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I plan to go mountainbiking in Nepal in oktober 1998.
But there is very rare information in the net about biking
in that country.
Can s.o. give me tips (or links ) to that topic?
Thanks a lot
Tino
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Fri 27 Feb, 3:31].
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I'm planning to travel from Laos to China in late May. Does anyone know if it is possible to get a three month visa from the Chinese Embassy in Vientienne? If I got it in London there'd only be about 6 weeks left on it by the time I got to China - if I did this how easy is it to obtain an extension and for how long (10 weeks there might do me)?
Could anyone explain the situation with travel permits to me i.e. where do get them, where do you get destinations authorised, how many can you get and do you need one for every town you visit no matter how small?
Thank You.
Ben
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Fri 27 Feb, 1:51].
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There are only three major difficulties with train travel in
Taiwan:
1. buying the ticket
2. getting ON the right train
3. getting OFF at the right station, so ...
If you are travelling by train (especially booked seats)
within Taiwan and don’t speak any of the local languages an
up to date internet train schedule is available which turns
an otherwise agonising experience into something bearable.
The web site is ‘www.railway.gov.tw’. (Select English, then
Timetable and Ticket price. It’s easy from there.) You
need to know your travel plan and can print out the results.
Hence, when buying a ticket, you write the date on the
printout and point to the train that you want. I found it
to work very well, especially when trains are sold out,
which seems to be more frequently now.
The schedule tells you the ticket price in NT$, (so you
don’t always need an NT$500 note in your hand). The higher
the cost, the more upmarket the train. Another plus is the
arrival time, to help you know approximately when the train
will arrive, so it’s a little easier to get off (another
little challenge, especially when a thousand school kids
squeeze on the train at the second last stop).
The only difficulty that remains is knowing from which
window to buy the ticket. It’s best to ask at the
information counter and hope they speak sufficient English,
otherwise do it the hard way. (I recommend the longest
queue, as the short queue never worked for me, or go very
early when only a single window is open). With a ticket,
getting on the right train is usually straightforward. If
it is a Sunday, don’t be shy to stand in the long queues, as
it could be the difference between a ticket and no ticket.
Previously I had avoided trains and used buses more often.
(Buses are cheaper and still necessary for many places).
Any other advice?
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 16:38].
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In the past I have always been a backpacker with months away
and no room to carry stuff.
So no real "souvenirs" from Africa or South America etc
This trip its different.
What is good value in China?
Any help much appreciated
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 13:28].
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Hello! Off to Tokyo in April, anybody know of any
good/cheap hostels in Tokyo? + cheap way from Airport to
Tokyo centre?
Any info on esential and weird and wonderful things to do in
such a short time? + Looking to check out the Japanese hip-
hop scene any B-boys & girls out there?
Thanks for your help
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 8:01].
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I'm hopefully going to work in a school in Japan for a year,
starting this July, and I was wondering how easy it is to
access email/internet publically in Japan ie.internet cafes
etc. Also, if anyone has worked in Japanese schools, do they
have good access to internet,in general? I have heard that
it's very expensive to get a telephone hooked up in Japan,
so any info on staying in touch with people back home would
be much appreciated!
Cheers,
David (Manchester U.K.)
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 18:55].
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Perhaps not such a good title, but I had already posted
messages for people to look for this topic, so....
The following information doesn't appear in any guidebooks
yet, as far as I know. It provides an alternative to what
you have read elsewhere. Have a great trip!
************************************************************
Here is a piece of information I’ve sent to LP’s
Planet Talk -- “Travellers’ Letters”. Sergelen (stress on
the second syllable) was very friendly and helpful to me.
One option for budget travelers in Ulaan Baatar is to
connect with the namesake for Sergelen’s Guest House. This
local family man met our train from Beijing and quickly was
able to provide a variety of accommodations. For some, he
provided clean beds and a shared bathroom for two guest
rooms within his own home. For others, he has access to a
number of inexpensive rooms scattered across the city. I
was taken to a friend’s apartment, where I eagerly agreed to
one of the private, tastefully furnished rooms, with hot
water in the shared bathroom and use of the family’s kitchen
and TV room. And the owner asked for less than half the
price of a room in the budget hotels I later heard about.
Though new to the venture, this dynamo has plans to extend
his network of accommodations both within the capital and
around the country. And he seems to genuinely enjoy being
able to provide help to his guests -- both arranging local
trips and providing information about travel “outside” the
aimag.
It’s a little bit difficult to find his home the first time,
but last summer Sergelen was personally meeting some
international flights and many international trains. His
local phone number is 320267 and fax number is (your
international access code plus...) 976-1-310060.
P.S. Take a look at the updated information for Mongolia by
Rogier Guys at:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/rguys/LP-guide.htm
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 9:31].
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How much is it to fly from Chengdu to Tibet return?
Anyone know?
The message below has got me curious
Thanks
Simon
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 3:32].
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My husband and I plan to cycle from Viet Nam into central
China (Chengdu) then fly to Lhasa and cycle down into
Kathmandu. Does anyone have any experience riding the
Friendship Highway and when do you think is the latest
possible date we could be comfortable doing it (with good
warm gear but no blizzards) Any info anyone has regarding
the Friendship Highway, getting a 90 day visa for China or
any other info that would be helpful for biking in China
would be great! Thanks! Kathryn
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 13:09].
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Hi,
Does anyone know, how much train or bus ticket from Guilin to Hong Kong cost.
Czesc.
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 11:50].
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Hi,
Two questions about China :
I'l be in Beijing, Tai'an, Zhengzhou, Xi'an and Lhasa. Where can I best buy :
- a warm coat to get me through Tibet.
- a camera, type Nikon F50, Canon EOS-500, (or whatever)
Or are they cheaper in the tax-free shops at the airport ??
Any advice in general also welcome.
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 21:53].
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We are a family of four who will need short term housing in
Kochi Japan (for 3 months). Does anyone have any suggestions
? We would like a furnished place and need cooking
facilities. Any information on housing in Kochi would be
much appreciated !!!!
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 19:38].
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Ill be in H.K.from march 19-29. Any ideas on good places to
stay? 50.00$ U.S. and under is my price range, per day. Any
other info. or advice would be greatly appreciated.
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Fri 27 Feb, 2:06].
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I am making plans to travel to Seoul, Korea in September and
hunting for any kind of useful information aboout this
fascinating place. I would appreciate very much your input.
Thank you so much!
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 5:55].
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I'm thinking of going overland to Tibet and Bhutan from
Kathmandu in about a month. Does anyone have any information
on this??
I was in Kathmandu about 2.5 years ago and I remember some
travel agents were offering separate packages to Tibet and
Bhutan. Does anyone know if they still exist and if so, how
much would I be expected to pay?? Is it worthwhile?? I
imagine the scenery to be out of this world. I'd love to get
some info from anyone who has done these trips. Thanks in
advance.
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Tue 24 Feb, 23:28].
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I spent two months in Moscow last year.
It has all the safe parts of a western city with a bit of culture thrown in for good measure. See it now before it looses all of it's history.
Try out the CD market Izmailowski market. Ever wanted to visit the Kremlin or the KGB Lubyanka ?
And go clubbing in 011 or Club A or the Hungry Duck.
It's time for glasnost (openness). Nostrovia !
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Tue 24 Feb, 20:48].
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I 'll travel to Yunnan in march and still 'hunting' for any kind uf useful infos about the places I wnat to visit ( kunming, Dali & Lijiang)
Especially infos regarding accomodation , what's worth to see (or what NOT) will be appreciated
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Tue 24 Feb, 18:13].
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Hello,
I have a couple of questions. First all I am an American citzen currently living in Indonesia, I plan on visiting China for a while and then coming back to Indonesia. Will this pose a problem for my visa, and is there a problem getting a tourist visa for mainlnad china? and can get I visa for China in Hong Kong, I basically know nothing about visas in China. (If that isn't already apparent) I would be landing in Hong Kong, and just need a tourist visa. Finally is there a high speed train from Hong Kong to Shanghai and how much does it cost, how often does it leave and where can I get tickets etc.? Thank you very much.
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 0:32].
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I am flying to Europe via China from Australia in May and
want to do a land sector between Shanghai and Beijing. My
plan is to spend one week in Shanghai then travel to Beijing
and spend another week there.
How should I travel between these two cities?
How cheap or expensive is holidaying in China?
What should I put on my must see list?
Thankyou in advance for any advice.
Mark
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Fri 27 Feb, 0:45].
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While planning for a trekking/mountaineering expedition in
next August 1998 I am trying to collect as much information
as possible about the (eastern) Kun Lun mountain range,
located at the border between Tibet and Xinjiang.
Any information from people who visited the area would be
welcome, as well as any reference to recent literature,
reports, Internet resources, etc.
We are not only interested in the mountaineering aspects of
the region, but into the natural, and cultural aspects of
the area which is very little traveled.
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Mon 23 Feb, 2:12].
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im looking for cheap hotels in hong kong (approx AU$50 per
night)
preferably located relatively close to touristy spots.
if anyone knows of any please email back...
regards
lisa
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Sun 22 Feb, 20:09].
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Hi all,
I'm thinking about going to Mongolia and Siberia this
summer/autumn. Visas won't be a problem but I'm a little
hard up on infos about Siberia, epecially eastern Siberia.
Is it possible to go there? Anybody been? Eternally grateful
for answers,
Steven
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 9:55].
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Hi!
I´m going to China in July with my 3 years old son. I want
some tips, what to do etc.
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Sun 22 Feb, 8:45].
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I've lived in China and traveled extensively throughout the
country, but I've never camped there. I'm wondering about
the availability of backpacking stove fuel (I have a
Coleman, unfortunately not multi-fuel). Anyone have
experience? I suppose it's not possible to transport fuel
into China, right?
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Sat 21 Feb, 9:49].
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I'm meeting a Chinese friend in Jinghong near Laos/Chinese
border and was wondering if it is easy to cross here by car
or truck . I have heard that a few people have recently done
this via four wheel drive and that the road is OK but have
no firm info yet. My friend has a car so once across all
will be well-hopefully. Thanks in advance
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Mon 23 Feb, 5:43].
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I was thinking of visiting Japan next year but I've heard
the Japanese don't exactly take a shine to foreigners. Is
this an active dislike thing that I'm going to have to
confront and deal with or is it more of a cultural warp -
like Hindus having difficulty placing Westerners because we
don't fit into their caste system?
[Posts on this topic: 6. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 5:52].
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If somebody out there can let me know any information
regarding multiple re-entry tourist or work/holiday VISAs in
Korea, it would be terrific.
I haven't graduated from uni yet, so I hear it's difficult
to obtain a work visa without sponsorship by a private
company, therefore I'll probably need to travel to and forth
from Korea to Japan every three months to get another 3
month stamp on my tourist VISA. That's what I've heard
anyway.
Please write to me if you can tell me anything. Thankyou...
Richard
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 1:44].
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My sister and I are either going to go trekking in the
Himalaya's or surfing in Costa Rica in mid-September. Can
anyone give me the scoop on the best time to do the base
camp trek in the Himalayas - I heard that Sept/Oct were the
only 2 months to do it - in between the rain & snow times.
I would also appreciate any tips you have for getting to
Nepal cheap from California, etc.
Terimah-Kasih
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 12:17].
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I'd like to ship a tansu/chest from Nagoya, Japan. Not
interested in how long it takes. Got a price of $300 to
ship 1 cu. meter of anything by boat, but this thing is
maybe 15 kilos and 1 m. wide by .7 m high x .3 meters deep.
Any ideas would be really appreciated. Thanks.
Terry
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Fri 20 Feb, 4:26].
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I'm planning to be in Taiwan this spring. I know very
little about the place and would value any information
about cheap accommodation,things to do and the like.
Thanks.
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 12:34].
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Planning a trip to China this fall. Been several times but
this time would like to take bikes. Would like to bike
from Beijing to Hong Kong, anybody done this or have info?
Many thanks
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Tue 24 Feb, 16:23].
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Hi,
I'm traveling to Bangkok March 26 and on to Nepal 5 days or
so later. Time permitting, I'd like to squeeze in a trip to
Tibet. I live in San Francisco. Should I get the Chinese
visa here in the US before I leave? Will they require I
include the chinese entry point on the visa applic? If so,
can I enter somewhere different (like Lhasa) than what is on
my visa applic. I understand that I can't say I'm going
to Tibet? Also, is it true that obtaining the visa for
China (tibet) in Kathmandu is near impossible without
signing up for a group tour. My husband and I want to fly
from KATHM to LHASA -- anyone know the RNDTRIP Airfare and
if we can purchase tickets as individuals?
I really appreciate any info and especially if anyone has
done this recently.
email responses to: macshea@sirius.com
Thanks,
Ruth MacKay
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Sun 22 Feb, 16:43].
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Hi,
I want to travel to Utrecht, a city situated in the centre
of the Netherlands and there has to be a studentsbar, called
something like the Woolloomooloo.
Maybe anyone can help me find it, and does anyone knows a
good place to stay in this city.
Thanks Sander
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Sat 21 Feb, 0:53].
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I'd like to ship a small tansu/chest from Nagoya to the USA
without costing an arm and a leg. It's maybe 1 meter high
by 0.3 meters deep by 0.6 wide and weighs maybe 10 kg or
less.
Don't care how long it takes. Currently you can rent 1
cubic meter for $300 for sea transport, but this thing is
nowhere near that big. Any ideas are really appreciated.
Thanks.
Terry
delete the XNOSPAMX from the email address for email.
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Thu 19 Feb, 9:05].
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Hi all,
I will visist the Yunnan-province in june/july. I would be
very happy for all kind of information. What places are a
must? I'm specially interested in Zonghdian and the southern
part of Yunnan (on the border to Burma & Laos). Is there any
interesting undeveloped towns in Yunnan?
Please e-mail me!!
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Wed 18 Feb, 23:37].
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I'll make it simple. I will be in Lasha on March 15.
If anyone is interested in pooling for on overland ride
to Kathmandu?At 4:30 pm in the lobby of the Yack Hotel,
I will be wearing a blue wormup jacket with a
"T" on the left side.
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Wed 18 Feb, 19:49].
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Anyone suggest a good route to take from HK to Beijing in 23
days?
[Posts on this topic: 6. Latest post: Sun 22 Feb, 3:41].
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Dear travellers
I am going on a round the world trip and will visit Tibet
which is a part of China. After that i will go to India and
from there to Vietnam. After Vietnam i would like to go Hong
Kong and will have to enter China again having used my
chinese visa voor tibet. My questions: will it cause any
problems to get a visa extension after visiting Tibet? Where
can i get my visa extension? Will this take a long time?
thanks for all the advises in advance.
greetings michael Fields, Holland
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Sun 22 Feb, 1:38].
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Is it possible to Fly one way to Tibet from Chengdu and then
go overland to Nepal. What would be the cost? What airline?
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Thu 19 Feb, 12:31].
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We are going to Nepal in April and are trying to locate a
reputable trekking agent there. Can anyone make
a recommendation?
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Thu 19 Feb, 6:53].
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Urgently I need some information about flying in China.
We are planning to go there in summer and are now planning
our trip.
Currently we are thinking about flying in China. Will it be
necessary to book the flights beforhand (they seen to be
rather expensive: Kashgar-Ürumqi-Peking = DM 1000/$ 550;
Hongkong - Guilin DM 370/$ 200.
We it be easy/difficult to book the flights in China's
high-season?
Any information will help.
Thank you
;) Silke
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Tue 17 Feb, 9:38].
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Thanks for all the advice I've gotten through reading these
messages/reponses. When we get back from our trip to China
in April I'll try to reciprocate with all the wisdom we manage
to gain while we're there.
One more question - we are traveling through Beijing,Xi'an,
Chendu,Chongqing, Yangtze, Jingdezhen and Shanghai. We
think we are going to see souveniers, art and gifts for
friends at home (maybe paintings and ceramics?) that we are
not going to be able to live without.
Since we are traveling independently there's a limit to
what we'll be able to carry.
Not a lot of stuff - we're not importers but love Chinese
art. Anyone have any experience with shipping stuff back?
Where do we go to have it packed and/or shipped safely?
What are the chances of it getting back to the US in one
piece?
Any advice would be very welcome. Thanks!
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Thu 19 Feb, 7:41].
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It would seem that organised tours to see some of the main sights in Mongolia are quite expensive. Has anyone been in Mongolia recently who can advise the best (cheapest?) way to visit Gachuurt, Manzshir Khiid, Kharkhorin, Erdine Zuu, Amarbayasgalant Khiid and Mongol Els?
I'm told to hire a jeep for 3 days is about US$200 a day with max of 1000km.
Are there any other options? - public transport? What are the main challenges to travelling independent?
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 14:37].
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I'd like to travel from Beijing (or somewhere else in China)
to Europe (via Trasib-Railway) BUT I'd like to go via
Vladivostock so I need your help!
Has anybody any information about trains connecting Beijing
& Vladivostock?
Thanx for your help!
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Sat 14 Feb, 7:48].
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Hi,
I will be traveling to China (only as far south as the Yangze river), and hopefully to Mongolia on April 30th. Would like to have any information on these two countries such as visas, accomodations, air/bus/train/boat(ferry for the Yangze river) travel. You also love to hear what your experiences were, and how difficult it is getting around without knowing the language too well (I am taking Mandarin at this time).
Please e-mail me with any information you may have.
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Sat 14 Feb, 9:37].
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Has anybody been travelling through the Yangzi River
Gorges? Is it still possible?
I will be happy about any information on travelling along
this river. Thanks. Gunter
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Thu 19 Feb, 21:51].
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Has anyone recently travelled on the trans siberian railway
and could tell us anything about prices, stopovers and visas
(we`re german)?
Any other suggestions?
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Tue 24 Feb, 14:58].
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Hi all,
Where on-line can I get really up-to-date timetables and
fares for Japan rail services? Please email me directly!
Thanks!!!
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Sat 14 Feb, 8:04].
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I'm in China for a couple of weeks (Wuhan, Chongqin, Chengdu, Dali and Kunmin) then I'm heading to India. Can
anyone offer advise on where I can buy the following in China:
1) A mosquito net.
2) Lonely Planet guidebooks for Nepal and India.
Cheers and Beers.
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Mon 16 Feb, 6:05].
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Hi everyone:
I want to do some cycling this summer from Delhi through the
Indian Himalaya to Pakistan, over the KKH and on to Kashgar.
From there we (my 2 sisters, another friend and I) want to
try to cycle to Tibet, via the Xinjiang-Tibet "highway" to
Ali, Kailas and on to Shigaze and Lhasa. Does anyone know
what sort of permits and permissions we need to get in order
to do this? Is it even possible? No-one seems to know for
sure.... Also, are there special permits required to visit
Kailas, or can we go there no problem once we're into Tibet?
Has anyone out there cycled this route?
I've seen posts from people who cycled kathmandu-Lhasa.
What sort of arrangements did you have to make for that? Or
did you just show up at the border with your visas and go on
your own?
Desperate for information, I remain
Yours curiously
Graydon
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 12:27].
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Hello out there! Has anyone been to western Nepal, specifically the area called Mustang (or Lo Monthang) that was just opened to foreigners in 1992? If so, I'd appreciate any info you have. Thanks in advance.
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Thu 12 Feb, 14:10].
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I could not find info here on Tibetan Visas. I tried to apply for one here in Canada but the embassy told me it would take a month (which I don't have) and will have expired by the time I get there. My plans at the moment are to land in Bali in Feb. and then make my way up to Bangkok. From there I will fly to India. My visit to Tibet, then, will be sometime in June or July. Should I apply for a Tibetan visa in Thailand, India or Nepal? Can a regular Chinese visa (which I've heard is easier to get) get me into Tibet from Nepal? Also, does anyone know if Tibetan liberationists (?) prefer tourists not to visit at the moment as the pro-democracy movement in Burma/Myanmar has requested in their country? Thanks.
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Thu 12 Feb, 23:33].
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Following a recent trip to deepest China I would like to
submit some phrases to help potential Chinese travellers. I
hope these are of help to you all. Please feel free to mail
me with any future liguistic queries..
--
Kindest regards
--
Rick
---
Dung On Mai Shu - I stepped in excrement
Ai Wan Tu Bang Yu - Let's sleep together
Ai Bang Mai Ne - I bumped into the coffee table
Fat Ho - An unattractive woman
Ar U Wun Tu - A gay liberation greeting
Chin Tu Fat - You need a face lift
Chow Mai Dong - Blow me
Dum Gai - A stupid person
Wel Hung Gai - Is that a banana in your pocket?
Won Hung Low - Southern Chinese dialect for Wel Hung Gai
Gun Pao Der - An ancient Chinese invention
Hu Flung Dung - Which one of you fertilized the field?
Hu Yu Hai Ding - We have reason to believe you are
harboring a fugitive
Jan Ne Ka Sun - A former late night talk show host
Kum Hia - Approach me
Lao Ze Sho - Gilligan's Island
Lao Zi - Not very good
Lin Ching - An illegal execution
Ne Ahn - A lighting fixture used in advertising signs
Shai Gai - A bashful person
Tai Ne Bae Be - A premature infant
Tai Ne Po Ne - A small horse
Ten Ding Ba - Serving drinks to people
Wan Bum Lung - A person with T.B.
Yu Mai Te Tan - Your vacation in Hawaii agrees with you
Wa Shing Kah - Cleaning an automobile
He Fook Em Yung - Chinese Paedophile
Wai So Dim - Are you trying to save electricity?
Wai U Shao Ting - There is no reason to raise your
These areof course only Cantonese variants and
Mandarn/Satsuma and Tapioca will follow.
[Posts on this topic: 8. Latest post: Mon 23 Feb, 11:16].
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Hey
Do anybody have information on the recent visa regulations
for Mongolian visa? Do you still need a invitation or can
you just apply in the consulate.
Thank you
Jens
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 14:41].
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Looking for some informations about Tajmyr.
How to get there?
Thanks. Pete
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Wed 11 Feb, 22:15].
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I just wondered if there was anyone out there who has been
to, lived in, or is currently living in Wakayama city in
Japan who could share any stories, experiences, or tips with
me? I'm an Aussie female going to live there this month.
Thank's!
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Thu 19 Feb, 17:55].
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HI
Is there any ?
I'm talking about the short time big money kind of...
what about visas?
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Mon 23 Feb, 22:45].
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Can anyone tell me about the weather of Sapporo (Japan) in
mid-March. Is it very cold? snowy?
Pls advise me & thanks!
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Fri 20 Feb, 0:54].
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A nice place to visit in Ibaraki-ken in Japan is Ushiku.
The town itself isn't something special, but the buddha
close to this town is. The standing Ushiku-daibutsu is 120
meters high. It's worlds biggest statue made of bronze.
It's even mentioned in the Guiness Book of records. It's
incredible huge. It's a nice place to go to. You have to
pay 1000 yen to enter, but anyway you can see it without
paying. Just take the train in Tokyo (from ueno station
track 10) to Mito. Get off at Ushiku (after 1 hour). There
you have to take bus number 2 (670 yen one way) to the
daibutsu. To see such a huge statue gives you a strange
feeling. Imagine 120 meters, it's not nothing !!!!
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Tue 10 Feb, 22:49].
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I am planning a trip from korea to india this coming fall.
I want to take the boat from korea to china and travel
across the country preferribly by hitching rides and pass
through the himilayas by going through the friendship
highway via tibet. Has anyone had any experience traveling
through china this way and could you tell me what I'm up
against trying to get in and through tibet to nepal? What
prices do the chinese charge these days for tickets to
china. My lonely planet guide for tibet is a little out of
date.
Please respond
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Sat 14 Feb, 4:57].
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Hi
I'm planning a trip through Thailand, Vietnam, Laos? and
into southern China from Vietnam and then across to Hong
Kong and am starting to plan this trip now. I have a couple
of questions and if anyone is able to help could they post a
reply or email me. Ta.
I am flying into Bangkok and will get a visa for Vietnam
there.
I have heard it is possible to get a visa for China in
Vietnam. Can anyone confirm this? How long does it take
and what is the cost? Or am I better trying to get one in
Australia at the Embassy?
Crossing the border from Vietnam into China can sometimes be
difficult according to posts I've seen here. Where are the
best places to cross and how can I minimise any grief I
might encounter at the border?
How much time should I allow to travel from Vietnam to Hong
Kong? I was thinking of having two or three weeks in
Southern China. What is the best mode of transport? Can
anyone recommend things to do/places to see in this area?
Thanks
Phil
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Tue 24 Feb, 16:39].
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I'm beginning to plan a trip from London to Beijing via the Trans-Siberian Railway later this summer and am looking for lots of suggestions. I'd like to know how I can get from London (or Paris) to Moscow as CHEAP as possible, and make a few stops along the way (maybe Poland, Slovakia. . .)
Then I'm wondering if I need to make advance reservations for the train from Moscow to Beijing, or can I just show up at the Moscow train station and buy a ticket?
What kinds of prices should I expect to pay for this trip? Any other ideas and info. would be great. Thanks!
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Fri 13 Feb, 22:04].
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If your a would be "Gaijin" on your way over to Japan why
not make contact with a local and let them show you the
sights or give you some much appreciated insiders info..???
I know loads of great people from Japan who would love to
be able to assist you in anyway to make your memory of Japan
just that extra bit special... no this is not a scam or some
disguised prostitution ring, this is about people wanting to
meet and befreind "Gaijin's" just for the sheer fun of it.
Actually there is one catch I suppose, you have to be
willing to let them practise their English on
you............No Worries its not sitting in a classroom,
its not a job, its a conversation eg: "Hello, I was
wondering if you could explain to me how the Tokyo subway
works?" etc......
Anyway if your in or going to Japan why not give it a go,
you might just enjoy it.
O.K then
#1's name is "NORIE" she's from Oita city down in
Kyushu Island so her (A.H)ph# is (0011) 81-975-34-8403
#2's name is "SATOMI" (A.H)# (0011) 02-68-82-2124
she's from Nagano.
anyway there's two, if your not in that area they'd
be able to give you numbers for other areas people...
well I hope you all really enjoy japan, and I'm sure my
friend's will be happy to awnser any questions you have
about the place.....
cheers!!!!
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Wed 18 Feb, 12:31].
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i am heading to SE Asia (Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam,
Thailand) and need to buy an impregnated mosquito
net and >15% DEET spray in Taipei. Anyone know
any places? Also, will I need mefloquine for
those countries mentioned above? (I know the
CDC recommends taking Lariam, but I am asking
from your personal experience). Thanks in advance!
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Thu 12 Feb, 1:58].
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Hi. My father in law is planning an independent 3 week trip around China in April, following the following route. (First question - does anyone want to join him for all or part of the way as a travelling companion?)
Hong Kong -> Shanghai by train, -> Beijing by train, -> Wuhan by train, -> by river through gorges to next railhead, -> Ho Chi Minh city by train, and then home again.
Second question. Can anyone give him any useful information about train travel along the route. Is it straightforward? How can he get hold of timetabling information before he goes? Thanks. John
[Posts on this topic: 8. Latest post: Tue 17 Feb, 13:02].
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Does anyone have any information on studying massage or yoga
in Nepal? Thanks.
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Thu 5 Feb, 12:47].
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hi, I relly want a penpal please write to me.
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Wed 18 Feb, 13:19].
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We're planning a trip to china later in the year and would
like to spent at least 2 months if not more. I would like
to hear from anyone who has good/bad experiences getting
visa extensions.
Cheers
Kerry
New Zealand
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Sun 22 Feb, 1:49].
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Hi!
I will travel to China this summer. I want to see the real
China, meet chinese people and visit typical chinese cities.
Where shall I go. And where is the weather best at this
time?
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Thu 12 Feb, 17:12].
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Hi everybody,
If you know the Belgian comic book hero 'Tintin', and are going to Taiwan soon, please read on.
I've been looking everywhere for a Chinese album of Tintin. Seems that the company who owns the rights to translate Tintin into Chinese is based in Taipei.
Here in Belgium the Chinese albums are not available, and the publishing companies refuse to go through all the trouble of ordering one copy (or any small number of copies) in Taiwan - although they don't say this in so many words.
So : if YOU happen to be in Taiwan soon, and are willing to buy and send me a Chinese Tintin, please let me know. I'll pay you back, of course.
Bonus question : before the translation rights were given to the Taiwanese publishing company, black-and-white translations were available in Beijing. Once the Taiwanese came in, the mainland-issues were taken off the racks, as they were, from then on, illegal. Does anyone now if these old copies are still available somewhere ?
Thanks !
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Fri 13 Feb, 13:46].
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Does anybody out there know of a cheap apartment for rent
in March/April 1998, in Beijing?? Or does anybody have a
clue of how to find one??? Please help me!!
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Sun 15 Feb, 1:52].
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Me and my husband are spending 8 days in Japan in june.
Starting in Tokyo(Yokohama) we plan to visit some
"must see" places. I would appreciate some advice what we
should visit. Any other information about Japan is welcome.
Thanks/Ulrika
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Mon 23 Feb, 22:50].
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Can anyone tell me whether it is worth visiting Macau from Hong Kong.
I would also like to know about any reasonable airlines to try for flights
to Bali or Australia or even Thailand will it be better to book these from
London or HK.
Thankyou
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Wed 11 Feb, 6:04].
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I would like some advice on the best way to get from Bali to
Australia.
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 9:01].
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Hello!
I am planning a travel to China this summer.
I want to know if it is possible to rent a car with/without a driver,like India ,for visiting the country with more freedom.
Apologies for my bad english.
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Sat 7 Feb, 23:20].
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Hi, everyone!
I just came back from a 7 week trip through China,
Laos, and Cambodia. I've put together a web page
with my journal from the trip and photos I took.
If you're considering going to that area of the
world, or just want to see some pictures, or just
have nothing better to do, check it out:
http://www.userworld.com/users/akatz/home.htm
If you do look at it, please leave me a note by
e-mail or in the guestbook, and tell me what you
thought.
E-mail me if you have any questions.
Happy trails!
---Ari Katz
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Thu 5 Feb, 7:04].
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It's going to be a challenge to find a decent hotel in Hong Kong that I can afford. Less than $40 a night, if possible, for a single room with or w/o bath? Does anyone have any suggestions? I am leaving at the beginning of May. Thanks!!!
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Sun 15 Feb, 20:33].
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I would like to receive all kind of information about travelling in China : hotels , transportation , prices , places to visit , visa , etc. Thanks.
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Mon 9 Feb, 22:29].
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I'm looking at going to Japan early next year (1999) on a part holiday part work trip. I have no real qualifications. Is there any chace of getting reasonable work waitressing or the like. I can speak a small amount of Japanese. Is it best to try and find work before leaving for Japan?
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Wed 4 Feb, 15:58].
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How is the job situation in Taiwan these days? How's the pay , benifits, etc ? I an teaching in Korea and have decided to go there after this . Any info would be helpful.
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Fri 20 Feb, 1:28].
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Does anyone know if you can still ride the river from
Chongquing to Wuhan before the government builds the planned
dam? (We're hoping to make the trip in July '98.) Also,
any estimates on the price of such a trip?
Thanks for your help!
[Posts on this topic: 9. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 9:56].
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I am heading over to Japan for a couple of weeks with a
small group of students. As I am an accompanying
supervisor, I know very little about Japan.
We will be visiting schools, doing some general touring.
Can anyone fill me in on Japanese ettiquete/customs???
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Thu 26 Feb, 2:25].
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I am planning a ~14 day trip to China in August with a
friend. Please email me if you have suggestions/warnings
about the folowing:
1. Places to see. Here is our tentative plan: 4 days in
Beijing, 4 days in Dali, 4 days in Yangshou, then back to
Beijing... Is this feasible? more time in any one place?
2. Transportation: we are planning to flying to all these
places... any caveats? impossiblities?
Thanks.
[Posts on this topic: 11. Latest post: Sat 14 Feb, 14:03].
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Does anyone know if you get your passport stamped going into Macau from Hong Kong?? I know one is required but is it like Europe where they don't usually bother?
Thanks
[Posts on this topic: 5. Latest post: Sun 22 Feb, 1:54].
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Hello! Does anyone have any good recommendations for our
tripw hich we are plannig this summer in China?
We want to travel to the following places:
Hoingkong
Guilin/Yangshou
Huang Shan
Hangzhou
Suzhou
Shanghai
Beijing
Yungang
Longmen
Xi'an
Dunhuang
Turfan
Kasgar
We would be happy to recieve good advices/warnings for
hotels/food/getting there and away and so on.
Thank you we are wating eagerly for your answers
Silke
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Sun 22 Feb, 13:00].
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Hi,
Do anybody know if it's still possible to do more
than 30 days chinese tourist visa in the new chinese
Honk-kong, What is now necessary to go there from
china or elsewhere ?
Thanks for you help, Marc
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Sun 22 Feb, 2:02].
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Saw a Lonely Planet TV show on China where they visited the
Long Horn Yow or N-Yow (don't know the spelling). This
ethnic group lives in the mountains, the women wear
elaborate head dresses and have long hair. They sing
beautifully across the valley to their lovers. Unfortunately
the program did not give any information on where they can
be found etc. etc. If you know anything please let me know!
Thanks
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Mon 23 Feb, 11:46].
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Hi,
We're thinking about going to Mongolia. I'm desperatly
looking for some recent info, facts, to do's and not to
do's about Mongolia, since it seems to be some kind of a
"blind spot" on the World Map.
Some specs:
Period: +/- 30 days from 12/04/97 to 15/05/98. How are the
weather conditions then??
Route:
*Trans Siberian Express from Moscow
*Irkutsk? Stop to explore the region?
*Ulan Bataar: travel around the country for at least 14
days. How? Public transport? Hire a jeep? ...
*Bejing
Many thanks !!
Greetings.
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 14:50].
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Hi folks,
I've got a trip coming up in spring to China and am
in the info-gathering stage. I'll just post these queries
and anyone who has any insight, please feel free to answer
any or all. Thanks to the folks who answered my previous
question which was more specific than these - I may get back
to you with more questions , if that's ok. I also apologize
for the length of this posting - I don't know the protocol
and don't want to be rude.
Top Ten Questions as of 1/10/98
1. I will learn a handful of Mandarin expressions (1-200)
words) and am curious about other's experience with the
language. Is dialect and accent so different as to make any
expectation of being understood very low? It's always fun
trying anyway.
2. Any ideas on planning a few internal flights...like if it
can be done with confidence and reliability from the U.S.
Some cities may include Beijing, X'ian, and Guiyang. Any
travel agents names/web sites etc would be great; I'm
wondering if one has to do this stuff from inside China if
you're not part of a tour. That would make our itinerary
a little more dicey than we need it to be - my friend is
going to adopt a baby girl and we can't exactly be late for
those proceedings.
3. Traveler's checks vs cash - one of those situations where
different
people say different things...
4. Small gifts for folks as tips or goodwill. I've heard
cigarettes and really hate to contribute to such a bad
habit, but people like what they like.
5.Wearing shorts ok? Different for men and women?
6.Phoning U.S. - So expensive that collect is better?
7.Will a medium size pack be ok for train or bus in terms of
being fairly easy to stow on a rack - or is all that space
usually taken up by locals quickly? What about security? I
followed some Lonely Planet advice in Peru/Bolivia and
chained/locked my duffel to the rack but didn't like doing
it. I would love to hear someone say I wouldn't need to
sweat that, say on a Guiyang/X'ian train or buses between
Guiyang and Miao villages. I'm more concerned with size not
being a pain than about security.
8. Any foods to stay away from (or make sure we try)?!! I
brought back giardia from Nepal and would love not to repeat
that. In which situations is the water ok, if any?? Any
filters good? (iodine pills may be medically bad for my
friend).
9. We will bring a camcorder to ethnic areas east of
Guiyang; has anyone weirded out the locals by doing this??
The Chevy Chase vacation style is not something that grabs
us, but we will have the camera with us for the adoption
stuff, so....
10. Any authentic cultural experiences (away from other
Westerners) in terms of music, ritual, culture that anyone
can point us towards in Beijing, X'ian, Guiyang/east of
Guiyang would be great. I've had good luck in different
countries getting someone to function formally or informally
as a guide who really understood I wanted to hang with
people in their houses, go where THEY go to eat, pray at
temples(with them), etc. Any contacts in that regard would
be fantastic.
That's all that comes to mind; I'm sure your responses will
lead me to more questions. Thanks so much - I'm eager to get
some new ideas.
Dave Dorsett
You can leave a message here or try e-mailing me at:
ddorsett@worldnet.att.net
[Posts on this topic: 8. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 13:13].
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I've always had some troubles with changing travellers
cheques in Japan. Once when I finally found a bank which was
open and was willing to change them almoust refuced it
because as in the cheques was printed my first name (which I
use) but in my passport I had also my second name (which I
don't use). I was lucky to speak enough Japanese that I was
able to explain that we foreigners may have even three or
more names but we usually use just one....
Last time I didn't take any cheques with me to Japan just
the yen in cash!
P.S. You should be very careful also when opening an account
in Japan as only in a few you can receive money from abroad.
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Mon 23 Feb, 22:55].
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Does anybody have any info on teaching English in Japan? What about English conversation clubs/class? Rumour has it you need to have a degree......but a degree in what exactly? I have a physiotherapy degree.........What about the T.E.F.L. (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification?????
And who do you get in contact with?
Is there a min. duration of stay?
And is it difficult to work out accomodation?
Any info. is much appreciated!!!!
Cheers.
[Posts on this topic: 9. Latest post: Wed 25 Feb, 15:51].
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are interested in travelling to south korea in april of 1998
any information ie cheap sleep, cheap eats etc. would be
appreciated.
[Posts on this topic: 10. Latest post: Tue 10 Feb, 6:14].
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Has anyone ever travelled to Mongolia?
Is it possible in the winter -this November?
For a single female?
If you have any advice, I would love to hear it.
If I decide to go, I would be going in mid-November '97 for
no more than a week.
Thank you.
Renuka
[Posts on this topic: 11. Latest post: Wed 28 Jan, 5:01].
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Hi,
I am a french post-doc working in Australia (ANU,
Canberra) and I would like to go to Tibet for holidays
next year. I would like to write, talk or e-mail to
people who have already been there or know about the
country.
Anyone who has an experience of Tibet can answer to me
(e-mail prefered)
Thanks very much
All the best
Denis
+==============================+
:Dr Denis Verger :
:Research School of Chemistry :
:Australian National University:
:Science Road :
:Canberra ACT 0200 :
:AUSTRALIA :
:Tel : (06) 249 3766 (w) :
:Fax : (06) 249 0750 :
:E-mail: verger@rsc.anu.edu.au :
: :
: _--_:\ :
: / \ :
: \_.--._/ :
: v :
+==============================+
[Posts on this topic: 14. Latest post: Sat 14 Feb, 16:27].
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