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can anyone recommend budget accommodation in Beijing? how many days in advance should trains be booked up in advance to Xain? also does anyone know the ferry dates and times and where to book the ferry from Shanghai to Kobe (Japan).
Thanks Gary
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Wed 26 May, 5:17].
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Recently I travelled from Hong Kong across China via
Yangshuo, Dali, Zhongdian, Chengdu, Lhasa (by plane),
central tibetan monasteries, Golmud, Dunhuang, Turpan,
Urumqui and to Kashgar before heading into Pakistan. I am
keen to help anyone with questions. Drop me a line.
Cheers.
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Wed 26 May, 10:33].
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I have recently been at the lake Baikal. It is terrific!
Please take a look at the pictures:
http://www.irkutsk.ru/sheremetoff/
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Wed 26 May, 1:36].
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Is it possible to go from Tibet to Nepal overland?
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 21:41].
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We hear rumours that Tibet is closed due to the
anniversaries of the Tiananmen Square massacre and Dalai
Lamas excape to India. Is that true? We are in Jing Hong,
and we don't know whether to go north or south. Nobody here
speaks english and the CITS office is useless. If any of you
know anything we are desperate for a mail
Yoko and Shiori
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 17:43].
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My wife and I are planning to spend a week in Lhasa to
celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. We are dealing with
the www.tibet-tour.com URL. We have been told that getting
to Lhasa from Chengdu in China is easiest. Any suggestions
are welcome. My name in Kishan and my address is
kishann@hotmail.com
Thank you.
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 15:53].
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Hello to All:
I would like to invite those interested in travel in the
Caucasus to join the Caucasus travel discussion mailing
list.
The description of this mailing list is:
CAUCASUS:
The travel discussion list for people interested in travel
within the Transcaucasian Republics of Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Georgia, and the North Caucasus region (Krasnodar Kray,
Stavropol Kray, Dagestan, Adygea, Karachay-Cherkassia,
Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia, Ingushetia and
Chechenya) of the Russian Federation, as well as
surrounding regions such as Eastern Turkey, Azarbayjan
Provinces of Iran, and Kalmykia and Rostov and Astrakhan
Oblasts of the Russian Federation.
This list is strictly devoted to travel in the above
defined region. Advertisements and political discussions
are strictly forbidden.
You can join this list by sending a blank email to :
caucasus-subscribe@onelist.com
OR by going to this website:
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/caucasus
Thanks,
TAN Wee-Cheng
List Owner
Singapore/London
http://travel.to/weecheng/
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 7:58].
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Who has cycled in China? Need some informations. Is it
possible to enter with your own bike? What about cycling in
China - do you get problems with the police? Need any
information.
Please send Email
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 1:51].
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I am planning to cross the torugart pass from China to
Kirghizstan at the end of July and would like to get advice
from someone who has done it in the same way...I am
prepared to spend a 100 bucks and so is my companion ...
Does this stand a chance??? Thanks a lot for any
information.
If this doesn't work We'll cross the kazakh border from
china at drujba,but can we do this only by showing an
ouzbek or a kirghiz visa to the kazakhs at the border???
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 18:45].
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I am planning to cross the Torugart Pass around the end of
July and would like to know if anyone has done this thing
in the same way(as it seems many prefer to do it from
Kirghizstan ..?) . I am prepared to spend up to a 100 bucks
on this trip,and so is the friend with whom I'll be
travelling ... Any advice?
And if this doesn't work,can we just cross kazakhstan
showing our ouzbek or kirghiz visa at the chinese border at
drujba ??? Thanks a lot!!!
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 0:28].
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Does anybody have a clue on travel in the Caucasus
countries, particularly Georgia and Azerbaijan? I am
planning a trip from Karachi (Pakistan) to Athens (Greece)
via Iran, Turkmenistan (I already have a visa invitation),
Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, but fear that as I have been
able to find so little out about the Caucasus, I may have to
re-route. The only vaguely useful info is in the Trailblazer
Asia Overland guide, but it's so sketchy.
Or would it be a better trip to go from Iran to Turkey and
then south to Istrael? Does anybody know how cheaply I could
pick up a flight to London from Israel?
Back to the Caucasus and Turkmenistan: how likely am I to
find other travellers there? Is there much to see? How long
should I allow to do these places justice (I have three
months in total, and intend to spend about a month in Iran)?
How much is shoestring travel there likely to cost? What's
the climate like? And would anybody be interested in joining
me? I'm a 20-year old UK student who has so far been to
India, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, China, Pakistan, Burma,
Cambodia and Tunisia. I consider myself pretty adventurous,
but do like to take it easy with a beer/check out clubland
too (though obviously not in Paklistan, Iran, etc.!)
I have very little time really to get the visas (I have the
Iranian and Pakistan ones already, plus the Turkmen
invitation), so may just go for the Israel option unless
somebody can help me fairly soon: I am flying out from
London Heathrow on 19th June... .
All advice etc. would be VERY gratefully received!
Cheers!
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 3:24].
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Hi!
I get two months off from August 15th to October 15th. I
would like to head for Lhasa and then go to do the treck
around the Lhamo Lhatso (150km NW of Lhasa). After that get
back to the holy city and get to the region north of
Bhutan, called Tsari (150km SE of Lhasa).
Anybody out there to know these destinations and to be able
to answer the following questions:
Is it possible to hire a yak somewhere on the beginning of
the trecks?
Is there a possibility to do it on your own (without a yak
or a horse)?
Tibetan climate in Sept., Oct. - which temperatures to face?
Any interesting temples beside Kachu?
Thanks - Bhod rangbtsen!
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Mon 24 May, 20:57].
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Hello --
i will be in Tibet from mid-june through August and am
particularly interested in the "deep canyon" in Yarlung
region -- any firsthand info appreciatd -- i have some
relevent village names in both pinyin and in character so
that will be helpful. Currently i am in 2nd year teaching
in China and can help with info re: Sichuan/Gansu mtns, some
info on Shaanxi and Jilin provinces also -- please reply to
e-mail address as i have trouble with access and time --
danke, rd
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Mon 24 May, 16:58].
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I am going to KZ in June for two years. Does anyone have
advice on safekeeping your money? What about banks? Is
there such a thing as "dollar accounts"? Can I bank in
dollars and withdraw no problems? Also, is it true there is
a 10% charge on travellers' checks? This may be a silly
questions, but are there atms?
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 12:45].
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Does anybody know if there is a Uzbek consulate/embassy in
Turkmenistan?
LP Central Asia guide says under VISAS that there is very
easy to obtain central asian visas in Ashghabat, but in
ASHGHABAT they says is very difficult and they even give the
embassy address, so....
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Mon 24 May, 8:30].
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GÆday fellow travelers!
My wife and I are beginning another tour and would
appreciate your opinions on any of the countries on our
itinerary that you may have visited.
This time we are taking 9 months to travel to Jordan,
Syria, Lebanon, Turkey (Eastern), Iran, Pakistan, India,
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Singapore,
Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, China, Kazakhstan,
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.
Any descriptions of places you have seen in these countries
or general travel tips would be greatly appreciated.
If YOU have any need for any information on North America,
Australasia, Cambodia, Vietnam, East Africa, Egypt or
Tunisia, I may be able to assist.
Many thanks,
Barge
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Sun 23 May, 19:37].
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Does anybody have a clue on travel in the Caucasus
countries, particularly Georgia and Azerbaijan? I am
planning a trip from Karachi (Pakistan) to Athens (Greece)
via Iran, Turkmenistan (I already have a visa invitation),
Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, but fear that as I have been
able to find so little out about the Caucasus, I may have to
re-route. The only vaguely useful info is in the Trailblazer
Asia Overland guide, but it's so sketchy.
Or would it be a better trip to go from Iran to Turkey and
then south to Istrael? Does anybody know how cheaply I could
pick up a flight to London from Israel?
Back to the Caucasus and Turkmenistan: how likely am I to
find other travellers there? Is there much to see? How long
should I allow to do these places justice (I have three
months in total, and intend to spend about a month in Iran)?
How much is shoestring travel there likely to cost? What's
the climate like? And would anybody be interested in joining
me? I'm a 20-year old UK student who has so far been to
India, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, China, Pakistan, Burma,
Cambodia and Tunisia. I consider myself pretty adventurous,
but do like to take it easy with a beer/check out clubland
too (though obviously not in Paklistan, Iran, etc.!)
I have very little time really to get the visas (I have the
Iranian and Pakistan ones already, plus the Turkmen
invitation), so may just go for the Israel option unless
somebody can help me fairly soon: I am flying out from
London Heathrow on 19th June... .
All advice etc. would be VERY gratefully received.
Cheers!
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Sun 23 May, 5:27].
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Hello
I am tour guide in Urumqi Xinjiang china . I have small
internet cafe for you. free trvavel info hope can help
individual guest
jim
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Mon 24 May, 16:37].
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I am planning a three week trip to Tibet and have a few
questions about organising trips etc. Here goes: 1.Is it
quick and easy to buy flight tickets from Kathmandu to
Lhasa once in Kath or is it best to purchase these from
home? 2. Once in Lhasa do I have to be on a tour or can I
do my own thing? 3. Where is the best place to meet other
travellers in Lhasa to join me in my return overland trip
to Kath? 4. Is it easy to organise your own itinery on the
return trip as I do not want to go to the base camp and
this seems almost fixed on the return journey? 5. Is 3
weeks enough to organise all travelling once I get there or
will I get stuck somewhere eg Kath without a flight to
Lhasa? Thanks for your help
[Posts on this topic: 6. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 2:47].
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A true representation of Tibet are the Tibetan enclaves in
India not the now occupied homeland which has been heavily
adulterated by the Chinese. The out of place Chinese even
outnumber Tibetans in this erstwhile peaceful country.
The Chinese Government is to the Third Reich as:
Tibetans are to Jews.
[Posts on this topic: 7. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 20:49].
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I just heard that chinese now make it difficult to get Tibet visa in Chengdu due to the 50th anniversary of the Republic and...10th anniversary of Tien An Men.
I am going in Tibet in 10 days and I wouldn't like to be stucked in Chengdu. Does anybody have fresh informations on this matter?
Thank you
France
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Mon 24 May, 17:26].
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Does anyone know if it's possible and easy to get a tourist
visa for China in Ulaan Baatar?
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Fri 21 May, 3:18].
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hello...
i`m on the way to mongolia, sit in this moment in
rawalpindi,(mureeroad,araund popular in, 25 rp/h)-
my problem is, i`m invidet to south dacota in july, to
an indian reservation. and now...can you tell me a cheap
flight,how do go from ulaan bator to rapidcity in one week
nevertheless...thank you,have a nice time,choda havez,sas
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Fri 21 May, 1:28].
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hi,
A friend and I will leave in july from belgium by car to
reach china(turkey,iran,pakistan,china).
I already asked a permission to get into china and tibet
with my own car at the chinese tourist office in paris.
I didn┤t even got an answer.
Does someone know how to obtain such permissions and has
someone travelled before in china with his own car?
thanks for replying
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Sun 23 May, 7:42].
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hello,
i'm planning on going to northern tibet, i was wondering if
there is anyone who wishes to go with me as well as
information about this area - specifically about how to get
to this area.
matthew
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Thu 20 May, 20:13].
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anyone taken the pass recently from kyrgystan to china over
the tuergate pass. need to know if you stioll need to show
confirmation of onward travel booking at the china side and
if so the bvest way around this. also how long did it take
you from naryn- 1 or 2 days to get to kashgar. cheers
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Sun 23 May, 5:42].
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Rescued from just below the summit of Everest - read the
dispatches "live" at www.adventure-mag.com
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Thu 20 May, 10:34].
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Hi there,
I'm going in a couple of months to Mongolia.
I'll wil be there during the nadaam festival
Does anyone have some useful tips ore things i must see
...sites on the net?
Any information is most welcome
Thx
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Fri 21 May, 11:27].
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Hi all,
I'll be spending about two weeks in Azerbaijan in July and I
need information on the country quite urgently. Has anybody
been to Baku and the surrounding area recently and can offer
advice, or can anybody recommend any travel guides?
Please email me directly
Thanks
Hui Yee
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Thu 20 May, 23:25].
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Hello to All:
I would like to invite those interested in travel in
Russia to join the Russia travel discussion mailing
list.
The description of this mailing list is:
The travel discussion list for people interested in travel
within the Russian Federation, as well as
surrounding areas not already covered by other mailing lists (Mongolia, Belarus and Moldova).
This list is strictly devoted to travel in the above
defined region. Advertisements and political discussions
are strictly forbidden.
You can join this list by sending a blank email to :
RussiaTravel-subscribe@onelist.com
OR by going to this website:
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/RussiaTravel
Thanks,
TAN Wee-Cheng
List Owner
Singapore/London
http://travel.to/weecheng/
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Wed 19 May, 21:09].
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Hello to All:
I would like to invite those interested in travel in the
Caucasus to join the Caucasus travel discussion mailing
list.
The description of this mailing list is:
CAUCASUS:
The travel discussion list for people interested in travel
within the Transcaucasian Republics of Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Georgia, and the North Caucasus region (Krasnodar Kray,
Stavropol Kray, Dagestan, Adygea, Karachay-Cherkassia,
Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia, Ingushetia and
Chechenya) of the Russian Federation, as well as
surrounding regions such as Eastern Turkey, Azarbayjan
Provinces of Iran, and Kalmykia and Rostov and Astrakhan
Oblasts of the Russian Federation.
This list is strictly devoted to travel in the above
defined region. Advertisements and political discussions
are strictly forbidden.
You can join this list by sending a blank email to :
caucasus-subscribe@onelist.com
OR by going to this website:
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/caucasus
Thanks,
TAN Wee-Cheng
List Owner
Singapore/London
http://travel.to/weecheng/
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Wed 19 May, 21:06].
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i want to know please about ways to sneak to tibet overland , right now i'm in cheng du, from where i can do it ,when its better ? do i need this permit after i enter to tibet ?do i need this permit to show to the psb if i want to cross to nepal ?
please send your answer directly to my email
thanks
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Sat 22 May, 5:35].
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i want to know please if its possible to cross by land from china to burma or india and what about the visa ,can i get it at the border.
thanks
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Sat 22 May, 15:37].
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I'm looking for banks in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara that
change US$ T/C into US$ cash for a decent commission (2% or
less). Any help very welcome!
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Wed 19 May, 22:36].
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What's the situation with volunteering in China? Can anyone
recommend any good chinese charities to work for? Thanks for
your help!
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Sun 23 May, 15:41].
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Dear travellers,
I am planning to spent my summer vacations in IRAN, in the
Lonely planet (1992) I've found two news I've found of
particular interest:
1) is it still working the law that allows only 5 films
to be brought in that country
2) is it still usual that travellers with backpack maybe
not accepted in hotels because iranian people often
associates it with the beat generation ( that is not totally
comliant with their point of view of life)
If anybody has an answer for these question I'll be very
grateful for every information; on my side if anybody has
questions about Middle East (Siria, Lebanon, Jordan ) or
Nord Africa ( Lybia and Tunisia ) I'll be delighted to try
to answer them.
Best Regards
Gabriele Pierantoni
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Mon 24 May, 9:00].
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Does anyone have some recent travel information about
trekking in Mustang & Dolpo (NEPAL)?
I'm looking for info about
MUSTANG :
* Prices travel Permit
* TRekking route
* Days to reach Lo Monthang
* Easy to fly in/ get tickets
* reliable trekking guide and porters (is that nessecary ?)
* Is it still mandatory to take a policeman with you ?
* Best time to visit ?
DOLPO :
* Prices travel Permit
* TRekking route
* Easy to fly in/ get tickets / where
* reliable trekking guide and porters (is that nessecary ?)
* Best time to visit
* Teahouses on the way or everything with tents ?
THANK you for your time !
Anne Wuyts
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Thu 20 May, 14:56].
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Hi everybody !
Is it difficult to get visas ( with an invitation ) for
Kazakstan and Kyrghyzstan when in Moscow ?
How long is it ?
Do you also need an invitation for Kyrghyzstan ?
Thank you !
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Wed 19 May, 13:40].
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Am planning trip into Tibet in July/Aug after teaching
duties are finished. Do want up to date info on Kailash
trip and any hassles from psb, plus info on Rongbuk temple
too. But big questions are for the DEEP VALLEY that I
believe is near the Yalu region. Any info will be
appreciated -- please reply to e-mail as I have reall
problems getting access to fully functional systems here in
NE China -- can also pass info about Sichuan/Gansu Mtns,
Shaanxi province and bits about NE China -- xiexie-- rd
[Posts on this topic: 0. Latest post: Tue 18 May, 15:44].
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If anyone has any questions about Montreal, just ask. I've
been living here for 20 years and would gladly help if I
know the answers.
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Fri 21 May, 9:17].
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I am planning to head into Tibet in July via Cheng Du (?) in China - was wondering if anyone had some
advice - I would like to travel overland if possible - Any info on the CHina- Tibet border
crossing ie./weather/where to stay/how easy it is to purchase warm weather gear in
China/Tibet...ANYTHING.. would be appreciated. I will be heading into Nepal from there if all goes to plan
(around August) to trek. Not to sure about the weather in the area - guidebooks are vague about this
time of year...hot/cold wet???
thanks C
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Thu 20 May, 20:56].
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Planning a trip to Australia ? Get all the info you need
and budget car hire and accommodation. Great new website
for backpackers at http://www.homehostel.com
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Fri 21 May, 9:19].
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Hi all,
I'm planning a trip to Xinjiang and North Pakistan for this
summer. Does anyone have any tips for trekking in the
Mutztagata-Karakul Lake area?
Thanks
bob
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 21:00].
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If you are looking for company and boarding in Malysia till
September then get in touch.
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Mon 17 May, 12:59].
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How easy is it to travel around Vietnam and China as a lone
female backpacker. I have heard it is pretty easy in
Vietnam but haven't heard anything about China. I'd be
interested to hear of any websites that could be useful, or
any advice people could give me. E-mail me at my address
and all replies will receive an acknowledgement.
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Sat 22 May, 2:14].
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Hi, I want to get my Mongolian tourist visa in New York
rather than wait to get it in Moscow where I'll be
taking the trans-Mongolian train to Ulaan Batar - but my
problem is that the New York consulate is insisting that I
submit a visa "letter" with my application. They are very
vague as to what is supposed to be in this letter - they
told me that I don't need to pre-book any tours, accom or
transport to get the visa - I don't seem to need an
invitation from a Mongolian Travel agency - and anyway I
cannot find one which just deals with accom. He
gave me the impression he just needed a letter from my
employer in US (presumably saying that I'm going to Mongolia
on vacation???). I'm running out of time but I can't get
any clear info from the embassey or consulate. I'm lost -
has anyone gotten a Mongolian from the New York consulate?
Help!!!!!
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Wed 19 May, 3:11].
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Has anybody any experience of hiring or buying jeeps or
motorbikes in Mongolia?
We plan to travel around the country for 6 weeks, so we
thought independent tracsport would be the most convenient.
Amanda + Adam
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Tue 18 May, 19:01].
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Hi everybody!
I will be heading down to tibet somewhere during the first
week of june. I'm wondering what kind of weather will i be
expecting then & should i bring along a thick clothing or
jacket. Plus what are the other essential items that i
should bring along that is not listed in the guide book.
I heard that u should actually brings along some food !
Any suggestion?......Thanxs a million!
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Thu 20 May, 3:22].
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We have established a company that will shortly provide the
largest online searchable database of travel content.
If you are planning a trip or currently on a trip,
interested in becoming an accredited travel
writer, and getting paid for the information you accumulate
during your trip, please send us an email that describes
your travel interest, experience, and itinerary
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Wed 19 May, 22:31].
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What will be the best time (weather) to cycle from New Delhi
to Kathmandu and on to China?
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Sun 16 May, 18:42].
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I'm planning to go to Tibet in the next few months and I
wanted to know what level of fitness do you have to have in
order to really enjoy the place? I want to do some treks
(to Everest base camp and around Mt. Kailish) and just
generally walk as much as possible. If I spend a week or
so in Llasa will I be acclimatised enough to do this?
I'm 20 and moderately fit.
Also has anyone had any luck getting a 90 day visa from the
Hong Kong office? I read in the L.P book that this was
possible, and I just wanted to know if anyone has had any
success at this. Thanks.
[Posts on this topic: 5. Latest post: Thu 20 May, 18:12].
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Someone posted good info on travelling Xiahe to Songpan a
little while ago, but I can't find it. I'll be doing it a
few weeks time. PLEASE repost the info if you can. There
seems to be no other source of first hand knowledge.
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Tue 18 May, 15:31].
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I'm flying to Mumbai on June 26th and staying there for a
couple of days before flying down to Goa. Can anyone
recommend decent and cheap accommodation for those 2 nights?
Thanks in advance..
Suggs
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Mon 17 May, 21:49].
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We have established a company that will shortly provide the
largest online searchable database of travel content.
If you are interested in becoming an accredited travel
writer, and getting paid for the information you accumulate
during your trip, please send us an email that describes
your travel interest, experience, and proposed itinerary.
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Fri 14 May, 8:28].
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In October we are going to travel overland from Lanzhou to
Kathmandu (Xiahe, Xining, Golmud, Lhasa, etc.).
Does anyone have information about this route (train & bus)
and useful information about hotels. What is the price of
the bus-ticket from Golmud to Lhasa. There are rumours
that you can buy your bus-ticket already in the train from
Xining to Gomud. Does anyone know if this is true ? and what
about the travel permit for Tibet ?
All information about this route is useful. Thanks.
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Wed 19 May, 22:45].
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Does anyone have any interesting information they'd like to
share about georgia/Azerbaijan? I'm planning to travel
(alone) this summer and would be grateful for any hints you
may have. Thanks
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Tue 18 May, 1:59].
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and deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the
Chinese embassy staff murdered by NATO in the name
of "PEACE". Europe sucks. Three times in one century is
three times too many. I never want to hear some eurotrash
fag tell me how much more "civilized" Europe is compared to
the rest of the world. My ass!!!!!!
[Posts on this topic: 14. Latest post: Mon 17 May, 8:42].
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How does this incident affect foreigners in Beijing or China
as a whole?
Any first-hand info?
[Posts on this topic: 7. Latest post: Thu 20 May, 15:03].
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Is it less expensive to obtain visas for the different
republics in the US or in the republics themselves? Does
each republic require letters of invitation? Can these be
obtained from aquaintances rather than travel agencies?
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Thu 20 May, 18:22].
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HI I'm looking for Information to plan a journey leading
from Samarkand (Usbekistan) to Kasgar (China)travelling
e.g. over Fergana, Osh. Is there anybody who travelled in
this region lataley or even then same route?
If so, please let me know ;-)
thanks!
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Mon 10 May, 17:32].
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Just wondering what exactly is a sleeper on the bus from
Golmud?
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Sat 15 May, 22:56].
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Hi, I was looking to travel through China and Tibet in
early August. Ideally I would like to fly to Lhasa from
Bejing and then return overland on buses and trains etc.
Does anyone have any news/advice regarding how expensive
this could be and whether I could just turn up and go or if
i needed to book ahead for visas and permits?
Is it also possible to do this trip in only 2-3 weeks?
Thanks for any help!
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Sat 15 May, 22:44].
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There is a widespread problem with counterfeit Chinese 50
and 100 Yuan (RMB) notes in circulation in the PRC.
Everyone carefully examines each note when it's offered for
payment. I was passed a counterfeit 50 (it even had a
watermark) as change at the Yangshou river park.
Change money only at banks and hotels. Try to have enough
smaller Yuan notes (10s and 5s) to avoid receiving change
in larger notes. Reject any bill that's torn, taped or
unusually faded. Tourists are prime targets for passing on
these bogus bills.
Also beware of english speaking "students" or "teachers"
who strike up a conversation on the street and then ask if
you would like to see their "professor's" art work. This
scam was especially annoying in Giulin. These shills are
not students or teachers and pick you out as you leave your
hotel or other public places before effecting a seemingly
chance encounter.
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Fri 14 May, 15:05].
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Eighteen people summitted Everest yesterday....should we
leave the mountain alone now? Approximately 750 people have
now made the ascent and 150 have died - has the mystery and
awe of this mighty mountain been diminished?
While you are pondering these questions you can check out
our dispatches from the North Ridge of Everest at
www.adventure-mag.com
Anyone with any suggestions as to any ground breaking
expeditions that I should be following can e-mail me
Ta!
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Sat 15 May, 23:19].
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if anyone out there has traveled from kathmandu overland
into tibet i would really appreciate some help here!
first of all can individual travelers travel into tibet
just using a chinese visa and what are the border crossing
formalities like? also how difficult is it to get close
enough to get a close up view of everest's massive north
face. also are there any facilities at all once i leave
the road head. should i go for it?
thanks.......
[Posts on this topic: 7. Latest post: Mon 24 May, 14:29].
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Can all of you please suggest some good websites where any
good travel experiences, pictures, or travel diary is kept?
I'm talking about either personal sites or a site that has
this sort of thing from people's contributions. Thanks in
advance..
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Fri 21 May, 11:33].
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Is there someone in Delhi,who would take care for my dog in
the time from 06.06. - 30.07.99?
If you can help me,please drop me a line.
Martin
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Tue 18 May, 15:12].
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I wish to live in ladakh for three months july to september
1999. I would like to rent a house for this time. Can
anyone sugeest a good place to live and how much it is
likely to cost for a month. I prefer to be amongst the
people and not in the tourist scene, I am interested in
Buddhist practice. I welcome anyone who has any info to
reply, thanks.
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Sun 16 May, 7:04].
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I will be visiting Central Asia in July/August 1999 and
would appreciate any information that recent travellers can
give me on crossing the Torugart Pass from Kygyzstan to
China. Can it be arranged in Bishkek. Very expensive?
What are the chances of being turned back at the border etc.
Also, I will be a female travelling alone and would be happy
of some company if there is someone else out there who will
be heading to the same area about the same time. I leave
Moscow by train to Tashkent on 11 July.
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Fri 14 May, 18:19].
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I am planning on cycling from Guangzhou to Ho Chi Minh City
in July and August and was hoping someone might be able to
shed some light on a couple of things....
1. the weather in Southern China in July??? I live in HKG -
is it anywhere near as wet as it gets here?
2. what places are worth seeing between Guilin and Kunming?
3. the weather throughout Vietnam in late July and August?
Is it to wet to cycle through?
4. what kind of bike would you recommend taking...mountain
or hybrid?
Thanks heaps.
AMY
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Sun 23 May, 2:35].
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Are markets/bazaars found throughout Kazakhstan or only in
large cities? Are they like those in Turkey/Egypt? What are
they like?
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Wed 26 May, 11:02].
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I going to be travelling for about 24 months (mainly SE
Asia)and would like to catch the Macau Gran Prix. has
anyone done this on a budget? I know nothing about Macau,
but I am an avid motor sport fan (backpacking and
motorsport dont mix very well!!)Can I get back pack
accomodation at this time?
Any other info would be great! Thanks in Advance!
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Sun 23 May, 2:39].
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My wife and I are planning a 4 day trip to Hongkong...Can
someone be kind enough to suggest a reasonably priced
Hotel in Kowloon area( Walking distance to Shopping and
Food). Also, How central is the Kowloon Panda Hotel?? I
also need some help on Sightseeing. Which tours are worth
taking, how much would they cost and who are the tour
operators ( Coach tours). Would love to hear from you at
the earliest. Many thanks for your time.
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Thu 6 May, 14:20].
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hi there,
is there any possibility of getting accomodation in
Tibetan Monasteries?
kinny.
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Thu 6 May, 1:47].
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I am planning a 3 month trip to Mongolia next year. I am
strongly considering buying a Russian made, localy purchased
motorbike. I have been provided with some information, that
tells me it is easy to purchase a motorbike in UB.
Asuming that this is correct for the moment, has anybody out
there done such a trip or have information and or advise on
such a venture.
Any other relavent information on this subject would be
appreciated.
Thanks
Con
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 6:09].
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I know that this is a rather broad question, but what is
China like? Can you compare it to any other countries? I'm
interested in going, but I'd like some more info. Thanks.
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Fri 14 May, 22:42].
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Hi all, I'm planning a trip to
Xinjiang this June. Have
anyone got any info about
Minfeng? How long does it
take to get to Minfeng from
Koria (Kuerle) ? (Thru Cross-
Desert Highway?) Thanks.
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Thu 6 May, 3:15].
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I'm planning an overland trip from Australia to South
Africa via asia and the middle east next year. Anyone had
experience trying to import their own bike or car into
China or Tibet??? I've heard it's a nightmare or
impossible, but I'd love to avoid having to fly the bike
from Bankok to Delhi, and I'd love to see south China/Tibet.
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Mon 3 May, 2:22].
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Check it out at
http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Lagoon/3237/
[Posts on this topic: 2. Latest post: Sun 16 May, 21:21].
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Where is the best place to get reliable information on the
Trans-Siberian (Mongolian) Railroad? This trip is my summer
project (if I find the cash...) and the Russia LP is rather
out-dated. Any recent info or advice would be appreciated
(including on Russian visa!!). Also, what is the best way to
make reservations for the Moscow-Ulan Batar and
Ulan-Batar-Beijing legs FROM America? Thanks for any help.
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Thu 13 May, 5:24].
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Hello, I'm going to be Nepal in December and January. I
know it's the coldest time of year to go but it's the only
time I can go! Has anyone trekked in late Dec or Jan? Is
the weather really miserable? Any info would be great.
Thanks.
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Wed 19 May, 21:11].
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Hi dear fellow travellers:
Now I have got to confess that I am a little bit confused
about recent messages on this thorntree concerning Tibet.
Some of you say that Tibet is currently locked up for
foreigners, whereas others claim that there's no difficulty
whatsoever when entering Tibet. Could someone please
verify either one of the above and make an end to all the
gossip and the rumors.
Furthermore, there are some questions I need to ask you:
1. What is all that talking about a regular flight
connecting Golmud and Lhasa? Any details about scheduling
and fares for these flights?
2. Anyone of you happen to know whether the bus
ticket "Golmud-Lhasa" has gone up as far as price goes?
Used to be around 1400 Yuan for a sleeper --yeah right,
sleeper-- ticket.
3. Could anyone give me an approximate figure for the
expenses of a three weeks trip to Manasrovar and Kailash.
Judging from most of the entries on this Thorntree most
Tibet-travellers appear to be heading out there. Is it
really that easy to manage logistically so that everyone
can go out there. I have heard and read that a trip to
Kailash would take quite some preparation and logistical
efforts. Could anyone please give me some feedback on that.
Thanks for now
Thomas
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Tue 18 May, 15:51].
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Just about to leave Kathmandu for some trekking. Want to
head to Tibet in late May. Travel agents here say that I
have to go on a "group" tour where everyone enters and
leaves together. Is it possible to travel independently
from Nepal to Tibet? Also, is it possible to separate from
these tours before reaching Lhasa (in Shigatse or
elsewhere)? Right now it seems like I have to go to Lhasa
with the group and separate there. I would like to spend
more time getting to Lhasa, however. Any advice or info
would be greatly appreciated. Finally, are permits needed
to get to places outside Lhasa? Thanks!
[Posts on this topic: 5. Latest post: Mon 10 May, 6:03].
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I am moving to KZ August. I will be teaching in an
international school. The following is a letter I just
recieved from the man who hired me. I understand he has
sugar coat it a bit but it is completely different from the
now "infamous" KZ POST FROM LAST MONTH. Tell me what you
think.
To all Kazakhstan "campers," educators, and others-Greetings
and Hyo!
I've been promising you-all an
orientation/introduction/information
letter/packet/sheet/broadside, etc. for some time. And,
now, after a
pleasant week in Astana with the newly recruited staff
there, it's back to
Almaty and greater reality.
In mid-April Astana was spectacularly beautiful-sunny,
crystal clear and
clean air. However, the large river through the heart of
the city, the Ishim, on whose very banks we have our
school's temporary offices, is still frozen, frozen to the
solidity that allows-actually seems to encourage-skating,
sledding, fishing, even ice boating. Often hundreds of
people were on the river engaged in some sport or other.
The weather was so pleasant that the cold-which it obviously
takes to sustain ice on a running river-was not a problem.
Actually, the air was so clear and the humidity so
low that it truly didn't seem that cold.
I visited a new large market, always called a bazaar
hereabouts, in Astana to shop for the fixings for a major
Italian feast I planned to cook. Everyone
in Almaty told me to buy here in order to be sure I could
get what I wanted for an international meal. At the new
bazaar I found a veal roast, the quality of which would
please any Italian fanatic. I found several varieties
of tomatoes, basil, Italian parsley, eggplant, peppers of
all kinds, garlic, bread of every style and type, even a
nice variety of Italian wines. The fruit was abundant and
in great variety with quality to rival any market
anywhere.The only thing I didn't find-and I brought them
from Almaty!-was cannelli beans. In Almaty they have a
great and fantastic assortment of beans and
lentils. The selection in Astana was good, but missed on the
cannelli. There are also supermarkets in Astana.
This market/bazaar had one floor-a huge place-just devoted
to food and drink, with large sections for each category.
(Even the cheese section was impressive.) On the upper
story was a rather American-like shopping mall. However, the
emphasis was on Kazakhstan products, but everything from
clothes, furniture, appliances, books and educational
supplies to many foreign imports were on sale. There were
collection of French shops, a couple of Italian design
shops, etc. Impressive, very nice and even fun.
The markets/bazaar in Almaty are equally great, and I love
shopping here. While I go to western-style super markets a
couple of times a weeks, it's the
big local market/bazaar that I save "for the big stuff."
It's so great to
shop there. The variety and quality make comparison
shopping a great
experience. For some of the rarer items, it's a treasure
hunt! For example,
I've found a Kazakh man, a dwarf, who is my nominee for
"greatest spice
seller on earth." He makes all his own-grinding fresh
quantities every day.
He mixes his own curries, chili powders, black pepper, etc.
For some things
like cardamom, mace, and some more exotic things, he grinds
fresh for each
customer. He doesn't actually carry herbs, but he tells me
who has whatever
it is I need. Recently, I wanted some oregano-it's quite
rare and
essentially never used here. However, he told me that one
old lady who sells
medicinal herbs had it. So he took me to her (about 15 yds
away). She had
it and sold me a nice packet of dry, but very fresh oregano
for 15Tenge (less
than 15 cents) They believe that oregano is good for your
heart, but I told
them it was even better for your Italian dinners.
I also recently spent a couple of weekends shopping for and
buying art. This
included carpets, paintings and ceramics. I still can't
believe what-all
wonderful things I got. I started with 4 Kazakh carpets,
all 5x7 or bigger.
These are all hand made and magnificent items. (One was
old, about 100 years
old, and everyone who was with me was horrified that I paid
as much for it as
for the new ones. It was 5x7 and its colors so softened and
its pattern so
vibrant that I was dazzled. I told them that in the US it
would be worth two
or three times as much as the new ones. They all thought we
must be daft to
pay more for old.)
I bought 7 paintings, 4 with yurts in local scenes; 3
moderns ones with some
wonderful colors and traditional Kazakh themes, but in very
modern
interpretations. I got 4 modest ceramic pieces, but very
nicely designed
and fired. All of the above were about $850 total.
I continue to live well on my $500 per month local salary.
I have yet to use
a cent from US income.
Today is April 22, 1999 and spring has been in full
flower-in all ways for 10
days or two weeks-until this morning. After nearly 2 weeks
of sun and warmth
and greening everywhere, I woke up to a very beautiful white
world again. It
had snowed 3 or 4 inches, and it has continued, very lightly
though,
throughout the day.
Everyone will receive one-way tickets from whichever airport
you designate to
Almaty or Astana. We use mostly United/Lufthansa(LH) or
United/KLM or
United/British Air. It will depend on where you're coming
from. I have a
strong partiality to the UA/LH connection, as it is through
Frankfort and the
times are kinder. It arrives in Almaty at 9:00 in the
evening. The others
arrive at 1:30 or 3:05 in the morning. Not good, in my
view. Then the
following summer you'll get either a one-way home (if you're
not returning)
or a round trip anywhere you designate.
We take care of the initial steps of your visa acquisition.
Here's how it
works: we submit everyone's name who we are bringing to KZ
to the consular
division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a letter of
invitation.
They then prepare an approved list and send it to
Washington, D.C. After
this, you apply to the Embassy and they will give you the
time, address,
information, etc.
What to bring and how to bring it? Generally, plan to
bring only clothes and
personal items that are essential to your happiness and well
being and won't
be available anywhere else. I brought only books, CD's and
a laptop computer
besides clothes. Here I bought a Sony CD, cassette player,
AM/FM radio with
detachable speakers for $90. It's not worth carrying. All
appliances are
being provided. Exception: The local concept of coffee
maker is an electric
kettle for tea and instant coffee. I like coffee, real
coffee. So the first
weekend I bought an electric coffee maker, a mill/grinder
and an assortment
of beans. Now I've bought another for work-everyone loves
it and they're
changing their tastes for coffee, now that they've had "the
real thing."
I would suggest that if you can, bring a computer. We'll
have computers
available at school. But for your own use, a laptop would
be best. They're
about 2x the US cost here, so buying computer equipment here
is not a smart
buy. Most things are a bargain, but computer-related stuff
is not.
The townhomes for employees will not be completed until 6
weeks or 2 months
later, so everyone will have an apartment in the city.
We're hopeful that
they'll be close together, but it will simply be based on
availability. My
apartment, for instance, is so good that I hate to give it
up. It is
considered "average" but I think it is very special. The
school has already
rented a couple of apartments in Astana and they are very
nice-brand new, on
the river, really pleasant. We'll only need a couple more.
The situation on transportation is a bit of a dilemma.
Everyone here thinks
it's crazy to drive yourself if you don't have to. By world
standards this
is a non-crowded, easy to deal with city. Streets are wide,
traffic lights
works, laws are enforced and the quality of driving is very
subdued in
comparison with most places. However, the "rub"-such as it
is-is simply that
the police speak only Russian and you get stopped frequently
for document
checks, insurance papers, registration, license, etc. If
you don't
communicate with them, they can "haul you in," fine you on
the spot or make
life unpleasant. So most foreigners don't brave it on this
issue. There are
Americans driving about and motorcycles are around.
There are busses, trolleys, trams and streetcars. They tend
to be slow,
cheap and always crowded, very crowded. The best source of
public
transport-I've only used it a few times-are referred to as
"private taxis."
You simply stand on the side of the street and look anxious.
Private
vehicles will stop and ask where you want to go and you say
and then they
name a price. It'll be about 50 cents a km or $2 for a
fairly long ride and
you settle and off you go. It's always safe and you never
wait long. I was
hesitant to do it, but after a time or two-"nyet problema."
There are gyms and health clubs, and pools, etc. in many
locations; our gym
will be good, with weight machine and eventually own pool
and tennis court.
Local clubs provide instruction in martial arts, tennis,
etc. and there are
lots of opportunity for a variety of sports and games.
I "suddenly" realized that I'm not going to be able to
answer all the
questions in one letter, so with only one additional note,
I'll end this,
Chapter 1. You are coming to a most hospitable place. The
Kazakhs love
foreigners and visitors are always honored guests. I have
lived in several
countries that I loved, but there is no place where I've
felt as welcomed and
appreciated. The graciousness and genuine warmth is
constantly overwhelming,
even amazing. It is pleasant to go out to public places; I
have often felt
like I was the public spectacle, the freak on the block.
Never here.
Typical experience: I had expressed an interest in going to
one of the local
museums, The Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. One day
the Deputy
Director of the Foundation, a nice lady named Svetlana
Viktorovna, told me
that at 4:00 p.m. a car would take me there as she had asked
a friend to
arrange for a special tour and there would be "a couple" of
musicians to
demonstrate for me. So I went, along with 4 or 5 local
friends who hadn't
been and an interpreter. The tour was comprehensive with
several specialists
explaining and playing instruments throughout the tour.
Then after about 1
hour they took me into the yurt-like theatre where they had
arranged for over
35 musicians, singers and dancers to give me a full-scale
concert. This
included the most famous dombra player in KZ. (The dombra is
the classic
stringed, guitar-like instrument in central Asia.) Also a
famous composer of
Kazakh songs sang some of his own songs and the leading
dancer performed.
Needless to say, I was overwhelmed and pleased and very
happy about the whole
thing. They ended with speeches and an invitation to me to
give a lecture to
them. Which, of course, I accepted! I'll do it on American
folk and native
American and Black influences. Exciting world you're coming
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Thu 29 April, 15:14].
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We are a couple in our early fifties, moderately fit.
We want to visit Nepal for 3-4 weeks. We have been advised
to travel to Katmandu and organise a trek from there.
We want to organise a sherpa / guide and a porter. We have
been recommended the Annapurna Circuit, staying in Tea
houses as far as possible.
Would appreciate any feedback or information from those out
there who have tackled a problem like this.
Also where is the best place to stay in Chitwan, if possible
no camping please, the old bones like a bit of cushioning.
[Posts on this topic: 3. Latest post: Sun 16 May, 7:14].
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I'm planning on visiting Iran this summer. Afterwards, I'd
like to head into Central Asia by way of Mashad, Iran. I'd
prefer to hook up with a tour. Anyone have any info on
companies that "do" Uzbekistan? If so, please let me know.
Cheers!
[Posts on this topic: 4. Latest post: Sun 25 April, 21:27].
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Does anyone have any information on how to get from
Tehran,Iran to Ashgabat or Tashkent? I'm planning on
visiting Iran this summer with a group. I would like to
connect with another tour that starts in Ashgabat or
Tashkent. None of the major airlines (USA) seems to even
know where these places are. Is it expensive? Is it
possible to go overland? Any information would be most
welcome. Thanks
Terry
[Posts on this topic: 1. Latest post: Sat 17 April, 16:03].
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OK............We have all travelled around the world and seen lot's of great countries, but the question remains........ WHICH ONE WAS THE BEST????????
IF YOU HAD TO ONLY CHOOSE ONE TO GO BACK TO WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?????????
..................this is going to be very interesting.............
[Posts on this topic: 20. Latest post: Wed 19 May, 9:34].
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A Behavioral Guide to Kazakstan
A hopeless lack of basic civility is the harsh reality of
life in Kazakstan, and in much of the former SU for that
matter. I have come to the conclusion that people here
really donÆt give a shit about each other and, lacking that
simple but critical prerequisite, they are incapable of
building a society of compassion and rule of law. Civility
begins outside the family unit, or clan to put it in local
terms. Sure, if youÆre a family member or friend youÆll be
well taken care of. If youÆre outside the clan you can be
expected to get about as much respect and attention as a
mangy dog. You are to be used and perhaps feared but
certainly not respected or considered worthy of basic human
decency and politeness. ItÆs a little different if you are
a foreigner. As a foreigner you are usually well treated by
locals because youÆre an oddity, a novelty, and because you
might be useful in a practical sense. For instance, you
might be able to get some loser bureaucratÆs dead beat son
a job in your company. Other than such practical
considerations your value is essentially that you are a
source of entertainment, news, and amusement. And
suspicion, since many people still think that half of all
foreigners are CIA agents. In addition, a lot of the
friendliness that Kazaks will display toward you will be
the lead-in to a lame attempt to impress you, all in the
hope of demonstrating to you how wonderful their pathetic
excuse for a country is.
The real indicator of how Kazaks think is obvious when
watching them in interaction with complete strangers in
random encounters. For instance, they will not hesitate to
interrupt one another while conducting business or to cut
in front of one another in a line. HereÆs a typical
example: When you are standing at a cashierÆs window
someone will invariably come rub up beside you and butt
into your ongoing transaction from your right or left û and
think nothing of it. They will begin talking to the cashier
as if you are not even there. No ôexcuse meö or anything.
They couldnÆt give a shit that you are standing there; they
are interested only in their own primal needs and in
getting out of there as soon as possible. Women are the
worst, always on the lookout to jump a line and cut you
off. WhatÆs especially annoying is that in many cases the
person waiting on you at the bank or store will immediately
switch their attention and service from you to the asshole
that just butted into your conversation. And think nothing
of it. It is my contention that this basic disregard for
other people stems from the same defective genetic soup
that allowed Soviet people to turn one another in to the
secret police or to torture political prisoners in the
gulags.
Traffic is another good example. While in Kazakstan be
extremely alert around moving vehicles; they do not change
course or speed for pedestrians. Kazaks think that having a
car, any car, is a ticket to be a reckless jerk. No one
here is going to stop and wave you across the street like
they do in Peoria, not even at a designated crosswalk. I
have seen 3 dead bodies in the streets since I have been
here, all of them people who simply couldnÆt haul ass fast
enough and ended up leaving hair and skin samples in the
grills of a jeep, an Audi and a Lada. Natural selection I
suppose. They were simply too slow and lacked the
prerequisite agility to dodge vehicles going twice the
legal speed limit. Once I actually witnessed a car that was
moving at about 50 mph as it slammed into an old lady who
was scurrying across a 4-lane street. This took place on
WomenÆs Day by the way û March 8th. IÆll never forget the
distinctive thud of metal impacting on soft human tissue.
After being hit, and with busy commuters zipping by left
and right, the old bird still managed to drag herself to
the side of the road, using only her arms like a wounded
animal - which is about as much value as she had as far as
the driver was concerned since he didnÆt stop. Reminded me
a lot of the National Geographic Channel. You know,
ôfatally wounded wild beast in desperate struggle for
survival against all odds on the Serengeti.ö
Another example of how crude the inmates of this country
can be: People will ask for directions on the street by
simply blurting out their question and as soon as they have
the answer they are gone, no thank you at all. Often, if it
is clear that you are a foreigner because of your accent (I
do speak fluent Russian by the way, as well as Arabic and
French, so IÆm not the standard issue, linguistically
impotent foreigner) they will stare at you as if youÆve
just stepped off of a UFO, grunt, and then just walk away
with a slightly amused look on their faces, perhaps quickly
glancing back at you for one final look. Imagine walking up
to a person in London and asking for directions to
someplace only to realize that the person you are talking
to is severely mentally retarded. ThatÆs how a lot of
people her react initially to foreigners in chance
encounters. Part of this general attitude stems from the
conviction that because you are a foreigner you couldnÆt
possibly know jack about this place anyway.
Using the telephone is another good example of how rude
many of the locals are during official contact. If you
call a wrong number they will often simply blurt out that
you have the wrong number and immediately hang up. If they
call you and you say that they have reached a wrong number
they also hang up immediately û no ôsorry for disturbing
youö or anything at all. Calling information is a
nightmare. If you are in luck and they actually answer you
without hanging up they simply blurt out some number at
lightning speed and hang up immediately. YouÆre lucky if
you understood what was said. If you didnÆt understand or
you need more info, well, tough shit. Call again and good
luck.
Forget dealing with authorities in a civilized way. If they
figure out that theyÆre not going to get a bribe off you
they ignore you completely. The corruption of officialdom
is a chapter unto itself.
There is nothing in Kazakstan worth seeing that has been
built by man. 99.9% of the buildings are the usual Soviet,
concrete, depressing pieces of indescribably ugly junk. OK,
there is a cute little wooden church in Almaty that was
built with no nails and an ice skating rink that the locals
think is the best thing since baked bread, but that is
about it. The Kazaks, being a formally nomadic people who
were jerked screaming from the 8th century directly into
the 20th century by the Russians (for which the Kazaks have
yet to express the required gratitude by the way), built
nothing work seeing. Once youÆve looked at one or two yurts
youÆve seen the apogee of Kazak building prowess. ItÆs
true; a country five times the size of France and not
diddly squat that is aesthetically pleasing which was built
by man. Go to Uzbekistan if you want to see some old stuff:
Bokhara, Khiva. OK, the Kazaks do have an old building in
Turkistan that they are renovating but I found it empty and
singularly uninspiring, worth maybe five minutes of time if
itÆs on your way but I would not recommend a special trip.
As far as traditional Kazak culture goes, donÆt expect to
see any unless itÆs faked and over dramatized somewhere on
stage. No one wears traditional clothing, even out in the
sticks. The few yurts (fancy word for low budget tent) you
will see are ugly gray lumps full of the usual 3rd world,
driveling, snot covered runts and other general indicators
of poverty that are prevalent in analogous, corrupt
ôemergingö markets the world over. However, the people that
live in these depressing hovels do not demonstrate any of
the cool ancient ceremonies or traditional clothing that
ôtravelersö like to gawk at in places like Bolivia or
Nepal. Beyond the yurts if there is anything on the manmade
horizon it is likely to be smoke stacks and more
dilapidated concrete monstrosities. Oh yeah, plus a lot of
high-tension lines.
Outside of Almaty the food sucks big time. All you can find
is greasy meet, potatoes, onions, some melons in summer,
and packaged imported western canned or dry stuff. ThatÆs
if youÆre lucky. You can, however, get a Snickers bar and
Orbit chewing gum in the most Allah forsaken, remote
corners of this country. Hence, do not come here for a
culinary vacation. Be aware that the four basic food groups
are: alcohol, sugar, fat, and nicotine. Even in Almaty you
canÆt get what I would call a good budget travelerÆs meal.
Good food in restaurants in Almaty is as expensive as that
in Europe and often more expensive. This ainÆt Thailand or
India.
Other than very expensive hotels for foreign businessmen in
Almaty, Astana, Chimkent, and Atyrau the hotels are
overpriced, cold boxes, completely characterless, plagued
by greasy mafia types with their prostitutes, and to top it
off they usually have some of the worst food imaginable û
if they have any food at all. YouÆre also lucky if you get
heat or hot water. And keep in mind that the nighttime
temperatures are now around û25 C in the northern parts of
the country.
There is really only one good reason to come here and that
is for the landscape: high, beautiful mountains and a few
interesting desert areas, although most of the desert and
steppe is flat and absolutely monotonous. If you like
trekking, climbing and other mountain sports this is a
fantastic place and the only thing worth being here for û
aside from tons of tax free money that you can earn as a
ôforeign expertö (what a joke; most of the Americans
working here will be hard pressed to get a job at DunkinÆs
Donuts when they go back) and the more than willing girls
(one of the best kept secrets in the northern hemisphere).
Regarding the girl thing, since Kazakstan is a male
chauvinist, Moslem country this is a great place to be man.
For instance, married men are expected to have at least one
mistress. Women know their place, i.e. they do what you
tell them to do û but this comes with a price, which is
that you have to pay for everything, and I mean everything.
If your woman wants a new fur coat, well, youÆd better go
get her one because if you donÆt sheÆll move on to the next
guy who can support her in the manner which she expects.
She wants a new handbag? Get out your wallet. She needs
some new shoes? Ditto. Mobile phone? You get the picture.
This is not Dutch Treat country. Looking at the brighter
side of things; the women here are very loyal. They will
wrap you in a cocoon of love and tenderness that has long
since been beaten out of gullible American women by the
crew cut, ring in the nose, maladjusted misfits of the
feminist movement. The women in Kazakstan will iron your
shirts. They will feed you like a king. They dress
extremely well and in a way that makes it a pleasure to
show them off to your mates when you go out. You wonÆt find
them wearing jeans with those cute holes in the knees, or
old baggy sweatshirts, or hiking boots around town. Even
the poorest women here dress like Paris models and look
better that 95% of the wide assed hoÆs we have walking
around the US. You want to go out with the boys û no
problem û in fact you are expected to spend a lot of time
with other males because the women here realize that there
is a clear distinction between guy talk and the kind of
stuff that women are interested in. Yet, they are
understanding and caring when you stagger home drunk and
stupid at 3 AM and they have to wipe the vomit off your
chin, clean you up and put you to bed. After all, for
centuries theyÆve been dealing with their own home grown,
alcohol sodden males against whom the average western
maleÆs drinking skills pale in comparison. As far as the
women here are concerned this all comes with the job.
Speaking of women, if you need to hire a secretary in
Almaty keep in mind that how she looks is more important
that what she can do. After all, the first impression that
people get when they visit your office is based on the way
your secretary looks. Be sure to specify that when she
comes for the interview she should be wearing appropriate
business attire, which for Almaty means a tight black tube
dress with a hemline no more than a handÆs width below her
crotch, no bra of course, and high heeled shoes. Test her
skill at leaning forward at her desk with her shoulders
hunched a bit forward so that the prerequisite gap forms
between her dress and chest, thereby giving your visitors a
good view while they wait. Your Kazak visitors and business
partners will especially appreciate your ability to thus
create a pleasing working environment and will be convinced
beyond doubt that you have your priorities in order, that
you are a nastayashi muzhik.
Bear in mind that once you have adapted to such a
culturally specific professional environment you will be
ruined forever when it comes to going back to the US and
getting a job there. Once youÆve thrown in the towel and
gone back to that land of bitchy women and strip malls you
will be a walking sexual harassment lawsuit bomb just
waiting to go off. If you actually get hired chances are
you will within a very short period of time tell some
fellow employee that she has nice tits or make some other
well intended but dangerous remark that will launch court
proceedings and end up costing you your job and your
employer millions of dollars in legal fees and settlement
payments. Therefore, any smart employer back in the US
wonÆt touch you with a ten foot pole. Face it, youÆre stuck
here or somewhere else in the shrinking pool of poverty
stricken but very fun countries.
[Posts on this topic: 38. Latest post: Sat 15 May, 15:54].
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Has anyone noticed the large proportion of travellers that
are carrying the Lonely Planet guides? Does anyone have any
stories to tell about hotels, restaurants, or sites that
have been transformed due to their inclusion in the guide?
Or do you think that the supposed power of this guide is
merely grounded in mythology?
If you have anything at all to say on this topic PLEASE mail
me as I'm writing a dissertation on the the subject and
would be thrilled to hear from you.
Thanks, Marie.
[Posts on this topic: 7. Latest post: Sun 16 May, 7:27].
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Why is it that most postings here have nothing to do with
central Asia? People are asking about China, Thiland, Tibet,
Hong Kong, Nepal, even Europe to Alaska. China (Except
Xingxang provence, which is central Asia) is north Asia.
Thiland is south east Asia. Thank you.
[Posts on this topic: 7. Latest post: Wed 14 April, 16:38].
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I'm planning to travel the Silk Road (more or less) in the
too-distant future, and I am trying to find books -
travelogues or 'local' literature - that will give me some
background. I've found Lattimore's "Desert Road to
Turkestan" and (forgot the author) "Night Train to
Turkestan," but there must be more out there, or? I've asked
in bookstores and been greeted with blank stares, so I
thought I'd try asking here instead!
And actually, if anyone's got any good lit tips on Mongolia,
I'd appreciate those too.
(I'm not looking for guidebooks.)
Thanks!
Miriam
[Posts on this topic: 15. Latest post: Wed 12 May, 23:52].
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Who was your favourite host on the Lonely Planet travel show? My choice is Ian Wright.
[Posts on this topic: 110. Latest post: Tue 25 May, 4:14].
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