.50. It was a very relaxing and inviting
atmosphere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/22/2014
Monday – Bagan </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
rode the same E-bike to the temples and pagodas. I climbed <b>Bulede Pagoda</b> for some great views of the surroundings, then rode
around the area and visited many temples and pagodas – I was the only person on
site at most of them, though some were crowded with native pilgrims for the
festival. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to an LP restaurant, <b>Indian Aroma</b>,
with the motto of “No Like, No Pay.” The place was packed, there was a shortage
of wait-people and it seemed everybody was waiting. Even the Indian owner could
not move fast enough to serve the customers. A Swede couple at next table said
they had been waiting for an hour. I was about to pay for my juice and leave
but somehow my order arrived before long. The meal was just K. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/23/2014
Tuesday – Bagan-Mandalay </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
was picked up by the Mandalay van at 09:00. The trip was pleasant; a drama was
playing on the monitor, a man with two lovers, one evil and the other innocent
…one car accident, a fight scene, and finally the evil woman commits suicide
and the two lovers have a happy ending. The roads were decent, except at one
point where a bridge was under repair and we had to cross a shallow river. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
stopped by lunch at a restaurant; I was hesitant to eat but ended up having a
decent five-course meal for 1000 Kyats – about $0.95.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
arrived in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Mandalay</span></b>
at 13:30 and the driver dropped me at my hotel, <b>Nylon</b>. I got a quiet windowless room, and then walked towards
Mandalay Hill. The fort/moat was a few blocks away from my hostel and the two
sides of the large square moat was a ½-hour walk each. I then took a motorbike
to the top of the hill to view the hazy sunset. I asked the driver to drop me
at LP’s <b>Green Elephant Restaurant</b>
where I had a very decent meal – a four course for about $25. The arrival of
each party was announced by a drum. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then took a taxi to <b>“Mustache Brothers”
show</b>, a show that has been running off and on since 1992, first on street,
and then after a few imprisonments of the performers, at the home of the last
surviving member, Par Par Lay, only for the foreigners. His brother passed away
a couple of years ago, due to lead poisoning while in jail. Aung Sun Suu Kyi
had attended the performance in 2000. The show was a soft satirical. In one
instance, he addressed two Thai spectators and told them he went to Thailand for
some dental work. The dentists asked him were there no dentists in Burma. He
responded that there were dentists, but he could not open his mouth there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/24/2014
Wednesday – Mandalay-Kuala Lumpur via Bangkok
</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
tried to book a flight out of the country, as I needed to access a website for
end of the year tax planning but did not succeed and therefore had to go to
another country. I finally purchased a Mandalay-Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur ticket for
$207. I then visited the <b>Royal Palace</b>
– a huge site that took me bout ½ hour
to walk each side of it the day before.
Only one of the four entrances was open to visitors and therefore I had
to take a motorbike to ride to the open entrance. I purchased an overpriced
ticket for $10 – it was good for a few other sites – and rented a bike to visit
the large number of the reproduced wooden buildings of the palace. I then took
a motorbike to <b>Lashio restaurant</b>
where I had a tasty meal for $4.50.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then took another motorbike to <b>Maha Myat
Muni</b> Pagoda, where I had to borrow a longi to get in as I was wearing short
pants. The temple was very lively and grand with a huge gold statute of Buddha
where the pilgrims would purchase gold leaves and rub it on its surface. The
women were off the limits and they, including female monks, had to hand over
their gold leaves to the male visitors to rub them on the statute. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then visited the less impressive Shwe Nyaung Pyin Lay next door. I took another
motorbike to the beautiful <b>Shwe Bin
Monastery</b> – where a few wooden temples covered the peaceful grounds. In one
hall, among the teak columns, I sat down for some meditation. I then walked on
one of the side streets and entered an area that was filled with monks and
monasteries. It was a very lively place with cooking stalls on the sidewalks
and loud hymns playing from loudspeakers. I even stumbled into a mosque. When I
entered, a young man with very dark hair and eyebrows rushed to me to inquire
about my faith. He said there were about 100,000 Muslims living in Mandalay and
there were about 100 mosques.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked along 84 St. and 40 St., into some slums where people were
preparing their dinners on open fires in front of their shacks. They were all
very friendly, welcoming and looked happy – with the biggest smiles on their
faces. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked for a long time to the Palace, near my hotel. The streets were lively,
with many vans filled to the roof with passengers and their drivers still
calling for more riders at each intersection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> I took another motorbike to “<b>Do Not Kill the Animals Restaurant</b>”
where the female attendant told me they were closed and suggested the Thai
Restaurant, <b>Rainforest,</b> across the
street. It was a huge antique shop. The seats on the roof were all taken and I
took a seat on the first floor where I had a chicken curry. I then walked to my
hotel through the dark streets – where there were no traffic lights - like most
of the rest of the town that I had walked about within the past couple of
nights. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">12/25/2014
Thursday – Mandalay-Kuala Lumpur </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
cute ever-smiling hostel’s kid helper served my breakfast and offered me extra
toast. I boarded the taxi that I had reserved the day before at 10:00 for the
one-hour ride to the airport. We stopped at a gas station where half a dozen
teenagers greeted and directed us to the isle. The driver purchased a couple of
bottles of water, offered me one and wished me a Merry Christmas. Halfway
through the trip the decent road to the airport started. There was a beautiful
boulevard in the middle filled with plants covered in beautiful red flowers.
Yet, there were installing cement dividers – covering the plants. It was hard
to figure out if the work was granted to a contractor with connections or just
they had too much unused cement on their hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
arrived at the airport at 11:00. I checked in quickly and went through
immigration. I purchased a $3 coffee at a coffee shop to use the WIFI but it
was a bad WIFI day and could not succeed. We took off on time and arrived
within 2 ½ hours to the frenzy Bangkok airport where I waited for my 17:45
flight to Kuala Lumpur. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
flight had a short delay but we arrived in <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">KL </span></b>on time at about 21:00. In the plane’s
magazine, I saw an article about the town of Melaka, about 150km away from KL.
I looked it up in LP; it was described as a town with a notch stress level over
a tropical beach town. I decided to pay a visit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
KL, I took the express train that was already at the station to KL Central. I
purchased a budget taxi ticket for 10RM, vs. the blue taxi costing 25RM, to my
hostel, <b>Step Inn</b>, on Jalan Pudu. It
was raining hard, and it was muggy – the only time I really felt mugginess in a
long while. I shared the taxi with a
Brazilian who had just arrived after a very long flight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<h1 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416204892"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">‘14/12/25 Malaysia – <span style="color: #0070c0;">Kuala Lumpur, Melaka</span></span></a><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/26/2014
Friday – Kuala Lumpur<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
woke up rather late in the morning. I went for lunch at Arabesque , an Arab
Restaurant. The Hummus and Motabel (Baba Ghanouch) were OK but the wait was
long and the service slow. The place was in Chinatown, hiding behind the street
stalls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
city was noisy and messy – unlike Mandalay where it was easier to wonder around
in more quiet areas. I entered Jalan Pudu Lorong, a quite side street with some
green on one side, but there was too much garbage all around and it stunk. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
found another quiet road but there was a major construction going on there,
with the tallest cranes I had ever seen. Finally, I got to the quiet area
around the domed stadium and the Victoria Institute – with a very well kept
ground and some colonial buildings, though the couple of classrooms that I got
in looked dismal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
passed a police station. There was a big sign of Allah and Mohammad on one wall
– and then a few steps ahead a big diversity post with the pictures of an
Indian, a Moslem, and a Malay kid hand in hand. Hopefully, when the non-Moslem
kids grow up, they would not mind that only Islam is being displayed at their
police station. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
finally came across the mosque with beautiful blue dome that I had observed a
few times while riding the tramway. Though the courtyard and interior were not
as impressive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/27/2014
Saturday – Kuala Lumpur-Melaka<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to the building that looked like the transit (tramway) system. I asked a
guard for the ATMs. He walked me to them. I then showed him the transit map and
asked how to get to <b>Bender Teksim</b>.
He walked me to the end of hall and pointed to a bus. He then mentioned that he
had not his morning drink yet and asked for a tip. I ignored him. I walked out and then showed the transit map
to another guard and asked how to get to my destination and he also pointed to
the same waiting bus. I boarded the bus, paid the fare and waited for 15
minutes, during which time only a few people boarded the bus. I asked the
driver how much longer before he departed and he responded he would depart in
ten minutes. I showed him the transit map and asked if I could take the tram to
my destination and he directed me to the path behind the building I had just
existed. I took the tram to <b>TBS</b>.
there were about twenty people waiting in front of each of the eight windows. I
waited for about 15 minutes during which time only a couple of people were
served. I ended up using the ticket machines and purchased a ticket for 10RM
for the two-hour bus ride to Maleka. In <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Melaka</span></b>, I took bus 17 to town center. It took
more that 75 minutes to get there. The streets were packed with cars – at
traffic lights the streets looked like a parking with the long lines of cars –
the traffic was miserable. I had second thoughts about making this trip. I
checked in at <b>River View Guesthouse</b>,
a quiet place on the river with no shoes inside policy. At night, after the
rain ended I went for dinner and then a walk along the river - the crowds had
thinned by this time. I talked to one of
the attendants at the hotel, a young Nepali who had been working there four
seven months. He had immigrated with the help of a Chinese placement agency. He
had to pay his travel expenses if he ever wanted to break his contract before
three years of work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went online and was able to purchase a one-way ticket back to USA on China
Eastern Airlines for $680 – though the reviews of the airline did not look
promising. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">12/28/2014
Saturday – Melaka–New York via Shanghai <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
woke up at 06:30 and went to the balcony. The skies looked beautiful. I went
back to the bed but got out at 07:00 and went for a walk before the crowds hit
the streets. I then went back to the hotel to relax on the balcony. The owner
of the hotel, a young Chinese, stopped by and handed me one night of room
charge. I had made a reservation for three nights but I was leaving on the
second day – though late in the day. He said since I had given more than
24-hour notice he could relist the room on the web. He also said I could buy a
bus ticket direct to the airport rather than going to KL first. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went to Discovery, the shop he had mentioned. My flight was at 02:00 the
following day. I tried to get a ticket after 20:00 but the only ticket he could
get me was at 18:00. That was too early for me. I went to a few other places to
find out if there was another ticket agent without luck. I stopped by at the
Tourist office and checked the website of the bus company but they did not
accept international credit cards – only domestic ones were displayed within
the purchase options. Back at Discovery Shop, I paid RM31 for a ticket and RM20
for a taxi ride at 17:00. I then went for a lunch where I had a chat with an
old retired teacher about bad politics in Malaysia and religion. I was picked
up at 17:00. It took us 25 minutes to ride a few streets and two traffic lights
but after that within a few minutes we arrived at the bus station. The bus
departed at 18:00. It was freezing inside. I tried to close the A/C shafts but
one of them was broken. I stuffed it with a large tissue but the cold air
started blowing from the speaker holes. I tried half a dozen other empty seats
and the A/C cover was broken in all of them. I am not sure if people had broken
them while they were struggling to open them wider than possible or shutting
them completely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
damned myself for not carrying a second layer of top – after catching a very
bad cold in Hanoi-Halong Bay van. We got into a very heavy traffic shortly and
the bus was moving at a very slow pace. After 2 ½ hours suddenly the traffic
cleared and within ½ hour, at 21:00, we arrived at the airport. I checked at
the Shanghai ticket windows. I was told they will open at 23:20, i.e. 2 ½ hours
prior to the departure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
Shanghai flight was on time, in an almost brand new plane with enough legroom –
though I had asked for an emergency exit row. we had a five hour lay over in
Shanghai. Half way through, I took a nap on the seats and woke up just in time
to board China Eastern flight to JFK. This plane also was only three months old
with enough legroom and on-time departure. They served two meals and one small
breakfast. The bathrooms were clean – the flight attendants would clean them
very frequently. At JFK, I took the airtrain to Jamaica station and then the
subway to Penn Station. I arrived home about 17:00PM, after being in transit
for 36 hours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<h1 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416204893"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘14/12/25 Ecuador –</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Otavalo, Cotacachi, Ibarra, Banos, Puyo, Vilcabamba, Cuenca</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/05/2015
Thursday – NJ-Otavalo<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
am flying to Quito today. I had purchased my Delta airline ticket on eDreams
for about $610 just two days ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Terry’s
Taxi driver picked me up at 11:45 for a 45 minutes ride to Newark airport.
Delta terminal was a very quiet and I was at the gate within 15 minutes for my
New York-Atlanta-Quito 14:15-22:55 flight. On the second leg of the flight, I
sat next to Byron, a young Ecuadorian who had immigrated to USA with his mother
some ten years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
Quito airport, I had to wait for a few minutes before my female driver showed
up for the 1 ½ hrs ($60) ride to my hotel, <b>Riveria
Sure</b> in Otavalo. I had asked the hotel to arrange the ride. She did not
drive faster than 60km on the highway. I took a nap for part of the trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/06/2015
Friday – Otavalo<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">After
a decent breakfast in the charming courtyard of the hotel, I walked to the
Central Plaza where the children were marching with their parents for the Foam
Spraying Festival. I walked around the town, visited the <b>Plaza de Ponchos</b>, hiked the hills around the town. I visited the
fancy only-touristic train station. They had a full day ride to Salinas with a
few stops in between for $50. I may try the ride. I lunched at the popular <b>Mi Otavalito</b> and had a decent corvina for dinner, with a long wait,
at <b>Quino</b>, a seafood restaurant. I
had to try four ATMs before I was able to withdraw some cash with the
assistance of a guard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Overall
the city was pleasant to walk around, could get a bit cool, too cool at times,
compared to Vilcabamba. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/07/2015
Saturday – Otavalo<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Today
was the famous <b>Saturday Market Day</b>.
The whole length of the Sucre Street and some of the side streets were filled
with vendors selling everything – though most carried weaved crafts. It was
somewhat similar to the night market in Luang Prabang. I walked across the
bridge to the end of Colon Street to the lively <b>Animal Market</b>. Many animals, cows, pigs, sheep, goats and birds
were on sale. The action was very lively. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked to the train station on the other side of the town and took a taxi
to El Lechero (the magic tree), on the way to Candor Park. The surrounding
views of the mountains and green fields were beautiful. San Miguele Lake was
visible. I then had an enjoyable walk down to the city. It felt like the 4km
mentioned in LP but somehow the trip in taxi had seemed longer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
the fruit market next to the church, I filled two shopping bags with fruits for
$6 and back at my hotel I made a delicious guacamole. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/08/2015
Sunday – Cotacachi, Day trip <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Faith of Ashville, North
Carolina</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> joined me at
breakfast. I had met her party at a seafood restaurant two nights ago. She said
she could not sleep the night before because of the noise from the street –
Saturday night is a major party night in Latin America. She was also down to
her last $30 and she had been unable to withdraw cash from the only ATM she had
tried. I assured her that was normal and she had to try a few of them before
giving up. I loaned her some money until she could use her ATM card. We took a
taxi to bus station after breakfast and took a 30-minute bus ride to <b>Cotacachi</b>. The sun had come up by this
time and the weather was very pleasant. It was a small town and one could walk
around it in 30 minutes. There were a few charming buildings, including a
converted seminary turned into a restaurant where we stopped by for a lukewarm
coffee. The hills around the town were gorgeous. Faith wanted to return so we
took the bus back to Otavalo. I made a guacamole and shared it with Faith and a
new guest from Belgium. She had been to
Vilcabamba and had had twelve </span><i><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ayahuasca</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> sessions with Ramon, the shaman. I then went for a walk on the road with
cemetery leading to the heels. The rain started by this time and by the time I
made it back to the hotel it was pouring. I put on my poncho and went for a
walk but the rain was too heavy and I came back to my hotel, did a few emails
and went for dinner with Faith. We found a decent pizza shop packed with
natives where we had a decent inexpensive pizza. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/09/2015
Monday – Ibarra, Day trip <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
took the bus for a 45-minute ($0.40) ride to <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Ibarra</span></b> and then took a $1 taxi
ride to <b>Parque Pedro Moncayo</b> where a
few beautiful churches and also the City Hall and Clock Tower were located. I
walked to <b>Plaza la Merced</b> where a
few other beautiful buildings are located and continues around the beautiful
town before having a simple lunch at the charming Intretenedores Restaurant
($3.25). I had a couple of ice creams at the landmark <b>Rosalia Suarez Ice Cream Shop</b>, served by the daughter of the
founder and then visited the tourist-only train station and the Amazonia
Mercado. I took the city bus to the suburbs of the town in the hills and the
same bus, after a loop, returned to the city where I took the bus back to
Otavalo. I liked the city – it looked like a small scale Cuenca, though I did
not see any foreign tourists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/10/2015
Tuesday – Otavalo-Banos<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
woke up early and walked to ATMs to get some cash. The guard who had helped
Faith and me in the past was not there and I tried more than ten times to get
past the first step but the machines kept canceling the transaction. I waited
for a couple to finish their transaction but they had the same problem as I
did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
met Faith at breakfast table. She said she had tried all the banks in the town
in the company of a man from the tourist office to no avail and finally had
succeeded to get some cash at Western Union sent by her husband. She paid me
back for the loan I had made to her. She was going to <b>Tena</b> today for an Amazon tour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
made it to <b>Ibarra</b> just one time for
the 09:30-15:30 Ibarra-Ambato bus. I went to Ceta ticket office that I had
checked out the day before to purchase a ticket but they said I should purchase
the ticket on the bus. A man came to lk me to the bus after some waiting and
phone calls by the attendant. I deposited a 10-cent coin in the toll machine
for the entry fee but the turnstile did not turn and the guard said I needed to
deposit a 5-cent coin. I raised my voice in complain and they let me in from
another gate. We arrived in Pifo, a town 10 minutes past Quito airport exit at
12:00 where we waited for about ½ hour. Once in Ambato I when to Banos Ticket
office where they directed me to another window. They turned out to be selling
25-cent tickets for the entry fee. The $1.50 bus fare was collected in the bus
again. After a 1 ½-hour trip we arrived in Banos – just as I was feeling some
motion sickness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
city was lively with many shops catering to the tourists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/11/2015
Wednesday – Banos<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
breakfast table, as I was looking at a table with a two Asian couples trying to
figure out their nationality, I crossed eyes of man sitting an another table.
He stared back at me. A second time, while I was smiling at the waitress, I had
an eye contact with him. By this time I was sure he though I was gay. The third
time I looked at his direction I saw his male companion spoon-feeding him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went for hike to <b>Bellavista</b> and
continued on the road to La Casa De Arbol. The views of the mountains and the
patches of clouds were exhilarating. I hitchhiked a car driven by a town
employee who did not accept my fare. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
stopped at <b>Il Pappagallo Restaurant</b>
run by Patricio. It was empty again, as it was last night – when I had walked
away after the chef came to the door, but today the waitress was too fast for
me to walk away from her. The food was OK.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
took a cab to <b>El Salido Hot Springs</b>,
located a bit past the other end of Martinez St. I purchased a ticket for $3.50
and they asked me to get a shower cap. I bought one for $1.50 rather than
renting one for $0.30. It was an organized place. I put my belongings in a soft
drink box and they stored it for me and gave me a number to be worn on wrist.
There were four hot spring pools of varying temperatures and two cold-water
pools. I used the hottest pool for most of the time. I met a few visitors, Mark
and Irina, a Polish couple living in Canada. Mark was concerned about NASA
messing with the air of Ecuador and Canada by infusing Aluminum Oxide into it
for some experimentation. He was not too convincing when I asked him how
Canadian government would allow that. He asked me to check out </span><a href="http://www.geoengineeringwatch.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">http://www.geoengineeringwatch.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> and spread the word.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
also met Steve Harrington, a very friendly man, a Yul Brynner look-alike, from
Montana, and another woman, a physician who said he had just been to Riyadh for
training at a hospital complex, five of them for men and one for the female.
She had to be escorted by a male companion inside the complex and could not go
to the streets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/12/2015
Thursday – Puyo, Day trip <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went to the cafeteria to get something from the fridge. The gay man whom I had
locked eyes with was there with his partner and couple of times that I looked
at him he was staring at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
stopped by at the reception to extend my stay for couple of more days but the
receptionist, the pretty daughter of the owner, said she had the room available
only for one day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went to LP Good Restaurant for breakfast. They had a sign listing “Ground
Coffee” but as the guy was preparing the coffee I asked him if it was Nescafe
to which he answered positive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
stopped at charming “<b>Le petit
Restaurant/Hostal</b>” that I had stopped by the day before and the owner with
a paralyzed boy had shown me a beautiful room for $20. Today the female
attendant told me that there were all sold out for the festival. I stopped by
another hostal were the attendant told me all hotels would be full for the
national carnival. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then stopped by LP’s <b>Posada Del Arte</b>
where the owner who was cooking in the kitchen, told me she had a room only for
the next day. I paid for it. As I was leaving, I met the female physician I had
met at the hot spring the day before. She and her partner, Mark, were staying
there and liked the place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Back
at my room, I checked my email. Bernie of CMV in Vilcabamba had responded to my
previous night inquiry and notified me he had room #3 available from the 14<sup>th</sup>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then asked someone for the directions to the bus terminal for Puyo and he said
it was too far and I should take a cab; on the way back I walked the same
distance within ten minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
1 ½ hrs, $2.50, bus ride to <b>Puyo</b> was
pleasant. We drove on the Amazonia Road, along the Negro River, running on a
cliff, at times narrow and very deep and at other spots, the width could be a
few miles. Halfway through the ride, the rain started and my closed windows
started leaking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">When
I got off in Puyu it was raining very hard. I had a chat with a young guy from
Buenos Aires who was making bicycles with wires and putting them on his cloth
spread before him for sale. He said he had biked all the way from home but he
had hurt his knee and was staying in Puyo for sometime. He said he had visited
the ‘passeo turistico” which he had liked very much. I took a taxi and asked
him to go to ‘passeo”. He drove for a short distance and stopped at a place
where the buses for Banos and Riobamba on the opposite direction were passing.
I told him that was not the place that I wanted to go to. Only then he said
that I should have asked for “passeo turistico”. He then drove there. There was
a very well maintained path along the “Puyo Rio” with many plants and flowers
all around. I walked to the end of the path where University Estalal is located
and then returned. On the way to the bus terminal I saw a “for sale” sign for a
50H-$100K lot at a hostal. I asked the hotel owner who called his brother,
Victor, to come to meet me. Victor showed up quickly and we drove to the lot. It
was a vey steep terrain and muddy and therefore we were unable to walk around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then took a bus back to Banos. I checked the direct Banos-Riobamba bus. It
would be a 6-hr bus ride. That plus the 7-hr Cuenca bus ride, 3hr Loja and 1-hr
Vilcabamba would have been too much for a one-day trip. I tried to find a
travel agency for a flight from Latacunga (2 hrs away) to Cuenca. The agency
was closed. When I checked online, there were no tickets available for the 14<sup>th</sup>.
I therefore possibly have to stay overnight in Riobamba. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
stopped at LP Posada Del Arte for dinner but the young man there told me that
they only served breakfast and recommended ‘Quilobamba” when I told him they
had a lock on their door the other night, he said he had seen the owner the
same day. I walked there and they were open. The waitress/owner told me that
there were closed on Mondays & Tuesdays – hence the lock door I had seen a
couple of nights ago. The tapas –sweetened zucchini and peppers on crackers
were delicious, as was the house wine. The grilled meat was also plentiful and
satisfying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">A
band of Andes musicians walked in and performed a few songs. The only female
player/singer had a long hair, reaching below her knees. When I asked if they
were Peruvians, she responded that she was Ecuadorian and a few members from
Los Angeles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Later
on a very beautiful white and yellow dog came to the entrance and sat down
waiting for handouts. I called on him to come closer so that I could give him
the bones on my plates but the waitress stopped me and took away my plate. The
dog sat there with the most begging look, drooping sad eyes and crossed front
legs. No one gave him anything. At this time a woman came up the stairs of the
restaurant and disappeared to one side; the dog followed her. I took my wine
glass and went out to find out where they went. There were some steps leading
to the top floor that I took. When I got there the dog barked and chased me
away. I walked back to the balcony of the restaurant to finish my wine and
enjoy the garden. I saw a sign posted on the restaurant entrance, reading
‘Entry of Israelis who do not believe in coexistence with the Palestinians is
forbidden.” Now that was a real “Freedom
of Speech.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
paid my bill ($20) and walked to the waitress to thank her for the meal. She
pointed the chef to me. I greeted him and praised him for his belief. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/13/2015
Friday – Banos <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
tried my ATM at a bank that failed and the guard directed me to Austro bank.
The ATM was also temporarily out of service. I tried again successfully later
on. As Chimenea hostel had no rooms available for the Carnival weekend I paid
my bill and moved to my new place, Hostal the Arte which I had reserved prior
day. I then went for a very pleasant 12:30-14:40 hike to <b>Case De Arbol</b>, lunched there and bused it back to town. At my
hostal, I met the group I had met at the hot spa, Mark, a Polish Canadian and
Irina, his very friendly wife, Steve Harrington of Montana, and John of British
Colombia, both part-time residents of Mexico. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/14/2015
Saturday – Banos-Riobamba-Cuenca-Loja-Vilcabamba <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Lui,
the owner at Hostel the Arte gave us a ride to the bus station where we took
the 08:55-09:55 bus to Riobamba. The 10:00 Cuenca bus was full. We purchased
tickets for the 11:30 bus. The bus arrived from Quito at 12:00 due to the
Carnival traffic. I had seat number one. By the time I put my backpack in the
storage and boarded the bus Steve was seating in my window seat, seat #1. He
asked me if I had seat #1 and added that that he had seat #2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">We
arrived in Cuenca at 18:30. I took bus 19:10-23:40 bus to Loja and a 40-minute
taxi ($18) to Vilcabamba. CMV’s door was locked. I did not have Bernie’s phone
number at CMV; I therefore called FIntan of Britain whom I had met last time I
was in town to get Bernie’s phone number but he was not home to get to his
laptop. I took a taxi, and the driver, Olivo, tried all the hostels in town
until I could find a room at Mandango, behind the bus station. I had an email
from Bernie saying that he would leave the keys on door of room #5.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/15/2015
Sunday – Vilcabamba <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
left Mandango hostel for CMV before going to the Sunday Market to do my
shopping for the week. I then attended the meditation session run by a monk, a
direct descendant from Buddha, with some unacceptable statements about the
possibility of long periods of hunger and all that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked to the plaza. The Carnival was in full swing – with a band, dances,
water splashing and foam spraying, and beer drinking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/17/2015
Tuesday – Vilcabamba <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">With
Connie Geffen, Maria and Ted walked to Connie’s property (1 acre - $55k). It
was on a steep slope with much work to be done for preparation of the plot.
Someone had given her an estimate of $1000 for the backhoe work. They normally
charge $250-300/day. I thought the estimate was too low, but Connie should know
better as an architect. She is also budgeting $75k for a large house with many
features as she showed us in the blueprint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Ted
of Vermont was kind to sacrifice and jump in front of all the buckets of water
being splashed at us on this last day of Carnival before the Ash
Wednesday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/18/2015
Wednesday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">At
breakfast table, Maria, a medical assistance, and Connie, a Phd RE
financier/architect both claimed that they would rather die rather than using
new medical care. Robert, another guest visitor, joined our table and he talked
about supernatural energies all around us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
had a chat with Christine, the new guest from Sweden, with the bluest eyes I
have ever seen. She is a shaman healer practicing in Peru for six months.
Bernie noticed that her shiny blue eyes were the result of too many </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ayahuasca</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
sessions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
attended morning meditation session led by Bernie, and the evening session led
by the monk. In the evening, after the second phone went off I left the
session. I walked to the new Ahura Mazda that William, a gringo, had told me
about the day before. I met <b>Daniel
Alvarez</b> of Loja </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/daniel.alvarez.77377692?fref=ufi"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">https://www.facebook.com/daniel.alvarez.77377692?fref=ufi</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #4e5665; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">593 7-264-0080</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">,
a 37-year old Ecuadorian. He had spent about a year in Iran and had fallen in
love with the country. Cyrus was his new prophet that he would pray to. We sat
in his beautiful backyard and chatted. I invited him to dinner at Yoghurt
Factory. He said he did not have any money and was greatly appreciative. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/19/2015
Thursday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
stopped at the tourist office to pick up a map for direction to <b>cascada</b>. I walked from 08:20-12:20 to
get there. I took the trail at the end of the road, staying to the left of the
river. The views were beautiful but, this time similar to last time, I did not
have my camera with me. Initially I passed the two almost continuous waterfalls
while staying on a hill across from them. I met a young man coming down from
his finca who directed me back to the waterfall, but again I could not locate
them. I walked to the river, had lunched, ad then walked back to the town. On
the way I stopped by </span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Luis Amable Narvaez
OCamp’s</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> cabins (09
5982 2035 - Yamburara Alto, by the Iglasia Pequeno, 30 min. walk to plaza)
where I met Caroline DOn, one of the tenants ($200 rent), and Ron, a Richard
Gere look-alike and Susan of California who were visiting Caroline. I arrived
at CMV at 17:30. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/20/2015
Friday – Vilcabamba- Luis Narvaes’ cabin<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went to Luis’ cabins. He was there and I told him I wanted to try his place for
two days before making a commitment. I offered him $15/day and he said $10
would do. I sat on the porch to view he beautiful views of the hills and
Mandango before going back to CMV to get some of my stuff and return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/21/2015
Saturday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a delicious omelet in the porch while watching a hummingbird, a couple of
birds similar to canaries and the bees jumping from one flower to another. I
studied Spanish for a while and then walked to the town. A truck driver stopped
for me and I jumped in his cargo section. A few teenagers were lying down on
mattresses and the parents were sitting there. I got off in Yamburara and after
some walking ended up at Yasu’s restaurant. I stopped at Ahura Mazda for lunch,
as I had asked Daniel to reserve a seat for me. A young man, Quandriz of Buenos
Aires, was seeing off his wife and child. He told me they would be open for
dinner only and then showed me around the garden. He is a sound technician,
living at the place. I did some small shopping and returned to the cabin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
the backyard, as I was trying to cut off a banana from a branch, its stem broke
off broke off and its syrup splashed on my eyeglass lenses. It took me a while
to clean the lenses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">For
most of the day, I tried to get rid of the tiny ants marching on the wall,
carrying the bodies of a few small spiders. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
tap water often sprouted intermittently with a loud sound. In the sample I
poured into a glass I could see a layer of mud after it had settled down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
disco music became loud in the evening and I could hear it even with my music
headphones on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/22/2015
Sunday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went to CMV for my last breakfast there. I told Bernie I was checking out. He
charged me for one week ($120) even though I had the room for eight days and
had missed my first day reservation. I then went to Sunday Market to shop and
took a taxi back to my cabin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
tried Ahura Mazda in the evening again but it was quiet and a loud music was
playing. I decided to pass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
met Colleen, Bill and Cal, a German American, at Charlito. Colleen told me of
her English teacher, Serena (about ¾ of a mile before brick factory on
Yamburara Alto) who runs a Wednesday class, 10-12 PM, for $5. <u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/24/2015
Tuesday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
woke up early and went to continue cleaning the Yamburara road from where I had
left last evening. I then walked to the city to get internet service from
Vilcanet. I happened to meet Luis Navares,my
landlord. He said he would go with me to <b>Vilcanet</b>’s office. We drove there and I got 4M service ($50/mo –
technical Help: Luis Sanabria 09 9483 7315 or 3105 5746) and paid $100, (incl.
$25 installation fee) for 1 ½ months of service. I then did some shopping,
bought some rye and barley bread at French bakery, a cutting board and a few
other kitchen items, and then as soon as I arrived home, the technician, <b>Edward, 09 9310 7777</b>, called me and
showed up shortly to install my service. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then had a chat with Luis about my interest in planting some seeds on his
raised bed. He drove me to a nursery where I bough some soil and he gave me
some seeds to plant. I will start the plot tomorrow. My neighbor, Caroline Don,
also gave me some basil seeds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/26/2015
Thursday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
internet connection was down for a while. I called two technicians who did not
answer. I walked to the laundry store and picked up my wash that I had dropped
off the day before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
used a cage of chicken wire to sift some compost and to mix with the soil,
along with the soil I had picked up from the nursery. I then planted the half
dozen seeds I had. The task took the entire day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/27/2015
Friday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
chatted with Caroline, my neighbor. She claimed that Obama is gay and there is
no record of his Colombia U. graduation, his wife is a transvestite, and that
their kids do not belong to them. She also talked of the planned hippie
movement, and the CIA hands in every other event. She had cried over Gadafy’s
death. The red blood intends to eliminate 99 percent of the world population. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">02/28/2015
Saturday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to the city to try the new Middle Eastern restaurant, United Falafel
Org. (<b>UFO</b>). The coffee was OK, but
by the time I wanted to order my lunch, 03:00, they were out of 150 meals they
had prepared. I met Fran of Boston, Ann of Toronto and Mohan, an engineer from
Washington. Fran said she had just returned from visiting “John of God.” When
she was leaving the site, she had heard a whisper in her ears. Ann had just
ordered a device from Russia to absorb the chem trails. Mohan said that after
four years in Vilcabamba they had run out of the money and for the past year
his wife, Nina, after taking a few courses, had become a healer and Mohan did
her marketing in USA. She did the healing over Skype. The callers contact her
with their issues, she then goes to her room, and heals them remotely. Mohan
also talked a long time about Nassim Haramein, a physicist. When I checked out
his credentials, I read that his page was withdrawn from Wiki due to
unsubstantiated claims. He also believed that the pyramids were more then ten
thousand years old and were not built by the slaves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">03/01/2015
Sunday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
took the bus to Malacatos to check out the lively Sunday Market. I only bought
some sea bass and then went back to Vilcabamba’s Sunday Market for shopping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">03/03/2015
Tuesday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
attended the first intermediate Spanish class given by Serena of Italy. The
previous week’s Wednesday beginners glass was a bit too easy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">03/04/2015
Wednesday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">A
Polish couple with a brother and a kid moved to the empty cabin behind me. The
place suddenly lost its peace. I walked to the town at night to take a break
from the noise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">03/05/2015
Thursday – Malacatos<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
took the bus to Malacatos for some walk. I could not find the road to Sr. </span><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Luis Curimilma.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">03/06/2015
Friday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
went to see a house advertised by Paulette, a Hollywood set painter 0988779563.
She has been here for four years. She is building her own house in San Jose,
but has had a very bad experience with two contractors, and has ran out of
money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
charming house (between the last two bridges in Yamburar Alto - $600/mo.) was
built 15 years ago by San Francisco, a Brazilian, for Captain Earl who passed
away four years ago, from overdrinking per as Caroline. His son, Joe, wants to
sell it for $250k. It had a beautiful garden with an Italian style pond and
fountaine, though the views were rather limited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">03/26/2015
Thursday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
walked to the town and boarded the Zumba-Loja bus at the intersection. It made
it to Loja within 40 minutes. I then walked to the office of Dr. Luis Carpio,
DDS for a frontal filling ($40) on Av. Orillas del Zamora near Olmedo &
Imbabura </span><a href="mailto:LuisCarpio@hotmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">LuisCarpio@hotmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> 09 9271 7174-09 9564 0728. I asked him for a restaurant
recommendation and he suggested <b>Riscomar</b>
@ Rocafuerte & 24 De Mayo that I tried later in the evening. The food,
specially the ceviche was very good. I stopped at Casa Sol, a cute restaurant
with a balcony with great view, for refreshment. I walked to the Mercado @ 18 De Noviembre
& Rocafuerte. The fish section is open daily until 18:00. I took a taxi to
the Vilca taxi station at 21:00 but it was closed and the driver dropped me at
the bus station by Primax gas station where I waited for about 20 minutes for
the Vilcabamba bus to arrive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">03/30/2015
Monday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">Caroline
stopped by to tell me the masseur who had molested a few of his female clients
had skipped the town – after the story had made it to the community facebook
page.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">It
was a quiet day – with a beautiful sunset. I changed the spot of the Oregano
that I had planted the week before next to the rosemary and moved it next to
the geranium that I had planted yesterday. It would receive more sunshine
there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
walked to the town for a dinner. Two men were working on the construction of a
shack by the road from the house where a loud music is usually heard from. The
shack was almost completed where as yesterday morning when I was walking to
town for the Sunday Market there was nothing there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
passed by <b>Paella</b> and they happened
to be open. I entered and sat inside – they had a charming decor inside. I
asked for a paella and the female chef told me the regular size is for two
people and offered me a small portion. It was a filling and delicious meal. A
French couple with two young kids took a nearby table. The daughter started a
card game with the mother and the son a chess game with the dad. Their cute dog
just sneaked under the table and stayed there until I enticed him out with some
shrimp skin. I also met Max Love, of Poland, who had been coming every year for
the past few years and has been extending his stays every time until this time when
he has been here for the past nine months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a very pleasant walk back home – in a very pleasant breeze with a light
drizzle – no new landslides on the road. There was one a Loja a few days ago
where a home was washed away and six people had died in their sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">03/31/2015
Tuesday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
made it to Luis Carpio, DDS, office at 9:24 for my 9:30 appointment with the
hygienist for a cleaning. The elevator which was working the other day was out
of service. The office door was closed. I waited for a few minutes and then
walked back down and waited on street. A car pulled up at 09:36 and the
hygienist stepped out and we walked back to the office. Dr. Carpio showed up
after a few minutes and I had a 40 minute ($60) deep cleaning. Dr. Carpio
worked as assistance to the hygienist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked around the town, had a filling and delicious seafood at LP <b>200 Millas</b> restaurant at Pena and 10 de
Agosto. The bowl that the limes were placed was very dirty. When I pointed that
out to the woman behaving the register she just replaced it - no apology
needed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then stopped by for coffee at a coffee shop. When I told two other customers
sitting at another table that I was Iranian they said there were many other
Iranians in Loja, and one of them, Frutan, has a restaurant named “<b>Topoli</b>”. I had passed by that
restaurant a few times and had wondered if the name was Persian for
“chubby” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then stopped at the mecardo and purchase some corvine and tuna, $3.50 a pound
each, took a taxi to the Collectivo taxi stand on Manuel Jose Aguirre, at
Mercadillo St and Av. Iberoamerica, for a ride to Vilcabamba. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">04/02/2015
Thursday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I walked to
the town today, it is a pleasant 30 minutes walk, dropped off my laundry, had a
haircut, and sat at a table at a newly opened restaurant next to the church on
the plaza for a cup of tea while watching the kids who had just left school
play. They were having so much fun I thought I should join them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I found a
store that had some goat milk. I needed it to try to make goat cheese but the
seller said that it was not suitable for cheese making and asked me to return
on Saturday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I then went
to the bakery to buy some bread – they have the best bread in town that I could
find so far. They were out of it and I had to wait at the plaza for 20 minutes
to get some hot bread. They smelled so good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I had a chat
with a neighbor who used to live in the cabin behind me but had left for a
while to try to live near the jungle a few hours from here but they have
returned saying that it was too humid there and too many mosquitoes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I also had a
chat with an older lady at the restaurant. The last time I met here at the same
restaurant, she said she had just returned from Brazil. She had travelled there
to meet a healer, named “John of God.” I
had never heard of the guy until this trip to here when someone else mentioned
his name. I looked him up on the internet and found out he is a very popular
guy with people who believe in his healing power – including a very famous
motivational speaker, Wayne Dyer. Dyer claims that he was cured of his cancer
by a remote (mental) surgery by John of God.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">04/03/2015
Friday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">In
the afternoon Caroline and I went to <b>Shasta</b>
restaurant. I had invited her to dinner for her April 1<sup>st</sup>, birthday.
I had a trout that was the best I have ever had in Ecuador. We then went to the
church to listen to the sermon on the occasion of <b>Good Friday</b>. The church was packed with the crowds overflowing into
the plaza. We then had a coffee and joined the crowd in a procession to another
church across from the Izhcayluma. There was a sermon, a hymn and a visitation
of the bloody body of Christ. We walked back to town and as there were no
taxis, walked home in the bright moonshine. Caroline told me of her past life
and experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">04/04/2015
Saturday – Vilcabamba<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
woke p rather late and after a delicious brunch of seared tuna walked to the
end of San Jose. I then walked back to town and had a chat with Luigi of Quito
who had just opened a new restaurant, Infusion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">04/05/2015
Saturday – Vilcabamba-Cuenca<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
woke up at 6:30 and after breakfast, packed, said goodbye to Caroline Conway
Don and Marcin Page, and walked for a short while of the road before a taxi
stopped for me. I took the 0930-1045 Loja-Cuenca bus. At the bus terminal I
purchased the 1130-16:30 bus </span><a href="http://www.viajerosinternacional.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">http://www.viajerosinternacional.com</span></a> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">($7.50
</span><span style="background: rgb(241, 243, 242); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">02h00, 06h00, 07h00, 04h00, 07h00, 09h00,
10h00, 11h30, 12h30,14h30, 15h30, 17h15, 22h30 -12 frecuencias </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">). The scenery was pretty, though
there was much fog and windows were fogged out. In <b>Cuenca </b>I took a cab to <b>Hostal
Macando </b>($2) and then for a pleasant walk around the town. Most stores were
closed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">04/06/2015
Monday – Cuenca<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
had a nice breakfast at the hostal and then talked to Yue in the morning. I
then went to explore the town. I visited the market on Mariscal Lamar and the
lovely Convent of Immaculate Conception (1599) where I spent much time to enjoy
the design of the landscape and the smells of the flowers. I then had lunch at
a restaurant on Calle Larga where I Met Eduardo **, a wrestler. He remembered
seeing me at a meditation session at CMV. He is a senior in Computer Science.
He said that President Correa made the colleges free for all a few years ago,
but before that a rich student had to pay even up to $4000/yr. He did not know
how many students attend his university; neither did he know many how many
classes he had. He said he had a hard time to obtain visa from Guatemala a few
years back. In case of Mexico, if an Ecuadorian has a US visa, then does not
require a Mexico visa. He recommended the restaurant at <b>Mansion Al Cazar</b> at Bolivar & Tarqui, which I visited and
enjoyed a coffee in the beautiful setting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">He
also recommended Japanese <b>restaurant Noe</b>
(Padre Julio Matovelle 2-25 y Federico Proaño, esquina. Junto al Parque de Las
Candelas). No one, including two policemen knew the park when I tried to locate
the place later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then walked around more. I happened to meet a middle age woman and a teenage
girl, Janet **, a few times. On the third time, we had a chat, the woman
invited me to visit Macas, in the Orient. She said it is a beautiful and
tranquil place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">04/07/2015
Tuesday – Cuenca<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
crossed the bridge into …along the red College of Law. The temperature was a
cool 16 C. I stopped at Winery and talked to Sebastian. He was not too happy
with new 45% tax increase. He had to increase the price of his wines from $12
to $24. I thought were that in France they might have ahad a serious situation
on hand here. He recommended an organic version of Cono Sur. Cono Sur had
received top awards in a recent event in Europe. I then walked to Muse Banco
Central. The exhibitions were mostly modern arts. The Archeological digs made a
nice scenic place for a stroll. I then walked back to center where I met
George, an ex New Yorker parking attendant for 20 years and for the past 7
years in Cuenca Police Force. He thought of Correa as a crazy man but liked
Obama. He earns about $500 a month and pays $50 in monthly rent. I then walked
to <b>Saliva Restaurant</b> at Roberto
Crespo Toral 3-56, top entry on TripAdvisor, but they are closed on Tuesdays. I
met<b> Rich</b>, who was entering the
restaurant; he knew the residents there. Rich, of NYC and Oregon, moved here
five years ago with his Polish wife. He is concerned currency would be
d-dollarised shortly. As his house is major asset he is planning to sell and
move to Argentina. He bought the house for $150k, plus 50k in additions and
hoping to get $250k for it. He was carrying the suitcase of <b>Yasu</b>, the chef in Vilcabamba. It seems
Yasu has fallen in love with an Ecuadorian and plans to live in Cuenca. Rich
recommended Danable Crespo of Ecuadorable Real Estate, </span><a href="http://www.ecuadorablehomes.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">http://www.ecuadorablehomes.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">, as a good source. I then walked back
in town and tried <b>Nectar</b>, a
Wikitravel recommendation, but <b>Ken</b>
said they only take orders on Tuesdays for Friday pickup. Other days may be
tried by email but it depends how much the children leave free time for the
chef. He told me of a new Persian Restaurant, <b>Ali Baba,</b> on <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Remigio
Tamariz Crespo, near subway. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">The
other Wiki restaurant on Tarqui was also closed. I ended up having an avocado
back at the hostel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;">I
then headed back out and walked to <b>Mercado
El Arenal</b>, on Av Remigrio Crespo Toral. It was huge and somewhat similar to
the Mercado in Siem Reap, a huge interior market with exterior filled with
mostly fruits, vegetables, meat, and some fish stands. It was winding down.
Prices were possibly lowered, for example pack of 9 avocadoes was selling for a
dollar. I then walked back on the same street and stopped at Persian Restaurant
<b>Alibaba </b>that Ken of Nectar had told
me about earlier in the day – also the Tripadvisor review was a 5. The lentil soup, one of the two on the menu,
was finished; so was the Persian tea. The Mast Jear was delicious and the kebob
was OK, but with very small amount of rice and only one small tomato. At the
end of the meal Reza, the owner, joined me and we talked for a while. He opened
the place four months ago and as he last his helper, he is doing everything
himself; in the morning when he wakes up he really feels tired. He had applied
for his residency on his own and had obtained it within eight weeks. He offered
a job to one of the Australian girls who was having a beer with a friend for
$2.5/hr. She is currently making $2.25 at a coffee shop. While we were talking
a regular customer, a college professor from Louisiana walked in with a huge
dog bite on his leg. Reza walked him to a clinic across the street but they
were closed. The poor man had to wait for a Spanish speaking friend to arrive
to accompany him to another clinic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30943699.post-1152590634926333622006-07-10T18:07:00.000-07:002015-06-14T13:13:02.983-07:00Babai Travelogue-1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1251/3282/1600/DSC00470_St%20Malo.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1251/3282/320/DSC00470_St%20Malo.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
Babai Travelogue<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Travelogue 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h6>
<span style="color: blue;"> </span></h6>
<h6>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Table of Contents<o:p></o:p></span></h6>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><span
style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>TOC \o "1-3" <span style='mso-element:
field-separator'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘96/10/30</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Egypt & Israel: <span style="color: blue;">London, Cairo, Aswan, Nile Cruise, Giza, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem</span></span>............... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202467 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->2<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘96/12/08</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Dubai, <span style="color: blue;">London, Spain: Madrid, Toledo</span></span>................................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
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style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">‘<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">99/11/20</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Morocco: <span style="color: blue;">Casablanca, Marrakesh, ...........</span></span>............................................................................. <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202469 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->13<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400360039000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘99/12/23</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Greece: <span style="color: blue;">Athens, Delfi, Heraklion,
Rodes,.....</span></span>.......................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202470 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->17<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400370030000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘00/04/28</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Colombia: <span style="color: blue;">Medellin</span></span>................................................................................................................. <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202471 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->23<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400370031000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘00/12/01</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">California, Arizona: <span style="color: blue;">San Francisco,
Carmel, Esalan, San Diego; Phoenix, Grand Canyon..</span></span>. <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202472 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->25<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400370032000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘01/01/15</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Iran-1: <span style="color: blue;">Yazd, Kerman & Bam,
Nayab, Hamedan</span></span>............................................................ <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202473 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->27<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400370033000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘01/06/04</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Thailand: <span style="color: blue;">Bangkok, Floating Market,
Ayuthaya, Phuket, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai</span></span>................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202474 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->31<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400370034000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘02/04/17</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Peru: <span style="color: blue;">Lima, Iquitos, Amazon,
Leticia, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu</span></span>........................ <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202475 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->36<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400370035000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘02/10/06</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Bermuda Cruise: <span style="color: blue;">Hamilton, Horse Shoe
Bay</span></span>.......................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202476 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->41<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400370036000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘02/10/18</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Hiking: <span style="color: blue;">Huntington State Park</span></span>................................................................................................. <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202477 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->41<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400370037000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘02/12/12</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">France: <span style="color: blue;">Paris, Dijon, Lyon, Geneva,
Avignon, Orange, Marseilles, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes</span>,</span> <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202478 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->43<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400370038000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘03/01/12</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Cross Country Skiing: <span style="color: blue;">High Point,
Sussex County, NJ</span></span>........................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202479 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->50<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400370039000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘03/01/18</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Cross Country Skiing: <span style="color: blue;">Mountain
Trails, Catskill, NY</span></span>............................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202480 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->50<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400380030000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘03/09/17</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Turkey: </span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Fethiye, Kas,
</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Ephesus/Kusadasi</span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">51</span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400380031000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘03/09/17</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Turkey Notes</span>........................................................................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202482 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->53<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400380032000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘04/05/29</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Boston: <span style="color: blue;">Boston Common, Harvard
Square, Faneuil Hall</span></span>........................................................ <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF _Toc416202483
\h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->55<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400380033000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘04/09/04</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Italy: </span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rome, Perugia, Siena/Chainti,
</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">San Gimignano, Florence, Lucca,</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pisa, Cinque Terre, Bellagio,......</span></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.56</span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400380034000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc2">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">………</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"> Italy notes</span>.................................................................................................................................. <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202485 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->59<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400380035000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: xx-small; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘05/03/17</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Iran.2: </span><span style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Semnan/Susangard, Caspian
Sea </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Chalus, Jadeh Do Hezar, Fuman, Masuleh, Rasht)</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">............. </span><!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202486 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-size: x-small;">63</span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400380036000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘05/10/29</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Iran.3: <span style="color: blue;">Rezvan Shahr, Bandar Anzali</span></span>...................................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202487 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->64<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400380037000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘06/09/12</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Panama 09/28: <span style="color: blue;">Panama City, David,
Boquete, Volcan, Cerro Punta, Boca Chica</span></span>................. <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202488 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->65<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400380038000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc2">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">………….....… Panama Notes</span>...................................................................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202489 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->68<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400380039000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘08/04/20</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">UK: <span style="color: blue;">Bournemouth</span></span>................................................................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202490 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->70<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400390030000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘08/05/08</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Iran-4: <span style="color: blue;">Tehran, </span>Food</span>............................................................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202491 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->71<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400390031000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘09/03/18</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Iran-5: <span style="color: blue;">Tehran</span></span>......................................................................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202492 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->71<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400390032000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘09/11/27</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Argentina & Chile: </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-no-proof: yes;">Buenos Aires,
Rosario, Cordoba, Mendoza, San Rafael, Tuyun, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-no-proof: yes;"> Topungato, Santiago, Montevideo</span>...................................................................................... <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202493 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->72<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400390033000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘10/10'17</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">GA: Smokey Mountains: <span style="color: blue;">Blue Ridge,
Blairsville, Atlanta</span></span>........................................................ <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202494 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->77<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400390034000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘11/09/01</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Turkey: <span style="color: blue;">Istanbul, Fethyie, Oludeniz</span></span>........................................................................................ <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202495 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->78<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400390035000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘12/02/01</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Panama: <span style="color: #0070c0;">Santiago, Santa Fe,
Pedazi, Boquete, Guadalupe, Cerra Punto</span></span>............................ 79<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400390036000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘<span style="font-size: x-small;">12/09/01</span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Turkey, Portugal, Spain: </span><span style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Istanbul,
</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Fethiye, Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Obidos, Evora,Faro, Tavira, Seville,
Dusseldorf</span></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF _Toc416202497 \h <span
style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-size: x-small;">82</span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400390037000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘13/11/14</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Panama: <span style="color: #0070c0;">Boquete-Volcancito cabin</span></span>........................................................................................ <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202498 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->87<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400390038000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">‘14/01/10</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Panama: <span style="color: #0070c0;">Boquete-Volcancito cabin</span></span>........................................................................................ <!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span> PAGEREF
_Toc416202499 \h <span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]-->92<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:data>08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E0000005F0054006F0063003400310036003200300032003400390039000000</w:data>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-no-proof:yes'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<h1>
<!--[if supportFields]><span
style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></h1>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoToc1">
<br /></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202467" style="font-size: medium;">‘96/10/30 Egypt &
Israel:</a> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">London,
Cairo, Aswan, Nile Cruise, Giza, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in .75in; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wed,
10/30/96:</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week is the last week of my
assignment at SCB. Today I decided to take two weeks off and materialize my
childhood dream _a trip to Egypt. I went to a travel agency near the World
Trade Center in the afternoon and met an Egyptian travel agent who said he
would take care of my reservations to Egypt and Israel and that he would
contact me the following day. He did not call the next day. I called the
British Airways and made a round trip reservation for $1256 (NY-London $387 +
London-Cairo $869). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday, 10/31</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I bought “Let’s go to Egypt and Israel”
book and started to read it. I also took a few passport pictures and called the
Egyptian Consulate to get information on the requirements for a visa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday, 11/1/96</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I went to the Consulate of the Egypt on
2<sup>nd</sup> Avenue and 59<sup>th</sup> Street. I had called them the day
before and they had told me that they would be open at 9:00am and it would take
about an hour to get my visa. I had to wait until 9:30am till the clerk
arrived, was setup at his desk, his tea was brought to him and then I could
submit my application. He told me to return at 11:00 am The whole process took
a bit over two hours which was not too bad after I saw how slow things could be
there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had lunch with Trevor Seeney at etc. Jay Maruzewski joined
us. After lunch I went to British Airways office to pickup my tickets but their
computer was down. I went to American Express to purchase some travelers
checks. I had to go through some final handover with Luis Rojas and Christine
Sheehee, then said good-bye to my colleagues and left the office at 5.30pm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday, 11/2/96</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I read my travel guide, packed, left
messages for Domenica Protheroe and Greg
Joshua and talked to Marica. Fred Hood called to say Good-bye and wish me a
good trip. I had left a message for him
the previous day thanking him for his help on the project and he said he had
played it for Al Beck. I’ll miss the old man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hiroko called to say good-bye. She
called a second time and asked to meet. She came over at 3:00p. We talked for a
while and went to one of the neighborhood restaurants and had a civilized
dinner. After dinner we came back home, I picked up my bag, took a taxi,
dropped off Hiroko at her place and continued to the airport. I went to the
ticket office to pickup my ticket; I also changed my return date from Saturday
to Sunday 11/17/96. This way I could use one extra day of the weekend. The 8:30
pm flight was over-booked and I had to take the 9:00 pm flight. We took off at
9:30p and arrived at <b><span style="color: blue;">London</span>’</b>s<b> </b>Heathrow
airport at 8:00a (+5) after a 5.5 hours flight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday, 11/3/96</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> London/Cairo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I exchanged $40 for 23.07 BP (@1.734 rate plus 2.50
commission), bought a one-day underground ticket for 3.90 BP and took a
one-hour ride on Piccadilly Line to New Hyde Park. It was damp and drizzling.
The bridle path at the park looked beautiful. I purchased a 10 BP ticket for a
2-hour bus tour on “The Big Bus Tour”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I took visited the Parliament Square,
Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower of London, Thames, and
Buckingham Palace. After a quick lunch of smoked salmon sandwich I walked
around for a while and then took the Underground back to Heathrow. The city was
very lively and charming - more than what I had expected. We took off at
4.30pm, moved my watch two hours ahead and arrived at <b><span style="color: blue;">Cairo</span>’s</b> new Airport at 11.30pm,
after a 5-hour flight. I spent three hours on the line for passport inspection;
exchanged $300 for 1016 EP (@3.388) at Thomas Cook and shared a van with a
German who paid 50, a suspicious Japanese
couple who paid 30 and myself who paid 10. I got off at Horris Hotel on 26th of
July Street - it was recommended in my guidebook. The rooms were on the 13th
floor and the restaurant on the 14th floor of the building. I got a quiet room
for 43 EP per night. When I was going back to my room for the second time the
elevator got stuck between floors; we waited for about 10 minutes until the
staff could open the door from outside and I was asked to jump out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I went to the restaurant to ask for
some mineral water and had to wait for about 15 minutes for somebody to go out
and get the water. I went to my room, took a shower, sat down in the balcony
which had a good view of the city and wrote my journal. I can see the tower of
Cairo from here. It’s 3:00 am and last night I only dozed off for a couple of
hours in the plane. It is time to go to bed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday, 11/4/96 - Cairo<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up rather late at 12:00pm. I
could hear the chaotic sound of the traffic from my room. I went to the balcony
to get my first glimpse of the city in daylight. I could see the roofs of all
buildings around; it seemed as if they had been bombed during WWII and never
repaired ever since. I walked to Obera Sq., Ataba Sq., Adli St., and Talat Harb
to Tahir Sq. and stopped at a restaurant recommended in the guidebook for their
“Koushry” but they were out of it. I tried a cheese pizza; it was really
Egyptianized (10 EP), went to American Express and booked a Nile cruise tour
from Aswan to Luxor for $416 + $289 airfare. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I was walking around the city I met
Frank, a great salesman. I asked him for an address, he took me to his a
perfume shop, showed me his picture with Mohammed Ali, and started his sales
pitch. I told him I might come back the following day. He said that they would
be closing the shop the next day for six months to go to his village to make
perfume. I ended up buying a perfume holder that had been made by his mother
for 20 EP after haggling it down from 25 EP. A person, possibly the store owner
who had hired Frank on commission basis, brought a Fanta soda which was so
sweet I could not drink more that a few sips of. I left the shop before he
could talk me into buying a silver necklace. I felt dizzy for a few minutes,
possibly from the soda; walked to the Tahir Sq. and asked a cab driver named
Hisham for the direction to the Nile. He started talking about himself and the
fact that he had taught himself English and that he would take the tourists for
tours of the city. He showed me a book he had compiled of recommendations from
his satisfied customers; it was a great portfolio. We arranged for a full
one-day tour of the city and the pyramids for 100 EP after my return from
Luxor. I walked to the Nile and took a boat ride for 10 EP. The captain said
they would leave in 5 minutes for a 40- minute ride; I had to wait for 40
minutes till the boat was full and then we went for a 20-minute ride. I was the
only single person on the boat and the rest of the passengers were young
couples holding hands. It seems the Nile is the hottest dating spot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I walked back to the hotel to make sure
I can get back my passport that they had held, possibly for registration with
the police, at the reception desk, paid my bill, walked to my room and saw a
black cat straying in my room. I had left the window to the balcony open but I
could not figure out how the cat got to the 13th floor of the building. I
walked back to Tahir Sq. and at a popular restaurant on Talat Harb St. I had a
Shawamar and Koushry - a filling dish made of macaroni, fried onion, chickpeas,
yellow peas, barley and a tomato based hot sauce. I Walked around for a while,
stopped at a gahwah (coffeehouse) and visited a couple of small ancient food
markets. At one stand I picked up two dates marked for 2 EP for a kg. When I
asked the price for two, the salesman said 2 EP; I put them back and kept
walking and then went back to the area near my hotel. At 11pm the shops and
streets were still crowded, even the barbershop had customers. I walked through
another vegetable market that was very lively before going back to my hotel at
11.30pm <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday, 11/5/96</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>Aswan<u>
<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 1:30am and could not go
back to sleep. I thought it should be a bad omen when I saw the stray black cat
in my room. The wake up call I had requested rang at 3:58 am - not bad at all.
I had a 25-minute cab ride to the airport, settled the price at 20 EP before
boarding the small Fiat; the car was so tiny I has to squat all the way to the
airport to avoid smashing my head on the roof when we got into potholes. The
police had sealed off section of the road to the airport so the driver had to
take an alternate road. When I arrived at the airport I had to go to four
different desks until I was able to get my boarding pass. It was amazing how
efficient these guys were in wasting time. The flight was scheduled at 5:45am
and we took off at 6:00am, and landed at the <b><span style="color: blue;">Aswan</span> airport</b> at 7:00am. I
negotiated the cab fare to “Presidential Nile Cruise” with a few drivers and
brought down the price from 40 to 15 EP. We had a speedy ride to the sailboat,
handed a 20 EP bill to driver and the driver, Misham, did not return the
change. He said 20 EP is a good fare and added I could complain to the police
if I wanted to. I finished my registration quickly and was the first passenger
on the boat at 8am I napped on the deck for a while. At about 11:30 other
passengers started to show up. At 1:00 pm. we had a buffet lunch; it was very
good. I had a feast on the delicious cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemons. At 3:00pm
we started sailing on Felucca on the Nile to see the mausoleum of <b>Agha Khan</b>, the <b>Nubian village</b>, a Nilometer, Elephantine Island - a name given by
the Greeks due to the shape of the rocks in the island which are very similar
to elephants. The Felucca is an old fashion speedy sailboat that seats about
twenty passengers. We had afternoon tea after returning to the boat. I met Omar
H. Tiwana of Pakista, a lawyer at Asian Development Bank, 6 ADB Ave,
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila POB 789, 0980 Manila, Philippines Tel: 632-632-4410,
and his wife, Aishe, an educated nice couple. At 7pm in the company of Omar,
Aishe, Rita Lockhart and her mother _ Janet Tite of Medina, Ohio _ took a van
which Omar had reserved through American Express to a boat and rode to Aglikia
Island to see the Sound and Light Show. The temples on the island were removed
from Philae Island when the Aswan dam was being built. The island consists of
three temples: Temple of Isis - the Mother of the Nature, the goddess of purity
and sexuality and sister and wife of Osiris - Osiris and Isis’ mother. The show
was OK at the cost of 100 EP. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After the show we went back to the boat
and had dinner. I then walked on the port along the boats; there were at least
one hundred of them; the Nile Cruise seemed to be a booming business. I met
Captain Cook (Hamido) who insisted on selling his services or at least some
marijuana; I had to walk away from him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday 11/6/96 <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 7:30am and after breakfast
took a bus ride to Aswan dam with the boat group. Fourteen temples had to be
relocated prior to building the dam in 1970’s. I visited Aglikia (Philea Islet)
again - the Temples of Isis, a papyrus and perfume shop; it was a sales pitch
and a total waste of time. I wished they would stop marketing activities here.
Finally after lunch we started to sail. At 4:00pm we arrived at <b>Kom Ombo</b> temple (45 km north of Aswan) located
on the Nile. We toured the temple that was mostly built by the Romans. We
arrived at <b>Edfu</b> at about 8pm and
toured the town for a while. I was stopped by a young gift-shop owner,
Mohammed, 29, who was from Luxor and has three shops in town but was unhappy
because he could not find a good wife in Edfu and had to ask the female
tourists to have sex with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 11/7/96<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is our third day on the boat.
After breakfast we took a bus to the temple of <b>Edfu</b>; It is a magnificent, well-preserved monument. We walked
around the market and as usual were pushed to buy something by the many
vendors. Omar recommended buying a Gabalay for that evening’s party on the
boat; I picked up a white one and paid 35 EP for it. We visited the cemetery.
At about 1:30pm we started to sail to Luxor. We passed by the locks where we
had to wait for a couple of hours; at peak tourist season the wait can be up to
three days. After dinner I took part in
the play “Murder on the Nile” with Rita. Tarak, our guide had insisted on
having the play. In the practice session I initially had the role of the
director and Omar the role of the husband, but since I could not interrupt the
play as often as I should have, I took the role of Rita’s husband and Omar
played the role of the director. I participated in the potatoes rolling contest
in Gabalay dress. A string was tied around my waist with a potato attached to
the other end of the string. I had to roll ahead a potato on the floor by
shaking and aiming the hanging potato at the potato on the floor. I won the
contest. Our guide, Tarak, took my prize _ a bottle of wine. It was a fun
night. I also attended in the mummification contest with toilet paper with Rita
as my partner; we lost; Rita was too slow to unroll the toilet paper and wrap around
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 11/8/96<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We visited the Valley of the Kings,
Ramsses II, Thutmosis III, the Temple of Hatshepsut - a huge temple not unlike
the facade of a modern cement office building. We took some pictures with Omar
at the Memnon Statutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the afternoon we visited the <b>Temple of Karnak</b>, a magnificent temple
with sphinxes on the road leading to the entrance, followed by halls and yards
with a total of 132 great columns and a 150-ton obelisque carried from Aswan in
one piece. The temple was built by a series of kings from the Old Dynasty
through the Romans; it had been covered by sand and Napoleon undertook the task
of uncovering it. Later on we visited the <b>Temple
of Luxor</b>, another impressive monument that at one point had been covered
fully by sand over which the Ottomans had built a mosque. After the discovery
of the temple they left the mosque intact atop the temple. I went to the mosque
and sat there for a while watching the crowd and the site. When I left the
mosque a teenager asked me to buy liquor for him from a liquor shop that only
sold to foreigners. I took a horse carriage ride back to the boat. At night I
went to the Karnak Light and Sound show with Rita, her mom, Omar and Aisheh;
the temple looked very impressive under the lights (ticket 60 EP). After dinner
we watched a belly dancer dancing on the boat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 11/9/96 <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today was the check out day. I woke up
at 6:00am and took a taxi from the Sheraton Hotel to Hotel Novotel (5) and
ferried to the West Bank (5). I then took another cab to the <b>Valley of the Kings</b> (15), purchased
tickets for Rita and myself for the Tomb of <b>Nefetari</b> (100); it was discovered in 1904 and just last year was
reopened to the public after a long closing for renovations. Only 150 people
can visit it each day in order to preserve the site. I walked around; the small
village with the surrounding hills in the early morning hours looked very
pretty. A few kids approached me and asked for money. I gave them all my small
bills; then one of them - an eight-year old girl - followed me until I had to
give her a dollar bill. She gave me a small statute in appreciation. Only when
I thought it was safe, I saw a two-year old boy chasing me and crying for
money; I had to run away to the hills. I came across the Temple of Ramsses III,
a great monument which I entered from the back. A self-proclaimed guide finally
showed me a real Nilometer. After leaving the temple I passed by a small very
scenic village, walked back to the ticket office and waited for a while for
Rita, her mom and our guide, Mr. Williams, a 68-year old charismatic Coptic
Egyptian from Thomas Cook Tourist Office. They arrived at about 9:00am. We
drove to the Valley of the Kings and visited the <b>tomb of Nefetari</b>. It was amazingly well preserved. The colors of
the paintings were extremely bright and lively. The artists were able to use
the minerals from the mines in the area for the coloring. We then visited the <b>Tomb of Tutan Kanum</b>, another
well-preserved tomb; also visited the Tomb of Ramsses II. We drove to the
Temple of Hatshepsut that I had already visited. I hiked on the nearby hills
while my company visited the temple. The antiquity was felt all over - it was
part of the scenery. I then walked to the main street and as usual was stopped
by many vendors. One of them tried to sell me the sculpture of hand for 500 EP
that he claimed he had excavated himself. He reduced the price to 100 but when
I told him I need to show it to my guide, he backed off and said it would be
dangerous. We drove back to the boats after my company showed up and ferried
back to the East Coast. I said good-bye to Rita and others, walked around for a
while, stopped at a decent cafe and had lunch, and sat at a coffee shop for a
while. At about 4pm I visited the Luxor Museum; it had a small but rich
collection of artifacts from the area. I walked back to the boat area. On the
way I saw a teenager American girl who dropped a few postcards in a mailbox,
and then prayed for their safe trip to their destinations. I had a few fruit
cocktails at Sheraton, picked up my luggage from the boat and took a taxi to
Luxor Airport. I settled the fare for 12
EP with the driver. On the way, he asked for 5 EP for a toll that I gave him
and then again he asked for a 1 EP toll that I refused. At the airport I gave
him a 10 EP bill. He asked for more; I told him to go get a police; he sped
away. I checked with someone about the toll and he said there was only a 1 EP
toll. The flight to <b>Cairo</b> took about
an hour. I took a taxi to the city. The driver, calling me his Moslem brother,
recommended I stay at Girsham Hotel on Talat-Harab Street. The hotel was OK but
had cold water most of the time. I went to bed at about midnight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 11/10/96<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 9:00am and walked to Tahir
Sq., bought a metro ticket at Sadat Station for .5 EP or 50 piasters (Pt or
Irsh, Plural: U-Roosh). I kept the ticket to pass through the turnstile at the
destination and got off at Mar Girgis (St. George) station to visit the Coptic
Cairo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Visited the following: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Coptic Museum, a beautiful collection
of Coptic artifacts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Church of Mari Grigis, a charming
circular church where the somber Orthodox Christian prayers were in session.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Church of El Mu’allaqa (the hanging
church, St. Mari) where the prayers were going on. I met Omar and his wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Walked down a narrow alley to Abu
Serga, St. Barbara (Inside: St. Cyprus and St. John chapels). These two
churches were restored during the Caliph who did not like this act therefore he
ordered the architect to destroy one of them. The architect walked so long
between the two to decide which one to destroy that he finally died of
exhaustion, as a result the Caliph spared both churches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ben Ezra Synagogue: Well-restored. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fustat - City of the Tents: I walked about 500 meters north
on St. Marie Grigis to the Mosque of Amr, Egypt’s first mosque, a very huge
site with beautiful columns in covered areas all around the yard. On Friday
afternoon prayers up to 70,000 prayers attend. Two guides and two shoe keepers
asked for bakhsheesh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abu Saffein: I walked about 500m past
the Mosque of Amr to Abu Saffein and visited:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Virgin
Mari church (El-Dem Shiria): A
beautiful, simple, small church <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Church
of St. Shenouda: Very old,
brick walls and wooden ceiling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At
none of the churches anyone asked for donations or entrance fee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I asked for directions from a Coptic
family and they gave me a ride to Nilometer; it was a charming building on Roda
Island, about 20m deep. It is now dry but before construction of the Aswan Dam
the water could rise all the way to the top. I took the spiral staircase all
the way to the bottom. I then walked around the area for a while but could not
find a decent place to have lunch. I found a bakery where ants were walking
over loaves of breads in the window shelves; I entered and picked up a loaf on
the inside trays but the cashier could not change my 20 EP bill. I walked
around in vein for a long time to change the note. Finally I came across
another bakery where I could get a few loaves of bread before taking a cab ride
to the Islamic Cairo. The traffic was very bad. The driver would shut off the
engine after every few yards where he had to stop. An 8-year old girl student
was trying to board a bus and a man pushed her aside to get on board. A woman
in full Islamic cover had put her child on her shoulder in a way that the child
was covering her view from the incoming traffic. She crossed the street with no
hesitation, expecting the cars to stop for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I visited the following sites at Islamic
Cairo:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque: a grand, old
(879 CE), most sublime building <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rafaii Mosque, I had to recite:
”Ashhado An La Ella ha Ell-lalla” to get in with no admission. It had a huge
interior with four columns in the center and four adjacent to each wall with
beautiful artwork on the walls and the ceilings. Initially I mistook the mosque
for Sultan Hassan Mosque that was across the street; I went back to Hassan
Mosque later on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Citadel (El Qal’a): <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">¨<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mosque of Sultan En-Nasir Muhammad Ibn
Qaaoun, small, beautiful with pharonic and Coptic columns. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">¨<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mosque of Mohammad Ali. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">à<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Interior: Alabaster walls with wood on
the upper parts and beautiful ceiling with possibly the world's largest
chandelier (365 lanterns). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">à<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Courtyard: A 17-m deep well in the center
of the court with the greatest echo. My shouts resonated for about one minute.
Also a pretty ablution dome and a beautiful French clock on a tower, a gift of
King Louis Philippe of France to Mohammad Ali in 1845 in appreciation of Ali’s
gift of the obelisque from Luxor Temple that now stands in Palace de la Concord
in Paris. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Museum of Qasr el-Gowhara: Built in
1811 by Ali and named after one of his wives. Ali invited 500 of his mamluk
allies and slaughtered them here. In one room there were a few tapestries on
the walls. A few of these were presented to Ka’ba in Mecca. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Suleiman Pasha Mosque: Built in 1527. A
charming small garden and a pretty small prayer hall behind the Military
Palace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Court of the Military Museum that
consisted of a few tanks and airplanes that seemed to be from WWI era. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Revisited Rifai’s Mosque. The attendant
opened the door to the burial chamber of King Fouad, King Farouk who was
Egypt’s last king, and the <b>Shah</b>. The
tombstone of the Shah read: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Born: Aban
1, 1298.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Died: Mordad
5, 1359.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sultan Hassan Mosque (1356 CE), Jewel
of the Mamluk architects, built by stones from the pyramids at Giza. In the
company of a guide and a group of French tourists I walked to the roof and all
the way atop one of the minarets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I stopped by at the Tourist Police to find out how to get to
Tahir Sq. Two policemen and two young civilians had to consult<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to give me a bus number and finally one of the young guys
walked me to the bus stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I stopped at two Egypt Air offices to
buy a ticket to Israel and both told me I had to go to Air Sinai, a subsidiary
of Egypt Air which was closed at that time. They could not tell me if I could
book a flight through a travel agent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 11/1/96</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>Giza</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 7:00am, checked out from
the Gresham Hotel and walked to Tahir Sq. to take a bus to the Giza. At the bus
stop met Ali, a law student at the Cairo University who works at a restaurant
at nights. The streets were very crowded and the traffic was awful. The bus
ride took about 45 minutes. Near <b><span style="color: blue;">Giza </span></b>Ali pointed to me one of the pyramids few
miles away; it was a hazy day and when I looked at his direction I saw the awe
inspiring pyramid at a distance. Ali recommended I should also visit Saqqara,
and he said since there were no roads between Giza and Saqqara he would take me
to a government agency, possibly hi buddy,
where I could hire a camel or a horse. After arriving at Giza, we went
to the second floor of a building with a stable on the ground floor. I paid $80
for a full day trip on horseback with a guide and left the stable for Giza
about 2 km away but the horse was too slow and Omar, my guide, mentioned that
after visiting Giza I could take a car to Saqqara. I went back to the stable
and asked for my money back. We settled at a Giza tour for $40 and a faster
horse. The horse, Kanni, was much faster than the first one and I enjoyed the
many fast trots on the open vast dessert. I visited <b>Cheops</b> (2250 B.C.E.), 146m high, and <b>Chephren,</b> 143m high. I walked through a long tunnel to the burial
chamber. Since I had no camera flash I asked Hirokoni, a Japanese tourist to
take a picture of me and gave him my address and 10 EP to mail me the picture.
He asked me to pose for a second picture in case the first one was not good. He
did not accept my additional 5 EP; I never received a picture from him. I
visited the pyramid of Mycerinus and then rode to the Sphinx a few hundred
yards away. Omar, my guide, said I could get a cab ride to Saqqara for 60 EP.
At Sphinx, a driver, Hosni, offered me a car ride to Saqqara. I asked him to
give me a price with no haggling. He offered 20 EP. I got in the car and asked
Hosni to buy some bread for lunch. He stopped at a bakery and bought bread and
then some cheese at a grocery. The hot bread wrapped in newspaper was really
delicious. We arrived in <b>Saqqara</b> in
half an hour where I visited the Step Pyramid (2630 BCE), the oldest, and an
inspiration for the construction of the other pyramids by the future pharaohs.
I then visited the Tomb of Mere-ruka, a burial site with many rooms and
beautiful drawings on the walls. Before leaving I decided to take a picture of
one of the walls. While preparing my camera the attendant showed up, waited
until I took the picture and then asked me if I had a ticket for the camera. I
gave him some bakhsheesh. I walked to the Pyramid of Titi, a very small one.
The guide entered the site, turned on the lights and we walked to the burial
chamber. I touched the burial stone and a piece of amber came off into my hand.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I left the site at 2:30pm and arrived
at <b>Memphis</b> in about 30 minutes. The
site consisted of the following: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ramsses II statue, about 18m long lying
down; it was the main piece at the site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The temples of Ptah, Apis, Hathor, Ramses,
sarcophagus of Amen Hotep and Sphinx of Ramses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We drove back about 20 km to Giza. After saying good-bye to
Hosni who seemed to be a nice Egyptian man. He said the next time I’d go back,
I could be his guest at his home. I took a bus to Tahir Sq. at 3:30pm. At one
stop six men boarded the bus, five of them were smoking. I went to the American
Express office at the Nile Hilton and booked a flight to Tel Aviv for the same
day at 10:30 pm for 1180 EP ($350).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I tried to contact Omar by calling
information to get his phone number at Ramses Hilton but the operator hung up
on me. I went back to the Nile Hilton and got his number but he was not in his
room. I left a message for him and rested for a while at the Hilton and did soe
writing. On the way to hotel I met Adel, a sergeant in the army who invited me
to dinner. I told him I was in a rush to go to the airport therefore made plans
to meet after my return. He complained about the low pays and he also knew
about the perfume salesmen trick - Frank about whom I wrote before. He told me
that Egyptians think of foreigners as wallets who have to be turned over and
shaken empty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It seems the friends can get very
intimate with each other here. It is very common to see two men _ with big
mustaches _ walk hand in hand and they do not have to be gays. Basically the
scene of men walking hand in hand or arms around each others’ is very common.
It seems that the sense of touching is very strong here and since until just
recently people of the opposite sexes could not touch each other in public,
touching among the people of the same sex has become commonplace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another interesting scene is the bus
scene. The buses are so full that people have to hang up to three layers from
the doors. There are no official bus stops therefore it is common to see people
jumping on and off the buses at each corner. The drivers do not even have to
slow down. The most common sound is the sound of the horns of the cars. In high
traffic intersections there are five to ten policemen who control the traffic,
otherwise in other intersections with no traffic police, the red light has no
meaning. It is a wonder a people who have so little value for the time can get
in such a rush once they when sit at the wheels. Passers-by have no fear of the
cars and they jump in front of the cars to cross the streets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I stopped by at a restaurant that Adel
had recommended. Inside looked sleazy, with two ugly waitresses. I asked for
the menu; there was none. I asked for a Stella beer, the national Egyptian
beer. The male waiter said they just ran out of it and tried to give me an imported
Stella at three times the price of the local one. No surprise! I left the place
and found a clean restaurant for dinner; after dinner since still had a long
time before my departure I went to a cafeteria for a cup of tea before going
back to the hotel to pick up my luggage. I was not in the mood to haggle with
the cabdrivers and had enough time therefore I took bus #27 at Tahir Sq. to the
airport. The bus must have been one of the busses taken from the Axis _
possibly Italy _ at the end of WWII. At least this nation does not have to
impress the tourists with anything since its monuments do the trick. The bus
was filled with fumes. After few minutes _ sharp at 9:30p _ the bus driver left
the station. I arrived at Terminal 1, the old airport, and at that point I
found out that the bus does not go the New Terminal (#4) that is mostly for
international flights; The sales agent had told me that my flight would take
off from that terminal. I took a cab to New Airport and asked a guard for El-Al
Terminal and he said it was at terminal #1. My cab driver, Mahmud, drove back
to terminal #1 as if in a suicide mission and he did ask for a big tip. When I
finally arrived at the security desk at 10:30pm the guards said the plane had
taken off. I went to the office of El-Al and a clerk OK’ed my ticket aboard air
Saina which had a flight the following night. When I left the terminal I saw
Mahmood waiting outside patiently. He drove me back to the city. The
salesmanship started as usual; he said I should go to Magie Hotel that is a
much better hotel than Horris. I told him I was too tired and just wanted to go
back to my own hotel to rest. He did add that if I go to Magie hotel, to tell
Mr. Mokhtar that Mr. Mahmud from the airport has sent me and to ask for
‘special discount’ that in my guidebook was translated as “rip-off”. I arrived
at the hotel and checked in. I went to the restaurant across the hotel to get a
soda, but the boy at the counter said they were closed. I went back to the
restaurant of the hotel and asked for a soda to take out and they said they
have no take out service. I went back to my room and left my luggage and went
to a juice shop and had two mango juices and a mineral water. Four people had to
collaborate to come up with the price in English. After a very long day I went
back to my room to sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">?1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 11/12/96</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>Tel
Aviv<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 8:30am and after breakfast at the hotel went to
American Express and changed my ticket. I will be flying tonight on El-Al and
return on Saturday on Air Sinai. I went to Egyptian Museum at Tahir sq. The
building does not look enormous from the outside but inside there is an endless
array of artifacts from Ancient Egypt; there should be at least one million
different pieces on display. If one spends only a minute to view each item, it
should take about three years to go through all the items at the museum. The
were no descriptions for majority of the objects on display but the task of
collecting all of these artifacts under one ceiling should have been a
tremendous effort. It seems that everything ever made by the ancient Egyptians
have been excavated and gathered here. Some of the most interesting pieces were
the elaborate horse carriages, the huge (20’ x 30’) wooden and golden burial
chambers, the tools used in daily life and of course the Royal Mummy Room
(separate admission of 60 EP). In the room there were eleven mummies and some
of them were extremely well preserved with all parts of the face, hands,
teethes, eyelids and ears still intact. They were the Mummies of Ramses II
(about 4’ long), Amen Hotep I, Thutmosis IV, Seti I, and Ramsses V. By this
time my legs were sore from yesterday’s riding. I left the museum at 1:0pm and
took a cab to Fatimid Cairo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fatimid Cairo - Visited the following
sites: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Madras of Sultan El Ghouri where they
have the dance of the Whirling Dervishes on Wednesdays and Saturday nights.
Omar had seen this dance and highly recommended it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mansion of Gamal ed-din (16th Cen.),
spacious with many rooms for him and his three wives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mosque of El Muayyad, 1415, very old
with original interior, beautiful alabaster multi-color walls<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bab Zuweila, one of the three remaining
gates of the Fatimid Cairo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mosque of Sahib Tala, 1160<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Street of the Tent Makers and Saddle
Makers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Al Azhar Mosque: It was not as
magnificent as I had expected. Part of it was closed and under reconstruction due
to a fire. The guide “butcher” Mahmud Mohammad walked me inside and to one of
the minarets. As he was showing me around, he was trying to sell copies of
Koran to western tourists. I wanted to see the famous library but after talking
to a guard, a sheik and a translator did not succeed and had to give up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mosque of Sayydinn el-Hussein, Cairo’s
most venerated Muslims' shrine. It was beautiful. I did manage to take a
picture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I took a quick tour of the Northern El
Muizz St. and then took a cab to the Nile Hilton were I relaxed for a while and
then went to Restaurant El Haty near the Horris Hotel and a dinner of pigeon -
a delicacy here. It was a large, well-decorated, clean restaurant but
throughout the dinner there was only one more couple at the restaurant. I went
to Horris, picked up my luggage, took a cab to the airport and arrived there at
9:00 pm thinking I had to waste 1:30 hours until my departure time. When I
arrived at El-AL ticket booth, a young woman asked me to follow her, asked for
my passport, and I think once she saw the country of birth in my passport she
was sure that I was a terrorist on a hijacking mission. For the next one hour a
team of five people were questioning me and inspecting my luggage. It seemed
that I would miss my flight again in which case I had to forget about going to
Israel. Throughout the questioning everybody was rather polite except at the
very end, when I thought I was cleared, they walked me to another room for a
quick body search where a new woman told the Egyptian staff “ Search this man”
while pointing to me. At this time I was ready to start cursing but I resisted
the temptation. They searched me from over the clothes and I did not even have
to take off my sneakers - that surprised me. I was also surprised that they had
to use Arab staff for the body search. I was finally finished by 10:15pm;
boarded the bus to the plane and took off at 10:30pnm. It was a short and
convenient flight. We arrived at <b><span style="color: blue;">Tel Aviv</span></b> at 11:30pm. At the immigration desk I
was the second person in the line. I noticed the clerk, a young oriental girl,
stamped the passport of the passenger in front of me. When it was my turn, I
asked her if she was going to stamp my passport and she said yes. I asked her
to let me talk to her supervisor. She asked if there would be a problem with
stamping my passport. I nodded and she just stamped the card that was handed
over to me on the plane and I was finished in less than twenty seconds _ I
thought of Cairo's Immigration where I had to wait for three hours even though
I had a visa. I stopped at the Information Desk to inquire about transportation
to Jerusalem. The clerk said I could use a ‘sherut’ (van). I found a sherut
where a college professor from Ohio was waiting. I waited for some time for
more passengers. I checked again with Information for a hotel in Jerusalem; the
female clerk called a hotel and confirmed a room for me. I waited for a bit
longer until six passengers showed up but since the sherut had the capacity of
eight passengers, we agreed to pay 34 shekels (normally 30) so that the driver
would not wait any longer. We departed for Jerusalem at 12:30am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There was such a huge transformation in
just a one-hour flight from Cairo to Tel Aviv; an organized airport,
transportation and decent highways. The grass around the airport was being
sprinkled. We arrived at <b><span style="color: blue;">Jerusalem</span></b> (60 km) at 1:30am. I found a hotel with
the help of a few young men who were hanging around. I checked in at Hotel
Arcadia at 57 Jaffa St. Tel: 972-02-6221998, a clean nice room for $50 a night.
I went to bed at 2:30 am <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday 11/13/96 <b>Jerusalem</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 7:30am and showered; the
water pressure was even better than that in New York. I noticed the pins were
pulled out from my brush and holes made in my soap bar during the search at
Cairo’s Airport. After having breakfast I walked to the Old City and booked a
walking tour at Zion Walking Tours at the Citadel (Jaffa Gate). We started the
tour at 11:00am. Our guide, Stanley, was an American College professor who had
also served in the Korean War. We visited the Armenian Section, the Ruins of
the New Church, Cordo (corridor, Latin: heart), Mount of Olive and the Western
Wall. The first temple was built here by Solomon in the 10th century BCE. It
was destroyed by Nebu Chadnezzar in 587 BC. The second temple was built in 516
BCE and in 70 CE, the fourth year of the Jewish revolt; Romans destroyed it
again. The Jews believe that the Holy Ark was located closest to the Western
Wall, making this wall the holiest site in Jerusalem. After Omar and Moslems
arrived in the 7th Century, the Umayyad Caliphs built the two Arab mosques that
still dominates the Temple Mount: the silver-domed Holy Al Agsa Mosque (built
715) and the magnificent Dome of the Rock (691). It was one of the more quite
days at the Wall and there were not too many people praying there, nevertheless
one could feel the extremely spiritual sense of the site. I entered the prayer
hall, left a wish in the stones which were full of other prayers left by the
people _ they are removed every year _ wondered around for a while and by the
time I went back to join my tour group, they had left leaving me behind. I
walked out of the Old City through the Dung Gate and passed by a long stretch
of land which was the Moslem’s Cemetery by the walls of the Old City at the
Golden Gate and St. Stephen’s Gate. I
reentered Old City through the Damascus Gate. In front of the “Dome of the
Rock” two Israeli police officers asked me to show them my passport to confirm
that I was a Moslem from Iran since the 7:00-13:00 visiting hours were
over. Inside the mosque a Moslem man
again made me show my passport to make sure that I am a Moslem. My trying to
proof my religion by reading a verse of Quran did not work. I finally entered
the mosque; It was indeed magnificent, I sat down for a while to absorb and
praise its beauty. Anything more than this would possibly have been perfect and
therefore blasphemous at the time of construction since perfection is only for
the God. Every square centimeter of space was a world of wonders and art. The
symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns on the columns and the walls were just
magnificent. A stone that looked like raised rocks covered one side of the
pillars. I had to touch them a few times to feel smoothness of marble. The walls
all the way to the ceiling were covered with beautiful drawings and Arabic
writings. At the center of the mosque, a few steps under the ground the huge
8x8 m Rock was located. Finally the guardian showed up and this time he did not
ask for bakhsheesh, bust asked for sadaghe (a different form of bakhsheesh) for
the sheik; I refused to give him money in this holiest site. I left the mosque
and walked around the courtyard. Every small pillar or altar was built
extremely tastefully. I walked to the Al Agsa Mosque that is on the same
Courtyard and sat there for a while to enjoy the visual beauty of the site. The
task of building these two mosques was nothing less than pharaonic. I circled
around the Islamic and Jewish sections until 7pm. The beautiful all stone walls
and roads in the Jewish Section were restored between 1948-1957. The white
stones give the area the impression of an ancient city. By this time my legs were sore. In the
Islamic Section a young shopkeeper, Ayer, son of the owner, invited me to his
clean restaurant. He complained about the discrimination of the American
tourists who do not eat at his restaurant. The customers were mostly Germans.
Another shopkeeper invited me to his shop and reduced the price of saffron
flowers from NIS30 for 10 grams to 20 for 50 grams. I went to my hotel to sleep
early so that I can get up earlier to use more of the daylight. I was very fascinated with what I’ve seen
today and glad I was able to make the trip. It’s been a great visual and
spiritual experience. The city is a great historical site; it’s peaceful, very
spiritual and the crisp fresh fragrant air is very uplifting; it’s the perfect
place for the resurrection of a prophet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday, 11/14/96<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 6:30am and after breakfast
took Jaffa Road to Jaffa Gate, took a walk around, sat down at the Citadel and
read my tour guide until 9:00am when my tour started. At exactly 9:00am I heard
the owner of the tour company, an interesting 72-year old man, calling me from
down the block. I started the tour with a group of ten people and our
knowledgeable and dedicated tour guide, Ellen, an American who had immigrated
to Israel. We strolled on the rooftops of the Old City’s Market. The highlight
of the tour was the walk on the underground passage of the Western Wall. The
tunnel runs for about 1km and exposes the many facets of the ancient cultures,
the Herosd’s Road, his bridge, and the Wall (one of the rocks weighs 500 tons
and measures 42’x10’x10’. In one of the chambers we could see the ashes left
behind after the Romans burned the city. I left the tunnel from the new exit.
This new exit was completed about two years ago but the old government delayed
opening it to avoid any confrontations with the Arabs. After the opening by the
new government of Netanyahu there were some serious protests by the Arabs
claiming the exit would deteriorate the structure of the Dome of the Rock, but
in reality the exit was far enough from the mosque not to affect it in any way.
The tour was a great observation of the ancient history of the city. After the
tour I lunched at Cordo Culinaria, a restaurant decorated in the fashion of the
old Rome. As the customers entered, the waiters would start playing their
trumpets and then clad them in robes and put headbands on them and after sitting
them fanned them with long straw fans. The olives were great, the pea soup was
delicious and the main dish, chicken and grilled squash was mouth watering; it
was a fun experience. At the end of the meal, taking a picture of the customers
lying down on a sofa with the waitresses feeding them grapes was in order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I walked to the Islamic section one
more time and entered the Dome of the Rock. I entered the prayer hall but the
afternoon prayers were in session and a big crowd of men and women were
praying. I was the only one not praying which looked awkward therefore I left
the place hoping to go back there the following day. I walked to Damascus Gate
and at the bus terminal took Arab bus #75 to At Tur Village atop the Mountain
of Olives. The fare was NIS 1.50 but I had only 1.40 of change. The driver
accepted my change. I got off at the Jewish cemetery. There was a beautiful
view of the city from the hilltop. I climbed higher to the Chapel of Christ’s
Ascension; it was closed. I walked down the hill and visited the Church of
Pater Noster (also called Elona, Greek for ‘Olive Grave’). The prayers were
written in 77 languages on tablets all over the church. I visited the Church of
Gethsemane and then another fascinating church that looked like a deep dark
dungeon with many lights on. I walked down, looked around and tried to ask
about the church from an orthodox Christian but he did not stop reading his
prayer book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I started walking back to the Old City.
On the way met Ellen, my tour guide, who stopped and gave me a ride to Jaffa
Gate. She was a godsend; my legs were in pain from all the walking and the
soreness from the riding at the Pyramids. On the way to my hotel I met Suki, a
Korean girl who was studying Judaism for one year in Jerusalem. I also met Owen
from Rochester who said he was going to the Dead Sea on a one-day tour. I
inquired about the transportation for Saturday’s trip back to Tel Aviv and then
registered for a tour to Masada and the Dead Sea at Benyehuda hustle, on
Benyehuda Street and King George, starting at 3:30am the next day, Friday. I
had a quick dinner on Benyehuda. An eight-year old Arab boy asked me for money
or my pen while smoking. He reminded me of another six-year old boy I had met
at the Valley of the Kings who was smoking and asking for money. I went back to
my room for an early sleep. Tomorrow I will see the sunrise from Masada at the
Dead Sea. It is 450m below the sea level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 11/15/96</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 2:45am and walked to
Benyehuda hustle. The van arrived at 3:30am. I was the only passenger. We drove
to Jaffa Gate and picked up the rest of the passengers who were mostly staying
in Moslem Section where there are many inexpensive hustles. We arrived at <b>Massada</b> a little past 4:00am. I started
hiking and arrived at the hilltop at 5:00am. I waited until sunrise appeared at
about 6:15am. It was a time of silence to absorb the density of history of the
site and the fresh air. It was a bit cloudy yet the sunrise was just perfect.
The patches of the dry and colorful ground at the Dead Sea were glowing under
the sun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I met Asami Honda of Nagoya, a young
girl who is a part -time waitress and more of a full-time traveler. I took some
pictures. After the sunrise I walked around and visited the remains of the
fortress. I descended the hill at 7:00am and arrived at the van at 7:30am. We
drove to the Dead Sea and arrived there at 8:00am. I swam for about an hour. It
was an interesting experience; the water is so heavy filled with the minerals
that one cannot sink in it, but it was extremely bitter and acidy. After the
swim I showered but Owen, the student from Rochester left the thick layer of
minerals all over his skin. After breakfast we drove to a nearby site and took
a nature walk. We drove to <b>Jericho</b>
and visited a monastery and the Jericho Wall. Had lunch and stopped at Qumran
to see the excavations at the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We drove back to
Jerusalem and arrived there at 2:00 pm It was a great trip even though our
driver, Mohammad was the least helpful. He would just drive and at each stop
would just mention the name of the site and the departure time. He must have
been bitter showing the sites of this land that now belong to another people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I went to the Old City and walked to
the Western Wall and back to the hotel to take a shower and a nap. I then went
back to the Old City and tried to enter the Dome of the Rock but I was told
that they are closed after the evening prayers. I asked for directions from a
few Arab kids. They followed me for a few steps and then asked for money. When
I told them I would not give them any money they became very offensive and one
of them started looking for rocks to throw at me. At this time a few Israeli
soldiers showed up and the kids backed off. I walked to the Armenian Section
Restaurant. Before I enter I could hear the sound of a magical flute being
played. The player, Valodya of Armenia, had come to Jerusalem four month
earlier for a festival and had stayed. He was a great master of the instrument.
I cried during his playing and had to go to the bathroom to wash up. I sat at
his table and tried to talk to him but he spoke no English. I asked Genya, a
Russian waitress to act as our translator. I would not forget the sound of his
music. Su, the other waitress, was an Australian woman whom I had asked for
directions to the Old City on my first day in Jerusalem - it’s a small world.
She has studied journalism, came to Jerusalem for political writings and had
initially hated the place because of the roughness of the Jews to Arabs but now
has adjusted to the situation. The wine was good; the appetizer, Armenian
yogurt, cucumber with tomatoes and olive oil was delicious. I had a great time.
Tomorrow I will go to Nazareth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 11/16/96 <b>Nazareth</b></span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today is my last day in Israel. I woke
up at 6:30am, packed, checked out and left my bag at the front desk. I went to
Ron Hotel next to Egged Tours on Jaffa St. and asked if I could go on the tour
to Nazareth. The person at the desk made a phone call and they sent the bus to
pick me up ($54). After a few more pickups we changed to a van and started the
trip. Our guide, Yuki (Yukivet), was a very knowledgeable person and did a
great job of describing the history of the places we were driving by. We drove
by the Judea Mountains and the Bedouin tents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In <b>Nazareth</b>
we visited the Church of the Annunciation and then drove to Capernaum to visit
the House of St. Peter. We also visited the Sea of Galilee where we had lunch
(a local fish called St. Peter, similar to bass which Jesus fed one thousand of
his followers with one of them) and went for a boat ride. We visited another
synagogue and a church and a park where the Christian would come to baptize in
the waters of the Sea of Jordan. The religious fever was very high. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We arrived at Jerusalem at 6:15pm. I tried to find a sherut
to the airport but because of the Shabath there was no service to the airport
unless I would get a private ride for $80. I took a sherut to Tel Aviv at 6:30p.
The driver was kind enough to stop on a fork on the highway near the airport
and let me off. He said I could walk 1-2 km distance to the airport. It was
about 7:30p and I had enough time until my departure. I decided to take a
shortcut; went down a ramp and walked through a citrus grove for about 20
minutes in the direction of the airport where I could see the bright lights.
The smell of the tangerines had filled the air. When I arrived at the other end
of the grove I faced a long wire fence; took a detour and walk for another 10
minutes until I arrived at a place where the wire fence was shorter and I could
climb a few tree stems to the top of the fence and jump over it. I walked along
the highway for about half an hour. When I hailed a cab the driver told me I
was on the wrong side of the road. I crossed the road and walked for a while
before getting a ride to the airport.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since I was flying on Air Saina, I
thought going through the passport check would be faster but I was in for a big
surprise. The checking of the luggage was even more exhaustive than that at
Cairo’s Airport. The fist woman involved five other people to find out my
motives for taking this trip and to check my luggage. They inspected my luggage
for an hour and the inspection of my camera took about 1:45 hours. This time
they also checked the sneakers I was wearing. At the end the woman apologized
for the delay and walked me through the gates to the departure hall around
9:50p. The flight was one hour late and we took off at 11:30. I took a taxi and
the driver started the same familiar act of recommending a cheaper and better
hotel. At the hotel asked for a wakeup call at 6a and went to bed at 2 am <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 11/17/96 <b>Departure
from Cairo</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today is the last day of my trip. I
took a taxi to the airport and arrived there at 7:00a. I was lucky to get to
the airport since the cab driver did not know exactly where to drop me. He had
to stop near the airport and ask for help from a waiting passenger who happened
to work at one of the currency exchanges at the airport and shared a ride with
me. At the airport the ticket agent asked if my ticket was confirmed or not. I
had all forgotten about it but I had to tell him that I had confirmed it at the
American Express. It seemed he had no way of verifying it; I was able to get a
boarding pass. I waited at the departure hall for a while, watching the
sparrows who had nested there. The flight took off at 8:30a; I took a seat at
the business class. We arrived in London where we had a 1 1/2 hours stop over
and finally arrived at JFK at 4 pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the immigration desk, I was the very
first person in the line. An old passenger tried to get ahead of me but the
officer who had just finished with his last passenger noticed this and asked me
to go thorough the other side of his desk. The officer at the customs said,
‘welcome back’ and let me through. I hailed a cab and got home at 5 pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span>
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<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202468"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘96/12/08 Dubai, <span style="color: blue;">London, Spain: Madrid, Toledo</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 12/8/96</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tomorrow I’ll be leaving for Dubai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Woke up rather late. Hiroko called in
the afternoon. I went out for an evening walk at Carl Shultz Park. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 12/9/96 <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I gave exclusive rights to Kenny
Shusterman of Bellmark Realty to rent Vanderbilt apartment, paid some bills,
took care of the gifts for the doormen, packed, and called Marica and Faramarz.
Hiroko called again to say good-bye. I arrived at JFK at 9:30pm to find a long
line at Virgin Atlantic’s check-in counter; their system was down and my flight
was postponed from 10:55pm to 2:00am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 12/10/96 <b>London</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I arrived at Heathrow at 1:45 pm; just
late enough to miss my connecting flight to Dubai aboard Emirates. I took a
Flight Interruption Manifestation for British Airways at Virgin Atlantic’s Desk
to depart at 11:35pm and then took the Speedlink, a very convenient 40-minute
bus ride (normally 15 pounds) to Gatwick using my voucher. I called Phil
Tumminina at home in Dubai. He told me that the visa they had obtained for me
when I was in Egypt had been expired and I had to wait until they could renew
it. I stopped at Thomas Cook office and made a reservation for a bed and
breakfast (38 pounds + 4.5 charge) at Kitsbridge House (Tel: 01342-714422). The
Greek owner showed up in ten minutes to pick me up and we drove for five
minutes to his place. There were four rooms on the second floor; mine was a
clean one with double bed and shower with shared bathroom. I watched TV for
awhile and went to bed at 10pm but had a difficult time sleeping because of my
coughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday 12/11/96 <b>Madrid</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 7:00am and after breakfast
the female housekeeper gave me a ride to the airport. I called Shandra, an
Indian, who works for Phil and is responsible for the application development.
He said I should be working through a vendor and we would discuss the rate when
I arrived in Dubai; this new arrangement was different from our first
conversation when I was in New York and he had said I needed to discuss the
rate with John Malcombson, a British who was in charge of the operations. He
had no news about my visa and asked me to call him back at 1:00pm. I left my
luggage at the airport, bought a one-day underground pass for 10 pounds and
took the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station (1/2 hour). I toured the area for
a while and then took the Victoria Line to Green Park, changed to Piccadilly
Line and got off at Leicester Sq. (the theater center). I called Shandra and
Phil, took the Piccadilly Line to Russell Sq. to the British Museum; it was one
of the sites in London that I wanted to see. I headed back to Victoria Station
at 6:00pm. Since I did not expect my visa any time soon I decided to go to
Madrid to be away from the cold and damp weather of London; I checked the
flight schedules and called Phil to tell him of my plan. I took the Gatwick
Express to Gatwick and arrived there at 7:00pm, bought a round trip ticket for
218 pounds, bought a book on Spain, picked up my luggage and rushed to the
boarding gate. Only 10 percent of the seats were filled, therefore I gathered
it was not tourist season. We took off at 8:30 pm and arrived in <b><span style="color: blue;">Madrid</span></b>
at 11:00pm after 3.5 hours. The grounds were wet; it had just stopped raining.
I withdrew 20,000 pts from Chase ATM and took a cab (2,000 pts flat rate) to
Central Madrid and checked in hustle Montalvo,c/Zaragoza (Tel: 265 5910) ,
between plaza Santa Cruz and Plaza Mayor. I took a small but very clean and
convenient room for 3500 pts a night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday, 12/12/96</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had a very difficult time to go to
sleep last night; I could hear the rain most of the night. My coughing did not
help the situation much. I woke up at 10:30am showered and went out. My hotel
was just a few steps from Plaza Mayor, a huge courtyard with buildings around
it. There were many vendors' stands in the middle of the plaza selling their
wares; it looked like a temporary flea market setup for Christmas; it was still
raining. I Walked to Puerta de Sol and on to San Jeronim. There were a large
number of video game arcades and lottery salespeople. I went to the Tourist
Office to get some maps and guides. On the beautiful Passe de Recolectos I
walked by Fuente de Neptuno, Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de Colon. I lunched at
a restaurant and at 2:30 took Madrid Vision bus tour. We drove on de la
Castellana to Serrano and Goya to Genova, Sagasta, San Bernado, Bailen (Royal
Palace), and Calle Mayor. I got off at Royal Palace, and visited Cathedral de
la Almedena. It was raining most of the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday, 12/13/96</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It has been raining nonstop since last
night. I had breakfast in a coffee shop near the hotel, bought a subway ticket
(130 pts.), and entered the metro. I asked a few people for the train to Muse
des Padro. The language barrier became a problem; I could not find anyone who
spoke English. Finally a young guy who was going to make a phone call talked to
me in broken English; he then closed his notebook, walked with me to the subway
and we boarded Ventas Line and got off at Bauco; at this time the rain was
coming down heavily. He asked the directions from a passer-by and walked with
me to the museum; he then apologized that he could not accompany me any longer
since he had to go to school. I called Phil a couple of times but each time ran
out of change and the line was disconnected. I spent a couple of hours at the
museum which has a selection of 7000 (1500 on display) of 16th century of El
Greco, Diego Velazquez, Goya, Rubben, and many other painters. I then I walked
to the Retiro Park. By this time the rain had stopped and the sun was shinning.
The huge peaceful park _ with very symmetrical design _ reminded of a similar
park in Vienna. The sun was glowing at this time; and it was indeed great
walking in the park. After walking for a couple of hours in the park I
continued to Huertas and the Plaza Santa Ana; lunched at Cerveceria Alemana, a
place frequented by Ernst Hemingway; it had an old cafe charm. I then stopped
at Viva Madrid _ a charming bar with beautiful tiles and ceiling _ and then
went to Los Gabriels bar that had many museum quality tiles on the walls. I
went to Lavapies and La Latina, two neighborhoods comprised of working class
people; continued to Gra Via to telefonica office and called Phil and tried to
make a reservation to Dubai. I had a few beers, sandwiches and tapas at a few
bars. The rain continued on and off; by this time I was looking forward to warm
and sunny skies of Dubai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I planned to go to Toledo the next day.
I was exhausted by this time, went home and had a good sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 12/14/96 <b>Toledo</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The man at the concierge who looked like a distinguished
politician knocked on my door at 7:00am to wake me up. Last night I had not
heard the rain therefore I was hoping that after three days it would have
stopped but still it was drizzling. At 7:30am all stores but a few coffee shops
were closed; it was still completely dark. I had breakfast at “muse de Jambon”,
took a cab to Atocha (370 ptz), bought a round-trip ticket to Toledo (2160
ptz), waited for about twenty minutes and took the 8:25am train. The conductor
punched out both of my tickets assuming the person next to me was with me. When
we arrived at Toledo I had to go to the office with him; after consulting with
a few of his colleagues he wrote a note on the ticket and stamped it; on the
way back, the conductor accepted the explanations. At this time the rain had
finally stopped and one could see the patches of sunshine through the clouds;
Viva Sunshine. After three quarters of the way we arrived at Agador, the first
time I could see a fully Islamic architecture influence in Spain; I had seen
two other Islamic sites in Madrid. One was across the street from “Nuestra
Senora De la Almundena” where there were some rock and brick relics on one
corner of the block with an Islamic name for the street and the other one was a
few Arab shops in Lavapies borough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We arrived in <b>Toledo</b> at 9:50am. The station was the replica of an Islamic
building; even the bathrooms were squatting style. Toledo was the capital of
Spain until 1500’s. I headed towards the town that is located on a series of
hills with a very picturesque view. Many people were walking in my direction -
naturally I followed them until we arrived at a military academy that I mistook
it for Alcazar. I entered the compound and arrived at square building with a
huge plaza in the middle; three floors of terraces were packed with people. I
found out that there was a graduation ceremony of the cadets and the crowds
were the relatives of the cadets. The flags of Spain were hanging from
everywhere; it was a picture perfect scene for a Franco movie. It was around
10:30am and the ceremonies were to begin at 11:00am Having seen enough, I
decided to leave the place; I walked back on the downhill road and crossed a
bridge and passed a gate to enter the town. After a short walk I arrived at “La
Cathedral”, a magnificent church completed in 1500’s. There were many statutes
and artworks on the walls. I believe the church could be one of the most
artifacts-packed churches in the world. There were many chambers all around the
church. I left the church and started walking around and enjoying the beauty of
the town; everything was beautifully constructed. I could not stop taking
pictures of (I had to buy a disposable camera) many curvy steep narrow alleys
to the houses, their balconies, hanging plants and of course the monuments. The
weather and the sunshine were just perfect. I visited the El Greco museum and
Muse (hospital) Santa Cruz - a charming building with two floors in the form of
a cross with very high ceilings. I crossed the bridge and left the town and
continued to the train station. I left Toledo at 4:30pm. and arrived in Madrid
at 6:10pm; tTook the Metro to Anton-Martin Station and started walking around
before going to Plaza Santa Ana for tapas and beer at a restaurant. It was a
beautiful Saturday evening and it seemed every body was out to enjoy the
weekend; the crowd was very festive as Christmas was approaching. I called Greg
Joshua in New York but could not contact Phil. I tried to pay for my hotel by
credit card but the old man at the desk said he could not process the card and
added that only the younger man who works during day time can process it. I
went to a bank and took some cash from ATM; paid my bill and asked for a
wake-up call at 6:00am. I went to bed at 1:30 am. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 12/15/96</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 6:0am and took a 20-minute cab ride to the
airport for my 7:55 flight. There were less than a dozen of people on the
plane; the line for the Heathrow Airport was much more crowded than Gatwick’s.
I took seat number 10A, right behind the seats by the emergency exits,
therefore I had a great legroom. I should remember next time to ask for seats
10A or 10F on 737’s. we had a smooth two-hour flight to London. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was not yet sure if Phil had been
able to obtain my visa. I had called him from Madrid and had left a message for
him to fax my visa to Emirates Office at the airport. After arriving in London
I checked with the Emirates’ office to see if they had my visa; since it was
Sunday, there was no one at the office to check that therefore the supervisor
had to walk to the office and after a while came back empty handed. I had called
the British Airways from Madrid and the earliest flight I was able to make a
reservation for was on Monday at 15:45. Emirates had an <u>11:00am</u> from
Gatwick and a 13:45 from Heathrow on Sunday which both were full. Asked a clerk
to put my name on the waiting list for 11:00 am, but my ticket which was issued
by Virgin Atlantic was transferred to British Airways, therefore things did not
look too good for that day. I called Phil again and he said that he had just
faxed my visa. I asked another lady to check for the fax; by the time she
called back to say that my visa was there it was 10:20. The clerk asked for my
ticket to put me on stand-by and when she saw that my ticket was for B.A., she
said I should go back to Virgin Atlantic, switch my ticket back to Emirates,
and then try the 13:45 flight from Heathrow. I ran to the train station and
took the train to South Terminal, explained my situation to the staff, got a
new receipt for Emirates, took the train back to the North Terminal and arrived
at the desk at 10:50. surprised clerk
told me they just closed to doors to the
plane. I insisted on getting on board; they gave up and gave me a boarding pass
but said that they would not guarantee a seat. I picked up my garment bags at
the storage desk and ran to the gate. I was at the gate right at 11:00 am and
there was still a line of 20 people waiting to get on board. I was issued a
ticket and took my seat. We took off at 11:30 am I remembered the saying of
Churchill, “We shall never surrender”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 12/16/96 <b>Dubai</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We landed in Dubai at about 12:15 am I
took a cab to Hotel Forte Grand cross the street from the airport. Phil called;
in the morning we met at the restaurant and after breakfast drove to the
office. I met Chandra, the Indian who is in charge of the development and
discussed the rate and when I told him I was asking for $100-120, he said he
could get Seri Lankan contractors for $25 an hour. We discussed the possibility
of working on a fix-price project for the conversion of the system S/36 code to
AS/400; I gave him a proposal with a price tag of $100K. By the midweek Phil
told me that London had told them to work with another firm, therefore I ended
up doing some reports for them. The response time of the AS/400 was so bad that
the task became very frustrating.<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 12/24/96 Christmas Eve.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The past nine days things were very
uneventful. By the midweek received a call from Bill Greban at TSR saying that
Pfizer wanted me to work on their project as a Systems Architect. On Sunday
night, 12/27/96 decided to leave since my visa was going to expire in a couple
of days and I had to leave the country to reapply for a new one. I told Chandra
of my decision on Monday and took my original flight to New York on Tuesday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While in Dubai, I was not able to
figure out how it had become such a successful country in attracting
businesses. The city was very much developed and still construction was going
on everywhere at full speed. The manager at Shahrzad, the great Persian
restaurant at the Marriott said that only 20% of the income was derived from
oil and the rest is from commerce. All the work force were Indians, Pakistani
and African males or Filipino females. The service was very good and the
government has kept the prices in check. The native population is about .5
million and there are about 1 million visitors. The city looks like a modern
American town for the most part. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" />
</span></u></b>
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<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202469">‘</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">99/11/20 Morocco: </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">Casablanca,
Marrakesh, Fez</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sat. 11/20/99</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
I boarded Morocco Royal Air at about 7pm for a 7:30pm depature, but due a
problem in the cockpit we were held till 11:30pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last week I had decided to take the
week of Thanksgiving off. I could not find a flight to the Islands therefore I
checked the Internet for a tour to Morocco. The only name that came up was
Sarah Tours. I called Hamid at the company and made a reservation for an 8-day
trip for about $1,500 (land). I booked a flight from Pan Express for $700 that
was less expensive than that quoted by the airline office. I received the
itinerary and got a LP guide to read on the sites that we were going to visit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I talked to a middle age lady from
Washington D.C. who was sitting next to me and was going to Morocco for two
weeks for trekking in the desert. We arrived in <span style="color: blue;">Casablanca</span>
at 11:00pm after a 6.5hrs flight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday, 11/21/99<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The immigration desk was rather fast. I
bought a train ticket and boarded a fast train to Casa du Port and then took a
short taxi ride to Hotel Afna that is the old name of Casa. The driver gave me
a quote of 20dm ($1 = 9.7 dm), but when I gave him a 50dm note, he gave me back
only 20. After check-in I had lunch at
Pizza Hut, took a cab to Hassan Mosque, the second largest in the world at the
cost of $750m paid by the people. It was a huge hall with rather beautiful
tile-work and wood ceilings _ though it was not comparable to Dome of the Rock.
I took a cab to the old Medina and walked around for a while. I tried to find a
couple of sites using the directions given in my guidebook but did not succeed.
Nobody knew the name of the sites I was looking for. While looking for the
Central Market, I met Mohammed. He showed me his student card and said he was a
student of Economics though he did not look like a student. We walked by the
Central Market that was closed by this time. He insisted that I join him for a
drink. We went to a bar where I ordered a mint tea. He talked about his
country, his trips, politics and everything else. I finally got up to leave
after leaving some change for my tea on the table, but he asked me to pay the
bill for the four beers he had had. I told him I did not have money and left
the place. I looked for a French restaurant that my book recommended as having
the best seafood. I asked a few people and finally when I found the place, I
found out that it was closed on Sundays. I found another restaurant, but no
customers were in sight. The last restaurant was more like a bar. I stopped at
a full-house McDonalds' and sat down to eat my Big Mac. As I was eating I was
wondering about the cause of the popularity of the brand. It is that not
McDonalds' food is more delicious than the food of any particular restaurant in
a given country. I was also wondering about the similar tastes that people
around the world have. It was interesting to see that people around the world
do enjoy the combination of the sandwich and the fries. I left the place and
asked for the directions to my hotel from a Traffic Police who was ticketing a
driver. He kindly drew a map for me and said goodnight. After about 20 minutes
I was about one block away from my hotel when I saw two guys walking towards
me. One of them, a teenager asked me the time and when I stretched my arm so
that he can see the time, they noticed that I am a foreigner. They accosted me
and started walking with me and when I ignored them, one of them said that they
were not asking for money. At the reception I asked for my messages. I had one
from someone by name of Abdul Latif Chakir. I called him and he said he would
be my new guide. He said that we would be going to Marrakech the following day
whereas based on my itinerary I was supposed to meet my tour group at the
airport and then drive to Rabat. I told him to call Hamid, the tour agent in
U.S. to clarify. He called back after a while and said he could not reach Hamid
and asked if he could come to see me to explain the situation. After a while
the phone rang, I went to the lobby and met him and another huge guy that later
I found out was Abdul's boss. He showed me a new itinerary that was faxed to
him on Nov. 20<sup>th</sup>. He said he
would pick me up at 9:00am at the hotel. I was not happy with the situation but
did not have much choice. I think it was a mistake to look up a tour agent on
the Internet and give him my business. OK, I told myself; I am one of the
pioneers of shopping for a trip on the Net. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 11/22/99 <b>Marrakesh</b> <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had breakfast at the hotel. Abdul
showed up promptly in a Mercedes. We had an uneventful pleasant 200km drive to <span style="color: blue;">Marrakesh</span>. The countryside was mostly green. As we
entered the old Medina, my guide Hussein was waiting for us at the gate. He
drove to Hotel <u>Alomorvid</u>. They told me they had no record of reservation
for me. I had to get a room on my own (380dm). I visited the following sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Koutoubia</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
A 12-century Mosque with a 70''
minaret that is visible from most of the town<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Menara Gardens</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
It leads to a site containing a huge pool and a small post house for the king.
The pool was used to train soldiers for sea wars. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bahia Palace: It contains a series of courthouses indicating it was built in
stages. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Dar si Said</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Museum of Modern Arts and Crafts: There was a
big collection of carpets in a beautiful building. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Saddian Tombs:
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
series of tombs inside and outside of a mosque. The tile designs were pretty.
This huge site was discovered in the 9<sup>th</sup> century by the French. I
could not figure out how it could be hidden. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Badia: Also
called "The Incomparable". It is the most impressive ruin in the
city. Sadly, it was mostly ruined. Only a huge pool in the center, sunken
gardens, a shell of a hall on one side, and some rooms in the lower level for
the visitors to the Palace are left. Its construction was started in 1578 by
Ahmed el Mansur. At the opening ceremony of the Place the king asks his fool to
comment on the building. The fool says 'it will make a fine ruin', and a fine
ruin it was. In 1696, it took a new king 12 years to destroy the Palace to use
the pieces to build a new palace in Meknes. My guide did not mention this. I read
it in my guidebook. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> In
one corner of the yard there was a room with a 10<sup>th</sup> century Menbar
in it. I took a picture from it; the guard noticed the flashlight of my camera,
entered the room and asked me to give him the film. I apologized and told him I
will not print the film, but he did not back off and said he could loose his
job for that. After a few minutes haggling - with Hussein translating - I gave
up and took out my camera to remove the film. Only at that time he gave up.
Hussein told me to give the guard some money. I had to shake the guard's hand.
It cost me 50dm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hussein also selected two shops for me
to visit. Prior to each visit he gave me an introduction about the quality of
their merchandise, the first one an antique shop and the second one a leather
shop. I had forgotten to tell him in the beginning that I was not there for
shopping. Finally we drove back to the hotel. Meanwhile Abdul had checked with
the office and had found out that a reservation was made for me under the name
of another travel agent, Zinab Tours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tue, 11/23/99. <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abdul picked me up at 9:30am. We drove
to Majorelle Gardens, a tropic style dense garden owned by Yves Saint-Laurent.
I asked him to drop me off at Kotabbia Mosque, said good-bye to him and finally
stated tour of the city on my own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Medresa Ben Yussef: The
dorm of the students on the second floor was interesting. Each room had a tiny
hole in the ceiling leading to a private flat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Muse Prive de
Marrakech:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
most impressive palace; maintained by private donations. It contained some
beautiful paintings and crafts, a pretty hammam, and the nicest bathroom in
town. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The kobba Ba'Adiyan: The charming dome is the only thing left. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Mouassine Mosque: </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> A
small unimpressive building. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I walked around the souk and then went
back to <span style="color: blue;">Jama El Fana Square</span>. I took a long walk
to Mellah (Jewish neighborhood) and visited the Jewish Cemetery. By 2:30pm I was so tired that I could no
longer walk. I entered the small yard of a small movie house on a narrow alley
and sat on a bench for a while to recover. I then walked back to Jame el Fana
and had a tagine at Argane. I asked the recommendation of the waiter but ended
up having an oily tagine. I went back to the souk and walked some more. Finally
I did my first shopping, a small backpack for 150dm haggled down from 370dm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wed. 11/24/99<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 4:45am. Abdul picked me up
at 5:30. We arrived at Casablanca airport at 8:00am where I met Javad, my new
guide and the rest of the group, Joyce, her daughter Lee Ann of West Palm Beach
and her friend Ilene from Boston. They had just returned from Agadir. We drove
about 90 km to Rabat and checked in at Meridian (Tur Hassan). I took a nap by
the pool under the pleasant sunshine and had lunch with the girls. I then
walked to the mausoleum of Mohammad V, where his son, King Hassan who just died
a few months ago is also buried. I walked towards the Medina, but could not
find it and had to head back to hotel. I asked for direction from a traffic cop
who was very friendly. He said that U.S. and Morocco were friends. I then again
had to ask direction from a well-dressed guy. He told me in French that he was
going in the same direction and said I could walk with him. He was a student
from another town. As we arrived at the hotel he told me that he had not eaten
and asked for some money. I met the group at 3:30pm. We went back to the
mausoleum and then to Chellah. It is the impressive remains of a fort with a
beautiful garden and a magnificent view and the ruins of a few buildings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Visited Hassan Tower, another fort. We
then drove to the Mellah, the Jewish section, which was on the outer walls of
the old Medina. Apparently the rulers would house the Jews outside the Medina
to have them under their protection. We toured the Medina and then headed back
to the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thurs. 11/25/99 <b>Meknes and Fez<o:p></o:p></b></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was ready in the lobby at 9:00am but
the girls did not show up till 9:30am. We boarded the van and drove to Meknes.
We only made a couple of stops there to take picture and have lunch. I had a
good tagine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the way we stopped at a stand and
after the usual haggling, Javad bought two buckets of olive oil each weighing 5
liters for 170dm - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moulay Idris: I
entered the complex for a tour. It was a combination of a mosque, a shrine and
a few more halls. It was located in a nice village. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Volubilis: The
gorgeous ruins of the Roman city. It is the finest archeological site in
Morocco. There was a well-preserved olive oil pressing room, the Triumphal Arch
with clear Latin writings on the top, the penis sculpture at the entrance to
the whore house and beautiful tile-work on the floors, all overlooking an
expansive beautiful green field. We finished the tour in about an hour. I asked
for a 15-minute break and wondered around alone. When I went back to the van, I
asked the group if they would like to stay longer to see the sunset that I
thought would have been magnificent _ all the arches, columns, and the walls
should have been magical under the sunset.
I could not talk them into it and we left the site. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Throughout the drive we passed
beautiful fields and short hills covered with olive trees and green with the
produce. The best wine of the country is made in Meknes. We arrived at our
hotel (Sheraton) in <span style="color: blue;">Fez</span> at 5:30pm, checked in
and had dinner at 7:00pm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 11/26/99 <b>Fez<o:p></o:p></b></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We met Javad at 9:00am and drove around
the walls of the town before entering the Old Medina. It was older than the
Medina in Marrakech and had more character. There are no streets here _ only
alleyways; so narrow that when a donkey is going through, passer-byes have to
get in stores in order to avoid being run over by the donkeys. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bou Inania Medresa: With impressive old wooden
doors and tile works. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Karaouiyne Mosque: A huge mosque with a capacity of
22,000 covering a large area in Medina. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As we were walking in a narrow alley, Java
turned into a doorway; we followed him in. Suddenly we felt a very strong
stench. There were lots of animals’ skins on the ground; we were in a tannery.
There were many vats filled with different vegetable colors. Many young people
were in them up to their knees. We walked upstairs to get a better view of the
place. The workers would first soak the skins in vats with limestone to remove
the hair. Then they would soak skin in vats with vegetable colors. The leather
was then placed under the sun to dry up. We saw many fresh skins and even cows'
heads with the horns attached. One of the workers picked up a skin from a cow's
head and showed us how to cut it to make slippers from them. I was thinking
about the book titled "Sinuhe, the Pharos Physician" and the
description of the place where he would mummify the corpses. I thought the
stench would have been similar to him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dar Zaouia:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This one was not a historic site but my
group ended up spending a few hours at this carpet shop. The salesman first
took us the rooftop for a view of the city. He then took us to the workshop
where three young cute girls were sitting at the mill and weaving at a very
fast pace. We listened to his speech about the quality of his carpets. By this
time Joyce was so impressed with what she had seen and heard that she moaned,
"I am ready to buy". I am sure the salesman was as excited as Joyce
was. We went to the main room and the show began. At this time I left the place
to do some walking. After a couple of hours when I went back the show was still
on. Finally Joyce ended up buying three carpets for herself for about $5000
(after a generous flat 15% discount), one for her daughter and one for Eileen.
I think Javad did very well on his commissions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Javad took us to a run-down but well-decorated
restaurant. The couscous I had was not good. I should have selected the
restaurant before giving him a chance for another commission opportunity. I
thought he would be happy with his commission on the carpets and would not try
his game for a lunch - I was wrong again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After the meal Javad lead us to a
Kaftan (local dress) shop for more shopping; this was getting to become
shameful - almost all of the day was planned for shopping and making
commissions. I walked out of the place to walk around. Then we drove to a
pottery shop for even more shopping. There were about 18 kids and men working
in a dusty room cutting tiles - it was a good case of child and adult labor
abuse. Javad had already justified the scene by saying that they make good
money; I guess enough not to starve. Then we saw a very fast potter at the
wheels, the paint room, the kiln and finally the shop. The place was not
inspiring at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then visited the exterior of an old
palace still used by the Royal Family. Javad took me to the train station to
purchase a ticket (131dm for first class) to Casablanca for the following day.
I had called the airline in the morning but could not get a seat. We then drove
back to hotel. I met Rachid, another guide from Sarah Travel. Javad and the
rest of the group were heading for Marrakesh in the morning and my train would
leave at 7:00pm I had the whole tomorrow to myself. Javad recommended that I
have Rachid to show me the sites around the city. Javad said he would also reserve a room for
me in Casablanca. I was to take my 11:00am flight from Casablanca to NYC; I
wanted to make sure that I could take my flight on Sunday. When I had called to
confirm my flight, I was told to be at the airport three hours prior to
departure time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I said good-bye to Javad and the
driver; then sat by the pool and had a beer. The weather was cool and
pleasant. Tomorrow is my last day of
sightseeing in Morocco. So far <u>Volubilis</u>, the Roman Ruins, has been the
most impressive thing I have seen here. I can claim that there was no mystery
about Morocco for me. It has been a typical Islamic country similar to Egypt.
Each greeting is initiated with the intention of some personal gain. On the van
today I was thinking about the God and Islam as his last religion; how Islam
and its teachings have resulted in such attitude of dependence. It was hard to
count the number of the beggars all around. The country should have a huge
tourist income in addition to its rich land and agricultural products; though
one cannot see many signs of a relatively decent standard of living. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 11/27/99<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I Met Joyce at breakfast table; then
walked out to meet Rachid, my guide for today. Javad had introduced him to me
the other day for a one-day tour of the suburbs of Fez. When I asked him for
the price, he said it would cost $50 for the car and some tips for himself. We
drove by the following sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ifrane: A one-hour drive from Fez in
the Atlas. It is built in a beautiful surrounding by the French. There was a
very nice lake with ducks in it. The town was under police control since the
new King was staying in town. There was some snow on the ground and the hills
were covered with evergreen trees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Azrou (stone): A clean small town. Took
a walk around without any annoyance from the vendors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sefrou: This is a city older than Fez. It is very clean and built
well planned. I walked in the charming Medina. At the end of the town as I was
approaching a rundown alley a man approached me; I avoided him. As I was
returning he again approached me and apologized. He then introduced himself as
Zakaria and said he was not asking for money; he said he was a Zen follower and
his dream was to go to India someday. He said he had convinced the captain of a
Phlippino ship to take him to India but when he was boarding the ship he was
arrested by the Police and was sent back. He said he had obtained a passport
and is selling legume (vegetables) in the market to save enough money for his
trip. He seemed very free spirited. He had read many Western authors and had
traveled all over Morocco. He said he was living in a cave where he was paying
only 10dm rent a month. He invited me to visit his cave and have tea with him.
The idea seemed enticing but I told him that my friend was waiting for me to go
back to Fez. Then he asked for some money to buy cigarettes and newspaper to do
the puzzles; I told him I could not help him. He followed me to the car and
talked to Rachid but Rachid was not very friendly to him. Once he found out
that Rachid was my guide he turned to me and said, "You are not a free
man"; that hit me. We left Sefrou and made a couple of more stops along
the way before heading back to Fez. At the recommendation of Rachid we visited
another tannery where I ended up buying a backpack. I stopped at a few ATMs
since I was out of cash. Finally I was able to use my Visa Card. Rachid then
took me to Hotel; I paid him 900dm, picked up my luggage at the reception and
waited in the lobby until 6:00 pm I walked towards Gare de Fez. Near the train
station stopped at a local restaurant and had chicken (pollute). I boarded the
train at 6:40pm and left Fez at 7:00. A
man with his old blind grandfather entered my wagon. The old man was talking
for most of the trip. I shared the wagon with two couples and a few other guys
each for a few stops. We arrived in Casablanca at about 11:30pm. I walked to a
hotel next to the train station where Sarah Tour had made a reservation for me.
They could not find my reservation but I ended up getting a room anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 11/28/99 <b>Casablanca - New
York</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the morning as I was checking out, the receptionist told
me that I had a room reserved for me and that I should have told them about it.
I told him I had mentioned that. I had breakfast at the hotel and walked to the
train station to go to the airport. As I was entering the station, a cab driver
invited me to ride his cab. When I told him I was going to take the train, he
said the train to the airport was not running!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" />
</span></u></b>
<br />
<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202470"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘99/12/23 Greece: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">Athens, Delfi, Heraklion, Rodes, Lindos</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Kiki Zikou/Dolphin Hellas: 16 Syngrou Ave. 117 42 Athens
Greece <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Telephone
(011-30-1) 922-7772 or 922-7773 or 922-7774 or 922-7775 FAX (011-30-1) 923-2101 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">E-mail: </span><a href="mailto:dolphinhellas@server.travelling.gr"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">dolphinhellas@server.travelling.gr</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When to Go<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Spring
and autumn are the best times to visit Greece. Winter is pretty much a dead
loss outside the major cities as most of the tourist infrastructure goes into
hibernation from the end of November to the beginning of April. However, there
are initiatives to extend services, so this may slowly change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Conditions
are perfect between Easter and mid-June, when the weather is pleasantly warm in
most places, but not too hot; beaches and ancient sites are relatively quiet.
Public transport operates on close to full schedules; and accommodation is
cheaper and easier to find than in the mid-June to end of August high season.
Conditions are once more ideal from the end of August until the end of November
as the season winds down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-----<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">PACKAGE TO GREECE AND THE GREEK ISLANDS FOR MR RAY 13 days /11nights<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mr. Ray below is a suggested itinerary for Greece and
the Greek Islands at the best possible price. Please have in mind that no
reservation has been made as of yet Please e mail your response or call us at
718-9323232 and ask for Jeanie. Thank you for your request and we wish you
happy holidays and a healthy New Year<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">DEC 23 New York - ATHENS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Departure on your overnight flight to
Athens. Meals and refreshments served on board.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">DEC 24 ATHENS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Morning arrival at Athens
International airport. Our English-speaking guide will meet you and you will be
transferred to a class Best Western-<b>Athens
Gate</b> hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">DEC 25 ATHENS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Merry Christmas. Full day at leisure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">DEC 26 ATHENS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">After breakfast you will take 1/2 day
Athens City tour. Guided visit to Acropolis and sightseeing tour of the Greek
Parliament building, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Adrian's Arc, Temple of the
Olympian <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Zeus, Zappion Gardens, Royal Palace,
Kallimarmaron Stadium, National Academy, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">DEC27 ATHENS HERAKLION (CRETE)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">After breakfast you will fly to
Heraklion Crete and transferred to A class Capsis Hotel for your 4 night’s
stay.12/27-30 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">DEC 31 HERAKLION - RHODOS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">After breakfast take the flight to the
island of Rhodos & stay at A class hotel Mediterranean Hotel - 4
nights.12/31-1/4 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">JAN 04 RHODES-ATHENS-USA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">After breakfast take the flight to Athens to connect for
your international flight back home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">TOTAL COAST $1830pp. Plus
airport taxes $89 PP Plus $94 travel
insurance (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 12/23/99</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
I woke up early and arrived at the office at Phizer at 7:30 am. I had to
resolve a problem with Mexico. The rest of the staff went to visit the Chairman
_ most of them with their children. I left the office at 3:30p.m, took a bus
and arrived at JFK Delta Terminal at 5:00 pm. The traffic was heavy with
Holiday travelers. When we hit the jam on the highway I was concerned that I
might miss my flight. We took off at 6:00 pm and arrived at <b><span style="color: blue;">Athens</span></b>
Airport at 9:15 am (8:15 flight time – 7 hours time difference). We were one
hour ahead of schedule. It was drizzling but the weather was mild. I exchanged
some money (1USD = 324 dr.) and went through the immigration desk very quickly.
My driver was waiting for me at the terminal with a dog next to him. We left
the building and a few more dogs started following the cab. He told me he would
bring them food sometimes and that was why the dogs were jumping all over him.
We boarded his clean Mercedes and took a 30 minutes ride to St. George Hotel in
<u>Kolonaki</u>. It is about a 15-minutes walk to <u>Plaka</u> the old part of
town. As I was registering at the hotel,
Patrizia, a young girl from the travel agency, with a helmet under her arm,
showed up to give me some tourist information. I was a bit sleepy, so after
unpacking, took a nap. It was a bit chilly but I did not turn on my heater. I
walked to Plaka and walked though the beautiful old streets and around the magnificent
<i>Acropolis</i>. I stopped at <u>Bretto</u>,
a very old <i>ozo</i> bar with ancient
barrels stacked against the wall and color bottles all around and a very
delicious ozo. Later as I was walking around I saw four men who were pointing a
laser light around the ground as a dog was chasing the spotlight frantically;
it was very amusing. I met Andreas, a guy from Cyprus who was there on
business. He invited me to a tea but I asked for a rain check. I then walked
back to my hotel at 11:30 pm I could not go to sleep until 2:00 am The music
from the hotel restaurant below me was too loud. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 12/25/99 - Christmas Day. <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 11:00 am and walked to
Kolonaki Sq. and Vasilisis Sofia section; visited the National (Royal) Gardens
and it's zoo - it was very crowded with families taking their children out for
the Holidays. The weather was very mild, unlike the previous day. When I left
the park I almost ended up at <u>Syntagma</u> (Constitution) Sq. the main
square in Athens. Walked to Plaka. By this time it was past noon. I had lunch
outdoors at one of the restaurant on the main Street Kidathineaon with my
companion _ a stray dog with beautiful innocent eyes that I felt bad not to
share my lunch with. I then walked up the hilly alleyways up to <u>Acropolis</u>
where I could get a panoramic view of the city and then headed towards the back
roads around Acropolis. I came across the Temple of Agora, which was closed. By
this time two stray dogs that had been following me for a long way stopped _ I
assumed it was the end of their territory _ and a new dog took over as my
guide. I was planning to get to the train station at Monastriki but ended up at
Theosesis, a different station. I bought two tickets (170 dr. each). The train
arrived shortly and it took ten minutes to get to Pireaus, the port section of
Athens. I walked along the port packed with huge ships. The port was very quiet
due the Holidays. I took the train back to Monastriki. There were many shops
around but they were all closed. I walked in the pleasant back alleys of Plaka
_ a place called Psiri, a Soho-like area to the North of Plaka. There were a
few tavernas open but with very few customers. I walked back to the Plaka and
Syntagma. This time I walked along Acadimias and then cut into Lycavitos Road.
It was a very hilly street with some part covered with steps. On the way
stopped at a church. Many people were buying candles and waiting in the lines
to get to the altar to light them. There was a Mass going on inside. I
continued on Lycavitos and suddenly ended up in front of my hotel _ St. George.
I climbed the beautiful hill to the top of Lycavitos. It was a beautiful green
area filled with plush evergreens and cactus. On the top I could see a
magnificent view of the whole city with Acropolis and the sea behind it. I sat
down at a bench for an hour and watched the sunset. The rays of the sun were
reflecting on Acropolis and the motionless ships behind it as if the time had
frozen. It was a scene as unforgettable as the sunrise over the Dead Sea from
atop Mossad near Jerusalem. I walked back to the Kolonaki Sq. and stopped at a
very crowded coffee shop filled with mostly young couples. It did not feel like
Christmas there any longer. By 6:00 pm I was hungry but I could not find an
open restaurant in Kolonaki area. I walked to Hilton Hotel to try a Cypriot
restaurant _ Othello, but I could not find it. I assumed it was closed like all
other shops in the area. I walked back to Kolonaki and had a Souvlaki with a
double order of roasted potatoes at Café Neon. I then walked back to my hotel
and went to bed at 9:00 pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 12/26/99 <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 2:00 am and could not go back to sleep. I left
my bed at 4:00 am, showered and left my room. There was only one person at the taxi desk in the
lobby. I walked along Kanari to Syntagma and then onto Monistiraki; passed a
large church with a sparkling Platia in front of it. At the end of the street
turned right onto Athina and walked for about five minutes till I arrived at
the Meat and Fish Markets; they were both closed. At the end of the Meat Market
there were two large restaurants packed with younger well-dressed people; they
should have come here from Christmas Eve celebrations. It was 5:30 am by this
time. I chose the first restaurant called <span style="color: #339966;">Giannopolous</span>
and took a seat outside. I happened to get an unfriendly waiter. When I asked
for pasta soup that based on my Athens' guide was supposed to be a tripe soup
the waiter said they did not have pasta. I walked into the restaurant and
showed the guy what I wanted. He said something that I did not understand but
he did show up with the dish shortly. It was a hearty soup. There was a couple
sitting next to me who had ordered the same thing. When they got up to leave I
noticed that the plate of the woman was still full to the rim; I guessed whose
idea it was to go there that morning. Later on a drunkard guy showed up who
stood near me and started to drum on a butcher's stand; he was not obnoxious
though. I asked my waiter for the check and he complained again about
something; I thought he must have been really overworked. I then headed back to
Monistiraki and walked the back alleys to the ancient ruins. The sun was not up
yet but under the moonshine I could see. I walked around the ruins and then up
a hilly street to the stairs leading to the road around Acropolis. There was no
one around, not even the stray dogs. I saw only a few cats. I arrived at the top
of the hill at 6:20 am The city below was bright with many glowing lights. At
6:30 am the church bells started ringing. I waited for the sunrise to appear
from <u>Lycavitos Hill</u> from where I had watched the sunset over the
Acropolis the night before. I could see the whole perimeter of Athens. It
stretched about two miles to the East, about a mile to the South and about
three miles to the North. I was surprised that these dimensions could house
about 4.5 m. people _ about half the population of the country where the
typical tall building is only six stories high. Gradually the moon disappeared
under the clouds. At 7:15 am the city lights went off and all I could see was
the city filled with plain white buildings. It was Sunday therefore not many
people were up yet. At 7:30 am I started to descend the hill passing through
the beautiful narrow streets on the north side of the Plaka _Psiri before
getting to Plaka. Most places were just getting ready to open. I walked around
for a while before one of the cafes was ready to serve me a cup of coffee. I
walked back to the Acropolis and waited for the opening time. Based on the sign
at the door the hours were 8:30-2:30 but the gate was not opened at 9:00. I
walked along the fences to the north. I came across a guard who told me the
first gate was for the theater and asked me to continue further north for the
entrance to Acropolis. When I arrived at the north gate the guard told me that
they were closed for the Christmas Holiday. By now the image of the site was so
set in my mind that I felt I did not have to see the place from a near
distance. I crossed the street and climbed the slippery cliffs to get on top of
a hill to see another panoramic view of Acropolis and the town. I circled
around the Acropolis and walked on the alleyways of Psiri, and then went back
near the meat market to try Dippo, a famous restaurant at the corner of
Sokratus and Theatrou but the place was closed. I walked to Monistriki and went
to Sigalas, next to the church on Ermon. It was a very old restaurant with a
very warm atmosphere; old barrels of wine and many old pictures decorated the
walls. It was just before 11:00 am; I ordered some red wine and lunch. A nice
Greek music was being played. Later on an couple showed up who asked for soup.
The old man returned his dish because it was not hot enough - I had read that
Greeks have their meals not very hot. Later on an old lady showed up who had
purchased her souvlaki next door but insisted on taking a seat here. The waiter
gave up after a short argument. After a satisfying lunch I walked to the Temple
of Agora and lied down on a field for a while. The sunshine felt good on my
face after having the bottle of red wine. I then walked around Psiri and
continued onto Plaka and then back to Kolonaki. I was hoping for an early sleep
but when I arrived at the lobby of the hotel I heard a very loud music from the
restaurant. When I checked it out, I found that that there was a wedding
reception going on. I went to my room and tried to go to sleep with no avail; left
my room and walked to Kolonaki where I had an ice cream and a cheese pie. Then
I walked back to my room and again tried to go to sleep but the music was just
too loud. The music stopped at 2:00 am but then I could hear the sound of the
furniture being moved around until 3:30 am. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 12/27/99<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 6:00 am, showered and had
breakfast at the restaurant of the hotel. Today I planned to visit <b><span style="color: blue;">Delfi</span></b>
which my agent in New York had arranged. At 7:20 boarded the hotel van - I was
the only passenger. We drove to Syntagma and I boarded the Go Tours bus and
departed at 8:00 am We had a three-hour ride - about 150 miles - including a
stop for coffee and anther one for shopping where I left my group and went for
a walk in the charming hilly back alleys of the town. When I returned, our
guide, John complained that they had been waiting for me for 20 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Delfi is the beautiful ruins of a
complete ancient city one on side of a beautiful hill. It is comprised of <i>Temples of Apollo, Athenians, Delinas</i>
and a few more sites. There were a theater and a stadium in perfect conditions
_ specially the stadium which was located at the end of the compound in a very
serene area - it should have felt great to work out there and mingle with young
boys. After the sightseeing we took a short drive to a restaurant for lunch. I
shared a table with a couple of Japanese who live in London and the husband
works for Arthur Anderson. There was another single Japanese guy who was taking
a few days off after a business trip to Germany. At 3:00 pm we started the ride
back to Athens with a stop at the same coffee shop we had tried in the morning
_commissions please? I went for a walk this time. The wind was so strong that I
had to hold on to a wall to maintain my balance, though I did enjoy the
scenery. We arrived in Athens at 6:00 pm. I got off the bus at Syntagma, walked
to my hotel and rested for a while. I then went to Plaka at 8:30 and had an ozo
at Bretto before going to Byzantinum at 18 Kidathenon St. that was recommended
in both of my Athens guides. The grilled octopus was not on the menu, but I was
able to get it and it was delicious. I had
lamb fricassee. Five young guys from Seattle and Portland took the table next
to me. They had taken a couple of weeks off and had already been to France,
Amsterdam and Rome with a next stop in Cairo. After the dinner I asked my
waiter - a middle age guy with salt and pepper hair - if there was a backgammon
club in town. He turned to a well-dressed guy whom he was talking to on the
sidewalk and asked him if he could help us and then left us alone. The guy
introduced himself as Alex; he said there are two casinos, one in Parines about
60 km away and the other one in Corinth, about 180 km away. He told me that he
had been to Iran and Saudi Arabia and owned a nightclub so he could have an
excuse for his wife to stay out. He invited me to his club for an ozu with
orange juice. We drove in his car to his club near Inter Continental hotel - a
place called Mullen Ruz as I later learned. We sat at the bar where he ordered
an ozu with orange juice for me. Then he introduced me to the bar lady,
Catherina, a very pretty girl who quickly took a seat next to me at Alex's
suggestion. She started talking and said that she has been working there for
three weeks and was looking for a day job; then she started asking me to order
champagne for her. Each time the waiter would return with a bottle - labeled
Pirna, similar to Perrier with a similar top that he would unscrew and pour but
there was no fizzle in the glass. I did not mind the phoniness of the whole
affair assuming I would pay a reasonable tab. We talked for a while and finally
when I felt that Catherina was not going to stop ordering the drinks I decided
to asked for the check and leave. The waiter put a check in front of me for
126,000dr (about $430); I was shocked. I asked for Alex who showed up quickly.
I told him he should not try to screw me after I had told him in the car that
one reason I had chosen Greece to visit was due the honesty of the Greek I had
heard of - though I knew I had only myself to blame to accept the first request
from Catherina. Alex accepted to cut the amount in half. I gave my credit card
to the waiter but Alex said he would prefer cash. I gave them 50,00dr in cash
and asked them to put the balance of 13,000 on my card. The waiter came back
requesting for some form of picture ID. I signed the blank slip and before I
had a chance to get my copy they took a taxi for me and sent me away. I was so
upset that I could not go to sleep for a couple of hours and woke up at 4:00 am
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lessons of the night: <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When travelling do not ever accept
invitations of any kind from anyone under any circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do not trust anyone regardless of your
judgement of the individual - it is not to say that no one can be trusted -
rather my judgment of an individual must not be trusted. In this fashion I do
not have to pass a judgement at all _ either right or wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Learn to say 'No ', firmly and
decidedly. It can save one lots of trouble. I could have told Catherina that I
would have loved to keep her company but I could not spend the time there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do not make any assumptions. I assumed
I could afford the drinks therefore allowed myself to be cheated. It turned out
to be a huge rip off but hopefully a lasting experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 12/28/99 <b>Heraklion, Crete</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I left bed at 6:00 am, showered and
packed, had breakfast at the hotel, checked out at 7:30 and took a taxi to
Olympic Domestic Terminal and checked in for the flight to Crete. I then went
to a Police Station across the street from the Terminal. I explained the story
of the previous night and asked if I could file a complain there. One of the
officers said I should go the Police Station where the club is located at and
said I should possibly go to court which was a lengthy process. I went back to
the terminal, boarded the bus and waited until it was full before heading to
the plane. We departed at 8:45 am and arrived at <b>Crete's</b> Capital - <b>Heraklion</b>
Airport at 9:30 am I waited for 5 minutes till my driver showed up; we had a
short ride to my hotel - Capsis Astoria at Platiea Eleftenas. I told the person
at the reception that I had not had a decent sleep for three days and asked for
a quiet room. I went to my room on the top floor of the hotel facing the back
street. All I wanted was to go to sleep. As soon as I hit the pillow I noticed
the annoying buzz of the motorcycles from the street. I picked up a towel from
the shower and walked towards the sea, but there was not a sandy beach to lie
down. I went back to the hotel and called Anna of Merridian Travel in Athens
who was the counterpart of Agean Travel in New York and told her I needed a
place to sleep and requested a room in a quite hotel. After 15 minutes the nice
attendant from the lobby called me and said they have a room in the inner
section of the hotel on the same floor but with no view and sent someone to
show me the room. I moved my stuff there but when I went to bed still I could
hear the buzz from the street coming through the roof. Finally I was able to
sleep for about an hour. I woke up at 1:00 pm and walked to Archeology Museum
just across the square from my hotel. There was a very dazzling collection of
the artifacts of Minoan Civilization, almost as rich as the one in Cairo Museum
with some similarities. The elaborate artistic expression in the pottery,
sculpture and jewelry was just amazing; I thought every artist should visit
this collection to realize how creativity can soar - especially in a
civilization four millenniums old. I saw the gold pendant of two bees
depositing a drop of honey in a comb - the one that Ann, the lady I had met at
a bookstore before my trip, had praised so lovingly. Later I noticed that piece
was the imprint on the museum ticket. I had a simple lunch at a restaurant in
the square and then walked around and went through Dedalon Street to get to
Morosini Fountain and the small park next to it which was filled with the
deafening sound of the singing sparrows. I came across a maze of streets filled
with coffee shops and bars packed with young people; I sat down at a chair but
the seat made of a sinking fabric was very uncomfortable; got up and walked
around only to notice that all shops were using the same type of seat - was it
possible that all these places were owned by the same entity? I finally found a
bar with different chairs where I sat down to have an orange juice. I opened my
journal to write but I could not keep my eyes open; I walked to my hotel and
went to sleep at 8:00 pm <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday - 12/29/99<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 6:00am; bought two bus
tickets from the stand next to my hotel and walked to the nearby Venizelon
Plateia - next to Morosini Fountain for a ride to <b>Konossos</b>. At 8:00 am, as the church bell rang, all three ladies in
the line _ a young, a middle-age and an old one - who were the only people in
the line, started crossing their chests.
I saw that gesture again repeatedly done by the older people in the bus
every time we crossed churches. After a 20-minte ride got off the bus, paid the
1,500dr. admission fee and entered the compound. The site is the ruins of a
1500-room Minoan Palace of 1700B.C. after an earthquake destroyed the first
palace which was built in 1900B.C. The ruins were reconstructed during a
20-year period by Evans, an Englishman who used his own inheritance. He managed
to ship a few of the excavations to the Museums in London and Paris - I guess
just to keep the tradition of British looting. During the first 1.5hrs I was
the only visitor - besides a few construction workers. On departure used the
bathrooms almost complete with toilet seats, soap and dryers _ a rarity _
though there were no locks on the doors. The site was so heavily reconstructed
that is was difficult to appreciate the site for its antiquity. This site
attracts more the one million visitors annually. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After leaving the site, I climbed an
alleyway across the street and walked for a while. A van passed me as the
driver was sounding his horn on the peaceful hours of the quiet morning. At the
end of the alley the driver turned around and started selling bread from the
back of his van to people who had came out of the homes by this time. I took
the bus back to town and got off at the Stone Gate, one of the a few built
around the town in 1500's. I walked along the wall until I got to a place where
I could climb it. It was more than 30 feet wide at some places; there were even
a few garden atop it. I then visited a few churches and the Market before walking
to the port to the huge Koules Fort. Climbed a wall that had been built to
protect the port from the waves and walked on it for about half a mile into the
Cretan Sea; a young guy followed me. We came across each other at the end of
the wall where I pointed out to him to tie his shoe laces since that was not a
place to trip. We took pictures for each other.
I turned around and after walking a few hundred feet looked back but
could not see the guy. I hoped his shoe laces had not been untied again. After
arriving at the shore found Ippokampos restaurant across the street from the
Fort; it was recommended in my guidebook. It was a good seafood place with
great calamari. The stray cat, my lunch companion had a feast on all the fish
bones I gave him. After lunch I walked around the town. I checked with a couple
of travel agencies to find out if I could arrange any plans for my last day in
Heraklion. I was hoping for boat ride to Santorini or a hiking trip to Samaria
Gorge - it is said the 15 km. hike is a must-do. I was told that since we were
out of the season there were no ferries to Santorini and that the Gorge was
closed during winter. They did recommend that I could take a trip to Town of
Rethymno on my own. I walked to the popular hangout place on Dedalou to spend
the evening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 12/30/99 <b>Rethymno</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is my last day on the Crete
Island. I woke up at 4:00 am and could not go back to sleep till 7:00 am. I
went to the bus station at the port near the Koules Fort; I had just missed the
9:45 bus. I bought a two-way ticket for 3,000dr. for 10:45 departure for the
1.5 hrs. ride to <span style="color: blue;">Rethymno</span>. The two buses at the
station had different spellings of the town on their front signs. I saw the
only eastern style bathroom at the station. Item three on the Rule of Conducts
Sign at the bathroom read "Do not piss out of the toilet."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The ride was through the windy hilly
green mountainous roads with a good view of the Cretan Sea. There were two
conductors on the bus; one of them seemed to be a guest conductor who was
treated very nicely by the driver and the other conductor. He was offered a
seat and tangerines from a bag next to the driver's seat. The main conductor
would sell the tickets and the guest conductor would tear them off - I thought
it should be easy to have a low unemployment rate in this country but the extra
manpower could be put to a better use; for example cleaning up the environment
from al the empty plastic water bottles. I got off at the main station at the
end of the town and walked along the street by the sea; climbed some stairs to
a small church built just under the old rocky walls of the Old Town and then to
the Old Town and in a short time was able to walk most of the alleyways three
times. The town was overbuilt with the usual buzzing motor cycles. I just could
not imagine how noisy this place should be in peak summer time. In the wide
boulevard they were building a row of shopping stalls. I thought in a few more
years all the land will be covered with commercial space and maybe that would
be the nail in the coffin of the tourism in the country. I saw a sign that read
"Parking is starkly prohibited". Lunched at Samari on the Venetian;
it was O.K. Two guys and a woman took the table next to me as each put his/her
cell phone on the table and reached for cigarettes _ what a homogeneous society.
The use - or rather misuse - of the cell phones is a phenomenon here, though I
had noticed their widespread use in Morocco and Turkey also _ I should have
bought the stock of Nokia. After lunch walked along the street by the beach
until I came across Boom - a quite coffee shop with seats facing the beach. I
had tea and was served a local liquor similar to ozu to mix with my tea. I
walked to the bus station and took the 3:45 bus to <span style="color: blue;">Heraklion</span>.
The bus had the usual pair of conductors. This time the driver was smoking. The
clouds started moving over for a change in scenery. We arrived in town at 5:15
pm. I bought some oranges from a young vendor near the station, walked to
Koules Fort and watch the sunset - the boats at the port had given the sunset a
beautiful backdrop. I walked along the 25 Aguoustou which is the lifeline of
the city and is comprised of Titos and Markos Churches and Loggia, a building
with charming arches used as an administrative building. The street leads to
the Town Market and then extends to Morosini Fountain and Parko El Greco which
is so heavily filled with birds that one can see a dark rain. The street
extends to Dedalou filled with cafes and young customers. When I got there, I
had sat for a drink before dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 12/31/99 - <b>Last day of millennium Rhodes</b>
<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had breakfast at the hotel at 9:00
am; this time there were a few other customers besides myself. I then went to
the Tourist Office next to my hotel and asked the receptionist for some
suggestions. She said I could visit some of the nearby villages. I had a 4:30
pm departure time; I thought I might not have enough time for that; walked
around the center of the town and some of the back alleys which were not too
appealing. There were a few tourist-oriented bars and restaurants but they seemed
rather fake. Walked to the port and then back to the town center. At this time
the stores were starting to close for observation of the New Year. I went to
the square in front of my hotel; they were setting up a platform for the New
Year's Eve celebrations. Went to my hotel at 3:45, packed and took a taxi to
the airport. I checked in quickly but I was told there was a half hour delay.
Left the terminal and sat outside under the sunshine; there was a pleasant
breeze blowing. The plane took off at 5:00 pm - I thought they were punctual to
call the delays. I watched the last sunset of the millennium; it looked
beautiful. I was thinking what the new millennium would bring to mankind - an
impossible prediction. Would the man at start of the millennium been able to
predict what would be in store for the human race - electricity, phone, film,
flying and cures for many illnesses. I thought about the pottery works I had
seen at the museum in Heraklion. With all the advances in science, it seemed
that Man's expression of inner feelings and emotions a few millenniums ago was
rather comparable to today's Man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We landed in <b><span style="color: blue;">Rhodes</span></b> after a short flight. My
friendly driver was waiting for me; we drove about 15 miles to Hotel
Mediterranean on Cos Street. My diver was giving me information about the
island and small towns as we were passing them. After checking in at my nice
room and shower I went for a walk. Almost all business were closed by this
time. I was getting hungry but could not find a decent place to eat. The only
place I entered told me their kitchen had already closed. I went back to my
hotel. The guests were already waiting in the lobby for a New Year's Party at
the only restaurant in the hotel. I went to my room and asked for room service
but they told me the only thing they could serve me was toast. I asked for the
manager who called me later to apologize and tell me all the cooks were all
working at the restaurant. He recommended I go to the restaurant in a nearby
hotel. I went there but they were closed; I walked to town center at about
10:00 pm. By this time the town was preparing for a big celebration in the Main
Square. I finally bought a sandwich from a truck selling food. The square was
almost packed by this time. Soon the food stands that were setup on the
sidewalks started to serve food including paella, sausages, souvlaki, pastry
and hot wine. I was still so hungry I ended up trying all the different foods.
By 11:00 pm the musician started performing on a large platform setup for the
occasion in the huge square. Behind us was the harbor with a lighthouse in the
background. It is supposedly the site of the famous Colossus of Rodes (as the
story goes it was made by the bronze remains of a ten-story Heliopolis siege
tower built by Alexander's general to capture this island but it was capsized
in a hidden hitch dug by Rodians in 305B.C.). There was a stone church to the
right of us and a small charming fountain the middle of the square. In front of
us were the beautiful rocky buildings of the town administration. A young guy
in long hair and a long coat appeared and sang; he had a beautiful voice. His
hair was blowing with the pleasant breeze as the stage mist was rising under
the colorful lights; the choreography was splendid - it was an enjoyable moment.
Even though the place was packed the cowed was very reserved and well behaved -
there was no pushing or screaming. I was very glad to be there at that moment.
Had I not left my hotel in search of food I would have gone to sleep and have
missed this moment. As we reached the midnight there was a choir, champagne
opening, a speech and then the fireworks on tiny sailboats on the water. Then
the young singer started to sing again and before long it started to rain. It
was the second time I saw rain in Greece - the first time was when I arrived at
Athens' Airport. It was a beautiful way to end the celebrations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 1/1/00 - The first day of the
New Millennium <b>Lindos </b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 9:00 am, walked to Old Town and visited various
sites for about four hours. The most impressive building was the <span style="color: magenta;">Palace of Grand Masters</span>. It was completed in 1346
by the Knights. After the fall of Jerusalem in 1291 the Knight Hospitallers of
St. George - dedicated to protecting pilgrims and running hospitals in the Holy
Land, took refuge in Cyprus and then by 1306 they had become more interested in
the wealthier and better-positioned Rhodes. As we were landing in Rhodes I was
looking at the map of the location which is very close to Turkey. I was
wondering that island had not been captured by the Turks. Only after visiting
the Old Town I could figure out why the Turks could have not captured the town.
Around the Old Town there was a pair of huge moats, each over 60 feet wide. It
seemed impossible to cross them. The main street descending from the Palace is
called <span style="color: magenta;">Odos Ippoton (Knights Street).</span> It
contained the Inns for the Knights of Spain, France, Italy and England. The
buildings are now occupied by administration offices of the Preservation of the
Town and a couple of French associations. The Palace and the Municipal Bath
were closed for the Holidays but the town and its many alleyways were so
charming that I ended up walking around for hours. I entered a deserted school
built by the Turks. It was filled with old books and paintings on the floors
and walls of the classrooms. I went through them for a while. I walked out of
the Old Town, had lunch and visited Smith Park. It was a short walk from the
Old Town along the beautiful narrow long Pindon Street. I visited the Temples
of Zeus, Atinas, Aphrodite, Sanctuary of Arthemis and the well-preserved
Stadium. This stadium was very similar to the one I had seen in Delphi. A
father and his two children were playing soccer there. I walked back to the top
of a hill in the Park and sat on a bench. I could see the beautiful tall green
cliffs descending to the beach and all the mountains in the horizon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 1/2/00<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I walked to the Square near the Old
Town and took the 11:30 am bus to Lindos. This small town is located about 50
km. from Rhodes. Along the way the driver picked up her young daughter who sat
on the dashboard and kept her dad's company throughout the trip. It was a nice
drive passing through the scenic countryside and a few villages and the
seashore. I had jotted down the last return trip at 15:30 from the schedule
posted at the bus stop. When I wanted to confirm it with the conductor, he told
me that on Sundays the last return bus was at 14:30. After arriving at <b><span style="color: blue;">Lindos</span></b>,
I walked up the narrow alleys - covered with steps at some points and with
beautiful pebble work at others. The pebble work reminded me of the gorgeous
pebble-works made by the Romans at the Volubilis ruins near Fes, Morocco. The
Acropolis of Lindos was a stunning site on top of a mountain with a magnificent
view of its surrounding sea and mountains. The ruins of the Temple of Athina
date back to 340b.c. The site also contained a 13<sup>th</sup> century Church
of St. John among a few other temples. I met two Israeli girls. We took
pictures for each other. I walked back to the town and then to the beach. I saw
a restaurant located a couple of hundred yards away. I walked there and asked
the waiter if he could serve me in twenty minutes I had before I had to go back
to the bus. He recommended fried calamari vs. grilled octopus that I wanted. I
ate and had to run back to the bus stop. The bus driver was a friendly old man
who would wave to many people on the road and would cross his chest every time
we passed a church. I wondered how his acts would be treated back in States. I
asked the conductor to let me off at Bodini Park in the Rhodes. Since it was
the last bus of the day, the conductor got off before we arrive at the city. He
had told the driver to let me off at the Park though. The park was an old small
narrow charming landscape with a long wide canal. I Saw a few peacocks but
could not find the deer mentioned in my guide. I walked around the park for a
while to enjoy the peaceful quiet though I still could hear the motorcycles
afar. I left the park and walked towards my hotel. At one point I had to ask
the directions to the main square from a family who were leaving a house. The
husband confirmed the direction I was pointing to but the wife said there was a
shorter way and asked me to follow her and her young daughter. As we walked we
talked about New York City and Disneyland. She offered me some popcorn and said
she knew that popcorn was very much an American thing. We then said goodnight.
I offered a chocolate to the young pretty daughter who gladly accepted it. I
went to my room to rest for sometime. I then walked to nearby restaurant
Ellinikon on Kos Street; this was the same place I was that their kitchen was
closed when I wanted to eat there on New Year's Eve. It was a large floor with
a few rooms connecting through charming arches and was very tastefully
decorated. There were only two tables occupied, one consisting of a large party
and the other one occupied by married couple. I was seated at a table next to
the couple who were both smoking. The swordfish and the local red wine I had
were both excellent and the service was very attentive. An orthodox priest and
his wife (?) took a table near me - that was a good place to spend some of the
donations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 1/3/00<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is my last day in Greece. I was planing to go to Kamiros
today. It is a less visited site with a large Acropolis. I left my hotel and
walked across the street to the beach. The beach was so inviting that I lied
down there to enjoy the sunshine, even tough it was windy and it was the
coldest day I had spent in Rhodes. I saw a young guy who was snorkeling. Later
on two old ladies got in the water. I was tempted; I went back to hotel, picked
up a towel and put on my bathing suit and headed back to the beach. I took a
dive and swam for a while. I then walked to the Old Town, lunched, and walked
to Ippoton. The street was very quiet by this time and the place seemed so
fascinating that I just sat on the steps of one of the Inns to absorb its rich
history and wonder how well the site was preserved. I then walked back to
Acadia Gate and the park behind it. On the way back to my hotel I stopped at an
Internet café. I had dinner at the hotel's restaurant where I was the only
customer. Later on only one more party showed up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 1/4/00<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 6:45 am and took a cab to
the airport. The plane took off at 8:20 am for a 45-minute flight to Athens. My
New York Delta flight was at 12:00. After check-in called my credit card
company to find out if I was overcharged at <u>Mullen Rouz</u>. I was told that
the company had rejected an $850 charge from them, and that the fraud
department had already contacted me - I was disappointed and relieved. There
were many smokers at the terminal. I went out and lied down on the grass under
the sunshine. I went back to the terminal at 11:30, waited in line to exchange
some currency. By the time I was waiting in the passport line they announced my
name and asked me to rush to the gate. As I was walking to the gate, my name
was announced two more times. By the time I arrived at the gate the bus had
left. I had to wait a couple of minutes until a van showed up to drive me to
the waiting plane. We had a 10.5-hours flight to New York. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span>
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<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202471"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘00/04/28 Colombia: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Medellin</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday, April 28, 2000 <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mun Chan has been persisting that I should go with him to
Colombia. On one conversation with him - after going through the flight
schedules and the long layovers - I told him clearly that I was not going with
him but he called me the next day anyhow and told me that he had made
reservations for me. I gave up and decided to go. In the afternoon I went to
Liberty Travel to pick up the ticket. When I arrived at the office Mun was
waiting for me. He told me that the family of Olga, his girlfriend in Medellin,
has been stopped on the highway and their car and their belongings stolen. He
was concerned abut his safety but by this time I had decided to go therefore I
shrugged the danger and told him to go anyhow even though every one had told me
it was a dangerous place to go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday, May 4 - To Medellin, Colombia <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Woke up at 4:30am. Mun ringed me down in a cab at 5:00 am.
He already had an argument with Mohammed, the doorman; apparently Mohammed was
not at the door when he had arrived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We boarded the American Airlines at 6:30 am. and arrived in
Miami at 9:30 am. Our connecting flight was at 3:00pm. We rented a car and
drove to South Beach where we lied down near the beach and the had lunch at a
sidewalk restaurant (La mamba) where a few of the waitresses from time to time
perform a group dance. After lunch we drove back to the airport and boarded the
ACES airline at 3:00pm and arrived in Medellin at 5:00pm. The plane was 1/3
full and we had a nice flight. As we were landing at the small airport we could
see the beautiful scenery of the very lush green hills all over. We landed and
went through the small airport. At the exit John Sepulveda (Tel: 270-5602) was
waiting for us. He is a cab driver and was asked by Olga's friend to pick us
up. He had studied in NJ but had gone back to Medellin. His wife would come to
US and work here during golf season. We had a pleasant one-hour ride to city
and checked in at Sheraton Four Points ( 574-321-8088). We walked to the
next-door mall where I had a small dinner. Since I was tired I went back to my
room early and went to bed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday, May 5, 2000 <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up and Mun called me to tell me
that Olga was with him. We had breakfast together. Mun and I went for a walk in
a nice neighborhood near the hotel. The streets and houses were pretty similar
to a decent place anywhere in the rural areas in States. We changed some money
at the mall ($1 = 1830 pesos). We then went to Olga's house (313-8907) where
his mom has setup a restaurant in the backyard of the house; it was a very cozy
place. I met the family - mom and Pablo, his very nice brother who said he was
working at the restaurant to save five hundred dollars so that he could go to
Ecuador for a one-month vacation. Later on his father who is divorced and lives
nearby showed up and joined us; he was a very interesting person. He had lived
in US in the sixties and spoke fluent English in addition to a few other
languages; he had taught English before his retirement. He told me he had never
heard the Iranian dialect and told me he would like to ask me a couple of
questions and wanted me to answer them in Farsi. His first question was
"How's your sex life?" I had to describe it to him followed by full
translation. His second question was "Do you believe in religion?".
Again I answered him in Farsi with subsequent translation. I think it was very
effective way for him to get to know me. By this time a typical Colombian meal
was served; it consisted of beans, rice, eggs, sausages and fried pork skin.
After lunch we went back to hotel where the guide (<u>Robinson Restrepo</u>-
0334488228) I had called earlier for a tour of the city ($6 per hour) was
waiting for me. He had lived in Miami for seven years before deciding to go
back home. We drove to El Tosoro (gold mine) , a mall with a panoramic views of
the city where I could use a PC in a store to check my e-mails free of charge.
We then drove to Endigado that is a middle-class neighborhood and to Pablito
Paisa Park in the West. The park had a good view of the city and many couples
were hanging out. We then stopped at a park where there was the huge sculpture
of the "Men rising from the water to the stars" of <u>Rodriguez
Aranas Buttancur. <o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then visited <u>Parque De Bolivar</u>,
the main square of the city where the large brick Cathedral Metropolitania is
located. Later on we drove to a poor neighborhood though the houses were
relatively decent and the area was clean and again there was a beautiful view
of the city. By this time it was raining hard. We then drove back toward the
hotel. We stopped by a fruit stand where we tried a few of the native fruits,
including a juice called Mara Kuja extracted from a fruit similar to passion
fruit. John - the taxi driver - called
me to thank me for the offer of a one-day tour of the city I had asked him but
since he could not find a baby sitter he told me he could not make it. He asked
me though not to go to Peneon (the Rock), since the guerillas had more presence
there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At night I had dinner with Mun and Olga
at a restaurant in the mall where Linea, Olga's sister and her husband joined
us. We then drove to a disco where we took a table and had a lot of drink and
danced; no one got drunk. At 3:00am, Pablo who had joined us gave us a ride
back to hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday, May 6 2000</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I called Robinson in the morning for a tour of Oriente - the
mountainous countryside. I had originally wanted to go to Santa Fe - an old
city about three hours away from the city but Olga told me the road is
dangerous. Robinson showed up in a short time. We drove toward the airport and
then to El-Retiro, a charming small village. We drove though a narrow street
filled with houses and small shops till we arrived at the main square. There
was the butcher stand followed by the vegetable vendors in front of the square
and then the church on the north side. We walked to the south side of the
square, took a seat in the porch and had black coffee (tinto) and empanadas. I
then walked into the church where the priest was christianizing a dozen babies
by robbing a wet cotton over them as the acquaintances filming the ceremony. I
then left the church and told Robinson to meet me at the end of the street. As
I started to walk the heavy rain started and I had to take shelter in a very
small coffee shop at the invitation of one of the two women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Two kids where in the room I got in;
the room was filled with very old movie posters and it seemed as if the time
had stopped in that particular room. I waited there for about one half hour
until finally Robinson showed up to pick me up. We then drove higher in the
mountains, passed by the horse farms and the flower farms and a waterfall. We
visited San Antonio, a small village similar to El Retiro. We had lunch on a
roadside café and then visited Tutucan, another park for the middle class
people with pools, restaurant and a mock small town. We drove to Reonegro - an
unimpressive sprawling town and then headed back towards the City. We stopped
at a roadside café where we had a delicious arepa, made of corn bread and a
rather sweet cheese. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday, May 7 2000</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had breakfast with Mun and then took
a taxi to <u>Parque De Bolivar</u>. At the square a band was playing classic
Spanish music. I visited the Cathedral Metropolitania again and then we did
some shopping in the market. The prices were rather firm. A guard holing the
leash of a vicious dog was walking around which scared Mun amusingly. We walked
to Parque De Berrio where Mun took the metro to the hotel and I went to the
opposite direction to visit the Botanical Garden. The metro was rather new and
had a very neat design with beautiful stations. At each station and on each
platform a soldier was on guard. I got off at the wrong station. Two soldiers
were doing a body search of two young guys. When I asked for the directions
from an attendant he used his card to let me in and told me to get off in the
next station in the opposite direction. The Garden was rather a nice place; I
was hoping to be able to see the orchid flower show my guidebook had mentioned,
but there was none. I left the park, walked around the University and then took
the metro back to Parque Berrio. I decided to walk back in the same direction.
I walked along the left sidewalk of the Street (Carrea 51) that was occupied by
the vegetable vendors and at one block by fish vendors selling fish. It was
surprising that they were not using ice to keep the fish fresh; that block
stunk. I then turned to a side street and walked along the junkyards and
factories before walking back to Carrea 51 and taking the other side of the
street covered with vendors selling junk stuff.
Both sides of the street were lined up with many funeral houses. The
nicest one was called "La Esperenza" - The Hope (it is also a female
name). I passed by a butcher shop whose sign read "Yoko Carne". I
walked back to Paque Berrio Estacion where a band of musicians where playing
guitars and singing a sad song. When they finished one of them took a bottle
and two cups from his back, poured the drink and shared among three of them.
The last person - a woman who the surest way to identity her sex was her nail
polish took the bottle. After a few sips they played a happier song though
there were not many contributions yet. As I was walking to Paque De Bolivar,
the thunderstorm started; I ran to a restaurant with a great view of the street
leading to the square and the square itself on the second floor where I took a
seat. Subsequently a fight stared on the street between two guys; one of them
had his elbow in cast. Immediately six soldiers showed up of nowhere to
separate them. They performed the usual body search concentrating mostly around
the groins and then they were let go. At this time about one dozen harikrishnas
approached the square, and started the music and dance. The peace settled
quickly. I had a lunch of picadas consisting of fries, beef, chicken, sausages
and fried pork skin though it was not good. I sat there for a couple of hours
watching the activities of the people below. I saw many vendors selling all
sorts of things on many different sizes of trays or carts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I took the metro to the last station and then returned to
the station near my hotel where I took a cab to the hotel. The taximeter stated
at 10 pesos and at the hotel it read 36; I gave a 2000 pesos note to driver he
and gave me back a 500 p. coin. I talked to Mun and we decided to meet at
8:00pm for dinner. I went to the mall, walked around for a while, and took
50,000p cash from ATM using my visa for exit visa at the airport. I met Olga
and Mun and we went to a bowling alley and played bowl for a while and then
went to the Pink Zone for dinner. We ordered some crêpes. The conversation
turned to the possibility that I may take a long vacation in South America and
I asked if Olga would be able to teach me some Spanish. At this time Mun
suddenly got furious and got the impression that I was after Olga trying to
pick her up. He reminded me that I had mentioned that if he broke up with Olga
I would go out with her; an issue I had brought up just to indicate his
pointless relationship with Olga after a few breakups. We had an argument, ate,
and took a bus ride back to hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday, May 8 2000</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 5:30am checked out and took a cab in the front
of the hotel. The driver could not close the trunk and he had to use a rope to
hold the door halfway closed. It crossed my mind that this maybe a trick to
separate me from my bag on the road so I had to watch the trunk until we got
out of the town and there were no more traffic lights. In my guidebook it was
mentioned never to separate your belongings from you. I had all my documents in
the bag. After about 50 minutes we arrived at the airport and I paid him the
pre-negotiated fare of 24,000 pesos plus tip. The check in line was long and
there was a long desk with three guards checking the contents of the bags; I
bypassed the table without anyone noticing me and went on the line but made
sure that they were not using any tags to mark the bags. At this time Olga came
to me and told me that I could give her my passport and ticket so that she
could have them stamped at a different desk in which case I could pay half the
usual exit visa. I had to wait in front of the line for a while till she came
back and said she was at the front of her line and asked me to go in person to
get the exit visa. I changed lines and took the stamped paper, went back on the
first line and had a short Q&A session with an inspector and finally got my
boarding pass after paying $24 exit visa. When I entered the gate I had to wait
in another line where my bag's contents were searched thoroughly. The guy tried
to open my mouthwash and could not; I had to help him. Another soldier inserted
a screwdriver into my slippers to make sure they were not hollow; they did not
check inside my shirts though. The plane took off at 10:00am and arrived at
Miami at 1:30pm. I was supposed to fly back to New York on Tuesday morning. I
decided to go back the same day. Went to American Airlines desk, paid a $75 fee
and I was put on the waiting list. I could not board the 6:00pm flight but was
told there was another direct flight at a different gate. This time I could
board and our flight took off at about 7:00pm; we arrived in La Guardia at
9:20pm where I shared a cab to the city with Vipol, an Indian web programmer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202472"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">‘00/12/01 California,
Arizona: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">San Francisco, Carmel, Esalan, San Diego; Phoenix, Grand
Canyon</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday, 12/1/00 Cindy was working late; she got home at 11:00p. We had the dinner I
had cooked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday, 12/2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cindy was deep asleep at 5:30a. I woke
her up, we packed and left home at 6:10a for our 6:50a Delta flight to <b>San Francisco</b>. Our car service did not
show up; we took a taxi to JFK and arrived there at 6:35a. We then ran to the
front of the line and after check in rushed to our gate; we were the last
passengers who boarded the plane. We had a four our flight to Salt Lake City
and then after a 1.5hr layover arrived in S.F in 1:20min. We rented a car at
Hertz ($940 for 11 days), checked in at Aterthon Hotel on Ellis and walked to
Union Sq. where we took a cable car to China Town. It was quiet at 8:00p. We
had Chinese dinner and took a cab to our hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday, 12/3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I went to pick up the car I
noticed I was given a ticket for parking violation (street cleaning). We drove
to Golden Gate. It was rather cold; we bought a pair of fleece jackets. We
drove to the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts and the Marina. We lunched at KFC
and then drove to Presidio and Twin Peaks. Met Judy Kim, Cindy’s friend at
border Café. Drove to Coit Tower, it was closed. Drove to Japan Town and had an
uninspiring buffets at Umeko. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday, 12/24 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We checked out from our hotel and drove
to Napa Valley; we were lost a few times even though our car was equipped with
navigator, a real life saver. We stopped at Mondavi for a one-hour tour and
tasting. We then drove to Stag’s Leap winery, had a great tasting and purchased
a Fay for about $100. We then drove to St. Helena, checked in at pleasant El
Bonita (707-963-3216). We went to bed at 7:00p. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 12/5. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Drove to Bodega Bay where we had a
pleasant brunch and took the scenic Highway 1 to San Francisco and continued to
Santa Cruz and Monterey; we checked in at Monterey Bay and had dinner at 10:00p
at next door hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday, 12/6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Drove to 17-Mile-Drive (Pebble Beach),
the quaint <b>Carmel</b> with a beautiful
beach and finally the scenic Big Sur. The scenery between Carmel and Big Sur
was magnificent. We checked in at <b>Esalan</b>
Institute, a self-improvement center. The staff was friendly and the guests
were typical West-Coast middle age people. The meals were health-oriented
buffets. We saw one of the most
beautiful sunsets. At night we went to the mineral spa; it had a view of the
beach underneath. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 12/7 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We went to the spa and did laundry,
walked at the beach prior to heading for LA at 1:00p. The scenery on Route 1
was very pretty. We arrived at <b>Santa
Barbara</b> at 6:00p. The main street was filled with shops with charming Latin
arches. It took us one hour to drive to beautiful <b>Ventura</b>. The Townhouse was magnificent. We had a memorable dinner
at Carpaccio. We then headed to <b>LA</b>
and arrived at Hollywood at 12:00a. While we were parking to check in at
Roosevelt Hotel three suspicious looking Spanish were hanging around outside
the hotel. I asked for a quiet room at the front desk but was given one facing
the street; I had to change it to a pool front room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 12/8. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Drove to Beverly Hills and brunched at
French Country Café. I called Eftekharis and drove there. After lunch drove to
Bahram’s store and then drove to his house to meet Banafshe and Parsa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At 4:00p drove toward <b>San Diego</b> with a stop at Marina Del
Rey. In San Diego as we were looking for a restaurant a man approached us and
told us his car had ran out of gas and he had lost his money. He asked for $16
to buy gas and promised he would mail it to us; I had no change therefore he
got away with a twenty dollar bill. We dined at Old Town and drove to Tijuana;
it was a wild place with young people crowding the streets. On a few occasion I
saw the police arresting offenders.
Passing red lights looked the norm. We stopped at a disco for a couple
of hours. When we were passing the border back to US I hesitated showing
Cindy’s passport to the agent. He said, “Speak” to find out if she spoke
English. I had to present her passport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 12/9. Drove to Old Town for brunch and then headed for <b>Arizona</b>. The drive was uneventful and
fine. I called Behjat to tell her that we were going there; she gave us her
home address. When we finally got there we noticed that the house was located
in a closed off complex with a gate but no attendance; we needed to punch in a
code to open the gate. We waited for a while wondering what to do. At this time
a car left the complex; Cindy drove in quickly before the gate closes. We found
the house with the help of navigator. The door was open but no one was home. We
entered and after a short time Behjat and Massoud showed up; they were coming
from a catering. We had dinner and went to bed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 12/10. We headed for <b>Grand Canyon</b>
after breakfast and packing a lot of food they had prepared for us. The drive
was nice except a speed and illegal pass ticket for $135. By the time we
arrived there it was dark. We checked in at El Tavor Hotel ($276 for two
nights), had dinner at the old restaurant. It was Cindy’s birthday. We finally
opened the bottle of Fay and had it in the lobby in front of the fireplace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 12/11. We walked around the park enjoying the beautiful scenery and the
brisk weather. They were some deer around the park that amused us for a while –
we took many pictures of them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 12/12. We
decided to walk down one of the trails. We walked downhill for about an hour.
The cliffs looked splendid. It was cloudy. By the time we decided to return it
started to snow. It took us about three hours to get back to the base. It was
rather cold and especially Cindy was exhausted. The snowflakes were the largest
I had ever seen. We had never expected to see snow here. Overall it was a great
experience. Early in the afternoon we headed back for Phoenix. It was snowing
heavily throughout the trip. The roads were getting more quiet but dangerous to
drive. We finally made it to Phoenix late at night. The city was dry and there
were no signs of snow. When I told Massoud that it was Cindy’s birthday and I
could not get her the cupcakes she had wished to have he suggested we get some.
We ended up having a very pleasant small party in the backyard filled with
flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday 12/13. I woke up early in the
morning but had not left the bed. Massoud knocked on the door to wake us up.
The alarm clock we had set did not go off. We drove to airport, dropped off the
car and flew back to New York.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202473"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘01/01/15 Iran-1: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yazd, Kerman & Bam, </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">Nayab,</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Hamedan</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<h4>
Monday 1/15/2001</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cindy was off for Martin Luther King’s
Birthday but had to go to office for a couple of hours. The day before she had
invited Parviz to move in with us from his hotel (Bentley). He said he would be
seeing his friend for an apartment and will be moving out in 7-8 days. I picked
up Cindy after packing. We had lunch at Korea Town and did some gift shopping
and Cindy bought some vitamins (Royal Jelly and Deah) for mom. I got a haircut
at Cindy’s suggestion. Parviz showed up at 8:00p. At 8:50p I called Tel Aviv
Car Service. Cindy went to kitchen to cook for Parviz. I left home at 9:00p and
arrived at JFK at 9:30p. I checked in at Virgin Atlantic within five minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11:10p. The
plane took off for London on time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10:30a. (+5). I arrived in London’s
Heathrow, Terminal 3 & checked in at Iran Air. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4:00p. Left London for Tehran. I was
able to bring my 2 carry-on bags with the help of the lady who had done my
check in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday 1/17. <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Arrived in Tehran after 5 hours (+3.5)
flight. The sky was rather black with smog as we were landing. I used a free
phone to call dad to tell him I was on my way home. Dad was waiting in front of
the house at 2:00a. We sat down and talked until 5:00a. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 1/18</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Feri came in the afternoon. After picking up
Donya, I picked up Tahmineh from a birthday party. Farshid, Nasrin, and Saba
came over for dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 1/19.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Feri, Farshid and Fariba came over. I went to Fariba’s so that Donya can get her
Barbie’s clothes. Met Habib and he drove us to Sologhun, the nearby village.
The snow-filled hills looked beautiful. After coming back home we again drove
to that area and had dinner in a coffee shop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 1/20</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Drove to Sangan with Feri. Again there was a
beautiful snowfall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 1/21</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. I took the 7:35a metro to Imam Khomeini,
had Halim and walked around bazaar and Sirus. I met Feri at 9:00a. We walked to
Golestan Museum but it was closed. We visited the charming Glass Museum. There
were two pieces dating back to 7 to 8 millennium B.C. I tried to get in at
Church Enjili to no avail. Visited the eye-popping National Jewels Museum and
stopped at popular Naderi Bakery for a coffee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 1/22</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I went to National Museum. It was
closed. I visited Malek Museum - a collection of furniture, paintings, stamps
and rugs. I then met Feri and had lunch at bazaar where a beggar was arguing
with the cashier – they had given her leftover food that she did not approve
of. We then walked to <span style="color: magenta;">Golestan Museum</span><span style="color: green;">;</span> there were seven separate halls and exhibitions
with some interesting paintings of Iranian artists. In one gallery there were
some pictures taken by Naser-Addin Shah, some from his wives dating back to
1890s – they had scary faces with hair and legs like tree stumps. We stopped at
Sofre Khaneh Sonnati Sanglaj in City Park for tea; there were some nostalgic
pictures and décor. Feri tried a travel agent for ticket to Yazd but we were
too late for our departure date. We stopped at Feri’s. I met Hediye. We then
visited Fekrat, DDS. When we got home mom said she had talked to Farshid; he
had apologize for his forgetfulness and ignorance and had said whatever I say
he would agree. Farshid and Ms. Sarkhosh came over for dinner. Dona came over
with some flowers for me. Ebi called in from Germany. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 1/23.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I went to the nearby Internet shop
(T1800-hr. T800=$1). Feri came over for dinner. We had a heavy snowfall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday 1/24</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. We visited Mahin with mom and Feri.
She looked rather fine but was aggravated with the behavior of her children;
they were making life so difficult for her. Majid seemed to be very sick and
impossible to deal with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 1/25</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. It snowed again. Taheri’s came over for
dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 1/26</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
Farshid and Feri were over for
lunch. Cindy called me and told me I could stay longer. Susan, Mr. Sadigh
Shahin and Habib came over. We made a snowman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 1/27. I took a car service to Fekrat, DDS and went to Feri’s for lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 1/28. At 8:30a Donya’s aunt rang the door looking for Donya. She had
not shown up for her exam. I told her she was not there. I then got dressed and
went to Fariba’s. Donya had slept over. We got her dressed and sent her off. We
went to Farshid’s for lunch. Taheri’s came over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 1/29. I took the car service to Fekrat, DDS. The driver was talking
throughout the trip, complaining about life and people. We were lost and I was
late for our appointment. I then visited Hediyeh and we talked about her
marriage issues. She said Feri treated her like a child and she had lost
respect for him due to his pessimism. We went out for a ride but the traffic
was so bad we returned home. Later that evening we went to Mr. Sadigh. Aunt
Mehri and Taheri’s came over. Susan had prepared the most delicious eggplant I
had ever had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 1/30. I went to Fekrat, DDS, and stopped by at Feri’s. We went to <span style="color: magenta;">Sa’ad Abad</span> Palace in Tajrish and visited the
charming grounds and Reza Shah and Shah’s palaces. I slept over at Feri’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday 1/31. We went to book fair
where Hediye bought me a couple of Hafez books. We then lunched at Nayeb. I
went back home. Mom said that Donya had gone there directly from the school and
when she could not see me there had started to cry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 2/1. It was the 22<sup>nd</sup> anniversary I had left Iran. Fariba
brought Halim for breakfast. Feri brought white fish. I went out for a walk
with Feri, Tahmineh and Donya. I called Cindy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Habib also brought some Halim. I took a
nap with Donya in the afternoon; I was up until 2:30a reading “Baghe Marshal”.
I called Cindy; she was upset since I had not called her as promised; she hung
up on me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 2/2. Cindy called at 8:00a and ended up crying. She said the “M”
word and asked me to return. She cried again. I talked to Parviz for a while.
Cindy called me a second time to convince me to return home. We went to
Taheri’s for lunch; Habib, Aunt Mehri, Nasrin/Rayhane were invited. For lunch
we had Fesenjan, eggplant, Baghali and shirin polow. We had ash in the
afternoon. I went to bed at 10:00a exhausted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 2/3</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Yazd</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 2:00a at left bed at 4:00a. Feri came over. We
had halim and took a taxi to airport. We had a one-hour flight to Yazd and
arrived there at 7:00a. We took a cab to Amir Chakhmagh Sq. Visited Hamameh
Khan, a charming teahouse in a converted public bath. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We walked to the <span style="color: magenta;">old bazaar</span> and the ancient back alleys. We entered
an old caravanserai where a friendly worker took us to the roof and gave us a
brief description of the sites. We visited the charming “House of Malek Khan”,
converted into a guesthouse with a helpful attendant. We then took a taxi to
“Masjid Jameh”; it had a beautiful tile work and open partly without a wall.
The attendant opened to door to a 4000-year old Qanat and we walked about 30
meters down to its opening. We could then walk to the roof of the masjid for a
view of the surrounding neighborhood. We
then walked to “Six Badgir” located inside a shrine; it was closed and we could
not find the attendant, Mr. Mohammad Razavi even after finding his house and
knocking on his door. We also visited the following sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alexander (Eskandar)
Prison</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: It was a rather new building. We asked for and were given
access to next door “<span style="color: magenta;">Tomb of 12 Imams</span>”, an
11<sup>th</sup> century mausoleum; it was one of the most original sites with a
rather intact dome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Baghe Dolat</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Summer resident of Khrim Khan Zand with a
33m tall badghir. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then had a good lunch at Zeytun, a
newly opened restaurant on the edge of town and then checked in at Safaiyeh’s
hotel (T15,700). We took a taxi to <span style="color: magenta;">Dakhmeh</span> (<span style="color: magenta;">The Tower of Silence</span>), visited a Zoroastrian
cemetery and walked towards the hills. There were two circular structures atop
two adjacent hills. In old days the Zoroastrians would place their corpses
there to be eaten up by the birds. In that way they would maintain the purity of
the soil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mirror House</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
It was closed for the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ghal-eh Assadan</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
This is a temple where the sacred fire has been burning since 470A.D. (it was
transferred here from its previous site in 1940. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then waked in the back alleys and
visited the “Mola Esmail Mosque”. We then went back to hotel and had a light
dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4>
Sunday 2/4</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The driver, Mr. Honarbakhsh, was
waiting to drive us to <span style="color: magenta;">ChakChak</span>, a
Zoroastrian temple 60km away in the mountains. During the drive he talked of
decency of the Zoroastrians. They are supposed to take the annual trip to this
site at least once in their lifetimes. He dropped us at the bottom of the hill
where the temple was located and we climbed for about 20 minutes. <span style="color: lime;">Feridoun</span>, the friendly attendant came to welcome us
and open the door to the temple for us. The temple was located underneath a 50m
cliff with a couple of trees projecting out of it. The site felt holy. One of
the signs inside read, “There is one road in the world and that is the road of
righteousness”. As we were walking in the grounds I was thinking what would
have been the fate of the country had Islam never penetrated it. We then drove
back to the city and visited <span style="color: magenta;">Mirror Hall</span>
(Talar Ayneh), previously a house of Zarafzadeh; where Reza Shah had spent a
night. After the revolution the government took it over, the heirs returned to
country from abroad and after reclaiming it they donated it to be used as a
museum. We then visited a few factories where they would grind henna and spices
using stone wheels. We then shopped at bazaar for Yazd silk napkins and body
wraps, lunched at hotel and departed for Tehran at 3:15p. Mom and Donya
returned from public bath. Donya said she had a GPA of 20 in her exams. Mom
said the Mr. Sadigh and Susan have had a fight after Susan tells him that that
they were invited to Taheri’s but when hey show up there late everybody had
left. He thinks that Susan had lied to him. Cindy called at 9:00p. She said
Parviz had quit his job and was driving her crazy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 2/5 <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Kerman, Bam</span></b>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ms. Taheri called us to invites us for Halim on Friday. I
asked mom to call Mahin but we could not find her phone number on her
phonebook; apparently the children needed a piece of paper and they had ripped
off a page from hers. I took a taxi to airport and met Feri for our 3:15p
flight to Kerman. The plane was packed and it had very little legroom but it
took off on time. We had planned to go to Bam overnight but Hamid, the driver
that took us to city told us that the roads were dangerous at night. He took us
to bus terminal but there were no buses at night. We agreed to get a one-way
ride from him at 7:00a for T7000, with a stop in Mahan. We checked in at
Akhavan Hotel (recommended in Lonely Planet – T11000) and went for a walk. Feri
asked a young man for a decent place; the young guy walked us to a street and
showed us Alborz, a new and very good restaurant (T6200). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4>
Tuesday 2/6</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hamid was waiting for us at 8:00a. We
drove to Mahan (35km) and visited: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aramgah Shah Nematollah
Vali</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: An old tomb with beautiful garden, tile work and seven old
doors given as a gift by Shah if India. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bagh Shahzadeh</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
A 130-year old very beautiful garden built by Abdol Hamid Reza Farmanfarma, a
grandson of Naser Addin Shah. He used this garden at night for smoking opium.
It is said that they have the most beautiful moon and the best opium in this
town. I talked to Mehrdad, the brother of the girl who was selling postcards.
He said that he was almost blind and was asking if there is a technology
whereby he could read using a computer. We then drove to Bam for about 1:20min
and Hamid dropped us off at Citadel, a 2000-year old and the largest dirt
building in the world. We spent there a couple hours and then took a cab to
Ali-Amini Hotel; it was full. The driver, an opium addict and dealer, was complaining
of the bad drug market due to high prices. We had lunch and walked around the
back alleys and the market. We then boarded a bus to Kerman. Met the 13-year
old illiterate Farhad and his twin brother Iraj. Their sister is a college
student. Their teen-age friend told me the large number of the young girls in
the bus was going to Kerman to look for husbands. Checked in at Akhavan Hotel
and visited the contemporary Art Museum (Sanaati); There was an exhibition of
the proliferate Seid Ali Akbar Sanati, displaying a large selection of painting
and sculptures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then dined at excellent Khaneh
Sayyah located on the grounds of the museum. It had a pleasant ambiance and
live music and good food (T5700). We then walked back to hotel and had a chat
about family affairs, mom and Hediye. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday 2/7. After breakfast we
walked to Tourist Office (Miras Farhangi) near Vali Asr Sq. The site was the
house of Harandi; Reza Shah had used the renovated dirt (khesht) building. We
asked for a guide and were given a booklet from the Shah’s time. We then
visited the following sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">National Library: A beautiful yard and
a very large interior with many arches. It had previously been a textile
factory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moayedi Icehouse: A fully renovated dirt icehouse now used
as a children library. When I got in there was a children play in session and
the place was packed with children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gombade Sabz (The Green Dome): A 9<sup>th</sup> century – mostly
damaged in 1896 earthquake. We had to look for a while to find the place; it is
in an alley cross the street from Agha Ali Mosque. The Dervishes Center is
located across from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We visited “Eebrahomi Complex”,
including a working public bath; there were two customers bathing in the very
old building. We then walked through the Blacksmiths Market to get to “Ganjali
Khan Sq.”. There was a caravanserai on one side and the Hamman with wax dummies
on another. We then visited the teahouse “Chai khanehe Vakil”; it had elegant
brick arches and tiles. We had lunch and teat there. There was a very old man
playing tar and singing. We walked through the Bazaar to “Masjed Jameh”, built
in 14<sup>th</sup> c. with beautiful tile-works. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took a taxi to “Gonbad Jabaliye”, an
octagonal rock structure dating to1st millennium. it was adjacent to a cemetery with a row of
mountains in the background and a man-made forest nearby it. We then walked for
about 1.5hrs on the straight street to Shohada Sq. On the way we stumbled upon
the ruins of “Ghal-e Ardshir” and “Ghal-e Pol Dokhtar”, two adjacent 1500yr old
citadels. We also visited the grounds of a hospital in a charming building and
also an icehouse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the Shoda Sq., we visited the “Tomb
of Moshtaq Ali Shah”, a dervish who was stoned to death in 1206h.g. His crime
was to recite Quran while playing a tar. The site was attractive; it had three
green domes. There was only one beautiful girl meditating. She said the
following story about him: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the time of his sentence he begged,
“If you have no mercy on me then have mercy on your town”. People kept throwing
stones. He then said, “Have mercy on your woman” with no avail. He then said,
“have mercy on the cats of your town” and still people kept throwing stones at
him until he died. In one year Agha Mohammad Khan Ghajar attacked Kerman,
destroyed the town, his soldiers raped the women, killed all the cats and
blinded 60,000 men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Masjid Pa-mennar: A 12<sup>th</sup> c. mosque with
attractive tile-works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ebrahimeh Religious School: It has 150
students. I checked inside on of the rooms, it was dark and covered with
mattresses; each room housed at least ten students. There was a tall beautiful
Badgir on one side. We then walked to “Ghanj Ali Khan Sq.” and walked through
the rest of bazaar to Tohid Sq. We had tea in a teahouse. Feri made calls to
Tehran from a phone center. I tried to call Cindy (T450m) but there was
answering machine. We then took a very long walk and dined at Alborz. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 2/8. We visited the bazaar again and killed some time by a man who had
put on a show of strength. We then did some shopping (cumin, 16k/kg) and picked
our luggage from the hotel. We bought some “Kolompeh”, a cookie filled with
dates. We were at the airport at 4:15 for our 5:40 flight. We were advised that
we security may be tight for the anniversary of the revolution. The inspection
was rather through. The person in front of me was arrested for hiding drugs in
the hills of his shoes after they were taken off and placed under the laser. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4>
<o:p> </o:p></h4>
<h4>
Friday 2/9</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We went to Taheri’s for Halim. We then
visited aunt Shamsi and went to Feri’s for a rest. We were invited to Mr. Ziaii
and his wife Manizheh, Nasrin’s sister. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 2/10. It was the anniversary of the revolution. I finished reading
“Baghe Marshal” by Hassan Karimpoor. The main character of the book faces the
woman who was chosen as his bride after 30 years – after falling in love with
another woman, abandoning the first woman and spending 20 years in jail in
London. The woman who had longed him for so many years says, “I do not want to
give up the joy of being in love for 28 years”, and later on writes the following
poem by Sohrab Sehperi to him: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Naresideh be derakht<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kuche baghist ke as khabe khoda sabztar ast <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Va dar an eshgh be andazeh parhaye sedaghat abist <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mi ravi ta tahe an kuche ke az poshte bolugh sar be dar mi
arad<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do ghadam mande be ghol<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paye favareh javid asatir zamin mi mani<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Va tora tarsi shafaf fara mi girad <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Dar samimiat sayyal
faza khash khashi mi shenavi<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kudaki mi bini<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rafteh az kaje bolandi bala, jujeh bar darad az laneye nur<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Va azu mi porsi<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Khanehe dust kojast<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also quoted in the book<i>, “Human being is strange. As long as his
wishes re not met he assumes that his happiness depends on achieving them. When
he has achieved what he had wished, he assumes his well being depends on what
he has not achieved yet and is unable to do so”.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had a chat with mom about Feri and
Hediye but she was unyielding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the afternoon I went for a walk
toward Kan; the gardens on the two sides of the road were filled with trash.
Signs of poverty could be seen everywhere. The people passing by were workers
with filthy clothes. In the evening we
went to Nayeb for dinner. I had invited Tahei’s, Sadigh’s, Shafaii’s and Habib.
It was a decent meal (T117k for 24 people). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 2/11. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I visited Museum of Iran Bastan. The
pottery works from 3-5M BC were splendid and well preserved. There was also a
very well preserved carriage wheel made of fine wood and metal from 500BC. I
then walked to Naderi; it was packed with mostly young men and a few girls. I
met Feri at 4:00p and went to his home and then went out for a pizza. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 2/12. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We drove to Ushan, Fasham, Meigun with
Feri and Hediyeh. We took a ski lift ride; Feri and Tahmineh were somewhat
scared initially. We then drove to Dizin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 2/13. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nasrin called me to talk about her bad situation with
Farshid. I met Farah and her daughter Elhm tat Fariba’s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All family gathered for the delicious
kebab that Habib brought over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday 2/14 <b><span style="color: #0070c0;">Hamedan<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took a 5-hour ride to Hamedan with
Feri, Hedi and Tamineh. The ride was pleasant. We visited:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gombade Alavian: A well-preserved
12C mausoleum<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aramgahe Baba Taher: The grandson of Omar Khayyam; he
developed the mystic form of poetry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tappe-ye Hekmataneh: The ruins of the ancient city consisting
of mostly well-preserved walls and rooms and a
small museum. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We drove to Emam Sq., a large, old and
charming square packed with people. We then checked in at the best hotel of
town, Bou Ali, dined and went out for a ride. It had started to snow. The
weather was cold but not as much as I had expected. The city is surrounded with
snow covered mountains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 2/15. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We visited:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aramgah-e Ester va Mordekhay: The most important Jewish pilgrimage site
in Iran. It contains the tomb of Esther, the Jewish wife of Xerxes. It had
beautiful dome and small interior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Avicenna Memorial: Modeled on Gombad-e
Kavus Tower near Gorgan, built in 1954.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We set for <b><i>Ali Sadr Caves</i></b>, the cave
containing a few lakes. It is located about 100km from the city. The road to it
was mostly deserted with a lot of snow. We then saw a road sign for the cave but
as son as we entered it we got stuck in the snow. We had to push the car out
and turned back. It seemed that the cave was closed. We then drove to the
nearby village. Feri asked for directions from a shopkeeper and he asked we had
seen the cave. When we told him that the road was closed, he said we could walk
there and pointed to the site just behind his site. We were very happy that we
could finally see the place after the long drive we had taken. It was a
majestic cave, up to 40m high with 12km of water up to 8m deep, covered with
stalactites. We took a rowboat and toured the site with a guide. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We drove back to Tehran, went for
dinner at Nayeb and I stayed over at Feri. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 2/16 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I went to see Daryush with dad. All his hair had turned
white. He was in good moral and a good speaker as always. His daughter asked
for my help for going to Canada after finishing her college. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4>
<o:p> </o:p></h4>
<h4>
Saturday 2/17</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This was my last day in Iran; I had my
last dinner with all the family. Fariba and Donya stayed over. I woke up at
5:00a; Donya was asleep next to me. She looked like an angel. I kissed her and
then said good-bye to family, Farshid drove Feri and me to the airport. The
inspection and check-in were easy but I had to run around for a while to pay a
tourist tax. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had an 8-hour layover in London; I
took the underground to Hide Park, walked around there and visited a few sites,
including the Buckingham Palace and the beautiful Westminster Church. I then
went back to the airport for my flight to NY. Cindy and Parviz had come to pick
me up. Parviz had brought the bottle of Tequila and we had a couple of shots in
the car. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202474"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘01/06/04 Thailand: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bangkok, Floating Market,
Ayuthaya, Phuket, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Avia
Travel 800-950-AVIA - from West
Coast Air Brokers Int'l 800-883-3273<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Thai
Air Pass 4 domestic flights for
$259 - s/b purchased in US. Check for flexibility in schedules. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Before departure Read "Love in a
Duty Free Zone" by Pico Iyer in <u>Travelers' Tales Guide Thailand</u>,
the Stories <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">of Life on the Road. The article is excerpted from
"Video Night in Katmandu"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The following two phrases are from article "The Secrets
of Wat Krabok" a temple for cure of the drug addicts by the monks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"Travel can be a form of escapism
as addictive as drugs”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> "Travel
is limiting the comfort of the body to gain freedom of the mind".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">ATM Card Thai Farmers Bank or Bangkok <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Safety Deposit Box: Bank Skok's Safety
Deposit Center. 34<sup>th</sup> fl. Chan Issaro Tower, 942/81 Rama IV Rd. (near
Silom Rd. Intersection). 150b mo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Traveler's Checks get a better rate than cash.
10b for each exchange so bring $100-checks.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When Nov.-Feb. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Festivals Royal Barge Procession.
Elephants Roundup (Nov.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Loi krathong-Nov. The tradition of
setting baskets of candles on water in Nov. so that the water spirit will carry
last year's<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">sins away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Song krau-Apr.: The
start of Thai New Year <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Vi sakha puja: The
celebration of Buddha's birthday <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Excursions Chao Phraya- Reua duan: Express boat <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">River cruise to Ayuthay Historical Park<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1-day cruise Muang Boran (Ancient City-1/2 hr South of B.), Crocodile
Farm, Sam Phrau Elephant Village (Nakhon Pathom)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Bang
pa-in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2-day cruise Kanchanabrui, Hua in, Phetchaburi, Pattaya, Khao Yai
National Park<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Quiet Site Temple of Dawn - Sunday morning <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sites in Bangkok Buddha Monthon, Damnou
Saduak floating market, The Grand Palace, Chinatown, Taoist Temple, Guilded
Buddha, excursion to Nakhon Pathon, River Wai Bridge, Jim Thompson's House,
Susan Pakkard Palace, Boat tour of the Thonburi Klongs & visit Wat Aru. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Chatuchak
Weekend Market – On the highway to the Airport – Saturday 6:00am<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wat phra ko Royal Temple <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wat Po the
50-m reclining Buddha (emerald-actually jasper) Statute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wat Trimit House 3-m statute of Buddha cast of 5 tons gold <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wat Benchambopit The marble temple -
modern <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wat Saket Contains
one of the largest bronze statutes of Buddha-at the base of Golden Mount<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Can
be seen from all over town. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Monks allowed only 2 meals a day, both before 11:00 a.m. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">West of B.: Rose Garden - Susan Sam Phrau 8-6.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Phra
Pathom Chedi: Beyond Rose Garden-Town: Nakhon Phathon. 130 m. high, the tallest
& oldest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Bars, Restaurants Sios off
Thanon-sukhumwit. Thanon Luang Susan in Patpong<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Boxing Patchadamneon
Stadium (Mon. Wed. Thurs. Sun.). Lumphini (Tue. Fri. Sat.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cooking School Oriental Hotel - Weekly courses by the finest chefs - 02 47 2918
x1044<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Horse racing Royal Turf Club & Royal Bangkok Sports Club on weekends <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hotels Very
exp. > 4500b exp. >3000, mod. >1500 inexpensive: < 1500<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Ko
Samui: Hotel Bann Talig Ngam: 5000b <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hua Hin: Hotel Sofitel Centra - elegant 5000b<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
L.P. p226 Parallel to Khao
San but more quiet is Truk Mayom, an alley reserved for mostly pedestrian
traffic. J&Joe (02 281 2949) is a sprawling old teak complex w/ pleasant
rooms (100-260b). always full. New Joe-380b. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Orchid
House-upscale-near Vieng Tai hotel on Rambutri - apt. style rooms - 400b<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Massage Wat
Po (140b). Best & kosher. Also Wat
Mahathat & Parinayok <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Thai Dance Drama: The National Theater
(Ratchin rd. tel: 224-1342 - weekends)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> The
Chalerm-krung. Royal Theater at intersection between Charon Krung & Triphet
Rd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Tel:
22-0434 - twice weekly <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Best
resorts: Phuket's Amanpuri
10-70k. Ko Samui's Bann Taling Ngam <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Unspoiled
Islands Ko Phnagan, Ko Phi
Phi, The Similian Islands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Phuket: 1
hr flight. Take boat tour to Phi Phi & Phang Ngaby <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Samui: 1
hr flight. Ang Thong Marine Park. Hire boat to ko Phngan & ko Tai<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Phitsanuloki Magnificent architecture at Sukhothai<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Khorat 45-min.
flight, 4hrs train, ruins at Phmai - 37 miles & Buriram: 94 miles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Krungthep Bangkonk kloong Canal sampnas canoe-shaped
boats<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Bhikhus Gautama Buddha<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">San phra pjam spirit house <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Bot Building
of worship, housing one or more statutes of Buddha - for important ceremonies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Viharn "
- for meetings & meditation-sermons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Stupa Building
topped with a spire, built in the honor of Buddha <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fun Sanuk no fun mai sanuk Cheers Chai yo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cool heat jai yen <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Never mind mai pen rai<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Papaya malagaw lichee linchee mango mamuang Pineapple saparot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday
6/4/2001<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
woke up early in the morning for our 11:00a flight to Thailand. Cindy had
arranged it a few days prior to our June 6<sup>th</sup> engagement. I packed,
woke up Cindy and went down. I could not find a taxi to the airport. Sixto
called a limo service; it showed up in 5 minutes and we arrived at the airport
just on time. We arrived in Tokyo in 13 hours in the next day due the 13 hours
time difference. The plane was rather empty and I found a seat to lie down and
take a nap. Before arriving in Narita one of the flight attendants gave us a
bottle of Champagne; I guess she had assumed we were on our honeymoon. We had a
4-hour layover in Tokyo. We walked around the airport, took a shower in a very
clean rest area and had coffees. The second leg of the trip from Tokyo to <b>Bangkok</b> took about 6 hours and we
arrived there at 22:00 local time. Pomm, our guide was waiting for us; we
boarded the car and were driven to hotel Peninsula. It was after the rush hour
and we missed the traffic I had heard about. After check in we found out that
our room had only a sliver of river view we were supposed to get. We agreed to
pay $10 extra a night for a room which had a nice view of the river. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday
6/6</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up at 6:00a and went for a swim
in the beautifully designed swimming pool and then had a big breakfast at the
dining room. Pomm picked us up at 8:00a with the driver and she gave us a tour
of the beautiful <span style="color: blue;">Wat Phra Keo</span> (<span style="color: blue;">Emerald Buddha)</span> and <span style="color: blue;">Grand
Palace</span>. She then took us to two jewelry shops but we did not buy
anything. After she saw some interest from Cindy she insisted on going to a
third shop; I asked her to drop us at Wat Meung Lak; it was drizzling. We
walked around a couple of beautiful streets and arrived at Wat Pho at 1:00p. A
street vendor approached us and said that the Wat was closed. He recommended
that we visit a few other wats and then go back there. He then called a tuk
tuk, negotiated a rate of 30 bahts ($1=B45), a low rate since it was the Amazing
Thailand promotion week and the tuk-tuk was a government controlled tuk-tuk. We
drove to <span style="color: blue;">Standing Buddha</span> and visited a 30m
statute of Buddha built by two monks in 60 years. A young man approached us and
introduced himself as Nun, a journalist who had written an article about that
wat. He then said that it was the Amazing Thailand week and recommended that we
visit the Export Center, a Jewelry shop; he added that it was the last day of
the sale. The tuk-tuk driver took us there but the prices were high. He then
drove us to the Temple of <span style="color: blue;">Sitting Buddha</span>. We
met a man there who said was from Phuket and showed us his Bank ID card and
album of his visit to Australia. He then talked of gems and suggested we pay a
visit to Tiffany Center, where they had the best prices and he had bought a
piece of Jewelry for his wife. We drove there but again the prices were more of
a rip off than a good deal. Then the tuk-tuk driver recommended a shop but by
this time we had had it. We then drove to another wat, the Lying Buddha and
then finally drove to wat Pho. It had a huge ground with many ornamental
chedies (burial structures) and the famous 30m <span style="color: blue;">Reclining
Buddha</span>. They had a massage hall where we had a very satisfying massage
(B250 for an hour). My masseur gave me the phone number of her boyfriend for
our drive to the Floating Market the next day. We then took a taxi and asked
the driver to recommend a good Thai restaurant. The drive took a while; he
crossed the river twice and when we complained, he said he wanted to avoid the
traffic. He took us to Silom Village, a touristy shopping mall and we had a
decent meal. We then took a taxi to Shangri La Hotel where we took the hotel
ferry cross the river to our hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday
6/7</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
visited the Jim Thompson House, the house of an American entrepreneur, an
ex-CIA agent who revitalized the silk industry in Thailand. The charming house
was an assembly of teak houses brought over from parts of the country. We then
took a taxi to National Museum. Somsak, the driver (Tel: 587-7154) was very
helpful and agreed to take us to the Floating Market the next day. We spent a
few hours at the interesting museum. We then asked for the direction to the Royal
Barge from a man who was sitting at the ticket booth; he took us a tuk-tuk,
negotiated the rate (B60) and give him directions to the location. When we got
off the tuk-tuk a man approached us and told us that the place would be closed
until 3:00p; he was not pushy and did not offer us a ride. We ignored him,
walked through a very poor area with many shacks (later I found out that the
residents were Vietnamese refugees) and arrived at the <span style="color: blue;">Royal
Barge</span>. It was open. It was a collection of a dozen ornamental boats for
the kings mostly built in the 19th century. We then took a fast boat (B200) to
Wat Arun, another tall colorful Chedi visible from a distance. We then took a
tuk tuk and I asked the driver to take us to a wat in Chinatown. The driver
stopped at Wat Rajanadda and offered us to go and visit it. We then drove to <span style="color: blue;">Wat Sudit</span>; it was a beautiful wat with many sitting
statutes of Buddha all around the yard. The Prince was visiting the wat and it
was filled with the uniformed staff. We then visited <span style="color: blue;">Wat
Trimit</span> where a 4-ton gold statute of Buddha is located. A monk
ordination was in progress in the main hall; in another section a Chinese
funeral was under way. The driver then dropped us off at wat Bovonives. We
visited a bridal shop, bought a pizza hut and took a taxi to Lumpinee Park for
a Thai Boxing match. It was exciting. Cindy placed a bet with a funny Chinese
bookie. Prior to the end of the match the guy came over and handed B350 winning
money to Cindy. We then took a taxi to our hotel and arranged with the driver
(Budd: 01-731-9651) for a ride to the Floating Market the next day for B1200. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday
6/8</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Budd
picked us up at 6:45a. We arrived at <b><span style="color: blue;">Damnoen Saduak</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Floating
Market in 1.5 hours. The boat drivers had lined up on the street and were
inviting the cars to their sites. Budd stopped at the first site; they showed
us the engine boat and asked for B2000 for the tour. We negotiated the rate
down to B1200 and invited Budd to join us and set for the market. We used the
engine to ride along narrow canals but when we arrived at the crowded market
our guide turned off the engine. We rode slower than other boats using the oar
due to the weight of the engine. The market was lively; many food vendors were
selling food out of their boats. There were also stalls along the canal and the
vendors were selling souvenirs. We then rode along a wider river with houses
built on the water, visited a wat where Cindy bought some fish food and fed the
hungry fish. We then rode back to our starting point where Budd was given his
cut. We drove to the nearby Nakhon Pathom and visited <span style="color: blue;">Phra
Pathom Chedi</span>, the tallest (127m) Buddhist Temple in the world. It had a
large ground with bells and halls all around it; it was crowded with many
visitors. We then drove to Samphran Elephants Grounds (B350) where we saw a
magic show and an elephant show; we had to leave prior to start of the crocodile
show to make it on time to our next stop, the <span style="color: blue;">Rose
Garden</span> (300B). They performed shows on Ordination into the Monkshood,
Fingernail Dance, Boxing, Ethnic Dance and Swordfight. Budd then drove us to
city and we went to New Cosmo, a seafood restaurant he recommended for dinner
(B2,800). The food was good. After the dinner he dropped us off the hotel where
we signed up for a Ayuthaya (B1,200 ea.) tour for the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 6/9</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up at 6:00a and after breakfast rode the hotel ferry
to River Sun Cruise. We boarded a bus at 8:00a and drove for an hour to <b><span style="color: blue;">Ayuthaya</span></b>.
Our guide, Paisan was giving us some information on Thailand as we were riding.
We visited <span style="color: blue;">Bang Pa-in Palace</span>. We then drove to
the impressive ruins of Wats Mahathat, Virhana Phra Mongkol Bopit and wat Nah
Phra Mane. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then drove to the river and boarded a boat at 1:00p. We
had lunch on board and then sat on the deck watching the scenery along the
river. There were many wats built on the water. We arrived in Bangkok at 4:15p.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 6/10</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up at 5:30a and after breakfast took a taxi to
airport (B500) and bought two r-t tickets to <b>Phuket </b>(B4,600 ea.); the plane took off at 8:00a for a one-hour
flight to Phuket. The scene of the small rocks coming out of the water was
magnificent as we were approaching the island. We purchased bus tickets (B80)
and waited for half an hour until the van was full and took a 40-minute ride to
the city. The van stopped at Diamond Travel. We booked a room at <b>Phi Phi Island</b> Village Motel for two
nights (B3300 ea.) and r-t ferry tickets (B650). It was 10:30a and the ferry
departure time was 2:00p. A young guy at the travel office approached us and
offered a tour of the city for B40. We boarded the tuk tuk and he told the
driver to drive. He took us to a jewelry shop despite Cindy’s objections. I
then asked him to drive us to a restaurant of LP’s choice, but he said that it
was not a good place and insisted on taking us to a place of his choice. I did
not budge but when we got there the place was closed. I asked him to take us to
another restaurant. This one was located on a hill with a good view of the
city. After lunch we drove to the ferry and waited for a while until the departure
time. We met an Italian couple on their honeymoon. The ferry ride was fine even
though the ferry was an old one. After a 2-hour ride we arrived at Phi Phi
where the Motel’s boat was waiting for us. It took us 20 minutes to get to the
motel which was located on the Northern part of the Island, a rather more quiet
and beautiful part supposedly. After checking in at the motel the attendant
asked me for my ferry ticket. After he saw that we had a 3:00p departure time
he said the free water taxi is only at 11:30a otherwise we had to pay a B100
for a taxi. They had prepared our room as honeymooners room with flowers on the
bed, floors and the bathroom per as Cindy’s comments at the travel office. We
went into the water but noticed that the beach was very shallow. We then
noticed that loud noise of the boats continuously hovering around the motel; it
was not unlike the drills they use to dig the streets of New York. After swim
we went to bed rather early and fell asleep.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday 6/13</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up early in the morning. The
sound from the boats was still filling the air. We decided to cut short our
stay and go back to Bangkok. Cindy called the travel agent and they agreed to
refund our money for the second night. We signed up for a 4-hour tour of the <b><span style="color: blue;">Phi Phi Li</span></b>
(B500+B200 for snorkeling equipment). It was well worth it. The Island was
magnificent with emerald waters and a small beautiful sandy beach. We snorkeled
in a couple of places. We entered a small strait where the water was the most
beautiful and the scenery was just heavenly. We passed by a prehistoric cave
but we did not have time to stop by. When we got to the ferry we still had some
time; the ferry was newer and the ride much more pleasant. We took a shower in
the bathroom of the ferry and went to the deck to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
At the port in Phuket the Travel Agent’s driver picked us up and took us to the
office. They gave us a cash refund even though we had paid by credit card. We
went to dinner at Mae-porn and went back to office to pick up our luggage.
Someone at the office gave us a ride to the airport (B400). The 7:40p plane was
cancelled and therefore we had to take the 8:40p flight. We had planned to take
the 10:30p bus from Bangkok to <b>Sokhutai</b>.
We were not sure if we had enough time to make it to the bus. Cindy tried for
some concession from the airline to no avail. We were able to get to the
Northern Bus Terminal by 10:15 but were told that the only bus leaves at
11:45p. We bought two first class tickets (B256) and boarded the bus. They had
assigned seats. There was a stewardess who gave us blankets. We slept through
most of the trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 6/16 </span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We arrived at <span style="color: blue;">Sukhotai
</span>at 5:30a. There was only one tuk tuk driver with his agent. They came to
us and encouraged us to take their tuk tuk to town. They wanted to take us to a
hotel of their choice but when I mentioned Sawadiphongs, a L.P.’s choice they
both agreed that it was a good hotel. We took a super deluxe room for B500,
took a nap and had breakfast at Northern Palace, a hotel cross the street from
ours. Upon leaving the restaurant a young tuk tuk driver offered us a ride but
another driver approached us; he spoke some English and showed us the pictures
of the Sukhothai National Park we planned to visit. We agreed on a 4-hour tour
for B250. Suko, the driver picked up his wife on the way and dropped her off at
a hospital on the way to the park. The park had manicured grounds and about
eight Wats. Suko stopped at a site where some pottery pieces were placed on a
table. I assumed it was a stop for shopping. When we approached the table we
met three archeologists of Duke University of Australia. They had removed
broken pottery pieces from a furnace and had separated them into bags. They
said after they have studied the pieces they would put them back underground.
The site has been from a few periods and therefore their findings could not be
conclusive. They talked about glazing materials and historical sites. They
recommended that we visit Si Satchanalai-Chaliang, another historical site more
original and less restored than Sukhotai. Suko then drove us back to the city.
We took a walk around the streets and the market. The city was small and lively
with many motorcycles. We stopped at a monastery where the young monks were
relaxing. We talked to them for a while. One of them, Monet, a 7-year old shy
boy got the attention of Cindy and she teased him for a while. We stopped at
fancy Dream Café and had a mediocre dinner. After dinner we decided to skip
visit to Si Satchanalai and go to Chiang Mai the next day. We checked with the
bus company and found out that the last bus was leaving at 1:30a. I arranged
for a tuk tuk at 1:00a, asked for a wakeup call at front desk at 12:30a and
went to sleep at 10:00p. When we woke up it was 2:00a. We did not have the
wakeup call and had missed the bus. I went down to inquire. They found my
wakeup call request in the garbage can. Since they did not speak English I
could not find out why the piece of paper had ended up in the garbage. The girl
had assumed the call was for 12:30p. That still did not explain the situation.
I went back to room and slept. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 6/15</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We went to Northern Palace Hotel and after breakfast asked
for a cab to Si Satchanalai (B1000). In a short time a driver with an old car
showed up. The ride was just over an hour. The park looked more original than
Sukhothai. There was one impressive sitting statute of Buddha visible from a
large opening in the surrounding wall. At one of the stops the car did not
start; we had to get off the car and push it until it started. On the way back
we stopped at the bus station and inquired about the departure time for the bus
to Chiang Mai and then went back to our favorite restaurant at the Northern
Palace Hotel. We placed our orders. After 15 minutes the young girl came back
and said we could not get our Phadthai since they were out of shrimp and
noodles. We asked for vegetables; it came with pork and we had to return it. By
this time it was about 3:50p and our morning driver was waiting to take us to
the bus station for our 4:15 bus. I thought it would be a complimentary ride
since the guy had made decent money in the morning. Cindy said he would ask for
the fare, we bet for an ice cream and I lost. The 4:15p bus was canceled and we
had to wait until 5:30p (B170). The bus was full and we had to stand for the
first hour of our trip until people got off and seats became available. We
arrived in <b>Chiang Mai</b> at about
11:00p and took a tuk tuk to Galare Guest Host (B720). We then went out to
Night Bazaar. The street was packed with people walking around and the business
was in full motion. We went to an open air Chinese restaurant and had a decent
meal. When Cindy asked the proprietor about the night life, the guy paused for
a moment and then said, “Disco; no that is not for you; how about a massage? I
will arrange for a driver to pick you up and drive you back to your hotel.” The
driver showed up in a short time and took us to the massage parlor. It was not
as good as wat Pho’s. The driver then took us back to our hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h4>
Saturday 6/16</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We left our room at about 10:00a. The
streets were deserted. We had breakfast and took a tuk tuk to old city. We
visited a few wats and then started to walk to Dukswam wat but found out it was
far away. We then saw a golden temple far away in the mountain. It was Wat
Suthep. We took a van that drove us to the University where we took another van
to the wat high in the mountain. The weather was cool and refreshing. The wat
was a very large lively complex; it is one of the holiest sites in the Northern
Thailand. Many people, especially young kids were paying their homage. We took
a lift up and enjoyed the peaceful ambiance of the site. We then took the very
long staircase down and took a van back to the city. The van fumes made me queasy
and by the time we got to the city I was not feeling well. I had to lie down
for a while to recover. We then took a taxi to the travel agency we had been to
in the morning and booked a two-day trekking trip (B1000). After a rest we went
out to the Night Bazaar. We then had a delicious meal at an open-air restaurant
in the Ansula Market. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 6/17</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I received a phone call from the front
desk at 8:00a. The two trekking guides were there looking for the copy of our
passports. The travel agent at the office had asked us for them the day before.
Due to the robberies of the trekkers the police requires these copies to fight
the robbers. We went to a couple of places but could not find a place. Ya, the
younger guide asked me to give him our passports so that he could get copies; I
did so. At 9:00a the van showed up with a Canadian couple on board. They had to
wait a few minutes until we check out. We then drove to a travel agency where
we had a quick breakfast and other members of the group joined us. One of them,
Paula, was an American living in Australia. Another girl was from the West
Coast living in Pennsylvania. She was carrying a huge backpack - too big for
her petite size. There was a tall Irish girl, Channels; and there were two
European girls who did not talk much. We stopped at a market for some shopping
and then drove to <b>Huay Namdung National
Park</b>, about 1 ½ hours away. We took a 1/2h walk to a waterfall where we
went under the cool water. We then had lunch and walked to a hot spring. There
were two geysers where boiling water was bubbling out from the earth. There
were a couple of hot bath cabins down the river. We walked there and Cindy and
I were the only ones who tried them; the water was too hot though. We then
hiked for about three hours over a scenic path; at times it was exhausting. We
finally arrived at our destination. It was a small location where only one
tribe family lived. Our hut was located behind theirs. All nine of us were
going to sleep in one large wooden room. We took a bath in the river and then
sat on the terrace while Ya and Poon, our older guide were preparing our dinner
in the next door room. Cindy joined them and helped them with grinding garlic.
I stopped by there and they offered me some Thai whisky. The dinner was plain
rice and soup. We then went to bed; I woke up many times. It was rather cold
and uncomfortable floor. Only after sunrise I was able to go to sleep for a
couple of hours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 6/18</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I woke up Cindy was already up.
After breakfast we walked for about half an hour where we boarded elephants and
took a relaxing fun 1½ hours ride. The elephants were very tame and knew the
road. The trainers basically did not have to do much. Our guides swam down the
river. After the elephant ride we walked for another ½ hour to our raft camp.
Poon and Ya helped the local person to make a new raft while we were resting. A
few of the tribeswoman showed up with the wares pushing every body to shop. The
pushing became more of harassing. Cindy called me at one point asking for B45
to buy something. An old tiny tribe’s woman was chasing her and chanting
“Chagi, 45 bahts” as she was dancing in a funny way. It was very amusing to
watch her. I swam in the river and then we had some plain noodle soup for lunch
before setting out for our rafts in two groups. The river’s current did not
seem to be very much but on a few occasions we were almost capsized. In one
occasion we almost lost our luggage after the makeshift tripod where our
luggage was placed broke. In one occasion I fell in the water and my leg was
caught between the raft and a rock; I could have lost my leg. In another case Poon
and I were in the water and lost the raft and all the girls ended up riding in
the raft alone. At one time the petite girl from PA fell in the water; I had to
help her to swim to the other raft while trying to save her camera from getting
wet. Throughout the trip Poon stayed calm; he managed to have fun (Sanuk in
Thai culture); at times he would hit the water hard with his staff pretending
he was hitting the crocodiles in the water. After a two-hour exciting ride we
arrived to the end of our adventure, stopped at a shop where we were served
some fruits and then took the van back to the city and our hotels. We showered,
dined at our favorite open-air restaurant in Anusula Market and did some
shopping at the Night Bazaar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 6/19</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We stopped at the travel agency to pay
for our 7.45p flight to Bangkok. There was not much to do for the rest of the
day. We walked around, did some more shopping and then checked out and took a
tuk tuk to the airport. After arrival we took a taxi to Peninsula Hotel. This
time we were given a room with a full view of the river. At night we decided to
go to the night market; it happened to be the same as Patpong, the infamous
red-light area in Bangkok. We walked around for a while and then were invited
to go-go bars by a tout. The young guy said there would be no cover charge and
we had to buy just one beer. After we sat down and got our beers and paid for
them (B100 ea.) someone approached us and asked for the cover charge; when we
protested he backed off. We watched a boring show for about ½ hour and then
left the place. I then stopped at Super Girls for a short time before taking a
taxi back to the hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday 6/20</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I went for a swim and then breakfast. I
wasted some time changing my travelers’ checks to Bahts. I left the hotel and
walked the streets for some time before taking a 1-hr cab ride to wat Pho for a
massage. A tuk tuk offered me a ride to Wat Saket (Golden Mount). We arrived
there at 7:00p but the wat was closed. The area leading to the wat and the wat
itself were very peaceful and pretty. I walked around for sometime. I noticed a
nice bar with wooden windows and decided to get a drink there. I entered the
bar and asked for the Thai whisky. The two young girls took out a bottle from
the shelf and offered it to me. I could not make them understand that I needed
only one shot to drink there; I gave up and left the bar. I walked back to the
alley where the wat was located, sat at the sidewalk at enjoyed the beautiful
view of the wat in the sunset light. At one point two monks left the wat and
left the door open. When I approached the entrance to try to sneak in a guard
dog started to bark. I had to back off. I took a taxi back to the hotel and
went back to my room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 6/21</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pomm, our guide, picked us up at 6:00a.
We were driven to the airport for our 6-hour flight to Narita where we had a
4-hour layover before starting our 11-hour flight back to NY. After we had left
the airport Cindy noticed that I had left my backpack at the airport. We had to
go back to United Terminal. My bag was sitting at the service bag area. I
picked it up and then we took a taxi home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
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<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202475"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘02/04/17 Peru: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lima, Iquitos, Amazon,
Leticia, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Machu
Picchu</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Telephone<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Operator 100 International 108 Directory 103<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Peru:
51 Lima 01 Cusco
084 Iquitos 094 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Per
Capita $3,800, 26 millions,
89% Literacy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Literature:
Mario Vargas, Joe Maria
Argudas, and Cesar Vallejor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">800-523-3273 Airlines Continental </span><a href="http://www.continental.com/onepass"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.continental.com/onepass</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> LX837614&EJ831469 4085 POB 4365
Houston, TX 77210 74k<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">800-231-0856 Cfm# of cxl’d flight-Toronto OFTPSD 542.79*2 Use by July 18,
2001 for int'l flights only 45-Ontario:
26+D.C.:35<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">800-525-0280 NY-Cancun 35000 Phoenix Peru:
5/17/02 #1952: 15:35-22:30
6/1/02 #1953 23:20-08:00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">May 19 2111 Lima-Iquitos 0700-0830 Be
at office at 1100 (take a taxi)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">May 25 Ship
docks at 0700 full day in Iquitos<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">May 25 Iquitos-Lima 1900-2030 (also 0900-1030)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">May 26 Lima-Cusco
0630-0730<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">June 1 Cusco-Lima 1100-1200<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Air: 160
* 4 = 640 + Cruise: 975 *2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:info@amazontours.net"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">info@amazontours.net</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fernando:
As discussed, please make reservations for: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mr. Ray<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> ******AS DISCUSSED, YOUR OFFICE MUST CONFIRM
ALL FLIGHTS FOR US!!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1) MAY
18, 2002 SATURDAY Areo Continente #2111
Depart LIMA @ 7:00AM Arrive Iquitos @ 8:30AM <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2)
AMAZON RIVER CRUISE -"THREE FRONTIERS"-RIO AMAZONAS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sunday May 19 - Saturday May 25 Depart NOON 5/19 Iquitos
Dock; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">be at Amazon Tours, Requena Street #336 Iquitos, Tel: 233931
ext. 1 BY 11:00AM <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Double Occupancy Cabin w/window Arrive Iquitos Dock 7:00AM
5/25 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3) MAY
25 SATURDAY Areo Continente #SJ518 Depart Iquitos 7:00PM Arrive LIMA 8:30PM
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">4) MAY
26 MONDAY Areo Continente #N6 1141 Depart LIMA 6:30AM Arrive Cuzco 7:30AM
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">5)
JUNE 1 SATURDAY Areo Continente #N6 1144 Depart Cuzco 11:00AM Arrive LIMA
12:00PM <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">******AGAIN,
AS DISCUSSED, AMAZON TOURS MUST CONFIRM <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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******ALL FLIGHTS ON AREO CONTINENTE FOR US!!! TOTAL AIR
$640 TOTAL CRUISE $1950 TOTAL: $2590 <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">W</span>hat to bring <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Insect
repellent – Avon’s nontoxic (no DEET) Skin So Soft Oil (not the lotion) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lotomil
or imodium <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Puncho,
Boots (rainforest), Flashlight, clock, penknife, sewing kit, cord, small
padlock, plastic bag, Rubber band, Safety pins <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Soap,
toilet paper, sun-block, first-aid kit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Earplugs for noise, Student
Card, spare glasses, Cap, Uumbrella <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Money <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Currency Nuevo Sol/100 Centimos 1999 exchange rate: S/3.35 2002: Airport: 2:38 – Cusco: 2:44,
Travelers Checks: 2:37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Bring
fresh bills<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Traveler’s
Checks: Up to 10% commission, at Banco Credito and Interbank. Use Amex, Bring
mostly as insurance policy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">VISA
ATM To use, pay entire bill
and add enough money to cover withdrawals; Check with VISA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> MBNA: 4% charge
(1% going to VISA corporation)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Make sure PIN
has only 4 digits (know the numerical values of the alpha codes)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Chase: ATM: $3 per withdrawal <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> To
Change PIN: Go to branch
with 2 valid IDs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Traveler’s
Checks Through American
Express: 800-221-7282 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lost
cards Lima: VISA: 441-2112,
428-9898 MC: 422-1290 AX: 424-6410<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cab Do not change large
bills. Ask, “Tiene cambio de
cinquenta soles?” Do you have change for 50 soles?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Costs lowest hotel: $15 Economy: $25 1<sup>st</sup> Class: $50-80<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Taxes High-end (but not
low-price) hotels charge up to 25% for taxes and services.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some
better restaurants may include it in the prices on the menu (IGV or Incluye
Impuesto)<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Miscellaneous<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Time GMT – 5 NY: GMT – ? (10 Lima == 11 NY) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Jellyfish
Dousing in vinegar will
de-activate unfired stingers; Use Calamine lotion or antihistamine to reduce
pain <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fabio-
Taxi 917-559-6244 </span><a href="http://www.rcp.net.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">www.Rcp.net.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.rcp.net.pe/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.rcp.net.pe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When
you arrive at high altitude, try not to over exert yourself. Drink the coca tea
(mate de caca).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">If you
sleep in a bus with a camera around your neck, it will be cut off by a razor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Train Buy
tickets at least one day in advance.<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Travel <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Council
travel 212-661-1414 – for tickets to
Peru<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">eXito
Latin America 800-655-4053. </span><a href="mailto:Exito@wonderlink.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Exito@wonderlink.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> short/long term tickets <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Purchased outside Peru for Trips in
Peru: Number of Coupons & Price:
1-$96 2-$190 3-$278<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Roy: Said I can
book the flights in Lima cheaper. Peak travel is mid June – Mid August.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Lima – Cusco: Lan Peru Leave
May 21: 07:45 – Return May 27: 06:00 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Special
Visit Peru Pass = $190 + 67 (tax + fee)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Groupa
Taca Leave May 21: 0600-0715 Return May 26 08:00-09:25 $128+67 (Asked Roy to keep this ticket
for me) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Lima- Trujillo Lan Peru Leave
May 26 17:15-18:00 – Return May 29 18:45-21:00 (stop at Chiclayo)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> $190+67<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Aero
Continento 877-359-7378 2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> $182 Leave May 25 07:45-08:45 (17:16-18:15) –
Return May 29 09:00-10:00(18:45-19:45)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Early morning flights are more likely to be on time <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cusco No PM flights
due to winds – sometimes they leave earlier than scheduled to beat bad
weather <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.traficoperu.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">www.traficoperu.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Check for new
flights <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">20 May
Lan Peru - LP 35 J Chavez Int'l (LIM), Lima 11:10AM - Velazco Astete
(CUZ), Cusco <strong>12:25 PM. </strong>Non-stop 320 1h15min 134.00 + 24.12 = 158.12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wilderness
Travel 510-558-2488 Sends small groups; call for info. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Will
mail catalogue. See PDF catalogues at </span><a href="http://www.wildernesstravel.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.wildernesstravel.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">International
Expeditions 205-428-1700 Offers the
best tours in the Amazon. 888-228-1232. Carolyn mailed me a nice catalog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> May
25<sup>th</sup>: Hotel in Lima<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> May
26: To Aquitos for one week. $3,185.00
(Flight from Miami to Lima: $313 - optional) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">InkaNatura 215-923-3641 Asked to call Peru for tour info. In Peru: 84-243-408 </span><a href="mailto:Postmaster@Inkanatura.com.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Postmaster@Inkanatura.com.pe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Peru
Tourist Center 212-398-6555<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">AMAZON
</span><a href="http://www.ietravel.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">WWW.IETRAVEL.COM</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Exploration
800-446-9660<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ticotravel.com/peru/tours/best.htm"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.ticotravel.com/peru/tours/best.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wildland
Adventures 206-365-0686<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<h5>
Tour operators<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h5>
<h5>
Lima</h5>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lima
Tours 424-7560 </span><a href="mailto:inbound@limatours.com.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">inbound@limatours.com.pe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fertur
Peru 427-1958 Use for countrywide info and good
prices on national/int’l flights. Ask for Siduith Ferrer Herrera.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Infotour 431-0117<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Cusco</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">United
Mice 221139 calle pelateros<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Peruvian Andean Treks 225701 Avenida Padro 705, Cusco <a href="mailto:postmaster@patcosco.com.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">postmaster@patcosco.com.pe</span></a> Contact for brochure<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Hotels<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lima<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Room
rates <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Posada
del parque 433-2412 </span><a href="mailto:Monden@telematic.com.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Monden@telematic.com.pe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> parque
Hernan Velarde 60 Monica and
Leo.~$30 breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hostal
El Patio 444-2107 </span><a href="mailto:ossa@mail.cosapidata.com.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">ossa@mail.cosapidata.com.pe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Diez
Canseco 341a $38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> San Antonio 447-6766 </span><a href="mailto:gfer@amauta.rcp.net.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">gfer@amauta.rcp.net.pe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Ramon
Ribeyro 301 $50 $40. Pickup $9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Aleman 445-6999 </span><a href="mailto:haleman@correo.dnet.com.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">haleman@correo.dnet.com.pe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Arequipa 4704 $60<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cusco <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Marquesas,
Amaru, San Blas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Amaru
hostal </span><a href="mailto:amaru@telser.com.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">amaru@telser.com.pe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Casa
de campo </span><a href="mailto:paula96@telser.com.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">paula96@telser.com.pe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hostal El Arqueologo 23-2569 <a href="mailto:vida@net.cosapidata.com.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">vida@net.cosapidata.com.pe</span></a> Cusco, Ladrillos 425 $30<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sites to visit</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Trujillo(truhiho) Good base for seeing Chan
Chan (the huge adobe capital of Chimu) and Moche pyramids <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ausangate and Machu Picchu are
main hiking center in Cusco. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Huaraz Spectacular
Cordillera Blanca <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Bus in and fly out of the Manu National Park<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ACEER (Amazon Center for Environmental Education and
Research 88-255-8206) Canopy
walkway near Iquitos – 1 week <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Cusco<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Flight
From
Lima to Cusco - <b>Sit</b> on the left side
for views of Salcantay’s 6271m peak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Buy
Boleto Turitico $10; access
to 16 sites. Buy at travel agents. Check the dates of validity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Plaza de Armas with Avendia Sol being the main business street.
Take the pedestrian plaza between Plaza del Tricentenario and Huaynapeta for
great views.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Take a bus to Pisac (at calle Huascar 128. $.20) and ask
to be dropped off at Tamo Machay (stunning Imperial Baths) and take a 2-hour
walk back to city with stops at: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Puca
Pucara fortified
hunting lodge <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Salumpuncu Moon temple<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sacsayhuamau Fortress above Cusco<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Take a 1-2 day trip to Urumba Valley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Train
ticket to M.P. Huauchaq
Station reservations:
238722. 6am Mon-Sat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 90
min. to Allantaytambo + 90 min to M.P.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Camino Sagrado de los Incas - A truncated Inca trail, starts at KM104 of the
Pan American Highway, 8KM from M.P. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h5>
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Gastronomy<o:p></o:p></span></h5>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Water Do not
drink, including ice. Boiled OK but remember in high altitudes water boils in
lower temperature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Salads worst
culprits for causing illness and un-peeled fruits<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Typical
dishes are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Kapchi,
brad bean or mushroom stew, or soup with potatoes, milk, eggs and cheese;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Adobo de Chancho, pork stewed with chicha de
Jora (corn beer) and condiments; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Also Puchero
(vegetable soup) and pepian de conejo (rabbit stew).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Dictionary <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lavanderias Laundry <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Almuerzo lunch, main meal of the day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Chifas Chinese restaurants - offer
a good value. Tallarines: noodles <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">El
menu inexpensive set menu <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">La
carta menu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Spicy
foods la criolla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mate
de coca coca tea – good for
acclimatization <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Café
con leche coffee with milk <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cuzquena
Peru’s best beer <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Picanterias
restaurant0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Arroz rice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Pan bread<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Huevos eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Queso cheese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cuy guinea pig<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Chicharrones deep-fried pork skin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Carne
de res beef<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Aji Chili<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Frijoels beans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hangos mushrooms<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Yuca yam<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Helado ice cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Creveza
beer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Baja down – when getting off
the bus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Esquina corner – to stop at the next corner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">_________________________________________________________________________________________</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">DAY 2 / URUBAMBA VALLEY</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
Visit the colorful Indian market in Pisac to see a blend of color, tradition
and people. At a distance of 30 km. (19 miles) from Cusco, and an altitude of
2,970 meters (9,700 ft.), Pisac is located right at the entrance to the Sacred
Valley. After lunch, continue to Ollantaytambo, the oldest continuously
occupied settlement in the Americas, its narrow streets, complete with canals
unchanged<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Dear
Ray: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Here
we send you this tentative itinerary because we don't know how long you would
like to spend in our country. If you like this we will send you the quotation,
also you can make the necessary changes if you want. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">TENTATIVE ITINERARY <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">01-Arrival Hotel
in Lima<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">02-Lima/Arequipa
by plane Hotel
in Arequipa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">03-Arequipa/Colca
Canyon Hotel
in Chivay town<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">04-Colca
Canyon/Arequipa Hotel
in Arequipa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">05-A.M.: City Tour +Visit to Sta Catalina Monastery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> P.M: Flight
Arequipa/Juliaca. Hotel in Puno<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">06-Full
day tour to Uros+Sillustani. Hotel in
Puno<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">07-Full
day tour to Taquile. Hotel
in Puno. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">08-Puno/Cusco
by bus or train. Hotel
in Cusco. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">09-Cusco:P.M.:City
Tour +Visit to the 4 nearby ruins:Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay and
Sacsayhuaman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hotel in Cusco. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10-Full
day tour to the Sacred Valley: You will visit Urubamba, Chincheros,
Ollantaytambo, Pisac and its Indian <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Market.
(This tour is offered only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hotel in Cusco. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">11-Cusco/Machu
Picchu by Vistadome or Inka Train (the best classes). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hotel in Aguas Calientes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">12-Machu
Picchu/Cusco Hotel
in Cusco. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">13-Cusco/Lima
by plane. Hotel
in Lima. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">14-A.M.:
City Tour +Visit to the Gold Museum. Transfer to the airport to take your
International Flight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">If you
want to make a extension to the Jungle of Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado only let
us know. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Please,
check all the information and let us know what kind of accommodations would you
like to make the quotation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Best
Regards, Patricia ERTUR
PERU.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">________________________________________________________________________________________</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.silvanatours.com.pe/documents/pdf/Eng/Cusco-ing.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.silvanatours.com.pe/documents/pdf/Eng/Cusco-ing.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> M.P.
PDF Site - Sites & Pictures<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">INFORMATION<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Dirección Regional de Turismo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> La Cultura Ave. 734, 3rd floor, Cusco.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Phone number: (084) 263176 - Fax (084)
223761 </span><a href="mailto:direccion@tourcusco.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">direccion@tourcusco.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
or </span><a href="mailto:turismo@tourcusco.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">turismo@tourcusco.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Tourist
Information Bureau Portal
Mantas St. 188, Cusco<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Servicio de
Protección al Turista<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (Tourist Protection Service)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PromPeru/Indecopi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Portal Carrizos St. 250, Main Square, Cusco. </span><a href="mailto:sptcus@indecopi.gob.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">sptcus@indecopi.gob.pe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Hotline: Lima (01) 224-7888 24 hours<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Toll Free (from Peruvian provinces): 0800-4-2579 </span><a href="mailto:tour@indecopi.gob.pe"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">tour@indecopi.gob.pe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">WEBSITES<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://perutravelnet.com/atractivos.asp"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://perutravelnet.com/atractivos.asp</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.raingod.com/angus/Gallery/Photos/SouthAmerica/Peru/IncaTrail/index.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.raingod.com/angus/Gallery/Photos/SouthAmerica/Peru/IncaTrail/index.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://200.37.137.237/viaje2/ciud9.htm"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://200.37.137.237/viaje2/ciud9.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://200.37.137.237/viaje2/ciud18.htm"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://200.37.137.237/viaje2/ciud18.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.magicperu.com/places.htm"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.magicperu.com/places.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Various
towns/areas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.travelfile.com/go/PERU.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.travelfile.com/go/PERU.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.cbc.org.pe/CMUNDO.HTM"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.cbc.org.pe/CMUNDO.HTM</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://geog.gmu.edu/gess/classes/students/studgeog411/miked/library.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://geog.gmu.edu/gess/classes/students/studgeog411/miked/library.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.machupicchuperu.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.machupicchuperu.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></h1>
<h5>
Friday, May 17, 2002</h5>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We boarded our Continental Flight at 4:00PM and landed in <b>Lima</b> at 10:00PM local time (7 hours
flight time).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Naster, our guide was waiting for us. We boarded the minivan
and drove to Manhattan Hotel near the airport ($50>40), where we picked up
our domestic flight tickets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sat., May 18<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up at 6:30AM and after breakfast were driven to the
airport for our 8:30AM flight to <b>Iquitos</b>
aboard Tran Peru. After check-in we walked to the gates but we were told we had
to go to the bank to pay $4 airport tax. I had to rush to the bank and by the
time I got back to the gate it was 8:20 and we had to run to catch our flight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When the plane landed we got off and walked to the building
as Cindy was filming the scenery; meanwhile a guard approached us to hurry up.
When we got to the building we were accidentally told that we were not in
Iquitos. The stop was not mentioned in our tickets therefore we assumed we had
landed in Iquitos; we had to rush back to the plane for the remaining 50
minutes flight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Apparently Fernando, the person who had booked our tour had
changed the itinerary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At Iquitos airport I called El Dorado Hotel to make a
reservation but they hang up on me. Meanwhile Cindy found the Tourist Desk
where we able to book a room at that hotel for $40(<60 a="" after="" again="" amazon.="" amazon="" built="" but="" ceviche="" check="" couple="" cruise.="" dirty="" edible.="" happened="" in="" including="" it="" kitchen="" lp.="" me="" o:p="" of="" on="" our="" overlooked="" pascana="" recommended="" restaurant="" seafood="" see="" shacks="" slum="" the="" to="" took="" transportation.="" tributary="" tuk="" was="" we="" whom=""><!--60--><!--60--><!--60--><!--60--><!--60--><!--60--><!--60--></60></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After lunch we walked to Belene Market. By this time it was
raining and the smell of the rotten food in the market was unpleasant. We took
a tuk-tuk to Plaza des Armas and had a drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday, May 19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We were picked up at 11:00am and driven to the dock. We
sailed shortly after aboard Amazon, a rather old boat that soon we found out
had a broken engine. It was supposed to be pushed by another boat until the
broken part was purchased from Miami and flown in. After a simple lunch we went
for a sunset nature sail in the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday, May 20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke at 6:30am and sailed to a tributary for bird
watching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then sailed to a native Indian village where they put a
dance show for us and then they started the trade (sale) of their merchandise.
T-shirts were hot commodity. The chief offered the largest blow dart for my
T-shirt but since my denim jacket was soaked in the rain I had to forgo his
offer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We visited the gallery Francisco, a semi-famous painter with
close ties to Paul White, the owner of Amazon Tours. A few people from our
group purchased $1000 painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After lunch and a rest we headed for jungle walk; the ground
was too wet and after Cindy got a few bytes from the ants we decided to
return. At the edge of the jungle we saw
a chained monkey who had gone crazy and was jerking off and rolling over on the
ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday, May 21.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We went for a nature sail at 6:30am and saw mostly birds and
monkeys. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the afternoon we docked at Caba Concha village and sailed
to Caba Concha (horselake) lake where we fished for Pirhana for a couple of
hours; they would byte frequent but only few of us was able to catch one. When
we returned to the village, Cindy started to film the kids to their great
amusement. The residents of the village seemed to be very happy and were
enjoying the evening dip in the lake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday, May 22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We had anchored at Santa Rosa when we woke up in the
morning. We then rode to <b>Leticia</b> in
Colombia where we took a tour from Anaconda hotel to the zoo where I had a
painful bite by a fleece? We then drove to the border of Brazil, the city of <b>Tabatinga</b>. There was along line of
Peruvians waiting in the line for free immunization by the Brazilians. We then
visited a dirty meat/produce market; overall the standards of living seemed to
be higher in Brazil than in Peru or Colombia.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the evening a group of Germans boarded our boat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday, May 23. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We set for a jungle walk at 9:00am on the high lands for a
couple of hours. The jungle was lush, mostly dry enough to walk and the scenery
was very Amazonian. Segundo, our guide, did a great job explaining the trees
and bushery. Towards the end of the trip we had two people with cuts from their
falls and one person who fainted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday, May 24.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We set to visit the natives’ village of Iagus; there was a
welcome dance and the usual trading. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After lunch a group of passengers went to Francisco party. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I went for a nature ride in the afternoon – Cindy stayed
back due to fear of mosquitoes. Alfredo spotted a boa on a tree and Segundo was
able to use a pose to capture him. We also spotted an owl that escaped when
Alfredo tried to capture him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After dinner Alfredo said that the boat was moving too
slowly upstream and we were to use two speedboats in the morning to make it to
our 9:00am flight from Iquitos to Lima.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sat, May 26.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up at 4:30am. At 5:30am the fist speed boat loaded
the luggage, Eric and Isar Shy, and the Germans. Cindy and I were the last two
people on the line and ended up on the front row seats of the second boat.
After ten minutes the second boat had engine problem; we tried to tow them for
a short while but the captain of our boat gave up and left them to be picked up
by the boats from Rio Amazon. A heavy was pouring throughout the two-hour trip
but we made it to Iquitos on time at 8:00am, took the van to the airport and
flew to Lima at 9:00am. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At Lima’s airport we took a cab (S40>15) to town. The
driver took us to the wrong hotel and we had to get another taxi to our
beautiful hostal San Antonio ($49>40). When we left the hotel the driver was
still waiting for us. We drove to Plaza des Armas, visited La Cathedral and
took a tour of San Francisco church. We then took a carriage ride, had a break
at Vehjo Passage, and took a taxi to the beach in Mira Flores to see the
sunset.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday, May 26 - <b>Cusco.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up the driver who was sleeping in his car while
waiting for us; took a ride to the airport for our 6:30am flight to <b>Cusco. </b>At Cusco’s airport a driver
offered us S5 for ride to town. The second driver asked for a $1.00. We took
his cab; he gave us some useful information about the town and finally
introduced himself as Jose Cuba (226176 C: 651576 </span><a href="mailto:lu10hc@yahoo.com">lu10hc@yahoo.com</a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> ) and showed his
name as a recommended guide in LP to us. He said he would give us a tour of
Pisac Market for $40. After check in our hostal, Corihuasi ($40>30) I called
him, he drove us to: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sacsayhuman A huge
impressive rock ruins; the massive rocks were accurately fitted atop each
other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tombo Machoy A
beautifully wrought ceremonial stone bath. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Puca Pucara A stone
fortress<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jose then stopped for lunch at a local market where we had a
very original native food of potatoes and ox tail in a small tent. We then
drove to Pisaq Ruins along a lovely road and visited Pisaq Market where Cindy
and I did some shopping and had a few servings of orange juice at the lively
market. We returned to Cusco at 5:30pm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our room was extremely cold and I was shivering under four
layers of blankets until we ordered a heater. Cindy was getting sick too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday, May 27.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We both woke up sick in the morning with pounding headaches,
the symptom of high altitude sickness. We took a short walk around the Plaza
des Armas and visited La Campania Church before going back to our room in the
afternoon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday, May 28.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took a taxi to Sacsayhuman and rested under the beautiful
sunshine on the splendid grounds facing the majestic rock structure. We the
hitchhiked to town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the evening as we were looking for a place to dine we
were approached by Arturo Baez (</span><a href="mailto:baezarturo@hotmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">baezarturo@hotmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">)
who asked us to try the restaurant he was working for. The Alpaca dinner I had
was decent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After dinner we went for a walk around the plaza. We saw a
stray dog who would run from one garbage can to another, put his head into them
and bend them to pull out the food scraps; we followed him for a while amused
by his behavior. Cindy ran to a deli, picked up a sandwich fed him after we
found him in the Plaza. We then spent some time surfing at in Internet café. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday, May 29.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Visited the following sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- Muse de
Historia Natural<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">La Merced, consisting of a church, a
charming yard and a museum with a solid gold monstrance covered with over 1500
diamonds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> San Francisco: The museum was closed but the
keeper approached us and gave us a detail private tour in Spanish. There was a
large collection of painting including the largest in South America (9*12m),
and a room with a great echo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> San Perdro and Santa Barbara Churches<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Muse Inka, a large collection of Inka
Artifact in a beautiful house<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Viewed the Christie Corpus Parade for a
while. It was going on for the whole day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the evening we went for the 7:00pm mass at San Francisco
but there were only a dozen of worshippers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday, May 30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jose Cuba picked us up at 8:00am. We
drove to the following sites:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chinchero: A charming village about 20
km from Cusco with a beautiful church. The natives were getting ready for the
parade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moray: The
impressive experimental terraces that look like an amphitheater about 100m
below ground level. The Inkas experimented the optimal climate for the crops
here. It was a dusty hard-to-reach drive from Maras.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Salinas: The fascinating 3000 Salt Pans filled by a mineral spring; the
water is vaporized to generate the salt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Urumba: A
small town along the Sacred River Urumba. We lunched at a pleasant garden
restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ollantaytambo: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
ancient town with the massive fortress built in the form of terraces Jose took
us to a hostal owned by his friend where we took a rest before visiting the
fortress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During a break in a restaurant we had a
big argument. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cindy talked about a few items
(Nescafe, shearling, Cognac and $USD) that were prized to take to Korea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I asked “Was it easy to bring it in?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She answered “To bring in what?”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I felt that she was not listening to
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The day before we had the following
conversation: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cindy: They
found the body of Shandra Levy in a park. There were a few other murders in the
park<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I: In
the same park?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cindy: In
the same park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I left Cindy in the restaurant, walked in total darkness to
the train station and purchased tickets to Macch Picchu after waiting for about
15 minutes. Since there was no time left to 7:30 departure time I took a taxi
back to restaurant to picked up Cindy, drove back to hostel and picked up our
luggage and then drove to train station. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The train ride was slow; it was as if we had gone back in
time. Jose had arranged for us to be picked up by someone from hotel Ima Sumac
but since there was no one there we walked to the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday, May 30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 5:00am and after shower and breakfast walked to
the bus stop and purchased a round-trip ticket ($9) for the first bus departing
at 6:30am. By 6:20 the bus was full and we departed for Machu Picchu (Old
Mountain). As soon as we started the road became heavily misty. When we arrived
at the site the mist was so heavy that we could not see much for an hour until
the sun came up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The site was an impressive massive rock structure. It was built
by carving a huge hill and building the stone walls and rooms around it while
leaving the huge boulders on the hill alone. The rocks were transferred via the
river from long distances and then heisted the to site. The site was a wonder
by the sheer amount of the earth that had to be removed and the amount of the
rocks that had to be bought up on the hill and carved. The site has 300,000
visitors a year. There was another very impressive hill across the river.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pat & Alpert PO
Box 72516 Las Vegas, NV 89170 702
795 2674<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nitza & Izhar Shy 15505
Grove Oak Dr. Santa Ana, CA 92705 714
544 1314<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202476"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘02/10/06 Bermuda Cruise: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">Hamilton, Horse Shoe Bay</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday October 6 – Sunday Oct. 13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">$499. Left Sunday 4:00pm. Arrived Tuesday noon. ~700 miles.
Hourly speed: 16 knots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Took a taxi to <span style="color: blue;">Horse Shoe Bay</span>,
a beautiful, clean, private beach. He weather was very nice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One day we rented a scooter ($68) and rode to the beach and
Hamilton.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Met Ray & Peggy of NYC, and Brian and Melissa of Long
Island at Dinner table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></h1>
<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202477"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘02/10/18 Hiking: <span style="color: blue;">Huntington State Park</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday Oct. 18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up at 7:00 am and met Charlie
Cook at 8:00am at the museum of Natural History for the 1.5 hours rise to the
park. The park was magnificent with beautiful Fall Foliage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Turn right on 72 St, follow to West
Side Highway<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">N. to Saw Mill pkwy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">N. to Cross Country Pkwy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">E. to Huchinson Pkwy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">N. to Merrit Pkwy to Exit 44<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">N. on Rt. 58 for about 10.2 miles to
Sunset Hill Rd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Right on Sunset Hill Rd, follow about
.7 mile to parking area <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also Path stated in New York Times –
October 8, 2004<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Harriman State Park, about 30 miles
north of NYC.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trail: The Long Path: It extends from
GWB to Windham, in the Catskills. Pick up a map at the visitors center (between
Exists 17 & 18 on the Palisades Parkway; $4) and make sure to include
Turkey Hill on the itinerary. Starting from the hikers’ parking lot off Route 6
about a mile from Exit 18, the moderately steep half-mile section of the path
ascends Turkey Hill to a panoramic view of a valley and vibrant fall
foliage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" />
</span></u></b>
</div>
<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202478"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317931142"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">02/12/12 France:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: blue;">Paris, Dijon, Lyon, Geneva, Avignon, Orange,
Marseilles, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes</span>,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Depart:
JFK - TERMINAL 8 ' Thu, Dec 12 at 6:15pm American
Airlines flight 44 (Non-Stop) Arrive: Paris de Gaulle, France (CDG) - AEROGARE
2 TERMINAL A ' Fri, Dec 13 at 7:20am Seats: 34F, 34G <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Depart:
Paris de Gaulle, France (CDG) - AEROGARE 2 TERMINAL A ' Tue, Jan 07 at 5:55pm American Airlines flight 121
(Non-Stop) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Arrive:
JFK - TERMINAL 8 ' Tue, Jan 07 at 8:25pm <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">ack/Brunch
Status: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">______________________________________________________
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tourist
Office: 444 Madison
Ave. @50 16<sup>th</sup> Fl. 838-7800 </span><a href="mailto:info@francetourism.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">info@francetourism.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Pass
Visite Zones 1-3 1-5 1-8 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1day 55 110 155<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 90 175 225<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3 120 245 280<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.lonelyplanet.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<a href="http://franceguide.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://franceguide.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<a href="http://www.sncf.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">www.sncf.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Tickets
to be mailed free time-table horaires<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<a href="http://www.raileurope.com/us/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.raileurope.com/us/</span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <span class="MsoHyperlink">877 456 7245 Reservations: 0 836 35 35 39 Discovery: for 2 w/ Sat. night stay<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">From-To 1 / 2 w 1<sup>st</sup> 1 Discovery peek/off Time Distance<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paris-Lyon
1 $101 $74 2000-2200 320m<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> p90 p68 p Thu 12/28 Thu <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> p71 p54 o Sat 12/30 Thu<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> p71 p54 o Sat 12/30
Sat <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paris-Cannes 1
p127 p95 1620-2159<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">France Saverpass: 2 adults, 4 days unlimited in 1 mo.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> $196 $171<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 1
Additional day (6 max) $25 $25 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Total: 442+ 15
(shipping) = $457 Cfm. #: 7357129 85% Refund if not validated<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Period: 12/13/02 –
1/7/03 392+17=409<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To Begin Travel on Your
Pass</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">To
validate your pass, <span style="color: magenta;">present your passport and your
pass to a railway official at the ticket window in the train station (not the
conductor)</span> who will enter the first and last date of your travel period.
This must be done before boarding a train, bus, boat, plane or renting a car
for the first time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">As You Travel On Your Pass</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Before boarding the first train or ferry of each day</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, write the date in ink, in the
appropriate box on your pass. At the time you rent a car, present your pass and
1 car voucher for each rental day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Seat Reservations and
Overnight Travel</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">A pass
allows the boarding of a train, bus, plane, or boat, but <u>does not guarantee</u>
a seat. Seat reservations are optional for most trains but are <u>mandatory for
all TGV</u>, Thalys, Cisalpino, AVE, ES* (Eurostar Italia) and X2000 trains and
selected EuroCity and InterCity trains and for all sleepers and couchettes. Reservations
are subject to availability so reserve in advance. Reservations for all seats,
sleepers, couchettes and trains noted above are <u>subject to an additional fee</u>
for pass and ticket holders. Seat reservations, sleepers and couchettes can
normally be purchased from Rail Europe at the same time that you buy your pass.
Use the special notes box on the Order Form to specify reservations when you
book your pass. Travel on certain high-speed trains (such as the X2000 in
Sweden, ES* (Eurostar Italia) in Italy, AVE in Spain, Thalys and Eurostar)
require a supplement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink">EuroPass $348
5-days $728 –
15-days 20% discount for 2 adults.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Facts<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">120,000 km of sentiers balises (marked
walking paths)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hotel: Formule
1, budget hotels in the outskirts of towns. 150F<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Bike: VTT 60-100F day. Also some municipals rent inexpensive bikes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> SNCF
Runs bike rental service (Train +
velo)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Paris</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">La Carte Musees et Monuments<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Valid for 70 venues in Paris; 1/3/5
days: 80/160/240F<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paris
Mosque Mint tea <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Pantheon
View from the
roof (Cemetery of Hugo, Voltaire)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Restaurant: Auberge Nicolas Flamel at 51, rue
Montmorency. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> The
oldest house in Paris owned by Nicolas Flamel (Harry Potter), died in 1418, the
alchemist; book binder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lyon<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Vienne Echo of Roman
glory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Provonce<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Arles 2000-yr
old amphitheater <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Nimes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Orange<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Gordes village<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Oppede-le <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Vieux Near
Avignon. Splendid church of St. Trophime<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Vocabulary<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">De l’eau some water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Une carafe d’eau a jug of water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 12/12/2002<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tel Aviv car service picked us up at 3:50p; with some
traffic we arrived at JFK at 5:00p. We could not use the electronic machines
for our International flight and therefore had to get our seat assignments at
the check in desk. The security was tight and we had to wait for about 30
minutes in line before finally boarding our plane at 6:05p for our 6:15p flight
to Paris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 12/13 <b>Paris</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We arrived at <b><span style="color: blue;">Paris</span></b> Du Gaul at 8:00a; it was still dark and
drizzling. We bought 2-day unlimited tickets (zones 1-5, 16.8€), took the B
train to Bastille and checked in at Pax Hotel (62€). We went to be for a nap
and woke up at 4:00p. we took the metro to St-German des-Pres, walked to
St-Michel, Sorbonne – where the guard let us in the building), Pantheon (Odeon,
the doomed landmark tomb of a few French
writers), walked around the charming old streets and went back to Sorbonne and
dined at a restaurant. We then took the metro to Montmarte and walked around
the sex shops and Mollen Rouge; we missed to visit Sacre Coeur. We then took
the metro to Ave. des Champs-Elysee. The trees were illuminated on the
beautiful boulevard. We visited the Virgin Records. When we went back to the
hotel the Chinese attendant could not register us for one extra night at the
hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sat. 12/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up at 11:00am. When I asked to extend our stay
another night, I was told that they had no vacancy. We had to go back to our
room, pack and leave our luggage at the front desk. We took the C Metro to
Versailles where we took an audio-guide (9.50€ after 3:30p). We took a walk in
the beautiful garden. We then walked back top the metro station where we bought
some pastry and cheese and took the SNCF train back to Paris and got off at
Eiffel Tower. It was beautifully illuminated. At this time it was drizzling. We
walked across the bridge to the beautiful Fountains of Place du Trocadero. We
were able to book a new room at Hotel Herse D’or in Marais near Bastille (45€).
We then walked to Pax Hotel, picked up our luggage, dined at a Moroccan
restaurant (La Kbylie) at Bastille and checked in our hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sun. 12/15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We stooped at the bakery near our hotel and picked up some
bread and had coffee there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We walked to Palais Gernier (L’opera de Paris), the splendid
Rue de la Paix, Place Vendome (where JP Morgan had a beautiful building) the
beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, walked along the Seine and crossed the Pont
(bridge) Neuf to Plais de Justice, St. Chapelle, the Bird and Flower Markets
and Notre Dame where the mass was in progress. We had lunch at the nearby
restaurant, La Rosace and then walked to Louvre where we ended up taking a nap.
We made a failed stop for Mint tea at the Moroccan restaurant before retiring
for the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mon. 12/16.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up at 12:20a with a knock on our door by the
cleaning person. I had stayed up overnight for a few hours. After a breakfast
from our neighboring boulangerie we took the metro to Place du Trocadero where
we saw the girl taking picture with a crab as a pet; walked through Eiffel
Tower to Champ du Mars’ shrubbery, Ecloe Militaire to Unesco. We visited <b>Les Invalides</b>, the beautiful tomb of
Napoleon. In the Photo gallery of the WWII Jews, I opened a door and saw the
boardroom in session. We saw a person carrying a box of champagne into the
room. We walked through another huge square of shrubbery to Pont Alexander to
Champ Elysee and continued onto Ave. de. Morigny to beautiful rue Faubourg St.
Honore, comparable to Madison Ave., with Elysee Palace located at the beginning
of the street. We visited Palace de Madeleine on rue Royale, created by
Napoleon as a temple of victory. We then walked to Palace L’opera and took the
metro to Port D’ivry (Chinatown). Due to an accident we had to get off 2 stops
before our destination and take the bus. We could not find the restaurant that
was recommended by Lonely Planet and found another decent restaurant,
Chinatown. When we went back to our hotel I tried to call TGV train but the
voice message said that their hours were 07:00-22:00. We asked for a wakeup
call at 7:00a. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tue. 12/17 <b>Dijon, Lyon<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 6:30a and took the metro to Gare de Lyon. We
inquired about Dijon and Lyon departures. The TGV to Dijon was scheduled at
8:45a. We made a reservation (3€ on our Eurorail; we had purchased our tickets
back in U.S. for $196 for 4 segments + 1 additional segment for $25 + $15
shipping) with a continuation to Lyon at 8:44p. We sat in the 2<sup>nd</sup>
class and when we found out about it we moved to 1<sup>st</sup> class. The
train was very fast and we arrived at <b><span style="color: blue;">Dijon</span></b> at 10:21am, left our luggage at Left
Luggage (2 for 5€) and walked to Cathedral St. Benigne, a 12<sup>th</sup>
century structure. On the way out we entered the University Student Union
Building where Cindy smelled food, found the kitchen and we found out we could
lunch there. They told us the ticket booth would open at 11:45a. We then walked
to Old Town, walked back to the Student Union, bought lunch tickets (3€),
waited in the line, picked up our lunch and ate at the cafeteria. I tried a squat
style bathroom. Cindy tried the ladies room but the door was locked. I told her
she should use the men’s room I walked her there. As I was leaving I noticed a
hole on the door. When Cindy came back she told me that a man had exposed
himself from the hole on the door. We then walked back to Old Town and to Rue
Liberte and Rameau. We visited the beautiful <i>Plais des Ducs</i> et des Etats de Bourgone where there was an
exhibition of German Water Project in German. I stepped into another huge room
where the construction workers were renovation it; I noticed the beautiful
marble-like walls and when I paid more attention I noticed that it was paint on
plaster walls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We walked around the old street and the main shopping area
and visited Notre Dame Cathedral where there was a baptism in progress and we
ended up signing the register book. We stopped at a beautiful coffee shop and I
wanted to try the Caspian tea on the menu but all the people around us were
smoking, we had to leave. We stopped at a shop and Cindy bought some mustard.
By 3:45p we had toured most of the town therefore we walked back to the train
station and took the 4:45 train (SNCF, non-TGV) to Lyon and took an empty cabin
in the 1<sup>st</sup> class car. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We arrived at Gare de Perrache in <b><span style="color: blue;">Lyon </span></b>at 7:00p. After calling a few
full hotels for reservation unsuccessfully, we were able to get one at Hotel de
Vichy, the name mentioned in Lonely Plant. We had to ask about half a dozen
people how to get out of the train station and the connected metro. We finally
found the hotel not too far from the station. We found out the name of the
hotel was changed to Le Lys Bleu (at 60 bis, rue de la Charite – 04 7837 4258).
We paid 34E for one night stay and then went out for a walk along river Rhon in
the light drizzle. The streets were mostly quiet and by 8:00p most stores were
closed. The fair in the nearby park was over also. Nevertheless the city looked
lively. We settled for Munzur restaurant for a Turkish dinner. We had a chat in
mix French, English, Turkish and Arabic with the owner, a Kurd refugee. He
played tar for us until a new customer interrupted him. He said he had a good
life in Lyon and added that Bush was a bad man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wed. 12/18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We walked on famous pedestrian rue Victor Hugo to Place
Bellecour, one the largest public squares in Europe. People were skating on one
corner. We stopped at Regent brasserie for a drink, For dined at Le Nord, a
restaurant that was recommended to use by a cooking school where we had not
been able to make a reservation. The food was OK. I had oysters, goat cheese
salad (not very strong like that in U.S.), salad, cod fish and fromage blanc
(yogurt). When we asked for pepper, it was placed on the table, the wine was
poured only once, my salad arrived wrongly and had to be returned and we go the
wrong check and it had to be returned also. The service was un-rushed and
casual (87€).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thurs. 12/19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We bought bread from the boulangerie, cheese and butter from
Fromagerie, had coffee at a charming coffee shop and picked up some fruits and
juice from the supermarket under our hotel and ate at our hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then walked to SNCF office at Bellacour and booked a
ticket to Geneva (28€) for the following day. We walked to Bonaparte Bridge on
Saone River to Vieux Lyon (old Lyon). We walked on the narrow cobblestone
streets. St. George, St. Jean and St.
Paul cathedrals were all closed. We visited a few of the Trabooules (secret
passages) linking two streets. We then took the uphill street to Basilique
Notre Dame de Fourviere (hill of prayer); the view of the white structure was
beautiful, so was the beautiful promenade surrounding it. On the way out we saw
a well-dressed man who was urination on the back of the basilica. After walking
down a long set of stairs to town level we visited St. Jean. We walked back to
Presequile in Lyon and visited the beautiful <i>Place de Terreaux with its magnificent fountain</i> of chariots with a
woman and four horses built by Frederic_Auguste, also responsible by New York’s
Statue of Liberty. We entered the beautiful Hotel de Ville on the square. When
we tried to enter the backyard the guard stopped us; we tried to peek through a
jar door and the same guard opened it and let us to take a look inside. It was
a huge lobby with a magnificent 3-storey round staircase with gilded walls. We
then walked to Roman Amphitheater remains. When we arrived in our hotel we
asked for a 6:00am wakeup call but the lady at the front desk said that her
alarm radio was broken. We went out to look for an alarm clock to no avail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fri. 12/20 <b>Geneva </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After waking up a few times throughout the night I went to
sleep at 4:00a and woke up at 5:40a by a wakeup call from the front desk. We
took the tramway to Port-Dieu and barely made it to our 7:39a train to Geneva.
The scenery was varied with some shabby farmhouses and frosty fields. We saw
one of the most beautiful sunrises where the whole horizon was fiery red like a
melting rod. We arrived in <b><span style="color: blue;">Geneva</span></b> at 9:34a. We stopped at the post office
for some maps. We tried to change some money but the line at the post office
was too long. We walked along rue Monte-Blanc to Pont (bridge) Monte-Blanc. The
Rohn River was one of the most beautiful river I had ever seen; it was clear
with a fast current and the snow-white swans and the geese were swimming on the
banks of it. When we passed the river we came across a skating ring where
mostly kids were skating. The streets were packed with people. We walked to the
old town where the streets and buildings were most charming. Most of the stores were antiques shops. We
stopped at a nice restaurant where I had a very good smoke salmon salad and
Cindy bought some very delicious chocolates. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We stopped at a music shop where I was able to open a CD,
sit on a couch and listen to the CD. We stopped at a few bank to get
information on opening an account. Finally we were able to meet someone at
Credit Swiss; the minimum balance was $350k with 1% interest and 1% in
commissions. We took a bus to the beautiful Jardin Botanique where we sat down
for a while to enjoy the scenery before taking the bus back to city. We stopped
at watch shop where Cindy wanted to buy a pocket watch (Aerowatch – Nuntucket)
for 380E but when Cindy offered 350E he rejected it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We walked back to river and had a drink and took the 8:00p
train to Lyon. We moved to a beautiful room with a fireplace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sat. 12/21 <b>Avignon<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up rather late. After check out we walked to Munzur
restaurant for lunch and then walked to Gare Perrache where we tried to look
for the bus station but nobody knew where it was, even at the information desk
with a sign reading “Metro, train, bus”. We decided to the metro to Gare
Port-dieu. The ticket line was very long with Holiday Season travelers. I tried
to get guide to help us to show us how to use the automated machines but it was
getting too close to 2:19p departure time. I decided just to run to the
platform and use our Eurotail ticket by the time we got to the platform the
train was pulling out. When we went back down stairs and tried to use the
machine we noticed that our credit card was missing a chip required by the
machine. We had to wait in the line again to buy our 17:31-19:59 ticket to
Avignon (24.60€). The train was about 10 minutes late and crowded. We sat down
in a car with 4 other passengers. At the start of the trip a young girl
received a phone call and kept taking until another Fabriz, another fellow
passenger asked her to stop. She stopped quickly and then apologized. After
arriving at <b><span style="color: blue;">Avignon</span>
</b>and leaving we left the train we came across the beautifully illuminated
rue de la Republique. We took the 5-minute walk to our hotel Innova (36€) that
Cindy had reserved earlier in Lyon. The proprietor had given the code to front
door to Cindy and had left the key in our room. We went out for a walk. The
city looked splendid with most charming streets and buildings. When we arrived
at the end of rue de la Republique we saw the most beautiful square at the <span style="color: blue;">Place du Palais</span> with <span style="color: blue;">Palais
des Papes</span> on the right of it. The square was beautifully illuminated. We
dined at Le Vietnam before going back to our room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sun. 12/22 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cindy was not feeling well due to the antibiotics she was
taking for her tooth. We asked the kind professor-looking proprietor for help.
He looked up the yellow pages to find out the on-call doctors on Sundays and
then made a phone call for a home visit. I went out to get some breakfast and
stumbled on the Sunday Market by the Gare SNCF where I bought some fruits. I
went back to our room and shortly the engineer looking doctor showed up. After
examining Cindy he prescribed a doctor. His fee was 45E. The proprietor looked
up the Sunday paper for an open pharmacy. We walked there and picked up Cindy’s
medicine. Cindy felt better shortly after taking it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the afternoon we visited the beautiful Palais des Papes.
This was where a series of ten popes resided over a period of 100 years
beginning in 1309. The Palais was a huge complex, including two rooms each
larger than 50*15m. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We dined at Song Long Vietnam restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mon. 12/23 <b>Orange</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We went to the bus station next to Gare
SNCF and took the 14:15-15:05 bus to <b><span style="color: blue;">Orange</span></b> (4.80€). We visited the beautiful <span style="color: blue;">Theatre Antique</span>, the only Roman theatre in Europe
with a fully standing wall; the other two are in Turkey and Syria. We then
walked to <span style="color: blue;">Arch de Triomph</span> and walked around the
City Hall area. A band in black suits was walking around the square and playing
Christmas music as a juggler was accompanying them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They had set up a fenced area in the
square and had filled it with donkeys, lambs and goats. As I started feeding
the fig biscuits I had they managed to squeeze out of the cage and caused a
chaos before the attendant showed up and took them back into the cage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tues. 12/24 <b>Marseilles<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took the 8:00-9:50 bus to <b><span style="color: blue;">Marseilles</span> </b>(16€). The scenery was
beautiful with the early morning fog and vineyards on both side of the two-lane
road. Densely planted trees covered both sides of the road. There were only 9
passengers in the bus and every one except us got off the bus at Aix. When we
arrived at Marseilles we called a few hotels and finally booked a room at Grand
Hotel (32€). We took the metro to our hotel, checked in and then walked to Port
Vieu. On the way we stumbled on the Arab Market; it was very lively. When then
walked to the beautiful port where the fish sellers were finishing their day.
We stooped at haagen Dasz for ice cream where Cindy bought me a tiny chest for
Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took the 14:00 ferry (8€) to <span style="color: blue;">Chateau
Dif</span> (Dante’s Monte Crisco was filmed here). The clear waters were
beautiful and the view from the Chateau was magnificent. On the way back we
stopped at the Arab Market after getting lost for a while and bought a lot of
stuff for a big salad. I went out to buy some water and flowers for Cindy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wed. 12/25 Christmas
Day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We walked to Arab Market where we bought pizza and pickles
and had it at the side walk café. We walked to Port Vieux and continued to the
beach across Fort St. Nicholas where we sat down on the rocks and enjoyed the
views. We walked to <span style="color: blue;">Jardin de Pharo</span> and then
continued through the uphill streets to <span style="color: blue;">Basilique
Notre Dame de la Garde</span>. The view of the city from the top of the
cathedral and specially the sunset were beautiful. The Christmas Mass was in
session. We descended the hill to Vieux Port, stopped at the Arab Market to
pick up some bread, chicken, vegetables, pickles and wine and went to our room
for a Christmas dinner feast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thurs. 12/26 <b>Nice<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We made a salad for breakfast. Cindy went to do laundry and
I went to SNCF office to book seats to Nice. The office was moved to 9
Montegrand. There were 6 people waiting and only one staff (of the three
desks). I got the info I needed and went back to our hotel, found out were the
laundry was and went to meet Cindy. We went back to SNCF office one more time
to reserve our seats to Nice and Bordeaux. On the way to Viuex Port we stopped
at Arab Market again. We walked to St. Jean along the beautiful port. We then
stopped at our hotel, picked up our luggage and took the 19:50-22:26 train to <b><span style="color: blue;">Nice Ville</span></b>.
Our hotel, Les Orange (36€) was 5 minutes walk from the station. We then walked
to the beach in the light drizzle. The water was turquoise and the pebble beach
was only 20” wide. We continued to Vieux Nice; it was lively at midnight. There
were many restaurants and cafes with many customers. On the way back to hotel
we got lost and had to wonder for a while before making it back to our hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 12/27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I woke up at 6:30a. we had planned to take a walk in Nice,
op the train to Monte Carlo, return to Nice and take the 13:33-22:27 Train to
Bordeaux but we liked the city so much that we decided to stay the day in Nice,
I went back to sleep and woke up at 11:00a. We had breakfast at a nearby coffee
shop and then walked to the beach; it looked beautiful. By this time it was
raining. We walked to Vieux Nice, visited the Flower and Produce Markets. On
the way to <span style="color: blue;">Parc du Chateau</span> we stumbled on a
very ornate cemetery. The chateau was an huge park with a very beautiful
waterfall on the peak and a good view of the city and the beach. On the way
back to hotel we got lost again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took the 17:00-17:17 train to Monte Carlo. When we
arrived there it was raining. We visited the Price Palace located on the top of
a hill. It was rather quiet and most stores were closing. There was a good
panoramic view of the town. Before returning to Nice we stopped at a super
market and had some very delicious yogurt. The 19:44 train was cancelled <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And the 19:58 train was 10 minutes late. When it arrived it
was packed with Italians and we almost could not get on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sat. 12/28 <b>Bordeaux<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We had a salad with the ingredients we had bought the night
before from Rue d’Italy from the Arab Market. We walked to the beach and sat
there for a while to enjoy the sunshine, returned to pickup our luggage and
took the 13:33-22:27 train to Bordeaux. Prior to boarding the ticket agent said
I did not need a reservation since the reservation on EuroRail had to be done
one day in advance. We sat down in an empty car with six seats. I did not
notice that the label on the car indicated that two of the seats were reserved.
On the first stop an old lady with her small dog entered our car. Cindy
complained that she was allergic to the dog and insisted that she would take
another car. The old lady pointed out that had a reservation. I had to ask
Cindy to give in. At the beginning of the ride we had a great view of the
beaches of Cor d’azur. After passing Marseilles we found an empty car to sit
in. At <b><span style="color: blue;">Bordeaux</span></b>’s
gare St. John we took bus No. 7 to Place de Tourny, buying the ticket ion the
bus. When we got off at our stop most restaurants were still crowded. We
checked in our room (29€) at hotel De Famille (76, Cour George Clemenceau). The
hotel was an old (300-400 years old per as proprietor), elegant building and
our room was rather large. We went out for a walk. The city looked beautiful
with mostly conformed 3-4 story buildings, wide streets, many plazas. We both
loved the city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sun. 12/29<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By the time we left our room it was 12:00p but the streets
were very quiet. We stopped at tourist office for maps and info. As we were
walking we stumbled into the magnificent Great Theatre, built in 1773. There
was a line; the attendant let us to walk in the lobby to view the beautiful
grand design. The performance was “La belle aux bois dormant” (Sleeping Beauty)
by Tchaikovsky. We found out there were two performances and decided to come
back at night. We had some tea at the adjacent beautiful restaurant filled with
the theater customers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We walked to the huge <span style="color: blue;">Esplande des
Quinconces</span> with its tall tower and huge fountain. We walked in the
beautiful jardin Public. We then dined at bistro Romain at Place Gambetta. The
meal was rather ordinary; I had my tiny Caprese’s mozzarella balls and paper
thin smoked salmon. We went to the theatre at 7:00p, bought our tickets (14€
ea.) went back to our room to leave our backpacks and returned to the theatre.
The interior was as impressive at the exterior. The 50-person plus band great
as were the dancers. The theatre sat about 700 people and it was almost full. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mon. 12/30. <b>Bordeaux - Nantes<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We walked to SNCF office to inquire about the schedule to
Nantes and St. Malo. After some talk we decided to stay one more night in
Bordeaux but after going back to SNCF and finding out that on Jan. 1 there was
only one morning train to Nantes we decided to leave in the afternoon. By the
time we had breakfast and got back to our room it was past noon but the hotel
proprietor did not object to our checking out. We left our luggage at the
office and continued our walking tour of the city from where we had left out
the day before. By this time the drizzle had started. We visited many beautiful
streets, plazas and buildings including
the beautiful place de Parlimant where we sheltered in a beautiful bookstore
and Cindy decided to get a haircut. By the time we got back to our hotel it was
16:00. We picked up our luggage and took the bus for our 17:09-21:12 train to
Nantes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At <b><span style="color: blue;">Nantes</span></b> I bought two train tickets. Cindy asked a
Chinese cab driver if he knew where our hotel (St. Patrick) was located. When
she inquired about the fare the driver responded: “The fair for the
train?” We took the taxi for the short
ride to our hotel. After checking in, we went out to the Old Town. The area was
lively with many students crowding the small restaurants. We dined at a Turkish
restaurant. The architecture of the town was unique with some similarities to a
Spanish/Latino town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 12/31 <b>Nantes – St. Malo<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We walked around the Old Town and visited the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Passage Pommeray, a delightful shopping
arcade opened in 1843<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cathedral St. Pierre et St. John, the
magnificent gothic building with mostly white interior, one the best we ever
saw.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chateau de Ducs de Bretagne (Brittany),
a medieval castle with a moat, high 6-feet thick walls. The interior buildings
were closed and we could not get access to the rampart. The attendant said the
building will reopen in 2006.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jardin de plantes, the beautiful park near
Gare SNCF, with a lake and a large variety of ducks and trees including
sequoias from U.S. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took the 17:58-19:13 Nantes-Renne and the 19:56-20:50
Renne-St. Malo. At Renne Station there was a glass room with a dozen seats for
non-smokers cordoned off from the rest of the smoking floor. A few minutes
prior to our departure from Renne Cindy called a few hotels and luckily Hotel
de la Mer told us they would live the key to our room on the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the train the conductor found a passenger without ticket
and had she leave the train at the next stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At <b><span style="color: blue;">St. Malo</span></b> the buses were not running on the New
Year’s Eve and we had to wait for a taxi for 20 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the hotel the proprietor had left a note on the door
indicating our room number. We then headed out; the streets were quite (about
10:00pm). Our hotel was in St. Servant, about 15 minutes walk from the Old
Walled Town. We tried a couple of restaurants for dinner but they said they
were full. At the last restaurant the chef greeted us and gave us the last
available table. The dinner was the most pleasant surprise. The delicious menu
consisted of the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The oysters were great, so was the creamy delicious foie
gras and the lobster ravioli. The champagne, Nicholas Fonnttain was also very
good. At midnight as I was getting up to kiss Cindy the lights were turned off
and everybody got up to kiss his/her neighbors; it was rather quiet and
reserved. We could see the harbor in the light. The dinner was overall
memorable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wed. 1/1/03 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We walked to the Old Town I the rain. The walls and the
houses looked impressive. We walked around the charming town with beautifully
organized rock-façade 4 to 5-storey buildings. The town was full of creperies
and we tried one of them but it was nothing to write home about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We climbed the wall. It was about 20 feet tall and 20 to 25
feet wide. As time went by the number of visitors scrolling increased. We
walked on a jetty, a wall built stretching into the water; it was windy. The
view of the sea and the islands on the horizon was picture perfect. We then
walked on the beach along the eastern wall. It was drizzling on and off for
most of the day. I asked a few people for the directions to Gare SNCF but it
seemed everybody was from out of the town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the evening as we were walking the port we came across a
beautiful catamaran with a spaceship like cabin. As we were praising it a guy
came us to greet us. He then told us he did not speak much English and asked
hid girl friend, Ann to help answering our questions. They invited us inside
for a tour of the boat. It had 2 30hp engines with maximum 25 knot speed for a
prize of 450K. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Later that evening as we were walking along the wall we
noticed a crowd. When we approached we noticed that they were looking at the
high waves hitting the 30’ tall wall and then jettisoning 20 feet into the air.
It was a very amusing scene. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday 1/2/3 <b>Mont St. Michele<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up rather early and made it to tourist office by
9:30a to inquire about the means to get to St. Michele. Per as Lonely Planet
the buses to Pontoson and then onto St. Michele did not run that often
specially in the winter. Fortunately there was a 10:00-11:00 bus across the
street. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The small village was filled with tourist attractions, gift
shops, restaurants and even museums. The abbey, visible from a few miles afar
was on the top of a hill. On top of the abbey there was one of the heaviest
winds I had ever experienced. The clouds looked beautiful as did the waters
below and the rainbow that appeared for a short time. We were finished visiting
the site by 1:00p and decided to take the 1:00p bus back. On the way out the
line for the tickets (7E) had become very long. On the way back we got off at
Gare SNCF to get schedules to Dinan and Honfleur. We then walked around St. Malo
and had some very delicious ker-y-pom (a crusty apple pie). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then walked to the beach to watch the high tides hitting
the wall and roll back to hit the incoming waves. We watched the beautiful
sunset. After going back to our hotel we asked the lady at the adjacent bar to
make a 6:15am taxi appointment for us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday 1/3/03 <b>Dinan, Honfleur<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we left the hotel at 6:15a our taxi had not shown up. I
tried to look for the public phone that the night before we were told existed
outside the hotel but I could not find it. Cindy saw a passing car and ran
towards it screaming, thinking that it was our taxi. The car happened to be a
police car; it stopped and Cindy told the story to the two male and a female
cops. One of the cops loaded our luggage in the trunk and we got in. they drove
us to Gare SNCF while passing a few red lights and we barely made it to our
6:44-07:03 <b>Dol</b> and then the
7:16-7:39 Dol-Dinan<b> </b>train. In <b><span style="color: blue;">Dinan</span></b>
we took a short walk to the old town, bought some delicious croissants from a
bakery and went inside a brasserie for a cup of coffee and waited there until
it got brighter. We then entered the walled old town and walked in the most
charming street, rue du Jerrual and its continuation, the steep rue to petit
Fort. The houses were colorful and ancient, some 400-500 years old. The timber
on some of houses was bending and it looked as if the houses were imploding. We
arrived at a small river and a beautiful bridge. On the way back we came across
the rampart and walked on it for some time watching the city below. Near the
charming place des Merciers, we came across a beautiful promenade with a small
park in lower level where there were a few pretty deer. Cindy threw them a piece of bread and they
ran to pick it up. Soon we ran out of bread but they kept looking up on us as
if begging for more good French bread. I had to go and buy some bread from the
bakery we had stopped at earlier in the day. We then came across a beautiful
tearoom. The owner, a tall well-dressed guy told us that his tearoom with 200
tea warmers was the second largest after the one in Trenton, Tennessee. He was
an ex-banker who was raised on Long Island. I had a meticulously prepared
Darjeeling; he used a timer for brewing each tea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We boarded our 12:43-13:10 Dinan-Dol train but it did not
leave the station on time and after a short while we were told that the train
was out of order. We had to wait for more than 1.5hrs until they arranged for a
minibus to pick us up and drive us to Dol. We had a quick lunch and, picked up
our luggage we had left at the office earlier in the morning and took our
15:00-17:29 train to Caan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we arrived in Caan, I bought a bus ticket to Honfleur
(13.50€) and took the 50-minute ride to that town. In <b><span style="color: blue;">Honfleur</span></b>, across the bus station,
we checked in at the clean Etap hotel (31€), with a great space-age shower and
finally a soap holder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took a short walk around the picturesque small port,
picked up some bread, wine and cheese and went back to our room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday 1/4/03<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We left our room at 12:00; our checkout time had passed and
the code to our room was expired. The cleaning lady left her lunch to open the
door for me to get my watch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We had a delicious seven-course meal at La Tortue, walked
around the few streets of the town a few times, and stopped at the tourist
office, the library and the bookshop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the elevator of our hotel the only other passenger looked
at the bread I had bought and said, “No good pain”. I had already mentioned
that to Cindy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday 1/5/03<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Took the 10:00-10:30 bus to Le Harve, crossing the sleek
bridge and got off at Gare SNCF. The first train to Paris was at 14:30. We tool
a short walk around the town that looked like a US town, sat at a Kebab house
until our departure time. We arrived in Paris at 16:30, checked with information
and found out we could use the last segment of our ticket to go to Brussels. We
then took the metro to our old hotel. When we got off the station, the area
looked almost like having gone back home. We checked into our hotel and then
walked on St. Antoin to beautiful Hotel De Ville (City Hall) and George Pompido
Center, where we rode the tube like escalator for a nice view of the city and
visited a modern art museum. We then took the metro to Sacre Coer, used our
Metro ticket for a ride up the hill on Furnicular and visited the beautiful
church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday 1/6/03 <b>Brussels</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up early for our 07:15 TGV train to Brussels; the
train was about 20 minutes late. After a 1.5-hrs ride we arrived in <b><span style="color: blue;">Brussels</span></b>,
took metro to City Center and visited the Palace and a few streets. It was very
cold and we decided to take the 4:00pm train back to Paris. By the time we got
to our hotel I was feeling rather sick. Cindy went out and came back with some
sushi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday 1/7/03 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We packed and then walked to Les Halles and along the Sain
before going back to our hotel and taking the train to the airport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202479"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317931143"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317864117"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘03/01/12 Cross Country
Skiing: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">High Point, Sussex County, NJ</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">We
woke up at 6:00 am and met Charlie Cook at 7:15am at the museum of Natural
History for the 1.5 hours ride to the park. It was cold and windy but sunny. We
skied from 9:00a to 2:oop. It was exhilarating; we were sweating from the
activity; had lunch outdoors on a tree trunk.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Phone: 973
02 1222 1489, Rt. 23, Sussex, NJ
07461 Trail
Pass: $15 Rental: $16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://xcskihighpoint.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://xcskihighpoint.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202480"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317931144"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317864118"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘03/01/18 Cross Country
Skiing: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Mountain Trails, Catskill, NY</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Saturday We woke up at 6:00 am and met
Charlie Cook at 7:15am at the museum of Natural History for the 2.5hrs ride to
Catskill. It was very cold but sunny and no wind with lots of fresh snow. We
were sweating after a short time. There were many trails with very few skiers.
It was a great day of skiing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Phone: 518
589 5361 Rt. 23A, Box 198,
Tannersville, NY 12485 Trail Pass:
$13 Rental: 15 </span><a href="mailto:info@mtntrails.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">info@mtntrails.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202481"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317931145"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317864119"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘03/09/17 Turkey: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: normal;">Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya,
Fethiye, Kas, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Ephesus/Kusadasi</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Pergamum/Canakkale<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Depart: Thurs. Sept 18<sup>th _ </sup> #401 JFK-FKF:
4:00p-5:35a+1 #3396 FKF-IST: 9:10a-12:55p <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Return Wed. Oct.
8<sup>th _</sup> #3461 IST –FKF 1:50p-3:55p #404 FKT-JFK
5:20p-07:30p <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Pacha
Tour 212 764 4080/4 Clara 226
5<sup>th</sup> Av. 3<sup>rd</sup> Fl. (26&27<sup>th</sup>) Grand Turkey Tour: $3,017 </span><a href="http://www.pachatours.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.pachatours.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/index.cfm"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.lonelyplanet.com/index.cfm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.fezbus.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.fezbus.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> Fez Tours
– Bus, Gulet Cruise. LP/p101. From Fethiye, 3-day
cruise $104<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>Mediterranean <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.compassyachting.com/"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">https://www.compassyachting.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="https://www.blueguide.com/"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">https://www.blueguide.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 0252 612 5921 </span><a href="mailto:info@blueguide.com"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">info@blueguide.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Helv, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Fethyie
– Marmaris: 4-day
Sept: $175<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Pacha Cruise: Antalya
– Kas - Finike – Genovese - Antalya 4-days - $340<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Single Best day
cruise: Kas to
Simena Islands </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Antalya<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Antalya- Kas 185km
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit the old quarter of Kaleici<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Excursion
boats: Roman Harbor at Kaleici; visit the
Lower Dudden Falls, Gulf of Antalya Islands -
$14 incl. Lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Bodrum, Mugla<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/18 <span style="color: blue;">1. Thu. Departure to Turkey.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/19 <span style="color: blue;">2. Fri. Arrival in Istanbul <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Pacha Tours guide and driver picked us up at the airport and
after a short ride we checked in at the hotel. We then waked to the market,
Soleimanieh Mosque, the Port, we then headed back to hotel for a nap and a
simple dinner at the cafeteria where we met our two fellow travelers, Marsha
& Ken from Arizona.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/20 <span style="color: blue;">3. Sat.
Istanbul/Ankara<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Morning drive to Ankara, the capital of Turkey since 1923.
Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations a converted Roman bath to explore
Ankara's ancient past, which dates from the Paleolithic Age. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Our bus picked us up at 8:00a for a 5-hour drive to Ankara.
The scenery was nice and the roads were fine. Alp, our guide told us about the
country trough out the trip. We met Feri at Ankara Civilization Museum and then
we drove to Ataturk mausoleum and to our hotel. We then took a long walk in the
clean well-planned streets of the city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/21 <span style="color: blue;">4. Sun.
Ankara/Cappadocia <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">See the accommodations of the 13th century traders, as you
visit the <span style="color: magenta;">Agzikarahan</span> Caravanserai. Continue
to Cappadocia where you will explore Ortahisar in the afternoon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We took a 6-hour drive to Cappadocia. We visited the
Whirling Dervishes performance at night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/22 <span style="color: blue;">5. Mon.
Goreme/Avcilar/Pasabagi/Dervent/Ozkonak/Uchisar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Entire day to enjoy the natural beauty and the cultural depth of this
unique region: watch a demonstration of how the colorful kilims (carpets) that
incorporate the earth tones of the region are created, explore the frescoed
interiors of Goreme's cave churches, which date from the 8th century, stroll
through the underground galleries of Ozkonak where the first Christians hid
themselves from rivals for months at a time undetected, take a walk in Avcilar,
Pasabagi and the red valley of Dervent where you will admire the chimney like
volcanic formations and a brief photo stop at Uchisar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Feri
& I had joined a few other travelers for dinner/cultural dance at Sara Yaki
restaurant, built in a cave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/23 <span style="color: blue;">6. Tue.
Konya/Antalya Area<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Morning drive to <span style="color: magenta;">Konya</span>,
Turkey's oldest city and home to the world-renowned sect of the Whirling
Dervishes. Visit the Museum and the Mausoleum of their founder -- <span style="color: magenta;">Mevlana.</span> Continue south to the lovely
Mediterranean coast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We took a pleasant walk along the Med after check in at the
hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/24 <span style="color: blue;">7. Wed.
Perge/Aspendos/Antalya<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Explore the remains of the Greco-Roman cities of <span style="color: magenta;">Perge</span> and <span style="color: magenta;">Aspendos</span>,
where you can sit in one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. A
coin dropped on stage can still be heard in the last row today. In the
afternoon, visit the Antalya Museum, home to many of the treasures excavated in
the region. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Perge was a huge town (pop. 150,000) with a large cladrium,
tepidarium, and frigidarium (common to most Roman baths) and a covered path
with running streams. Two of the marble stone on a corner wall were still
standing with vivid green colors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Aspendos was a theater very similar to the one we saw in
Orange, France. In orange I heard the best kept Roman Theater was in Aspendos
and that’s how I decided to visit Turkey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We had a nice alfresco lunch, a backgammon game with our
driver, Memet, had a Jewelry stop, and at the town museum with a large
collection of statutes, including the impressive Hermes and ½ of Hercules (the
other half being at the Met.). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mid
Tour Break<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/25 8.
Thursday, We left our tour in the morning, took a taxi to Fethiye (300km, 3
hours, $80) and drove to Oludeniz, checked in at clean Hotel Arlik near the
beach. (50m ($1=1.35m) for two rooms). We then had lunch and swam in the salty
green deep waters of the Med. We then took a dulmas (minibus) to Fethiye and
had a nice dinner at Megir, in the main restaurant alley of the town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/26 Friday.
The bus we had reserved (50M for 3) the day before at the beach for the
12-island tour picked us up at 9:30am. The boat departed at 11:30. The cruise
was fun with a few stops for swim at beautiful shores. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We met Captain Durmus Oztas, the owner of a new boat on one
of the islands; he gave us a tour of his nice boat and told us we could charter
it for a group of 10-12 people for one week for $7,000 including food and
domestic drinks. There would be additional cost for imported wine. Greek
islands charge $350 per island. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Address: Buzburun
B.L.D. 48710, Marmaris<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fax: 00902524562580<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cell 00905435121459<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We able to find the fish market after landeding at the port.
We bought some fish and left it at restaurant Osman and then walked to the
travel agency (Sepmatik Yachting </span><a href="http://www.blueyachtcruise.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.blueyachtcruise.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) for a 4-day cruise to Demre ($130
each). As we left the office we saw a big crowd entering the Antique Theater
for the Annual Presidential Concert. We were allowed in. The concert began with
a piece from Strauss and a couple of Italian arias by a very good tenor. We
left at the intermission. We had a very good dinner at Osman, but when we got
the bill ($40), it was more than what we had thought the bill would be since we
had already bought the fish. Osman agreed that we pay him the next day and
offered us some Turkish coffee. He sat
with us and talked about his son who is back in U.S. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/27 Sat.
We took a dulmas to Fethyie and stopped at Osman to pay him. We then walked to
Sempatik to make the payment for our cruise to Appo (Abdul-Rahman). We then walked to Lycian Tombs and enjoyed
the hike and the views of the Med from atop the hill. We then had a very
enjoyable lunch at Pasha Kebob (L.P.). later that day Feri and I went to the
beach and had a drink at a local bar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/28 Sun.
We checked out from our hotel and took a taxi to Sempatik. We bought some
drinks and walked to our boat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Our
fellow passengers were 2 German brothers (Ruff & Christian) and a few four
Australian couples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="mailto:Rolf.badenhoop@cgeg.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rolf.badenhoop@cgeg.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="mailto:Badenhoop-mainz@t-online.de"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Badenhoop-mainz@t-online.de</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="mailto:Klausbadenhoop@guix.de"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Klausbadenhoop@guix.de</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The cruise was fun. Due to high winds we anchored at
Oludeniz. Cindy swam the ½ mile to the shore and went to Arlik hotel to get our
security deposit back. At night we slept on the deck under the beautiful skies
and a nice breeze. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/29 Mon.
We cruised by Sunken City at docked at beautiful Simena. Hamideh, an old lady,
became our tour guide and directed us to the castle on the hilltop; the view
was beautiful. On the way down we came across some Lycian Tombs (pictured in L.P.). At night we
docked at Pirates Bay. We went to bed at 9:00pm; a few couple went to the
village disco and the music could be heard till 3:00a. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9/30 Cruising
the Med.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10/01 Wed.
We watched the sunrise before a swim. After arriving at port, we took a short
bus ride to bus stop where we took a minibus to for our 3-hour drive to Antalya
(3m ea.). The first half part of the
trip the road was very scenic with the shore to our right. Right before
arriving at Antalya the bus broke out; we called Pacha Tours in Istanbul and
they told us to wait at nearby Hotel Sea Surf to be picked up by our bus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> The
bus picked us up in an hour and we drove to beautiful Festival Hotel near
Antalya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10/02 <span style="color: blue;">8. Thu.
Aphrodisias/Denizli<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Morning drive to Aphrodisias, a cultural center of the ancient world
renowned for its school of sculpture. See an outstanding selection of statues
in the local museum. After lunch, drive north to <span style="color: magenta;">Pamukkale</span>,
the ancient healing city of <span style="color: magenta;">Hierapolis</span>. Soak
in the soothing splendor of its cascading hot springs. "<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Aphrodisias, a park-like Roman ruin was magnificent. The snow-like
dried-up cascades of Pamukkale were beautiful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10/03 <span style="color: blue;">9. Fri. Ephesus/Kusadasi
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Proceed to <span style="color: magenta;">Ephesus</span>
one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. You will truly feel you
have traveled back in time as you stroll along the 2, 000-year-old marble
streets to such famous sites as the theatre where St. Paul preached and the
Celsius </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Library.
In the afternoon, visit the last earthly home of the Virgin Mary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The library of Celsius and the public
open toilets were fabulous. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Stayed at nice Kusadasi/festival Hotel
on the Med.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10/4 <span style="color: blue;">10. Sat.
Pergamum/Troy/Canakkale <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Drive along the Aegean coast to ancient
Pergamum, the city where parchment was invented and home to the famous
physician, Galen. Stroll through the remains of the <span style="color: magenta;">Asclepion</span>,
one of the foremost medical centers of ancient times. Continue to the legendary
ci</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">ty of <span style="color: magenta;">Troy</span> immortalized in Homer's Iliad. Continue to
Canakkale. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Pergamum was a cute small town with some leftover Greek
homes. The hill top Pergamum was splendid and was the remains of Asclepion and
the 7 layers of old civilizations at Troy.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">At night stayed at beautiful Kale Resort Hotel on the Med in
Canakkale (0286 232 83 32, </span><a href="http://www.kaleresort.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.kaleresort.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10/05 <span style="color: blue;">11. Sun.
Gallipoli/Istanbul<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In the morning, cross the Dardanelle Strait to <span style="color: magenta;">Gallipoli</span>, site of the infamous World War I
battle. Visit the museum, Anzac Cove and Lone Pine. Lunch at Gallipoli and
drive to Istanbul, the only city that truly bridges Europe and Asia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">At night stayed at hotel Aziyade (Festival </span><a href="http://www.aziyadehotel.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.aziyadehotel.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">) in an old charming local
neighborhood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10/06 <span style="color: blue;">12. Mon. Istanbul<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In the morning you'll tour the Roman Hippodrome, Suleymaniye
Mosque and the Blue Mosque. In the afternoon, continue with Topkapi Palace and
shop at the Grand Bazaar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In the afternoon, went back to Sulan Ahmet Sq. for a walk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10/07 <span style="color: blue;">13. Tue. Istanbul<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Watch Istanbul come to life as you
enjoy a morning cruise past the Roman walls, palaces and mosques along the
Asian and the European coasts of the Bosporus. After lunch visit Saint Sophia
where Christian mosaics dating from 536AD and Islamic calligraphy fr</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">om 1453 live side by side in testimony
to the beauty and longevity of both religions. Then, add spice to your life
back home by bartering at the Spice Market. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Our guide dropped us at Taksim Sq. at the end of the tour.
The area was an old European style neighborhood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">At night Feri & I went to Kumkapi Meidani Fish Market
for a nice dinner and live music. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">10/08 <span style="color: blue;">14. Wed.
Departure (B) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Transfer to airport. Fly to USA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></h1>
<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202482"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317931146"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317864120"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘03/09/17 Turkey Notes</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hotels:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Istanbul
Erboy ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">AC, Erboy is located at the old city
center and in walking distance to main historical places such as Topkapi
Palace, St. Sophia, Blue Mosque, Covered bazaar, underground cistern. 85 Rooms
with private facilities, direct dial phone, Satellite TV, Hair Drye</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">r, 1 Bar, Terrace Cafe and Restaurant
with Panoramic view of the Bosporus, 1 Restaurant with Indoor Capacity of 80,
Safety Box at Reception, Laundry Service. 13 miles from the airport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tel: (212) 513 3750 Fax:
(212) 513 3759 Address: Ebusuud
Cad No:32 34410 Sirkeci ISTANBUL <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ankara
- <span style="color: red;">Esenboga ***** <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tel: (312) 399 4700 Fax:
(312) 399 4703 Address: Esenboga
yolu 16. Km Saray Beldesi Kecioren ANKARA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Surmeli: Tel:
(312) 231 7660 Cihan Sok. 6
Sihhiye 06430<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cappadocia
Kapadokya Inn ****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">No AC, 200 rooms, 420 beds, private
bathrooms, telephone, music, restaurant, 2 bars, cafeteria, TV hall, parking,
shopping center. 24 hours a day at the reception, where free of charge safety
boxes are at your disposal for your valuables. Rooms all equipped with mini
bar, satellite antenna television, radio, direct telephone and bathroom with
hair-dryer and toilets. A laundry, dry cleaning and ironing service delivers
your clothes within 24 hours. The distance to Nevsehir airport is 20 miles, to
Kayseri air</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">port
50 miles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tel: (384) 343 3470 Fax:
(384) 343 3480 Address: Goreme
Kavsagi Ortahisar 50650 Urgup NEVSEHIR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Antalya/Kemer
Festival Tekirova ****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">AC, 116 Rooms. Music, Direct Dial
Telephone, Telephone, Private Bathroom, Shower and Toilet, Hair Dryer, Balcony,
Restaurant(s), Breakfast Hall, Snack Bar, Cafeteria, 3 Bars (Lobby, Cafeteria,
Pool). Internet, Health Cabin, Babysitting, Market, Parking Lot, Dry Cleaning,
Laundry Service, and Generator. Outdoor Swimming Pool, (with children section),
Turkish Bath, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Fitness Center, Coiffeur, Garden, Playing Ground
for Children, TV Room, Disco, Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Jogging,
Cycling,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Water
Sports} Banana, Jet ski, Canoe, Windsurf. 65 miles to Antalya Airport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tel: (242) 821 45 45 Fax:
(242) 821 45 50 Address: P. O Box
111 Tekirova 07995 Kemer ANTALYA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Pamukkale
Traverten ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">AC, 57 rooms, 7 Suites. Direct Dial
telephone, Balcony. 2 Bars, 2 Restaurant- Indoor Capacity: 150, Outdoor
Capacity: 250, Safety Box at Reception, Laundry Service, Parking, Garden,
Outdoor Swimming Pool, Pool for children, TV lounge. The distance of airpo</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">rt is 45 miles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tel: (258) 272 2154 Fax
(258) 272 2004 Address:
Pamukkale Kasabasi DENIZLI <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Kusadasi
Festival ****<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">AC,
250 rooms satellite antenna television, direct telephone, and bathroom
with hair-dryer and toilet products. A laundry, dry cleaning and ironing
service delivers your clothes within 24 hours. In the basement, a Hamam and
sauna. The distance to Izmir ai</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">rport is 50 miles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tel: (256) 614 4800 Fax:
(256) 612 6000 Address:
Kadinlardenizi Mah. Kusadasi AYDIN<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Canakkale
Iris ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">AC, 74 Rooms, 1 Suites, Direct Dial
Telephone, Private Bathroom, Satellite TV, Minibar, Hair Dryer, Balcony, Safety
Box at Reception, Laundry Service, Dry Cleaning, Doctor, Health Cabin,
Generator, Market, Parking. Tennis,
Billiards, Outdoor Swimming Pool</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, Children Swimming Pool, TV Hall, Disco. The distance to
Istanbul airport is 200 miles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tel: (286) 232 8100 Fax:
(286) 232 8028 Address: Mola
Cad. 17070 Guzelyali CANAKKALE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Gulet Cruises: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Pupa Aug: 900E/day w/ 3 cabins 2,600E/day for 12
cabin 90 252 316 7715 </span><a href="http://www.pupa.com.tr/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">www.pupa.com.tr</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Flama Aug: 820-3,5700E/day + food 25E/day </span><a href="http://www.flamatours.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">www.flamatours.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Financial Times Article on Joys of
Istanbul Oct, 2005</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span><a href="mailto:Tyler.brule@winkorp.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Tyler.brule@winkorp.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Istanbul
hit list<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Buy
lamps & kilims from Elements <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Enjoy
a late-night supper at 360 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Walk,
eat, walk, drink and walk along Baghdad Street<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Visit
the Princes’ Islands & ogle at the architecture <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Pretend
to be a local at Bebek Café <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Order
a cruiser from Vicem Yachts – Turkey’s answer to Riva<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Stock
up on slippers at Narin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Go
for toasted sandwiches at Mamaris Bufe <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Go
house-hunting around Gukurcuma <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" />
</span></u></b>
</div>
<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202483"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317931147"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317864121"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘04/05/29 Boston: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Boston Common, Harvard
Square, Faneuil Hall</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took the 9:00 bus at 139 Canal
Street (FungWah Bus Co. $10 one-way) and arrived in Boston at 1:00pm. A Chinese
Street fair was in progress. We stopped at the famous China Pearl (9 Tyler St)
for Dim Sum and then walked to Boston Common and walked in the park until our
hotel shuttle picked us up at 3:00pm. After check in at DoubleTree (400
Soldiers Field Road, reserved on PriceLine for $80), took the shuttle back to
Harvard Square to visit Harvard Campus. We then took the subway to Boston
Common and walked around quaint cobble-stone Beacon Hill streets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5/30 Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took the shuttle to Long Wharf and
walked to Charlestown Bridge for our 3-mile Freedom Trail walking tour, ending
in the crowded Faneuil Hall/Quincy Center/Boston Common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then rested at Boston Common for a
while before walking to Pier 4, Anthony’s Seafood restaurant with a nice view
of the harbor; it was overrated. We took a can back to our hotel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5/31 Monday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took the shuttle to Harvard Square
where we had breakfast and then took the subway to Boston Common and rested
around Faneuil Hall. We took the bus at 6:00pm and arrived in New York at
11:00pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317931148"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317864122"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202484"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">‘04/09/04 Italy: </span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: normal;">Rome, Perugia, Siena/Chainti, San Gimignano, Florence, Lucca, Pisa,
Cinque Terre, Bellagio,</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="color: blue;">Como, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Modena, Parma<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/05 Sunday
<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After returning the A/C to Home Depot,
had a haircut, packed and tool a cab to Delta at JFK where we were told that
our flight was on Alitalia; we had to take a shuttle to their building. Cindy
asked for a bulk seat and we ended up right behind the partition separating us
from the business class, net to Barbara, an Italian woman with her 2-year old
noisy son Johnny. We had an on-time departure at 9:35pm. The flight was full;
the service was just enough to get by. I had a good sleep. We arrived at <i><span style="color: blue;">Rome</span></i>
Leonardo Davinci Aeroporto. I exchanged $100 for 62€ (including a 20%
commission @ $1.28).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then took the Leornardo Express
train (9€) to StazioneTermini (45 minutes), and took a 20-minute walk to hotel
Tizi. We then walked to Piazza Republica, via Nazionale to Quatro Fontani to
Piazza di Spagna (the Spanish Steps). It was very crowded. We walked on the
area’s charming alleyways. We continued on via del Corso to beautiful Fontana
Di Trevi; at 10pm it was still very lively. We had a pizza at Crispi, where the
owner happened to be Iranian and started a heated conversation on American
government atrocities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/06 Monday
<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Walked to Piazza Venezia and visited
Foro Romano, Campidoglio and continued to Coliseum and Piazza Navona to
Pantheon. After marveling inside for some time, bought a Chianti and some food
for a nice impromptu picnic at the piazza for a lovely meal while enjoying the
view of the gorgeous building around the square.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We then walked to Piazza Novana and
hopped on the first bus that arrived; it took us to Vatican City where we
walked around and sat to watch the nightfall on the square. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/07 Tuesday
<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Walked to Villa Borghese and enjoyed
the tranquil grounds waiting for the next admission; visited the opulent
Galleria, a rich collection of artifacts compliments of Cardinal Scipione
Borghese (10€ + 5 for audio guide). The highlights were statutes of Apollo e
Dafne, Rape of Persephone and David by Bernini. We then had a decent lunch at
Cantina Cantarini at Piazza Salustio 12 followed by a siesta in our room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/08 Wednesday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We visited the Vatican City once more
where the line was curve for half a mile. We took the Metro to Ostia Antika, the
remains of a huge Roman city over 2000 year ago; it was a pleasant area to
explore with very few visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At night walked to the charming
Tratsvere area and enjoyed the village-like surroundings of the restaurants and
streets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/09 Thursday
<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I took the Metro/bus/walked to Villa Adriana in Tivoli, the huge villa
built by Emperor Hadriana, with many parts of it still standing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I then walked for some time before
taking the bus to villa D’este, the magnificent multi-level garden converted
from a convent be d’este in 1550. It had many terraces with water spouting
grotesques and spectacular fountains and waterfalls all powered by
gravitational force. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the evening too the train to <i><span style="color: blue;">Prugia</span></i>
(2.5 hours) and checked in at the lovely Hotel Anna, in a 400-year old
building.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We visited the lively town piazza with
Fontana Maggiore in its center. It was filled with students sitting at the
steps of the cathedral and enjoying beer and coffee. We had a delicious pasta
at Victoria, at the piazza. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/10 Friday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We walked to the other end of the town
to the municipal offices and after a detour entered a formidable arched
fortress with very high ceilings before stumbling into a series of escalators
that took us of the old town and into the new town. We found the bus station
where we bought tickets for Siena (10€). At night attended a Calabrian folk
dance at the main piazza. For dinner we ended up at Victoria again; Renault,
our French waiter the tough life in Italy, its bureaucracy, the high inflation
of the EU and stagnant salaries, 60% taxes and the burden the Arabs are
imposing on the society. He said Fabio, the chef, with a great international
experience made only 2000€ monthly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/11 Saturday <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Woke up at 6:30 and took the
8:00-9:40am bus to <i><span style="color: blue;">Siena</span></i>. The scenery was nice with some of the most
beautiful farmhouses. In Siena, took the escalator up to the old tow, a hilly
13-c city with charming narrow curvy stone-paved streets frozen in time. Most
of the buildings were built by brick, unlike stone-built Perugian ones. To find
our charming hotel Alma domus (next to St. Catherine) we ended up circling the
area three times while asking for directions. Siena is a city of 50,000 people
with 23,000 students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/12 Sunday
<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We enjoyed the serene walk around the
town. In the afternoon, took a bus tour of the Chianti with our friendly guide,
Marco, with a few stops to enjoy the beautiful scenery under the gray skies,
similar to that in Napa valley, before arriving at Zonni winery and tasting a
few of Chianti Classic wines. They are aged at 14-18c temperature, 80%
humidity, aging 1-2 years in barrels. They are aged in large oak barrels
(3-7000lt, up to 30 years old) for a few months. If the wine shrinks (using a
glass meter atop the barrel), they pump more wine into the barrels to extract
the air in order to avoid causing the air to spoil the wine. The wine is the
switched into 350lt French oak barrels (2-3 years age) to avoid too much oak
flavor. These barrels are then used for scotch, grappa or balsamic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The wine is normally 80% Sangiovese
grapes. In Reserva, they use up to 90% Sangiovese and 10% of up to three
varieties of other grapes to balance the final flavor of the wine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/13 Monday
<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shopped for breakfast and had a
pleasant one at Piazza del Duomo, before walking to piazza Grasci for our bus
to <i><span style="color: blue;">San Gimignano</span></i>.
We checked in our room atop restaurant Vehicco Mura overlooking the beautiful
Chianti valleys. The city is a small version of Siena with stone buildings from
the 13<sup>th</sup> century, with twelve towers up to 150’ tall. There was a
charming park. We spent some time around the two beautiful piazzas of the town
filled with tourists. We had a nice meal on the terrace of Le Vehicco Mura
overlooking the magnificent green valley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Note: Visit neaby charming towns Colie
Val d’Elsa and Volterra. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/14 Tuesday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We had a long hike on the beautiful
Chianti valley; the scenery was great, filled with the vineyards, olive and
corn fields, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Walked to a few beautiful houses mostly
turned out to be agro-tourism bed & breakfast. We talked to the owner of
one of them, Gino, a charming old man, owner of Casa Marina & Gino, asking
6.5m for his house and land. After a full circle around the valley, we arrived
at porta san Jacopa, on the opposite side of the town. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the afternoon, shopped at one of the
gourmet shops and had a lovely picnic supper at the terrace of our hotel which
is closed on Tuesdays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At night listened the thunder and the
rainfall for a few hours <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/15 Wednesday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I looked out of the window and saw most
of the valley in a heavy mist from the rainfall the night before. We picked up
some delicious biscuits at Bobli. Cindy purchased our bus tickets to Florence
from the office of Hotel Promotions near Porta San Giovanni; we took the bus to
Poggisbani and changed for the bus to <i><span style="color: blue;">Florence</span></i>. The bus left us at near the train
station and it took us ten minutes to walk to hotel Armonia. Marco, the
attendant gave us a hard time for not calling in advance to confirm our
reservation but finally gave us a room. We walked to the nearby Pizza del
marcato Central, the huge indoor market where we had a decent lunch. After
leaving the market, we stated walking in the charming historical area of the
city. Within a few hours we managed to see most of the points of the interest,
del duomo with its magnificent tile works specially on the floors, the great
piazza Republica with imposing buildings, and piazza della signaria, with
more <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">meautiful buildings and cathedrals on
its perimeter, Uffizi, and the bridges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We attended a concert at St. Stefanno
church at night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/16 Thursday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We stopped at Mercato Central and
bought some delicious fruits for breakfast. We then visited galleria Academia,
ate at Nerbone at the mercato, walked around the town and visited porta
vecchio, and hiked to michalangelo park, where the African vendors were
blasting the music. We had a brown out and managed to have a quiet picnic and a
beautiful view of the city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/17 Friday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Walked in the residential part of the
town and stopped at Citibank for some advice. We then walked to Santa Croce,
the largest Franciscan church, a remarkably elaborate structure with many
sculptures and paintings. We then tried to visit Uffizi, after waiting for some
time in the line, give up and reserved two tickets for Sunday (11 + 3
fee). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/18 Saturday
<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We woke up at 6:30 and took the
one-hour bus to <i><span style="color: blue;">Lucca</span></i>;
walked around the old wall to enter the town and stumble into the large number
of antique vendors setting shop on the streets; using all the space around the
town center. We managed to have a nice walk around the charming town over the
walls before the tour groups show up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took the train to <span style="color: blue;">pisa,</span> walked across the town and visited the
impressive Cathedral; I hiked to the
roof of pisa for a beautiful view of the surroundings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/19 Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We visited the Uffizi museum. It was a
large collection of 11-15c paintings including those of Michaelangelo. We had a
pleasant dinner at Il Latini with our fellow diners from LA, Japan and Puglia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/20 Monday
<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took an early train to <i><span style="color: blue;">La
Spezia/Corniglia, </span></i>(part of <span style="color: blue;">Cinque Terre</span>)
where we took a 5-minute bus ride (vs. hiking 360 steps) up to the small town.
After check in at Da Cecio, we hiked the easy path to <i><span style="color: blue;">Manarola & Riomaggiore</span></i>. The
scenery of the tall cliffs and the water were splendid. We descended the cliffs
and swam in the beautiful green waters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We watch the beautiful sunset back in
Corniglia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/21 Tuesday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We hiked the scenic challenging path to
<i><span style="color: blue;">Vernazza &
Monterosso</span></i> (3,5 hours). Vernazza, the smaller town was more charming
but both packed with tourists<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the return we checked into room #6
with double large windows and beautiful view of the waters and the mountains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/22 Wednesday <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We heard the four bells as usual; the
third bell rang 55 times at 7am. We also heard the interesting whistle of
Merlot, an African gray bassaro, filling the valley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We took the path down to the beach but
ended up in the rocky part with strong waves. After return and lunch, took the
correct path to the beach. The waves were strong and were hitting the rocks
hard. We had a short swim but had a hard time getting out of the water. We both
got some bruises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I went back to town and picked up some
cold cuts, wine and grapes, and with the tomatoes and basil we had picked up
earlier, had a beautiful supper, while enjoying the romantic sunset over wavy
waters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/23 Thursday <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our
train to Monterosso was late and we missed our connection train to Como. In
Monterosso we had time for a drink and for a short swim at the public beach. We
took the 13:00-17:05 train via Milan. We then took a one hour bus ride to <i><span style="color: blue;">Bellagio</span></i>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/24 Friday <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Walked
along the beautiful alleys of the charming town; it was not too crowded. In the
afternoon took a boat ride to the spanish-style town of Verrena and had a nice
meal at Vecchia Varena. By the time we left the restaurant the wind was getting
very cold. After a 40-minutes wait took the ferry back to Bellagio. After a
40-minute arrived at Bellagio. We almost missed to get off the boat as it was
docking from the back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/25 Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
visited three properties around Bellagio. One in Gineva for 300E on a 1000m
hilly lot was the most charming. We walked around the charming alleys of the
town, rested at the lake and Cindy fed the ducks <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/26 Sunday <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
picked up some wine and stuff at the Deli (with the friendly old lady) and had a nice picnic lunch on the grounds of
our hotel, with some grapes that the father of the proprietor pick up for us.
We then took the last tour of the lovely town and took the 17:00-19:00 boat to
Como. The ride was a pleasant one with a great view of the villages on both
side of the lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In <span style="color: blue;">Como</span> we had time for a dinner where I left Cindy and
had a long walk to the train station to but tickets to Venice. We then took a
short walk in Como and then headed to train station <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/27 Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After
a long wait at the deserted station, we
boarded our 1:30am train to Chiasgo where we had to wait again for a long time.
We had a hard time to find out which platform our train will be arriving at.
There were no attendants and the platforms were partitioned for visa checks.
Finally our 2:45am train arrived, but to our dismay we found out that it was a
sleeper train and all cars were full and without a reservation we could not get
on board. We had to wait at the station for 5:00am train to Milan. We tried to
take a nap in the waiting room but it was very cold and smoky. The Milan train
left at Garibaldi station, where we had to take a taxi to Milano Centrale for
7:15-11:30 train to <i><span style="color: blue;">Venezia</span></i>. We spent the day walking around piazza
St. Marco. The piazza was magnificent, with its open square with shops all
around and two bands at restaurants across each other play familiar theme while
crowds feeding the many pigeons looking for handouts. The alleys leading to
pizza were packed with tourists and shop and many beautiful views of the canal.
With no cars, the town was peaceful fun to walk around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
architecture was splendid the old structures standing for so long intact were
amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/28 Tuesday <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
purchased a one-day canal pass and rode the vaporetto a few times. On the way
back from Lido, across the great canal, we got off at Gardinos and walked the
pleasant non-touristy alleys lined up with charming homes. We asked a couple
for a good restaurant and they recommended
Giorginio. We we’re the first customers at the door and the kitchen help
invited us to take a seat. We sat in the sidewalk and before long all the seats
were filled with tourists. When Cindy asked from the Romanian waiter about their
customers, he said that they got only tourists. He complained about life in
Italy and 17-hour workdays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/29 Wednesday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
walked to San Marco once more. Parts of the piazza were flooded. We had a salad
at Brek and took the train to <span style="color: blue;">Bologna</span>. We
walked around the piazza Maggiore, the main square of the city located just
behind our hotel. It looked very impressive in the lights of the night. In
another street on the opposite side of our hotel we stumbled into a few bars
packed with beer-drinking students. Further down on the same street there were
many students hanging out on the grounds with their beer bottles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">09/30 Thursday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
took a train to <i><span style="color: blue;">Modena</span></i>
and visited the Cathedral. For lunch we stooped at a restaurant with good
antipasto and tortellini.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marco,
a fellow diner, joined us and with little English he spoke, he told us of his
love of American movies, John Wayne and William Holden, music (Elvis and
Polanka) and his live of American liberty. He said America was like a bear,
strong and likable; it should be treated with respect not to anger it. He was a
very lively conversationalist. He talked of Pavoratti who lived in Monte Carlo
in order to avoid taxes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
then took another train ride to <i><span style="color: blue;">Parma</span></i> and visited the 14-c university still in
use. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10/01 Friday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After an espresso in our hotel, visited
the lively food market and piazza Maggiore, had a god lunch at Tamburini and
took the 14:38 train to Rome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We revisited Piaza di Spagna (Spanish
Steps) and Tivoli Fountains. We stumbled into a church where they had a Opera
performance that we decided to see. It was a good program and we enjoyed
it. It was a good program and we enjoyed
it. We walked to Piazza del Popolo which
looked splendid at night. We stumbled into a church where they had a Opera
performance that we decided to see. It was a good program and we enjoyed
it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10/02 Saturday<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
took the bus to the train station and barely made it to our plane. We had an
un-eventful flight back home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></u></b>
</div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></h2>
<h2>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc416202485"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317931149"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc317864123"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">……… Italy
notes</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">09/4 –
Sat: JFK 9:30p -
ROM: 12:00n $595 David
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10/2 –
Sat. ROM 9:45a - NWK: 12:35p<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.9pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sun<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mon<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tue<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 81.0pt;" valign="top" width="108"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Thurs<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fri<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sat <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom: none; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.9pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 81.0pt;" valign="top" width="108"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">4 Rome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: aqua; border-bottom: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.9pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">5 Rome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="background: aqua; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">6 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: aqua; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">7 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: aqua; border-bottom: none; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">8 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #DFDFDF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-125 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 81.0pt;" valign="top" width="108"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9 Perugia / train<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #DFDFDF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-125 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: silver; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">11 Siena / bus <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: silver; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.9pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">12 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">13
San Gimig <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">14 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: fuchsia; border-bottom: none; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">15 Florence <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: fuchsia; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 81.0pt;" valign="top" width="108"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">16 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: fuchsia; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">17 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: fuchsia; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="background: fuchsia; border-bottom: none; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.9pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="background: #DFDFDF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-125 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">20
Pisa, Cinque T<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #DFDFDF; border-bottom: none; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-125 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">21 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #DFDFDF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-125 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: silver; border-bottom: none; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 81.0pt;" valign="top" width="108"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">23
Como / train<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: silver; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">24<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-25 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">25 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-25 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.9pt;" valign="top" width="85"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">26 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: red; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .5in;" valign="top" width="48"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">27 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: yellow; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.5pt;" valign="top" width="54"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Venice
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: yellow; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">28 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: lime; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">29 Bolognia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: lime; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 81.0pt;" valign="top" width="108"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">30 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: aqua; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1
Rome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 Rome
9:45a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border: none;" width="85"></td>
<td style="border: none;" width="48"></td>
<td style="border: none;" width="54"></td>
<td style="border: none;" width="72"></td>
<td style="border: none;" width="84"></td>
<td style="border: none;" width="108"></td>
<td style="border: none;" width="84"></td>
<td style="border: none;" width="102"></td>
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</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoFooter">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">09/4 – Sat: JFK 9:30p -
ROM: 12:00n $595 David<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10/2 – Sat. ROM 9:45a - NWK:
12:35p<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">American Express - Lex. T.C. Euro: <span style="color: blue;">$1.30</span> (9//1/2004) Euro TC to USD TC: <span style="color: red;">$1.15</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tourist office: 630 5<sup>th</sup> Ave. & 50<sup>th </sup>(Rockefeller)
245-4822 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Country code: <b>39 </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Italy Rail 8days
299-199 (Flo-Rom: 48-30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 15days 373-249<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Kilometric 364-256 up to 20 trips/3,000km (1-5 people use)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Flexible RailPass: After 19:00 will count toward the next day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Europass Saverpass: Unlimited 1<sup>st</sup> Class for 2 for 5,8,10 or 15 days in
2 months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .7in;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.5pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">Days
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.5pt;" valign="top" width="54"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">Air
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.5pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">Cash
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">ATM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">TC
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.5pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">CC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">Total
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .7in;" valign="top" width="67"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">Italy
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.5pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">28
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 40.5pt;" valign="top" width="54"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">2*595<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.5pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">100E<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">1600<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;">1000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.5pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 76.5pt;" valign="top" width="102"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.italian-link.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.italian-link.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.alfanet.it/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.alfanet.it/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.cts.it/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">www.cts.it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> Student
travel org. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.mondoweb.it/home_eng.htm"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.mondoweb.it/home_eng.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> English Yellow pages <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.excite.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">www.excite.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> Key
in Italy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.informaroma.it/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">www.informaRoma.it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> Rome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.travel.it/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">www.travel.it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> Useful Tourist info <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.wantedinrom.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">www.wantedinrom.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> Events, classified (Share an apartment)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.atlastourandtravel.com/newfrontiers.htm"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.atlastourandtravel.com/newfrontiers.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Check for tour
packages 800 366 6387 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.railpass.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">www.railpass.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> 800-722-7151 car + gas
+ insurance + tolls </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">è</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> expensive <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.eurail.on.ca/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">www.eurail.on.ca</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> 888-667-9734 L.P.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Dining <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Meals: Three
courses: <i>antipasto</i> (appetizer), <i>primo</i>
(1<sup>st</sup> course, pasta or soup), <i>secondo:</i>
(main, meat or fish)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Hotels: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.familyhotels.it/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">www.FamilyHotels.it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.bookings.it/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">www.bookings.it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Hostelling
Int’l </span><a href="http://www.hiayh.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">www.hiayh.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> Collect
6 stamps (L5,000) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Rome
</span><a href="http://www.hotelkennedy.net/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.hotelkennedy.net</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span><a href="mailto:Info@hotelKennedy.net"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Info@hotelKennedy.net</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> 09/05:
85€, then 129€<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span><a href="mailto:md0991@mclink.it"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">md0991@mclink.it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <span style="color: red;">No Vacancy</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://www.bandbinrome.com/BedandBreakfast/BB_Eng1.htm"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.bandbinrome.com/BedandBreakfast/BB_Eng1.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> Check the site, many hotels, <span style="color: red;">Safety</span> ???<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://www.bbitalia.it/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.bbitalia.it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span><a href="mailto:info@bbitalia.it"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">info@bbitalia.it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> Rome –
B&B - 4 days ~ 250€ See
email <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://www.adriatichotel.com/prezzi2.htm"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.adriatichotel.com/prezzi2.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://www.58viacavour.it/En.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.58viacavour.it/En.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://www.capitolium.org/eng/fori/augusto.htm"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.capitolium.org/eng/fori/augusto.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://www.enjoyrome.com/main.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.EnjoyRome.com/main.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://www.romatourismo.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.RomaTourismo.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Florence
</span><a href="http://www.emmeti.it/Welcome/Toscana/Firenze/Alberghi/azzi.it.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.emmeti.it/Welcome/Toscana/Firenze/Alberghi/azzi.it.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> 46-77€ </span><a href="mailto:hotel-azzi@liberto.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">hotel-azzi@liberto.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> (+39) 055 213806<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> Mia Cara 055 290 804 Angela
- ask for back rooms 60€
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Venice
</span><a href="http://www.veniceby.com/ilgambero"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.veniceby.com/ilgambero</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span><a href="mailto:ilgambero@veniceby.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">ilgambero@veniceby.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> 65-170€
</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-no-proof: yes; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">è</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> 190€
<span style="color: magenta;">Vacancy</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.eurocheapo.com/venice/listings/selection/doni.asp"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.eurocheapo.com/venice/listings/selection/doni.asp</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> 115€ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Bellagio
Giardinetto Piazza del Cheisa 52€
D/B, breakfast 6€ 031 950 168<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sun<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<td colspan="2" style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mon<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tue<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Thurs<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fri<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 87.9pt;" valign="top" width="117"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sat <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: none; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 87.9pt;" valign="top" width="117"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">4 Rome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="background: aqua; border-bottom: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">5 </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rome</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="background: aqua; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">6 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: aqua; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">7 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: aqua; border-bottom: none; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">8 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #DFDFDF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-125 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">9 </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Perugia</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> / bus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #DFDFDF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-125 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">10 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: silver; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 87.9pt;" valign="top" width="117"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">11 </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Siena</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> / bus <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="background: silver; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">12 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">13 </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">San Gimig</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">14 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: fuchsia; border-bottom: none; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">15 </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Florence</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: fuchsia; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">16 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: fuchsia; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">17 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: fuchsia; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 87.9pt;" valign="top" width="117"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
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<tr>
<td style="background: fuchsia; border-bottom: none; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="background: #DFDFDF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-125 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">20 </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Pisa, Cinque T</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #DFDFDF; border-bottom: none; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-125 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">21 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #DFDFDF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-125 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: silver; border-bottom: none; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">23 </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Como</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> / train<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: silver; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">24<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-25 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 87.9pt;" valign="top" width="117"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">25 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes; page-break-inside: avoid;">
<td style="background: #BFBFBF; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-pattern: gray-25 auto; mso-shading: white; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">26 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: red; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 17.65pt;" valign="top" width="24"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">27 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: yellow; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 64.6pt;" valign="top" width="86"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Venice
/ train?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: yellow; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">28 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: lime; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">29 </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bolognia</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: lime; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">30 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: aqua; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 82.25pt;" valign="top" width="110"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Rome</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 87.9pt;" valign="top" width="117"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 Rome
9:45a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border: none;" width="104"></td>
<td style="border: none;" width="107"></td>
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<h1>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sun 9/5 12:00 Arrive Rome DaVinci<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Check
– in: Hotel Tizi, Via Collina 48, ROME
(4 nights) - Tel: 011-39-06 482 01 28<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">62 E/248 E – Bathroom. 8/23 confirmed Antonio &
Marie-Elena. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PM Explore Trastevere area / Rome at
Leisure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mon 9/6 AM Piazza
Venezia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Aracoeli
(Church of)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Campidoglio<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Foro
Romano<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Colosseo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PM Piaza di Spagna (Spanish Steps)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Trinita
Dei Monti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Tritone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Fontana
Di Trevi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Piazza
Colonna<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Pantheon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Piazza
Navona<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tue 9/7 AM Castel
S. Angelo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> S.
Pietro<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Musei Vaticani<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Piazzale
del Gianicolo <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PM Terme di Caracalla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Porta
S. Sebastiano<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Domine
Quo Vadis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Catacombe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Circo
di Massenzio<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Tomba
di Cecilia / Metella<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Villa
dei Quintili<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wed 9/8 AM S.
Maria Maggiore Basilica<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> S.
Giovanni Basilica<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> S.
Paolo Basilica<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> EUR
– modern quarter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PM Villa Borghese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Cavalli
Marini<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Pincio<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Piazza
del Popolo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Via
del Corso / Via di Ripetta / Via del Babuino<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Thur 9/9 AM Depart
for day trip to Tivoli – Tivoli Gardens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Lunch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PM Depart for Perugia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 12:14 Direct Train #2482 depart Roma Termini<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Arrive Perugia 14:50 – 2<sup>nd</sup> Class
10,12 E (2hrs 36mins) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 13:48 Direct Train ES #9340 depart Roma
Termini <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Arrive Perugia 15:53 – 2<sup>nd</sup> Class
17,15 E (2hrs 5mins)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <u>18:14 Direct Train #2484 depart Roma Termini<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Arrive Perugia 20:50 – 2<sup>nd</sup> Class
10,12 E (2hrs 36mins)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 19:46 Direct Train ES #9342 depart Roma
Termini<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Arrive Perugia 21:53 – 2<sup>nd</sup> class
17,15 E (2hrs 7mins)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Check – in: Albergo Anna, Via dei Priori 48, PERUGIA (2
nights) Tel & Fax: 011-39-075 573 6304<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Lonley 42 – 46 E / website also 42-46 E
/ Phone quote 48 (??) – NO Bathroom.
Faxed confirm 8/23/04.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h5>
PERUGIA</h5>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fri 9/10 Day at Leisure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sat 9/11 AM (ck
departures) Depart for Siena (not on a
major train line – no direct)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (10:30) Sena bus:
Lazio-Umbria-Toscana line. Depart
(daily) Perugia 10:30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Arrive
Siena 12:00 - 9 E - (90 mins)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> SIMET
bus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Check
–in: Albergo Alma Dolmus, SIENA (2 nights) - Tel: 01139-0577 44177<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Phone
quote 55 </span>€<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">– No
Bathroom. Faxed confirm 8/23/04.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h5>
SIENA</h5>
<div class="MsoToc1">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sun 9/12 Day at Leisure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mon 9/13 PM Depart
Siena for SAN GIMIGNANO (thru Poggibonsi)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 13:29 -13:52 14:00 -14:27 14:34 -15:03 15:37 -15:59<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 16:35 -16:57 17:39 -18:08 18:38 -19:03 20:10 -20:33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 21:22 -21:44 2,05
E<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PM Check – in: Le Vecchie Mura, Via
Piandornella 15, SAN GIMIGNANO (2 nights)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">---a twisting walk down the 1<sup>st</sup>
right off V. San Giovanni as you walk up from Porta San Giovanni)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tel:
011-39-0577-940-270 / email: </span><a href="mailto:info@vecchiemura.it"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">info@vecchiemura.it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">50 </span>€<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> – Bathroom. Email
confirm: 8/23/04. Phone confirm 8/27/04
– Roberto.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Dinner
Break – Le Vecchie Mura<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h5>
SAN GIMIGNANO<o:p></o:p></h5>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tue 9/14 Day
at Leisure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wed 9/15 Breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> AM Leisure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> **** Marco / Armonia - requested that we
call on 9/15 AM to advise what time we will be arriving to Firenze – will hold
room only until 3:00PM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PM Depart S. Gimignano for Firenze<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 13:53 -15:06 16:00 -17:08 16:58 -18:12 19:04 -20:07<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 20:34 -22:08 21:45 -22:45 4,55
E<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> PM Check – in: Armonia, Via Faenza 56 (1<sup>st</sup>
floor), 50123 FIRENZE (5 nights) Tel: 011-39-055-211-146<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">8/27/04
– Phoned reservation, spoke with Marco.
45 </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">€</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
– NO Bathroom (7 rooms total / 3 toilets & 2 showers).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h5>
FIRENZE<o:p></o:p></h5>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Thurs 9/16 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mon 9/20 AM Depart Firenze S. M. Novella for
Pisa Central (pass thru)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 9:25 -10:27 10:25 -11:27 10:50 -12:17 4,95
E<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Pisa Leaning Tower of Pisa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PM Depart Pisa Central – Connect La
Spezia - for Cinque Terre – CORNIGLIA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 17:03 -17:55/18:15 18:29 17:35 -18:44/19:02 19:17 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 19:03 -19:52/20:20 20:34 19:38 -20:45/21:10 21:25 10,25
E<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PM Check – in: Da Cecio, 19010 CORNIGLIA (3 nights) Tel: 011-39-0187 812 043 / Fax: 011-39-0187 812 138<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 8/27
– Phoned reservation, spoke with Carmello (owner).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 60
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">€</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
– Bathroom & sea view – rm no. 2 or 6.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">8/30
– Confirmed rm w/credit card no via phone w/Geshinto- advised to call again
9/19 to advise what time we will arrive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h5>
CINQUE TERRE<o:p></o:p></h5>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tue 9/21 AM Hike to from Corniglia to Vernazza
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PM Hike from Vernazza to Monterosso<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Transport via local
train/shuttle from Monterosso to Corniglia / or HIKE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wed 9/22 AM Hike from Corniglia to Manarola<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> PM Hike from Manarola to Riomaggiore<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Transport via local
train/shuttle from Riomaggiore to Corniglia / or HIKE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Thur 9/23 PM Depart Corniglia to connect La
Spezia - Como<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Check
– in: Giardinetto, Piazza del Chiesa,
22021 BELLAGIO (3 nights)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tel: 011-39-031 950 168<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">8/27
– Phoned reservation, spoke with Eugene.
Confirmed again 8/30 phone – rm no 18 or 20.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">52
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">€</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
– Bathroom. Will hold room until
4:00PM. Must call/pay in advance if
later than 4:00PM. Breakfast NOT
INCLUDED 6 E/person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h5>
LAKE COMO – BELLAGIO<o:p></o:p></h5>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fri 9/24 Day
at Leisure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sat 9/25 Day
at Leisure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sun 9/26 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mon 9/27 1:31 Depart Como S. Giovanni – Train #
10746<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 1:36 Arrive Chiasso – connect to Train
#303<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 2:45 Depart Chiasso – Train # 303<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 7:36 Arrive Venezia S. Lucia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Check
– in: NO HOTEL - Night train to Venice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">VENEZIA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mon 9/27 7:36 Arrive Venice <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> AM Drop off luggage & Check – in
(room ready by 11:00 latest): Albergo
Santa Lucia, Cannaregio 358 (on Calle della Misericordia), 30121 VENEZIA (2
nights)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"> Tel: 011-39-041 715 180<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 90
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">€</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
– Bathroom. Breakfast 5 E/person addtl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Confirmed
via email 8/30 w/credit card.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> AM Breakfast – Brek (Lonely), Rio
Terra Lista di Spagna, Cannaregio 124.
7:30AM – 10:30PM. 4 – 6 E. (near hotel).
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> OR
– Mercato Rialto (7:00AM – 1:00PM) – principal open-air market north on the San
Polo side of Ponte di Rialto – produce/bread/cheese/salami are concentrated
around Campo Beccarie – next to city’s main fish market <i>(closed Mondays)</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> *** Do not order
fresh fish/seafood on Monday’s at restaurants in Venezia – fish market closed
on Mondays.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h5>
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tue 9/28 Day
at Leisure</span></b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></h5>
<h5>
BOLOGNA<o:p></o:p></h5>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wed
9/29 Depart for Bologna<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 7:23 Direct Train # 713 depart Venezia S.
Lucia – Arrive Bologna Central 9:16 – 2<sup>nd</sup>
Class 12,09 E (1hr 53mins)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 7:30 Direct Train # 2953 depart Venezia
S. Lucia – Arrive
Bologna Central 9:44 – 2<sup>nd</sup> Class 7,90 E (2hrs 14mins)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <u>8:04 Direct Train # 2229 depart Venezia
S. Lucia –<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Arrive
Bologna Central 10:07 – 2<sup>nd</sup> Class 7,90 E (2hrs 3mins)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 8:44 Direct Train ES #9465 depart Venezia
Mestre – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Arrive
Bologna Central 10:18 – 2<sup>nd</sup> Class 18,33 E (1hr 34mins)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 9:19 Direct Train # 703 depart Venezia
Mestre –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Arrive
Bologna Central 11:16 – 2<sup>nd</sup> Class 12,09 E (1hr 57mins)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> AM Check – in: Albergo Garisenda, Galleria del Leone 1, Via
Rizzoli 9, BOLOGNA (2 nights)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 90
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">€</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">–
Bathroom. 8/30 Confirmed on phone w/ Lora w/credit card.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Thur 9/30 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; tab-stops: 31.5pt 63.0pt; text-indent: -1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fri 10/1 AM Depart for Rome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">ROME<o:p></o:p></span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sat 10/2 9:45 Depart for New York – DL 8244<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 12:50 Arrive Newark <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Rome<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hotel: Tizi,
Via Collina 48, ROME (4 nights) Tel: 011-39-06 482 01 28<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Airport (Leonardo Da Vinci/ Fiumicino) to
city - 8.80$, pick up maps
at Tourist info beyond Customs <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Bus/Metro .77</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">€</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Day pass: 3.10</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">€</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, weekly: 12</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">€</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> print map: </span><a href="http://www.atac.roma.it/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.atac.roma.it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">See: <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tabularium: The
1-C underground gallery connecting the buildings of Capotoline / warehouse of
official records<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Foro Romano Poetic
collection of architectural detritus <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Domus Aurea Palace <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Market at Camp Del Fioro: Freshest produce, before 9:00am <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Opera Coliseum
& Baths of Caracalla <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Nightlife Dinner
at a trattoria in working class of Trastevere & stroll the cobblestone
alleyways, climb the Gianicolo <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">hill
for a moonlight panorama<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Festival
of the grape 1<sup>st</sup>
week in September – at Basilica of Maentius <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Restaurants <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Fiachetteria Beltramme ultra
traditional 7-table bistro, hallowed recopies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ditirambo outstanding
innovative Italian cooking 06-687
1626 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hole in the wall La Vinera Wine
bar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ostia Antiga at
Viale dei Romagnoli: Well-preserved, can be reached by metro, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Piazza Navano, nightlife
- try Tre Scalini Café ( tartufo) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Café Greco/bar Rome’s oldest
café (casanova, Gothe) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Da Meo Patacca: Food&Ent.
30 Piazza Mercanti 06-583-31086<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hassler Hotel, Overlooking
Spanish Steps 06-699
340<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2001 Food Articles :<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">La Buca (hole) di Ripetta Near
Piazza del popolo, between Tiber & The Villa Borghese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Ambasciata d’abruzzo <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Taverna Falavia in Dolce
Vita<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Casala On
via Flaminia, a few miles outside Rome; 18<sup>th</sup> Century castle. Lunch,
Anti-Pasta, Lamb<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Il Fico Vecchio In
Grottaferrata, in the Caselli Romani, hills a few miles S.E. of Rome. Lunch,
best pastas.<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Perugia<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hotel: Albergo
Anna, Via dei Priori 48, PERUGIA (2 nights) Tel
& Fax: 011-39-075 573 6304<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Ancient ruins of Roma (Lazio)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Siena <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hotel: Albergo
Alma Dolmus, SIENA (2 nights) Tel: 01139-0577 44177<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wine
tasting Enoteca
Italiana Permanete – military fortress of 1560 / Chianti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Osteria
le Logge Great
pasta & grilled meats off the gorgeous Piazza del Campo <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">San Gimmigno<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hotel: Le
Vecchie Mura, Via Piandornella 15, SAN GIMIGNANO (2 nights) Tel:
011-39-0577-940-270<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Florence / Firenze / Tuscan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hotel:
Armonia, Via Faenza 56 (1<sup>st</sup> floor), 50123 FIRENZE (5 nights) Tel: 011-39-055-211-146<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tourist info </span><a href="http://www.firenzeturismo.it/Categorie/English_version.asp?IDCategoria=529"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">http://www.firenzeturismo.it/Categorie/English_version.asp?IDCategoria=529</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mega.it/fbnen.htm"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">http://www.mega.it/fbnen.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Hotels </span><a href="http://www.promhotels.it/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">www.promHotels.it</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Medieval village of San Gimignano (Tuscan
& Umbrian countryside)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Excursion to Siena & Pisa, Cinque Terre <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Free bikes at
train station, Piazza Strozzi, large public parking lots, from 7:30am<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Free tours at
Duomo, by church volunteers <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">See <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">San Miniato Late
afternoon Gregorian chant/vespers by monks at this 11c most beautiful Romansque
Church <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Sunset hike
up to Oltrano’s Piazzale Michelangiolo <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Listen to music Piazza della Repubblica (from
café Paszkowski), campari at next door neighbor, Gilli’s <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Mercato San Lorenzo Marketplace / butchers, fish, cheese +
flowers & fruits . 0070:14:00 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Boboli Gardens picnic spot, behind Palazzo Pitti,
hike to the top <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Restaurant <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Il Latinin Great
unlimited memorable food & wine/grappa at long shared tables 32</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">€</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> 055 210 916<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Café Caruso One
block from Ponte Vecchiho, lunch, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cantinettta del Verrazzano wine bar –
Chainti /self service lunch, sandwiches
@ via dei Tavolini / 2+6
***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Gelato <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Vivoli Via
isole delle Stiche 7r, one block west of Piazza Santa Croce <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Carabe Via
Ricasoli, 60r <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Festival del Gelato Via del Corso - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Gelateria delle Carrozzo at the foot of Ponte
Vecchio <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Venezia / Il Veneto<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Venezia-Firenze:
36-23€ 3hrs via Bologna <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">No.1
& 82 motor coaches (vaporetti) on Grand Canal, passing Gothic and Byzantine
palazzi <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><b>Bologna / Modena <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">The
Quadrilatero, Food District in medieval city, food emporium, 66mi N. of
Florence </span><a href="http://www.tamburini.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">http://www.tamburini.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Campania <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pmpeii
15mi S.E. of Naples, 147mi
SE of Rome, buried 79AD, excavated 1800s<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amalfi Coast 30mi stretch of hairpin curves, South of Naples,
awe-inspiring, SITA buses 2€<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (sail
the Amalfi coast, on island’s cooperative water taxi (15$) + thermal water swim
. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;"> Positano: Limoncello, mozzarella,
rent a car in Solerno (17mi E. of Positano) </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Napoli / Campania–
Capri, Pompei, Paestrum, Costiera Amalfitana <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isole Eolie-Sicilia<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">(Parco Naturale
Fanes-Sennes-Braies (Trentino N.W.)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Milano /Lombardia<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hot in summer <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Day excursions to Bologna, Genoa,
Lugano (Lake) on Swiss border, Venezia <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Milan – Venezia: 0705-0957, 0605-1057,
0905-1157 & hourly till 1600<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Apunas </span></u></b><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">NYTimes, 5/21/06 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In Tuscany, dozens of high
villages clinging to mountain flanks, and Italy’s largest cave system - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Trekking, swimming<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">66 miles from Florence, near
Lucca, a rental car needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tourist office </span><a href="http://www.garfagnanaturistica.info/"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">www.garfagnanaturistica.info</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Stay in huts (rifugios) thru
summer <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> Rifugio la Mesta, in
village of Trassilico 39-0583-722150 all-year, 20E, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Antica Trattoria
dell’Emremita inside 1000-yr old monastery at the Eremo di Calomini <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">See Ponte del Diavolo, the
Devil’s bridge, 14c <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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