This is an XML content feed of journal entries and reviews that have recently published by RealTravel members within Asia. Use one of the buttons on the right to add this feed to your feed reader. tag:realtravel.com,2005:305 RealTravel members http://realtravel.com/images/logo-for-feeds.jpg (c) 2006 RealTravel.com 2008-06-24T05:23:28Z 340155http://www.feedburner.comThis is an XML content feed of journal entries and reviews that have recently published by RealTravel members within Asia. Use one of the buttons on the right to add this feed to your feed reader. tag:realtravel.com,2007-06-18:4815783 2007-06-18T23:46:25Z 2008-06-24T05:23:28Z Tole & Jessica http://realtravel.com/member-m2024494-tole__jessica.html <p><em>"awash in the vivid colors and patterns of Tibetan life"</em></p> <p>a entry by Tole &amp; Jessica from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/sichuan-china-reviews-hotels-d949491.html">Sichuan, China.</a></p> <p></p><p>Without a doubt, western Sichuan was the real highlight of our trip to China. People say that Tibet really begins in Western Sichuan, and we definitely felt like we had entered a new country and culture. Villages are populated with Tibetan people, have Tibetan architecture and, despite apparent poverty, are awash in the vivid colors and patterns of Tibetan life. These colorful patterns are everywhere: on clothing, prayer flags, and the doors of houses and barns; woven into intricate window patterns and the manes and tails of horses; and flying on prayer flags and long streamers attached ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/sichuan-journals-j4815783.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_ufEADhNdPti6wmdClyqbP7pdV6I_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/ufEADhNdPti6wmdClyqbP7pdV6I_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_ufEADhNdPti6wmdClyqbP7pdV6I_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=ufEADhNdPti6wmdClyqbP7pdV6I_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fsichuan-journals-j4815783.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/sichuan-journals-j4815783.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-04-20:4328619 2007-04-20T03:12:46Z 2008-06-24T05:22:50Z Tole & Jessica http://realtravel.com/member-m2024494-tole__jessica.html <p>a journal by Tole &amp; Jessica from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com//d-1002-asia">Asia.</a></p> <p>Myanmar, China and the rest is to be determined. From our semi-successful attempt to bike through the dreadful hot season in Myanmar, to the beautiful peaks of northwestern Yunnan and western Sichuan in China, we're huffing and puffing our way through Asia this time.</p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/asia-trips-i4328619.html">[Read full journal]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_n9b0Rh0vWFpAmt2eMPcNXYaGeA8_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/n9b0Rh0vWFpAmt2eMPcNXYaGeA8_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_n9b0Rh0vWFpAmt2eMPcNXYaGeA8_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=n9b0Rh0vWFpAmt2eMPcNXYaGeA8_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fasia-trips-i4328619.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/asia-trips-i4328619.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-12-04:6127312 2007-12-04T06:10:46Z 2008-06-19T15:07:41Z Jo Budd http://realtravel.com/member-m5638567-jo_budd.html <p><em>"there was not a sound apart from the occasional camel fart"</em></p> <p>a entry by Jo Budd from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/jaisalmer-india-reviews-hotels-d6333.html">Jaisalmer, India.</a></p> <p>We boarded the overnight train to Jaisalmer early eve, due to arrive in the Thar Desert 20 hours later at 1pm the following day! Delhi railway station was complete chaos – I couldn’t find my name on the sheets of paper pinned to the platform notice board which designated seats. When I finally found Monty, he explained that my seat was probably reserved under a fake name by Intrepid before I had booked my last minute place on the trip. So I had to travel under the alias of Mr Gupta!</p><p>There were large rats on the tracks at Delhi station and at least one had made it onto the train and ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/jaisalmer-journals-j6127312.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_Q-WOJ9szzicJbZFnAcQBImVDjwQ_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/Q-WOJ9szzicJbZFnAcQBImVDjwQ_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_Q-WOJ9szzicJbZFnAcQBImVDjwQ_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=Q-WOJ9szzicJbZFnAcQBImVDjwQ_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fjaisalmer-journals-j6127312.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/jaisalmer-journals-j6127312.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-29:6091711 2007-11-29T04:56:20Z 2008-06-18T22:45:12Z Jo Budd http://realtravel.com/member-m5638567-jo_budd.html <p><em>"don't worry, chicken curry"</em></p> <p>a entry by Jo Budd from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/delhi_region-india-reviews-hotels-d3333292.html">Delhi Region, India.</a></p> <p>Despite weeks of preparations and research, poring over guidebooks and travel forums and grilling seasoned travellers to the sub-continent, nothing could have truly prepared me for arriving in Delhi! I met David at Heathrow, a guy booked onto the same Intrepid trip as me, also on the same flight. Jet airways fed us delicious curried dips, raita and Indian icecream. The next morning at Delhi airport we found ourselves in the back of a beaten up 'taxi' after following David who was following the 3 guys that were carting our luggage away whilst I tried unsuccessfully to buy a coffee with English ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/delhi_region-journals-j6091711.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_U9yFxWFed3V4FfXF88CTF-aR0KM_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/U9yFxWFed3V4FfXF88CTF-aR0KM_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_U9yFxWFed3V4FfXF88CTF-aR0KM_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=U9yFxWFed3V4FfXF88CTF-aR0KM_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fdelhi_region-journals-j6091711.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/delhi_region-journals-j6091711.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-03-26:4084875 2007-03-26T03:12:00Z 2008-06-18T07:27:17Z Aiiiyaah http://realtravel.com/member-m3755276-aiiiyaah.html <p>a review of Hotel Sheetal Residency, a place to stay in <a href="http://realtravel.com/mathura-uttar_pradesh-reviews-hotels-d2028116.html">Mathura, Uttar Pradesh</a>.</p> <p>I went to Vrindhavan to participate in the Holi festival but the hotels were all sold out. Mathura is close enough (only about 7 kms away) and ended up at the Hotel Sheetal Regency. I found it to be a basic and functional with friendly staff. All rooms have A/C and bathrooms, beds are firm and hard (thin mattress on a plywood board). The toilet was clean...but when I went looking for a towel...none there. Minor problem though...just had to call down for it. While The hotel has a restaurant but I didn't try it. Located about 2km from the Mathura temples and ghats. Overall, a decent hotel ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/mathura-reviews-b4084875.html">[Read full review]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_oBYP6kXb3U6maZLtDvMomY7mu0Y_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/oBYP6kXb3U6maZLtDvMomY7mu0Y_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_oBYP6kXb3U6maZLtDvMomY7mu0Y_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=oBYP6kXb3U6maZLtDvMomY7mu0Y_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fmathura-reviews-b4084875.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/mathura-reviews-b4084875.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-03-29:4117922 2007-03-29T11:13:15Z 2008-06-17T01:58:34Z stuartsfraser http://realtravel.com/member-m1402365-stuartsfraser.html <p>a entry by stuartsfraser from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/aurangabad-india-reviews-hotels-d57408.html">Aurangabad, India.</a></p> <p>We took a local bus to Ajanta. we thought we would have to put our bags on the roof but no one asked us to. Instead we squeezed our way to the back of the bus where we occupied 11 seats. as the journey progressed, and more people got on, we had to squeeze into a smaller and smaller area. buses seem to drive a lot faster than taxis. I think that it's because the drivers don't have to pay for the fuel. The ride was surprisingly comfortable. The bus was moving fast so there was lots of air to keep us cool. Unfortunately it was also incredibly bumpy. Maharashtra is apparently notorious for its ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/aurangabad-journals-j4117922.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_lycFYOmhQcv0XX.TEJSNYC5wYPw_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/lycFYOmhQcv0XX.TEJSNYC5wYPw_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_lycFYOmhQcv0XX.TEJSNYC5wYPw_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=lycFYOmhQcv0XX.TEJSNYC5wYPw_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Faurangabad-journals-j4117922.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/aurangabad-journals-j4117922.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-03-29:4117617 2007-03-29T10:35:24Z 2008-06-17T01:55:06Z stuartsfraser http://realtravel.com/member-m1402365-stuartsfraser.html <p>a entry by stuartsfraser from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/aurangabad-india-reviews-hotels-d57408.html">Aurangabad, India.</a></p> <p>We were swamped by touts as soon as we arrived at Aurangabad even though it was only 6:40 am. We checked into the Tourist Home Hotel. We got a 4 bed room with attached bathroom for only R300. It was supposed to be R400 but the guy knocked the price down because we were standing outside discussing what to do. I can't haggle but I'm learning some tricks. Foreigners get overcharged for everything. Even if you want something, pretend indifference, walk away and the price will drop.</p><p>We hadn't planned to go to Ellora until the following day but the guy who ran the tour company from the hotel ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/aurangabad-journals-j4117617.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_nsheN.QyIECdQiudc5fS6e35p2w_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/nsheN.QyIECdQiudc5fS6e35p2w_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_nsheN.QyIECdQiudc5fS6e35p2w_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=nsheN.QyIECdQiudc5fS6e35p2w_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Faurangabad-journals-j4117617.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/aurangabad-journals-j4117617.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-02-17:6559444 2008-02-17T10:59:12Z 2008-06-15T20:07:09Z Traveling Nomad http://realtravel.com/member-m5631087-traveling_nomad.html <p>a entry by Traveling Nomad from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/mumbai_bombay-india-reviews-hotels-d6373.html">Mumbai (Bombay), India.</a></p> <p>India is so diverse that each area needs to be covered separately to do them justice. There was so much to process here and we kept up such a full itinerary that I did not have enough time to journal, write emails or keep up with my blog very well. As a result, I lost much of the subtle detail in the overwhelming sensory overload that is India and I lost track of the specific days that we were in various places so please excuse any misrepresentations or gross errors!</p><p>I traveled with an amazing group of spiritual, open and fun people. I think that there were 26 of us in total with two ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/mumbai_bombay-journals-j6559444.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_fJ-UvtW52GixkLpKHxVzoijKC54_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/fJ-UvtW52GixkLpKHxVzoijKC54_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_fJ-UvtW52GixkLpKHxVzoijKC54_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=fJ-UvtW52GixkLpKHxVzoijKC54_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fmumbai_bombay-journals-j6559444.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/mumbai_bombay-journals-j6559444.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-04-05:6809248 2008-04-05T05:35:27Z 2008-06-14T18:52:03Z Traveling Nomad http://realtravel.com/member-m5631087-traveling_nomad.html <p>a review of Seventh Heaven Cafe and Hostel, a place to stay in <a href="http://realtravel.com/yangshou-jiangsu-reviews-hotels-d4102997.html">Yangshou, Jiangsu</a>.</p> <p>This place is wonderful! Seventh Heaven used to be a hostel a few years ago, but they upgraded by changing locations and now have hotel-style rooms above the restaurant, a full bar and an extensive menu. The rooms are bright and cheery with fluffy white duvet covers on the beds, the food is tasty, healthy and restorative, and the price cannot be beat! But best of all is the staff. They are all really nice, friendly, helpful and I enjoyed talking with all of them. They offer free internet access which tells you the level of hospitality you can expect to find there. The owner of the hotel left ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/yangshou-reviews-b6809248.html">[Read full review]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_8RMlqyOgugxixdRF49nM3-wTjgM_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/8RMlqyOgugxixdRF49nM3-wTjgM_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_8RMlqyOgugxixdRF49nM3-wTjgM_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=8RMlqyOgugxixdRF49nM3-wTjgM_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fyangshou-reviews-b6809248.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/yangshou-reviews-b6809248.html tag:realtravel.com,2006-01-11:821833 2006-01-11T09:52:45Z 2008-06-09T11:08:41Z Bruno Mathis http://realtravel.com/member-m543281-bruno_mathis.html <p>a entry by Bruno Mathis from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/beijing-china-reviews-hotels-d6144.html">Beijing, China.</a></p> <p>After 30 years of practice in Aikido, I'm living now in Beijing China. Aikido is not very popular in this country. I had started to learn Calligraphy, and at this school for foreigners , lesson for Taichi, ok I had started too. Since I've nerver stopped ! why ? Cause its the basic for all the Marial Arts.</p><p>http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=db06NH4IkH8</p><p>Essence of everything is in this Art of the philosophy : TAO ( Confucius ). More I progress and more its difficult, the detail of each movement depends of movement you have made just before. This line of driving is for the rest of your ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/beijing-journals-j821833.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_.mNiU3ymWA7zl6YLScsis8K0Roc_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/.mNiU3ymWA7zl6YLScsis8K0Roc_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_.mNiU3ymWA7zl6YLScsis8K0Roc_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=.mNiU3ymWA7zl6YLScsis8K0Roc_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fbeijing-journals-j821833.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/beijing-journals-j821833.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-27:7046872 2008-05-27T05:56:59Z 2008-06-08T09:34:21Z Broadview Travellers http://realtravel.com/member-m4787395-broadview_travellers.html <p>a entry by Broadview Travellers from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/kyoto-japan-reviews-hotels-d6443.html">Kyoto, Japan.</a></p> <p>Day one in Kyoto was wet, very wet.</p><p>Nonetheless that did not stop us (and lots of Japanese people) from visiting many of the sights.</p><p>After a traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan we headed to the tourist Information at the JR station. The Japanese tourist information is at ground level, but the foreign tourist information is on the 9th floor of the building that houses the station. Not easy to find but once you do find it, they are very helpful. We spoke with a volunteer guide who was keen to practice his English. He gave us walking maps and hints on using the buses. Using ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/kyoto-journals-j7046872.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_-lZctJg-Cug7Dtgjo2T6OJg6cOI_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/-lZctJg-Cug7Dtgjo2T6OJg6cOI_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_-lZctJg-Cug7Dtgjo2T6OJg6cOI_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=-lZctJg-Cug7Dtgjo2T6OJg6cOI_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fkyoto-journals-j7046872.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/kyoto-journals-j7046872.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-27:7046904 2008-05-27T06:08:03Z 2008-06-08T09:33:21Z Broadview Travellers http://realtravel.com/member-m4787395-broadview_travellers.html <p>a entry by Broadview Travellers from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/nara-nara-reviews-hotels-d2024997.html">Nara, Nara.</a></p> <p>After spending our first night at the Kansai airport hotel, we went to the Kansai JR (Japan Rail) station to convert our voucher to a 7 day Rail Pass. We also bought a Kansai Day Pass for 2000 yen which allows unlimited travel on Haruka limited express and ordinary trains in the Osaka-Kyoto-Nara-Kobe area. It is only available to tourists and you must show your passport (visa) and return ticket to get this pass.</p><p>We caught the Haruka train to Kyoto and left our bags at our Ryokan before catching another train 50 minutes to Nara. In Japan all the railway stations have their name in both ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/nara-journals-j7046904.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_oZwFG4Dm6jZQwY8Z-IPajfaX8GY_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/oZwFG4Dm6jZQwY8Z-IPajfaX8GY_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_oZwFG4Dm6jZQwY8Z-IPajfaX8GY_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=oZwFG4Dm6jZQwY8Z-IPajfaX8GY_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fnara-journals-j7046904.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/nara-journals-j7046904.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-27:7046930 2008-05-27T06:12:35Z 2008-06-03T00:41:17Z Broadview Travellers http://realtravel.com/member-m4787395-broadview_travellers.html <p>a entry by Broadview Travellers from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/hiroshima-japan-reviews-hotels-d6428.html">Hiroshima, Japan.</a></p> <p>We arrived in Hiroshima from Himeji late in the afternoon and walked to our hotel which was across the river from the JR station, about 10 minutes walk. We walked back to the station for dinner at one of the many restaurants above the station. For an easy day we managed to fit in a lot. We did our washing (washing machines in the hotel basement) and fell into bed.</p><p>When we set out in the morning it was overcast so we borrowed an umbrella from the hotel. By the time we walked up the street to Hiroshima Castle it was torrential. So, breakfast became more important than visiting the castle.</p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/hiroshima-journals-j7046930.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_Mbuid5A0T6.JjvXspvwk10FEuR4_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/Mbuid5A0T6.JjvXspvwk10FEuR4_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_Mbuid5A0T6.JjvXspvwk10FEuR4_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=Mbuid5A0T6.JjvXspvwk10FEuR4_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fhiroshima-journals-j7046930.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/hiroshima-journals-j7046930.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-08-19:5341885 2007-08-19T10:44:11Z 2008-06-02T18:27:40Z Ricicle http://realtravel.com/member-m1987823-ricicle.html <p>a entry by Ricicle from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/varanasi-india-reviews-hotels-d6398.html">Varanasi, India.</a></p> <p>I woke up, a little disorientated, and my watch said it was 8. I remembered we were on a train, so when I realised we weren't moving, and that I couldn't hear or see anyone in our carriage, I began to wonder what was going on. But before I had woken up enough to figure out what to do about it, we were moving again. I sat up for a bit, which is about all you can do on the sleeper trains, but staring out the window for an hour made me a bit sleepy, so I lay down again. I was woken up by Mike at around 10.30, as we pulled into Varanasi Junction.</p><p>Going against everything we had planned ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/varanasi-journals-j5341885.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_up5NrhXkpKGQ9RF0NgsPQ-IhPwI_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/up5NrhXkpKGQ9RF0NgsPQ-IhPwI_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_up5NrhXkpKGQ9RF0NgsPQ-IhPwI_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=up5NrhXkpKGQ9RF0NgsPQ-IhPwI_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fvaranasi-journals-j5341885.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/varanasi-journals-j5341885.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-04-05:6809276 2008-04-05T05:56:52Z 2008-05-29T01:58:04Z Traveling Nomad http://realtravel.com/member-m5631087-traveling_nomad.html <p>a entry by Traveling Nomad from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/yangshou-jiangsu-reviews-hotels-d4102997.html">Yangshou, Jiangsu.</a></p> <p>My immersion into China was with both feet and a huge smile on my face. I was met at the Guilin Airport by a driver, Mo, arranged for by the owner of my hotel, WIlliam Lu (who is a really nice and warm human being). Mo spoke no English so we rode in silence between Guilin to Yangshou in pouring rain for almost two hours on dark roads through dense fog. The roads outside of Guilin had no lights and limited signs and no English on them so I am glad that I did not decide to try to maneuver on my own, especially at 7:30pm. It was only when I arrived at the hotel that I really saw Mo's face, and ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/yangshou-journals-j6809276.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_ahm2227h1u7pbWte.b1lWVY.s98_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/ahm2227h1u7pbWte.b1lWVY.s98_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_ahm2227h1u7pbWte.b1lWVY.s98_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=ahm2227h1u7pbWte.b1lWVY.s98_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fyangshou-journals-j6809276.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/yangshou-journals-j6809276.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-28:7055287 2008-05-28T20:23:18Z 2008-05-28T20:23:18Z AnnieStephanskiAllen http://realtravel.com/member-m6010011-anniestephanskiallen.html <p>a entry by AnnieStephanskiAllen from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>Finally! We're here, somewhat rested, and ready to tackle Tokyo Disneyland! Our hotel is technically within walking distance, but since we have young children, we'll save the whining for later(not first thing in the morning) and we hop on the free shuttle bus. It's a great-looking bus; no mistaking that we're at Disney! The monorail station is pretty much across the street, but the bus was so cute that we had to ride it instead of walking.</p><p>Unlike Anaheim (and Florida), there is a fee for this monorail. It was a couple dollars per person, and it had four stops: Hotel side; Disney ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j7055287.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_wnSPFRjy29wj.R6FEtHivRAVAl0_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/wnSPFRjy29wj.R6FEtHivRAVAl0_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_wnSPFRjy29wj.R6FEtHivRAVAl0_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=wnSPFRjy29wj.R6FEtHivRAVAl0_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j7055287.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j7055287.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-28:7054778 2008-05-28T17:40:35Z 2008-05-28T17:50:58Z StarGal http://realtravel.com/member-m7054745-stargal.html <p><em>"Tsim Sha Tsui"</em></p> <p>a entry by StarGal from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/hong_kong-china-reviews-hotels-d42202.html">Hong Kong, China.</a></p> <p>5/28/08 6:15pm HK Time (UTC+8)</p><p>Hong Kong is humid. There was no wind in the air, only heat and humidity welcoming us to the Pearl of the East. Nonetheless we were excited. We got on the A21 bus that would take us to Kowloon, where our hotel is located. Sitting on the first row seats on the top deck of the A21 bus, there was no obstruction to the views. I saw familiar HK images, skyscrappers standing tall next to the triangular lush looking mountains. It was exciting to see the familiar postcard images right in front of your eyes. It was then that I realized that I wam in Hong Kong, and ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/hong_kong-journals-j7054778.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_yDQEvhxs-1rATs3WeHPGwCUt2hQ_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/yDQEvhxs-1rATs3WeHPGwCUt2hQ_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_yDQEvhxs-1rATs3WeHPGwCUt2hQ_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=yDQEvhxs-1rATs3WeHPGwCUt2hQ_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fhong_kong-journals-j7054778.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/hong_kong-journals-j7054778.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-27:7046585 2008-05-27T03:53:34Z 2008-05-28T15:59:04Z katieviventi http://realtravel.com/member-m7046524-katieviventi.html <p>a entry by katieviventi from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-japan-reviews-hotels-d6493.html">Tokyo, Japan.</a></p> <p>I arrived in Japan last Sunday May 17th. It was great! The plane ride wasn’t so bad and we even get our own hotel rooms. Tokyo is an AMAZING city. Of course I had sushi and sashimi using chopsticks and even got to go to a few traditional restaurants where you sit on the floor. The first couple of days we visited Meiji Jingu Shrine which was amazing because it was not only beautiful but also such a peaceful place put in the middle of a city. After the shrine we got to see Sumo wrestling. It was all I expected and more! Yes they wear the diapers and kick up their legs and stomp their feet. ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j7046585.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_H-Rc66Cbtdcg2WqNINgre8X-bfg_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/H-Rc66Cbtdcg2WqNINgre8X-bfg_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_H-Rc66Cbtdcg2WqNINgre8X-bfg_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=H-Rc66Cbtdcg2WqNINgre8X-bfg_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Ftokyo-journals-j7046585.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/tokyo-journals-j7046585.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-05-28:7054348 2008-05-28T15:26:41Z 2008-05-28T15:26:41Z katieviventi http://realtravel.com/member-m7046524-katieviventi.html <p>a entry by katieviventi from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/beijing-china-reviews-hotels-d4471510.html">Beijing, China.</a></p> <p>I made it to Beijing with all my belongings. Our hotel is very nice and clean. No single rooms but I'm rooming with Brittany who is from Dewitt. She's cool and I hang out with her and a few other girls mainly. The city is VERY different from Tokyo. Tokyo was more of what I think of a city should be which is one high-rise building after another. However, Beijing is more spread out. The buildings have more lawn space and walkways up to their buildings. Which is nice because it's much more open. My only complaint is that it's very dirty here. After a walking around all day your feet are covered ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/beijing-journals-j7054348.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_Z38eK2vbFGAkATm282wgzd5Phb0_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/Z38eK2vbFGAkATm282wgzd5Phb0_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_Z38eK2vbFGAkATm282wgzd5Phb0_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=Z38eK2vbFGAkATm282wgzd5Phb0_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fbeijing-journals-j7054348.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/beijing-journals-j7054348.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-04-14:6850526 2008-04-14T12:51:01Z 2008-05-28T01:22:02Z The Ryans http://realtravel.com/member-m2657925-the_ryans.html <p><em>"The craggy mountain peaks, the beautifully-manicured tea estates and the crisp mountain air made for a very relaxing retreat."</em></p> <p>a entry by The Ryans from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/munnar-kerala-reviews-hotels-d2358097.html">Munnar, Kerala.</a></p> <p>After our four rain-soaked days in Kochi, Jenny arranged for one of her drivers to take us up to Munnar, our next stop. Avani was sad to leave the triplets but went with the flow as usual. Our driver Sulfi was great. He had a little baby of his own and was very sweet with Avani. She grew attached to him too and would always wave and smile when she saw him, yelling, "Hi, Soofi!". We soon learned that he was a great go-to guy and we could always count on him to go searching for wild elephants or figure out the best way to post a package for us. We had a great car too with lots of room for our ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/munnar-journals-j6850526.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_jl3dmJ3tXlxXdGq.YqxsiYkUAqg_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/jl3dmJ3tXlxXdGq.YqxsiYkUAqg_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_jl3dmJ3tXlxXdGq.YqxsiYkUAqg_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=jl3dmJ3tXlxXdGq.YqxsiYkUAqg_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fmunnar-journals-j6850526.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/munnar-journals-j6850526.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-09-23:5616374 2007-09-23T09:14:23Z 2008-05-22T08:27:07Z Tony G http://realtravel.com/member-m2480513-tony_g.html <p><em>"Suddenly, we were approached by a very large, pink-faced rhesus macaque with enormous, dangling crimson testicles and an evil, sharp-toothed grin."</em></p> <p>a entry by Tony G from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/kathmandu-nepal-reviews-hotels-d6773.html">Kathmandu, Nepal.</a></p> <p>We spent a restless night due to the sound of rats scampering around in the ceiling and Janette being struck down with a severe bout of diarrhoea. There being no improvement by the following day she popped a couple of tetracycline, which only caused her to throw up. So she remained groaning in bed while I smoked a pre-breakfast spliff, (despite having awoken with a sore throat) and then went out for a stroll. It was a chilly morning as I wandered slowly around the Darbar Square area marvelling at the architecture and the faces of the people, all so different from India. ... </p><p>B ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/kathmandu-journals-j5616374.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_V4gwk7tN0fNF0IsDlrefDM3Seq4_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/V4gwk7tN0fNF0IsDlrefDM3Seq4_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_V4gwk7tN0fNF0IsDlrefDM3Seq4_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=V4gwk7tN0fNF0IsDlrefDM3Seq4_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fkathmandu-journals-j5616374.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/kathmandu-journals-j5616374.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-04-10:6834788 2008-04-10T14:30:44Z 2008-05-17T13:58:31Z Jo Budd http://realtravel.com/member-m5638567-jo_budd.html <p><em>"I sang him my version of the Gaitrey mantra. He said ‘bless you my child’ and returned to his bunk to meditate."</em></p> <p>a entry by Jo Budd from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/rishikesh-uttaranchal-reviews-hotels-d1024505.html">Rishikesh, Uttaranchal.</a></p> <p>My train journey to Rishikesh got off to a bad start when the rude, fat man sitting by the carriage entrance (the only place with space to put my rucksack), objected to my bag and spent the first 4 hours of the journey scowling at me. I explained patiently that there was nowhere else to put it (the luggage racks do not have the necessary depth and it wasn’t a sleeper so no upper berths). Then, eventually he sent his equally rude 7 year old pigtailed daughter to stomp over and say (in perfect English) ‘excuse me maam, you can now remove your bag and keep it with you!’ They had been waiting for ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/rishikesh-journals-j6834788.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_D1.TPByAogeBKLdemP2VZyR-5vs_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/D1.TPByAogeBKLdemP2VZyR-5vs_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_D1.TPByAogeBKLdemP2VZyR-5vs_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=D1.TPByAogeBKLdemP2VZyR-5vs_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Frishikesh-journals-j6834788.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/rishikesh-journals-j6834788.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-10-03:5698152 2007-10-03T16:35:28Z 2008-05-14T10:24:38Z hikergal http://realtravel.com/member-m5343745-hikergal.html <p>a entry by hikergal from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/namche_bazar-nepal-reviews-hotels-d1781955.html">Namche Bazar, Nepal.</a></p> <p>October 22, 2007: Day 4 Namche Bazaar (11,300')</p><p>Each morning we lock our duffle bags, and leave them in the room. The porters strap them to the dzo to be taken to our next lodge. Everyday the cook fills our water bottles with water that has been boiled for 15 mintues. It tastes just fine and is safe to drink. We had an early breakfast and were on the trail at 7:23am.</p><p>We continued up the Dudh Kosi gorge, following a trail that brought us through a number of riverside villages and then we officially entered Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park which was established in 1976 as the ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/namche_bazar-journals-j5698152.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_t1gTXzuikGwybh6COnkTA2PW0i0_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/t1gTXzuikGwybh6COnkTA2PW0i0_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_t1gTXzuikGwybh6COnkTA2PW0i0_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=t1gTXzuikGwybh6COnkTA2PW0i0_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fnamche_bazar-journals-j5698152.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/namche_bazar-journals-j5698152.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-05-10:4492574 2007-05-10T09:57:24Z 2008-05-09T08:26:03Z Tony G http://realtravel.com/member-m2480513-tony_g.html <p><em>"a mouldy-fleshed human head floated by, bobbing up and down in the murky water"</em></p> <p>a entry by Tony G from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/varanasi-india-reviews-hotels-d6398.html">Varanasi, India.</a></p> <p>The conductor rudely awoke me at 5.00am. I think I was blocking the aisle. He also woke up Janette to make room for an unhappy-looking, fat Australian girl to sit in my seat. I stayed where I was until we reached Allahabad and then appeared from my heap to breakfast on chai and toast delivered to the train. How civilised! The Australian girl left the train, struggling with a three-storey backpack, and I reclaimed my seat as we chug-chugged our way through the countryside on a warm, sunny morning, the breeze (along with granules of coke from the steam engine) blowing into our faces ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/varanasi-journals-j4492574.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_UXXymw7uPNo.jwMHM3Z1ey6rKX8_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/UXXymw7uPNo.jwMHM3Z1ey6rKX8_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_UXXymw7uPNo.jwMHM3Z1ey6rKX8_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=UXXymw7uPNo.jwMHM3Z1ey6rKX8_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fvaranasi-journals-j4492574.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/varanasi-journals-j4492574.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-05-05:4449941 2007-05-05T18:44:39Z 2008-05-06T14:59:58Z Kyle & Dan http://realtravel.com/member-m3184337-kyle__dan.html <p>a entry by Kyle &amp; Dan from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/xiahe-gansu-reviews-hotels-d1717570.html">Xiahe, Gansu.</a></p> <p>Xiahe is located in the Gansu province of China, at the northeast corner of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Its location in this part of rural China was one of the reasons we decided to venture there during our 6 weeks in China; the other reason was due to the makeup of the town and surrounding areas, with half of the population being Tibetan and the other half being either from the Han or Hui tribes. With China being such a vast country, we wanted to see some parts that not only appeared geographically different, but that also had a different ethnic composition. Xiahe definitely fulfilled our ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/xiahe-journals-j4449941.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_RNtpHukI7F-0Yjx3vGv93poQleY_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/RNtpHukI7F-0Yjx3vGv93poQleY_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_RNtpHukI7F-0Yjx3vGv93poQleY_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=RNtpHukI7F-0Yjx3vGv93poQleY_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fxiahe-journals-j4449941.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/xiahe-journals-j4449941.html