Original post
quels sont les endroits qui vous ont franchement éclatés ?....
Endroits sublimes
by Williama
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Une mauvaise bosse sur une piste de Chamrousse le 23 février 1979.
Je pense que tu as mal répondu à la question lepiaf. Cette mauvaise bosse t'a sans doute bien éclaté, mais l'a-t-elle vraiment fait franchement? Pour avoir moi aussi fréquenté quelques bosses, je peux dire qu'elles n'éclatent jamais les gens franchement, elles font toujours ça en traître. La preuve, si elles le faisaient franchement, en toute transparence, on pourrait anticiper les dégâts et ne pas s'éclater. D'ailleurs tu l'as dit toi-même: cette bosse était mauvaise.
Non, je pense qu'il faut chercher ailleurs. Il y a pas mal d'endroits qui m'ont franchement éclaté le ventre, et ce en toute franchise et en toute transparence. Il y a d'innombrables délicieux restaurants de par le monde où on mangeait si bien que je me suis éclaté le ventre en toute connaissance de cause. Cet éclatement-là s'est fait en toute franchise, contrairement à la bosse perfide de Chamrousse ou d'ailleurs.
Puisqu'il faut citer un exemple, je prendrais l'un de ces innombrables restaurants à sushis où, à Shanghai, on peut s'éclater (au sens propre du terme) pour une somme tout à fait acceptable puisque la nourriture y est servie à volonté.
Non, je pense qu'il faut chercher ailleurs. Il y a pas mal d'endroits qui m'ont franchement éclaté le ventre, et ce en toute franchise et en toute transparence. Il y a d'innombrables délicieux restaurants de par le monde où on mangeait si bien que je me suis éclaté le ventre en toute connaissance de cause. Cet éclatement-là s'est fait en toute franchise, contrairement à la bosse perfide de Chamrousse ou d'ailleurs.
Puisqu'il faut citer un exemple, je prendrais l'un de ces innombrables restaurants à sushis où, à Shanghai, on peut s'éclater (au sens propre du terme) pour une somme tout à fait acceptable puisque la nourriture y est servie à volonté.
Merci de me remettre les pendules à l'heure.
La mauvaise bosse m'a vraiment secoué.
Au risque de paraitre pédant je citerai approximativement Galen Rowell qui est un des plus grands photographes de nature américain et qui disait en substance qu'en étant curieux la nature nous offre souvent du sublime meme à coté de notre porte, il suffit d'ouvrir l'oeil.
Bon c'ets vrai que c'est plus facile à dire pour un californien que pour un habitant de sarcelles...
Mais c'est pas mal non ?
Je vais essayer de faire une réponse dans le sens de ta demande car pour les réponses sur le faite de s'éclater, te voilà servi 😎
Mon premier coup de coeur sera pour le Pérou et le trek que j'y ai fait en 98 autour de l'Augsangaté et du Cayengaté (Cordillère de Vilcanota et Carabaya).
Le second sera pour le Lake O'Hara dans le parc Yoho en Colombie Britannique, un paradis sur terre, le rêve pour les naturalistes.
Les autres tout simplement mes futurs voyages en Islande cet été et l'Alaska en 2006😉
Mon premier coup de coeur sera pour le Pérou et le trek que j'y ai fait en 98 autour de l'Augsangaté et du Cayengaté (Cordillère de Vilcanota et Carabaya).
Le second sera pour le Lake O'Hara dans le parc Yoho en Colombie Britannique, un paradis sur terre, le rêve pour les naturalistes.
Les autres tout simplement mes futurs voyages en Islande cet été et l'Alaska en 2006😉
http://www.aventuren4x4.com
Carnet Namibie : https://voyageforum.com/discussion/namibie-amie-d9300813/
Carnet Grizzlys : Carnet Grizzlys : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9308751;page=last;#last
😉 Les fjords embrumés avec leur glaces dérivantes, alors que tu n'avigue à bord d'un kayak de mer, en Alaska, les memes fjords 2 jours plus tard alors qu'il fait grand beau et que tu vois enfin les glaciers d'ou provenait la glace.
La palmeraie deTichkji, (Maroc)à la fin d'une rude journée passée à cheval alors que le soleil finit d'eclairer la cimes des palmiers, avant de plonger derrière la montagne, alors que l'appel à la prière retentie.
Un galop débridée à marée basse, sur la plage de Sidi Kaouki, alors que le soleil plonge dans l'océan.
Des galops dans la steppe mongole en compagnie d'un troupeau de cheveaux en liberté, des soirée impromtues avec les Khazacs ou les Tuvas, autour d'un feu de camps, le partage d'un bol de thé, ou d'un verre de vodka (birk) l'arrivée des enfants lors d'une des courses à cheval du Nadaam, les milliers de chevaux tout autour de toi, toute cette ferveur autour des premiers arrivants, j'avais une fois de plus les larmes aux yeux d'émotion et de joie.😊
La beauté de Bryce Canyon au petit matin, et tous ces magnifiques parcs nationaux américains. Apercevoir pour la première fois ledos d'une baleine ou le saut d'un dauphin, voir pour la première fois et pour les autres aussi d'ailleur les animaux sauvage lors d'un safari en Afrique, une lionne, un guépard, un eléphant ou un léopard à moins de 5m de ton véhicule, ça m'éclate.
Enfin de compte je ne sais pas exactement ce que tu entend par éclaté, je m'éclate aussi quand je passe une belle jounée sur une piste de ski et que je suis en compagnie de mes neveux, je me suis éclater d'avoir emmné le plus grand l'année derniere, réaliser son réve de voir New York alors que je ne suis pas fana des villes. Je m'éclate de les emmener aux spectacles, ou de partager une activité qui me tiens à coeur.
Je m'éclate quand je suis bien dans la nature dans un bel endroit, quand sans etre une grande sportive (meme plutot très moyenne), j'arrive à me surpasser, à dépasser mes craintes, et faire plus que ce que je ne croyais au départ.😛
Enfin de compte le signal que je m'éclate vraiment, c'est quand j'ai la chaire de poule, que tous les poils de mon corps ce dressent (meme ceux qui ont été épilés😏) et que je nsais plus si je vais rire ou pleurer, en général d'ailleurs je fait les deux, c'est trop, trop beau, trop bon, trop bien, seule ou avec une personne que l'on aime.
J'ai pas besoin du grand frisson de la peur style benji ou autre, juste le frisson d'etre en vie et d'avoir la chance de profiter de ce moment qui est unique pour moi.😊
LOngue réponse, mais à toi de me dire si j'ai éclairé ta lanterne, et j'en probablement oublié, tient je repense à tous ses sourires partagés avec les uns et les autres, ça aussi ça m'éclate.
La palmeraie deTichkji, (Maroc)à la fin d'une rude journée passée à cheval alors que le soleil finit d'eclairer la cimes des palmiers, avant de plonger derrière la montagne, alors que l'appel à la prière retentie.
Un galop débridée à marée basse, sur la plage de Sidi Kaouki, alors que le soleil plonge dans l'océan.
Des galops dans la steppe mongole en compagnie d'un troupeau de cheveaux en liberté, des soirée impromtues avec les Khazacs ou les Tuvas, autour d'un feu de camps, le partage d'un bol de thé, ou d'un verre de vodka (birk) l'arrivée des enfants lors d'une des courses à cheval du Nadaam, les milliers de chevaux tout autour de toi, toute cette ferveur autour des premiers arrivants, j'avais une fois de plus les larmes aux yeux d'émotion et de joie.😊
La beauté de Bryce Canyon au petit matin, et tous ces magnifiques parcs nationaux américains. Apercevoir pour la première fois ledos d'une baleine ou le saut d'un dauphin, voir pour la première fois et pour les autres aussi d'ailleur les animaux sauvage lors d'un safari en Afrique, une lionne, un guépard, un eléphant ou un léopard à moins de 5m de ton véhicule, ça m'éclate.
Enfin de compte je ne sais pas exactement ce que tu entend par éclaté, je m'éclate aussi quand je passe une belle jounée sur une piste de ski et que je suis en compagnie de mes neveux, je me suis éclater d'avoir emmné le plus grand l'année derniere, réaliser son réve de voir New York alors que je ne suis pas fana des villes. Je m'éclate de les emmener aux spectacles, ou de partager une activité qui me tiens à coeur.
Je m'éclate quand je suis bien dans la nature dans un bel endroit, quand sans etre une grande sportive (meme plutot très moyenne), j'arrive à me surpasser, à dépasser mes craintes, et faire plus que ce que je ne croyais au départ.😛
Enfin de compte le signal que je m'éclate vraiment, c'est quand j'ai la chaire de poule, que tous les poils de mon corps ce dressent (meme ceux qui ont été épilés😏) et que je nsais plus si je vais rire ou pleurer, en général d'ailleurs je fait les deux, c'est trop, trop beau, trop bon, trop bien, seule ou avec une personne que l'on aime.
J'ai pas besoin du grand frisson de la peur style benji ou autre, juste le frisson d'etre en vie et d'avoir la chance de profiter de ce moment qui est unique pour moi.😊
LOngue réponse, mais à toi de me dire si j'ai éclairé ta lanterne, et j'en probablement oublié, tient je repense à tous ses sourires partagés avec les uns et les autres, ça aussi ça m'éclate.
Je soutiens le projet d'une école au Zanskar http://www.rigzen-zanskar.org
Le Yémen et la ville d'Aden pour ce qu'elle représente comme bout du monde ...... avec ces pétroliers qui passent au large des côtes ourlées d'une eau si limpide que l'on tremblait à l'idée que ......
Les Victoria Falls ...... je pleurais de joie d'être face à ce gigantisme et d'être pénétré ainsi par l'eau ......
L'île d'Ometepe au Nicaragua pour cette communion qui existe encore entre les gens et les animaux ......
L'île d'Ibo au Nord du Mozambique ...... les tams tams en pleine nuit qui me replongeait dans mes lectures " cannibalesques " quand j'étais môme ......
Phnom Penh pour l'impression d'être chez moi lorsque Sam me conduit à travers ses rues ....... un grand bonheur qui m'envahit ....
Les îles Eoliennes au large de la Sicile ....... si prés et si loin tellement c'est beau à regarder ....
La baie de Samana pour son goût de paradis ........
Les bières du " Thor " et du " Blue Whales " pour le souvenir de la rencontre qui s'ensuivit ...... amoureux comme ça ..... 😇
et d'autres ......
Les Victoria Falls ...... je pleurais de joie d'être face à ce gigantisme et d'être pénétré ainsi par l'eau ......
L'île d'Ometepe au Nicaragua pour cette communion qui existe encore entre les gens et les animaux ......
L'île d'Ibo au Nord du Mozambique ...... les tams tams en pleine nuit qui me replongeait dans mes lectures " cannibalesques " quand j'étais môme ......
Phnom Penh pour l'impression d'être chez moi lorsque Sam me conduit à travers ses rues ....... un grand bonheur qui m'envahit ....
Les îles Eoliennes au large de la Sicile ....... si prés et si loin tellement c'est beau à regarder ....
La baie de Samana pour son goût de paradis ........
Les bières du " Thor " et du " Blue Whales " pour le souvenir de la rencontre qui s'ensuivit ...... amoureux comme ça ..... 😇
et d'autres ......
Le sommet du Nyamulagira quand il crache en pleine nuit sa rouge et chaude salive ...l'odeur du souffre qui s'en dégage ... les fumerolles qui s'échappent ...ces fleuves de lave qui sillonnent.
La chaine des Virungas ...quand le craquage des branches retient notre souffle à la vue de ces grands yeux rouges! (Gorilles de Montagne)
La barrière de Corail à Malindi
Agrigente pour sa vallée des temples ...écrassante de beauté ocre!
Les Météores ...pour la gigantesque puissance de ses rochers et la quiétude de ses monastères
La plaine de Kilala dans le parc Akagera au Rwanda ...Celle au coeur de laquelle se joue, en l'espace d'une seconde toute la beauté et la cruauté de la vie sauvage africaine.
Sienne pour son incroyable atmosphère Toscane
Le Fluelapass pour ses contrastes de couleurs et le son des cloches de ces élégantes vaches suisses
Timbavati pour cette incroyable nuit ... Où le feulement de 6 lions déchire le faux silence de la réserve
Hermanus pour l'incroyable spectacle des baleines
Et tant d'autres ...qu'il serait plus simple de nommer ces quelques endroits qui ne m'ont pas séduit (ce serait moins long ...tant ils sont rares!😏)
La chaine des Virungas ...quand le craquage des branches retient notre souffle à la vue de ces grands yeux rouges! (Gorilles de Montagne)
La barrière de Corail à Malindi
Agrigente pour sa vallée des temples ...écrassante de beauté ocre!
Les Météores ...pour la gigantesque puissance de ses rochers et la quiétude de ses monastères
La plaine de Kilala dans le parc Akagera au Rwanda ...Celle au coeur de laquelle se joue, en l'espace d'une seconde toute la beauté et la cruauté de la vie sauvage africaine.
Sienne pour son incroyable atmosphère Toscane
Le Fluelapass pour ses contrastes de couleurs et le son des cloches de ces élégantes vaches suisses
Timbavati pour cette incroyable nuit ... Où le feulement de 6 lions déchire le faux silence de la réserve
Hermanus pour l'incroyable spectacle des baleines
Et tant d'autres ...qu'il serait plus simple de nommer ces quelques endroits qui ne m'ont pas séduit (ce serait moins long ...tant ils sont rares!😏)
Les couchers de soleil sur le Pacifique, contemplés depuis de petits villages mexicains, villages si petits qu'ils ne sont sur aucune carte ...
Les dernières minutes du vol sur Rio ... lorsqu'au loin apparaissent le Christ et le Pain de Sucre. Des images si souvent vus dans les livres et qui, lorsqu'aperçus en vrai, nous coupent le souffle et emplissent nos yeux d'eau ...
Le sentier qui commence à 4500 mètres au sommet des Andes et qui se termine 3000 mètre plus bas. Le plaisir de le parcourir en vélo, de croiser ces péruviens si sympathiques, ces lacs turquoises, ces sommets enneigés ...
Les villages de la campagne hongroise, un saucisson grignoté assis sur une botte de foin tout en discutant avec un vieil homme qui ne nous parle qu'en Hongrois, mais qui est tellement aimable ...
L'Ouest de Cuba, se promener à cheval à travers les plantations de tabac et les mogotes. S'arrêter chez le cousin du guide qui habite à 3 heures de toute autre habitation et déguster avec joie le pamplemousse qu'il vient si gentiment de cueillir juste pour nous, dans son arbre ...
Enfin, et surtout, les sourires de tous ces enfants, ces gens, rencontrés en voyage ...
Les dernières minutes du vol sur Rio ... lorsqu'au loin apparaissent le Christ et le Pain de Sucre. Des images si souvent vus dans les livres et qui, lorsqu'aperçus en vrai, nous coupent le souffle et emplissent nos yeux d'eau ...
Le sentier qui commence à 4500 mètres au sommet des Andes et qui se termine 3000 mètre plus bas. Le plaisir de le parcourir en vélo, de croiser ces péruviens si sympathiques, ces lacs turquoises, ces sommets enneigés ...
Les villages de la campagne hongroise, un saucisson grignoté assis sur une botte de foin tout en discutant avec un vieil homme qui ne nous parle qu'en Hongrois, mais qui est tellement aimable ...
L'Ouest de Cuba, se promener à cheval à travers les plantations de tabac et les mogotes. S'arrêter chez le cousin du guide qui habite à 3 heures de toute autre habitation et déguster avec joie le pamplemousse qu'il vient si gentiment de cueillir juste pour nous, dans son arbre ...
Enfin, et surtout, les sourires de tous ces enfants, ces gens, rencontrés en voyage ...
Le plus important n'est pas d'où l'on vient, mais où nous allons ...
6 heure du matin sur les bords du gange a varanasi ça remue les tripes
smokey
smokey
appliquez vous à garder en toutes choses le juste milieu
- Assis sur un rocher au sommet du Mont Moise dans le Sinai, regardant le soleil se lever.
- Une heure de marche dans le défilé, pratiquement seul, puis le Khazneh de Pétra apparaît dans la déchirure de la roche.
- Franchir une porte, puis une seconde et le sublime Taj Mahal apparaît au loin.
- Un film sur la vie misérable des enfants travaillant sur une décharge au Cambodge, visionnée dans une association à Phnom Penh.
- Les bruits de la savane africaine autour de ma tente, lors de ma première nuit dans la réserve d’Amboseli au Kenya.
- Ma plus belle cuite en voyage, lors d’une visite d’une distilerie de Mescal dans un petit village Mexicain, en criant « Viva Zappatta, Viva la revolucion «
- Fumer un Cohiba Robusto à l’ombre d’une terrasse sur la place de l’église de Trinidad à Cuba.
- Une terrible peur lors d’une balade à dos d’éléphant au bord d’une rivière en crue dans le nord de la Thailande.
- Les 11 km d’ascension pour arriver au temple de Tirumala en Inde.
- Se faire raser la barbe de 15 jours, par un barbier dans une ruelle de Bénares en Inde, à quelques mètres du Gange.
De merveilleux souvenirs …..
Mpolo5
- Une heure de marche dans le défilé, pratiquement seul, puis le Khazneh de Pétra apparaît dans la déchirure de la roche.
- Franchir une porte, puis une seconde et le sublime Taj Mahal apparaît au loin.
- Un film sur la vie misérable des enfants travaillant sur une décharge au Cambodge, visionnée dans une association à Phnom Penh.
- Les bruits de la savane africaine autour de ma tente, lors de ma première nuit dans la réserve d’Amboseli au Kenya.
- Ma plus belle cuite en voyage, lors d’une visite d’une distilerie de Mescal dans un petit village Mexicain, en criant « Viva Zappatta, Viva la revolucion «
- Fumer un Cohiba Robusto à l’ombre d’une terrasse sur la place de l’église de Trinidad à Cuba.
- Une terrible peur lors d’une balade à dos d’éléphant au bord d’une rivière en crue dans le nord de la Thailande.
- Les 11 km d’ascension pour arriver au temple de Tirumala en Inde.
- Se faire raser la barbe de 15 jours, par un barbier dans une ruelle de Bénares en Inde, à quelques mètres du Gange.
De merveilleux souvenirs …..
Mpolo5
Merci à vous tous de me rappeler que notre planète est remplie d'endroits merveilleux. Il me reste donc tant de belles choses à découvrir... ou à rêver.
Mais c'est vrai que parfois ce qui nous bouleverse n'est pas forcément si loin de soi. Ne serait-ce que de se réveiller à côté de la femme qu'on aime. Ne serait-ce qu'une seule fois.
Mais c'est vrai que parfois ce qui nous bouleverse n'est pas forcément si loin de soi. Ne serait-ce que de se réveiller à côté de la femme qu'on aime. Ne serait-ce qu'une seule fois.
un moment que je me rappelle souvent c'est un lever de soleil en haut d'une montagne dans nos Alpes, à deux heures de marche au dessus de Valmorel, l'été de mes 11 ans avec mon père et ma frangine..
un certain lever de lune rousse dans le desert du Gobi
les bananes au caramel avec des baguettes (évidemment...) dans un hutong de pékin
ces deux heures allongés sur la route à regarder les sublimes étoiles sur une route de montagne au Laos parceque le chauffeur de notre bus est enrain de scier le pneu, si si ...
les petits nuages qui se forment à un mètre au dessus du marais chez mes parents à l'aube, magique! (près de marennes-oléron)
la vue du haut de beaubourg juste comme si on marchait sur les toits de Paris!
ma carte du monde sur laquelle on jette des petits morceaux de papiers pendant les soirées, des petits papiers comme autant de plans sur la comète :)
un certain lever de lune rousse dans le desert du Gobi
les bananes au caramel avec des baguettes (évidemment...) dans un hutong de pékin
ces deux heures allongés sur la route à regarder les sublimes étoiles sur une route de montagne au Laos parceque le chauffeur de notre bus est enrain de scier le pneu, si si ...
les petits nuages qui se forment à un mètre au dessus du marais chez mes parents à l'aube, magique! (près de marennes-oléron)
la vue du haut de beaubourg juste comme si on marchait sur les toits de Paris!
ma carte du monde sur laquelle on jette des petits morceaux de papiers pendant les soirées, des petits papiers comme autant de plans sur la comète :)
"Impose ta chance
Serre ton bonheur et va vers ton risque
À te regarder ils s'habitueront." (René Char)
sawadee krap, willama
cà a été cette decouverte du Mekong, un choc dont je ne me suis pas remis, j ai louer la maison d ou j ai pris ces photos, et depuis presque tous les jours la meme magie se renouvelle
😐
quels sont les endroits qui vous ont franchement éclatés ?....
cà a été cette decouverte du Mekong, un choc dont je ne me suis pas remis, j ai louer la maison d ou j ai pris ces photos, et depuis presque tous les jours la meme magie se renouvelle
😐
quels sont les endroits qui vous ont franchement éclatés ?....
A chaque voyage j'y ai (heureusement) trouvé des "trucs" qui m'ont fait "flipper"
allez les 5 derniers que j'ai en mémoire : l'arrivée aux sources du nil bleu en Ethiopie ... la douceur d'une soirée sur la terrasse de notre pension dominant le port de Hvar en Croatie cet été ... la joie sur le visage d'un petit éthiopien de la vallée de south omo qd je lui ai filé mes chaussures Nike ... le soir où nous sommes arrivés à sanaa ( Yemen ) de nuit ; c'était en septembre mais on aurrait dit Noel avec tous ces maisons-tours aux vitraux multicolores ... la découverte sous l'eau au parc de ras mohamed avec mon fils ( mer rouge ) journée de ski à Dizin sur les pentes du damavand en Iran ...
bon j'arrete ...
bon j'arrete ...
chris06
Salut, la ballade à partir du lac de Pokhara, jusqu'à Sarangkot. Le depart se fait au milieu des rizières, puis 2 heures 30 de montée fabuleuses par la foret en empruntant des escaliers surement plusieurs fois centenaires, et arrivée pour avoir une vue extraordinaire sur les Annapurnas; vraiment bien. ( la descente l'était moins...)
Dans un autre style, quand le bus nous déposa sur la plage déserte de Radhanagar, Ouhaaaa! La jungle, la plage de sable blanc et la mer plate comme un lac, moment inoubliable.
Ma trilogie personnelle (après un choix douloureux qui a éliminé d'excellents candidats : Taj Mahal, Yellowstone, les monastères du Ladakh, ...etc...) :
Médaille de bronze : les nuances ocres et blanches de Ghardaïa (Algérie) au lever du soleil, dans les années 70.
Médaille d'argent : L'arrivée brutale sur le site de Machu Picchu (Pérou), assez tôt le matin, avant le flot des visiteurs.
Palme d'Or : Un survol intense de 15 minutes des chutes d'Iguazu (Brésil/Argentine) en hélicoptère (voir photo attachée, pas d'excellente qualité car prise avec un petit compact, à travers la bulle de l'hélicoptère... mais ça donne une bonne idée du spectacle au sol !)
+ Un prix spécial "coup de cœur du jury" à Jaisalmer (Inde) pour les chaudes lumières du soir et l'ambiance générale (surtout il y a vingt ans, car j'y suis retourné en 2003 et ai été un peu déçu par la "touristification"... mais ça reste quand même très beau !)
Médaille de bronze : les nuances ocres et blanches de Ghardaïa (Algérie) au lever du soleil, dans les années 70.
Médaille d'argent : L'arrivée brutale sur le site de Machu Picchu (Pérou), assez tôt le matin, avant le flot des visiteurs.
Palme d'Or : Un survol intense de 15 minutes des chutes d'Iguazu (Brésil/Argentine) en hélicoptère (voir photo attachée, pas d'excellente qualité car prise avec un petit compact, à travers la bulle de l'hélicoptère... mais ça donne une bonne idée du spectacle au sol !)
+ Un prix spécial "coup de cœur du jury" à Jaisalmer (Inde) pour les chaudes lumières du soir et l'ambiance générale (surtout il y a vingt ans, car j'y suis retourné en 2003 et ai été un peu déçu par la "touristification"... mais ça reste quand même très beau !)
Site photo : https://www.flickr.com/photos/27857697@N05/
- Falkland IslandCayman IslandsCes deux Iles sont fantastiques!et d'une beauté completement oposées
Alaska, c'est un autre monde
Florence, ma fait pleurer
Chili, est mon pays du coeur
Les Alpes, en pleine lune
Et surement il y a d'autres endroit merveilleux, a chacun de nous a de visionner la beauté!!
Alaska, c'est un autre monde
Florence, ma fait pleurer
Chili, est mon pays du coeur
Les Alpes, en pleine lune
Et surement il y a d'autres endroit merveilleux, a chacun de nous a de visionner la beauté!!
😇je continue ma lecture déroulante, surprenante et sans doute amusante !!
😮"des endroits qui font éclater le ventre !!! doit-on éclater de rire !!!
😄pour le rire il s'agit d'éclats de rire, c'est joli = éclats de verre etc ;;; mais 😕éclatage de ventre surtout si il est mou 😠berck !!!
j'apprécie tes réponses pince(avec ou sans s ?) sans rire(s) avec ou sans s ?) bon ! je continue ma lecture et je pense que je ne vais + t'importuner : je vais constater si tu gardes ton calme ou si tu demandes grâce !
😮"des endroits qui font éclater le ventre !!! doit-on éclater de rire !!!
😄pour le rire il s'agit d'éclats de rire, c'est joli = éclats de verre etc ;;; mais 😕éclatage de ventre surtout si il est mou 😠berck !!!
j'apprécie tes réponses pince(avec ou sans s ?) sans rire(s) avec ou sans s ?) bon ! je continue ma lecture et je pense que je ne vais + t'importuner : je vais constater si tu gardes ton calme ou si tu demandes grâce !
marraîne d'une enfant Karen qui vit avec sa famille dans un camp de réfugiés en Thaïlande : enfant choisie de par ses origines (Karen et Birmane)
Il y a tant d'endroits qui font naître l'émotion, et cette impression d'être chez soi, tant on s'y trouve bien.
Monument Valley, cet espace grandiose, jalousement préservé par les Navajos, ils te le prêtent et tu en prends plein les yeux. Et cette vielle indienne, Cathy qui attend les touristes dans son hogan, qui a réussi à ne pas parler un mot d'anglais, et qui est si fière d'avoir été jeune figurante dans un film avec John Wayne.
Le Cap de Bonne espérance, une randonnée en haut des falaises qui bordent l'Atlantique, le temps s'arrête, l'océan continue ses incessants va et vient, les couleurs varient. Perdue dans cette immensité qui t'apprivoise, le coeur réapprend la serénité.
Une croisière sur le zambèse, sur un bateau sans prétention, à attendre le coucher du soleil, à regarder la vie tranquille le long du fleuve, les antilopes, les éléphants qui traversent le fleuve jusqu'à l'ilot à 50 mètres du bord; les rhino qui prennent leur bain; au bout du monde, et le lendemain Paris. Quelle magie !
Et cette femme, dans une petite bourgade en Afrique, un jour de marché, qui te sourit et s'arrête, prends la pause pour que tu la prennes en photo. Quel beau cadeau !
Il y a en a tant d'autres que la nuit ne suffirait pas pour les citer tous, chaque voyage te donne ses beaux souvenirs.
Monument Valley, cet espace grandiose, jalousement préservé par les Navajos, ils te le prêtent et tu en prends plein les yeux. Et cette vielle indienne, Cathy qui attend les touristes dans son hogan, qui a réussi à ne pas parler un mot d'anglais, et qui est si fière d'avoir été jeune figurante dans un film avec John Wayne.
Le Cap de Bonne espérance, une randonnée en haut des falaises qui bordent l'Atlantique, le temps s'arrête, l'océan continue ses incessants va et vient, les couleurs varient. Perdue dans cette immensité qui t'apprivoise, le coeur réapprend la serénité.
Une croisière sur le zambèse, sur un bateau sans prétention, à attendre le coucher du soleil, à regarder la vie tranquille le long du fleuve, les antilopes, les éléphants qui traversent le fleuve jusqu'à l'ilot à 50 mètres du bord; les rhino qui prennent leur bain; au bout du monde, et le lendemain Paris. Quelle magie !
Et cette femme, dans une petite bourgade en Afrique, un jour de marché, qui te sourit et s'arrête, prends la pause pour que tu la prennes en photo. Quel beau cadeau !
Il y a en a tant d'autres que la nuit ne suffirait pas pour les citer tous, chaque voyage te donne ses beaux souvenirs.
Chelly
"Tout le monde a raison et de tant de raisons naîtront d'autres raisons" Pablo Neruda
un petit coin perdu au fin fond d'une vallee boisee traversèe par une riviere baignee de soleil a la frontiere germano tchèque
une plage perdu dans le parc d'abel tasman en nouvelle zelande apres une journee de trek avec juste le bruit du ressac et kerouac dans les mains
les chutes d'iguazu en argentine un soir de pleine lune
un petit appart' accolè a la montagne a wellington face a la mer au couche du soleil en preparant un barboc, heberge par un "neo zed" rencontre dans l'avion 15 jours avant et qui, apres 10 mn de discussion, me proposait de m'herber en arrivant dans sa ville
et beucoup d'autre encore passe et a venir, certains insignifiants et inracontables pour ceux qui sont restes
une plage perdu dans le parc d'abel tasman en nouvelle zelande apres une journee de trek avec juste le bruit du ressac et kerouac dans les mains
les chutes d'iguazu en argentine un soir de pleine lune
un petit appart' accolè a la montagne a wellington face a la mer au couche du soleil en preparant un barboc, heberge par un "neo zed" rencontre dans l'avion 15 jours avant et qui, apres 10 mn de discussion, me proposait de m'herber en arrivant dans sa ville
et beucoup d'autre encore passe et a venir, certains insignifiants et inracontables pour ceux qui sont restes
la question n'est pas de savoir quelle planete allons nous laisser ä nos enfants mais quels enfants allons nous laisser ä notre planete (pierre rabhi)
Les milliers de flamants roses, avec des nuances presque rouges dans le cratère du Ngonrongoro
Les femmes toutes habillées, assises dans le lagon, à planter les algues, à Zanzibar
La petite fille qui vient me prendre la main le temps d'une promenade sur la plage de sable blanc à Zanzibar
Les femmes toutes habillées, assises dans le lagon, à planter les algues, à Zanzibar
La petite fille qui vient me prendre la main le temps d'une promenade sur la plage de sable blanc à Zanzibar
Chelly
"Tout le monde a raison et de tant de raisons naîtront d'autres raisons" Pablo Neruda
les quais de la seine entre chiens et loups...PARIS est magnifique à cette heure là
les éléphants de TSAVO et les lions de Masaï Mara
Les temples Thaï
PETRA à la tombée du jour quand le site est complètement désert.
La Cappadoce
Istanbul, ma ville préférée
FLorence, cette ville est tellement romantique
les éléphants de TSAVO et les lions de Masaï Mara
Les temples Thaï
PETRA à la tombée du jour quand le site est complètement désert.
La Cappadoce
Istanbul, ma ville préférée
FLorence, cette ville est tellement romantique
Des endroits qui m'ont éclaté? Il y en a beaucoup trop... Vraiment trop. (j'suis une sensible😉)
Mais la nature est sublime partout...
En été, quand je prends mon p'tit dej' sur la terrasse, et que je sens tout à coup une odeur, comme de la bouse de vache, je me dis "aaaaaaaaah oui! C'est ca le bonheur!" Ca m'éclate! 😄
Fainéanter dans un monde neuf est la plus absorbante des occupations... (N.Bouvier)
Les endroits sublimes n'existent pas, c'est la perception que l'on en a qui fait que c'est sublime ou non.
Je n'ai jamais entendu parler de ce photographe, Rowel, mais c'est un sage : il a tout compris !
Voyager c'est découvrir que tout le monde a tort.
Aldous Huxley
Québec, un soir d'été 1984 .
C'était un spectacle en plein air, pendant la fête des grands voiliers .Ce soir la, la température était douce .Le spectacle était de Charles Trenet avec l'orchestre symphonique et la chorale V'la Le Bon Vent . Je n'étais pas un fan de ce chanteur, loin de la, mais quand il a chanté ¨La mer ¨avec la pleinne lune qui se levait sur les mats de tous ses voiliers derriere et le fleuve qui dansait, je pense vraiment que ce soir la j, ai senti le mariage parfait de l'homme et la planète, merci M.Trenet .
C'était un spectacle en plein air, pendant la fête des grands voiliers .Ce soir la, la température était douce .Le spectacle était de Charles Trenet avec l'orchestre symphonique et la chorale V'la Le Bon Vent . Je n'étais pas un fan de ce chanteur, loin de la, mais quand il a chanté ¨La mer ¨avec la pleinne lune qui se levait sur les mats de tous ses voiliers derriere et le fleuve qui dansait, je pense vraiment que ce soir la j, ai senti le mariage parfait de l'homme et la planète, merci M.Trenet .
Sublime:Le désert blanc en Egypte, et la nuit c'est encore plus impressionant
Toi désert, compagnon de ma vie
Toi désert, le plus cher des amis
Un réveil sous une tente aux pieds du Kilidmanjaro. Un coucher de soleil sur les drakkensberg, le cap de Bonne Espérance, la lumière de Madagascar, une promenade en riviere aux Murchisson falls, Le sublime Grand Canyon, un bain de rose à Bali, les lagons polynésiens, tous des instants que l' on aimerait conserver dans de précieuses parentheses, et d' autres ou je ne me suis pas eclatee du tout( Tsunami du 26 12 )
salut !
en voila une bonne question !!! tu cherches des idées de voyage ou juste à nous ramener un coin de ciel bleu dans la grisaille parisienne ???
dans le désordre, ce qui m'a le plus marquée (autant voire plus d'instants sublimes que d'endroits sublimes) la grande pagode de Rangoon, le soir, quand les gens viennent s'installer, prier, grignoter, papoter dans les odeurs d'encens et de tubéreuses, avec les étoiles qui brillent et les lumières qui clignotent sous le regard bienveillant des boudhas toujours en Birmanie, une ballade en barque au coucher de soleil sur l'irrawady avec un ciel flamboyant dans tous les tons d'orange, rose, violet, les temples et les montagnes en ombre chinoises et juste le bruit des rames en Argentine, la route époustouflante de Salta à Cafayate ( je meurs d'envie d'y revenir et d'ajouter le train des nuages et un séjour à san pedro de atacama mais en même temps la crainte que ce soit tellement extraordinaire que je n'aie plus envie d'en bouger) l'ile qui est en face de Koh PHI PHI près de Phuket en thailande, la transparence de l'eau et les dégradés de turquoise/émeraude le coucher de soleil à Oia sur l'ile de Santorin avec la vision surréaliste de l'Atlantide perdue Angkor encore et encore Jodhpur, la forteresse en nid d'aigle, les maisons bleues en contrebas et la brume sur les montagnes qui entourent la ville les terres Masai au Kenya et l'impression d'être à l'aube de l'humanité Bali bien sûr, les temples et le vert irréel des rizières sous un ciel plombé Séville à Pâques quand on suit la procession dans la nuit avec l'odeur entêtante des fleurs d'oranger
Et j'en oublie plein....Quand je dis que cette planète ne cesse de m'émerveiller....vivement que j e puisse repartir :-)))
Merci à toi pour ce rêve éveillé Cordialement Marie
Merci à toi pour ce rêve éveillé Cordialement Marie
via 90
au hasard, parmi d' autres je suis sur, mais ce qui me vient a l' esprit a l' instant: Band-e Amir, dans l' Hindu Kush, lacs fabuleux et vegetation luxuriante en altitude .... nuits sous les etoiles......
Galen Rowell qui est un des plus grands photographes de nature américain et qui disait en substance qu'en étant curieux la nature nous offre souvent du sublime meme à coté de notre porte, il suffit d'ouvrir l'oeil.
Je partage l'avis de ce photographe!!!
cf Quatre saisons sous ce lien :
http://framer.barewalls.com/frames/bw/61/61105, 61202, 61602/27.5/19.75/preview/b9AB4714p.jpg
Je partage l'avis de ce photographe!!!
cf Quatre saisons sous ce lien :
http://framer.barewalls.com/frames/bw/61/61105, 61202, 61602/27.5/19.75/preview/b9AB4714p.jpg
oui, la Shwedagon de Rangoon, et l ' Irawaddy, .... et Pagan bien sur! tres beaux souvenirs ...... 😉
les bouddhas de Bamyan (j' espere qu' on a pu les restaurer un brin). les tetes des volcans emergeant des nuages, quand on va de Surabaya a Ujung Padang ... magique!
les bouddhas de Bamyan (j' espere qu' on a pu les restaurer un brin). les tetes des volcans emergeant des nuages, quand on va de Surabaya a Ujung Padang ... magique!
A propos de la Shwedagon, j'ai oublié l'essentiel : le plus émouvant c'est que, le soir, pendant quelques heures dans cette pagode, la pression de la dictature militaire semble abolie - on sent qu'enfin les Birmans se détendent et on est heureux pour eux car ils subissent leur sort avec tellement de courage et de dignité et ils sont tellement adorables et accueillants, que ça me bouleverse chaque fois que je pense à eux.
Du coup, je n'ai plus du tout le coeur à te poser des questions sur l'Hindu Kush😕
A suivre donc
via 90
Bonjour williama, moi je me suis éclatée au regardant un lever de soleil au sommet de l'Assekrem dans le Sahara algérien, Les couleurs changeaient tout le temps c'était f-a-b-u-l-e-u-x.
Devant l'immensité du Tassili du Hoggar où là j'ai su ce que voulais dire le mot silence.
Nos guides nous emenés au sommet d'une montagne et nous nous sommes retrouvés devant ce qu'ils appelaient le jardin d'Allah : C'était une magnifique oasis au milieu du désert, nous venions de faire des centaines de km sans voir un arbre et tout à coup, derrière ce rideau de montagnes WOUAH le souffle coupé. Ca valait le coup de s'écorcher les mains et les genoux en montant.
Et puis les paysages du haut Atlas au Maroc, ça changent à chaque virage.
Devant l'immensité du Tassili du Hoggar où là j'ai su ce que voulais dire le mot silence.
Nos guides nous emenés au sommet d'une montagne et nous nous sommes retrouvés devant ce qu'ils appelaient le jardin d'Allah : C'était une magnifique oasis au milieu du désert, nous venions de faire des centaines de km sans voir un arbre et tout à coup, derrière ce rideau de montagnes WOUAH le souffle coupé. Ca valait le coup de s'écorcher les mains et les genoux en montant.
Et puis les paysages du haut Atlas au Maroc, ça changent à chaque virage.
Lorsque j'en aurais assez d'aller voir au loin j'irai voir d'où je viens.
Bonjour,
lever du jour en haut d'un temple à Bagan, une merveille le temps s'est arreté juste pour moi.....
un après midi devant la grandeur, majestuosité, de la chaine himalayenne !!!!!!!
lever et coucher de soleil, (rapides) aux iles Lofoten
les étoiles dans le ciel sur une plage du golfe du bengale en Birmanie...
le sourire des enfants partout dans le monde.
le sourire édenté d'un vieil homme au Népal.
Bonne journée😎
Franca
lever du jour en haut d'un temple à Bagan, une merveille le temps s'est arreté juste pour moi.....
un après midi devant la grandeur, majestuosité, de la chaine himalayenne !!!!!!!
lever et coucher de soleil, (rapides) aux iles Lofoten
les étoiles dans le ciel sur une plage du golfe du bengale en Birmanie...
le sourire des enfants partout dans le monde.
le sourire édenté d'un vieil homme au Népal.
Bonne journée😎
Franca
<< .....notre soif de survie dans le futur nous rend incapables de vivre dans le présent .....>>. Chuang TZU
Une p'tite maison en brique rouge perdue au milieu des champs et prés à vaches, le jardin sous le soleil...
J'entends des chevaux passer dans ma p'tite rue, des rossignols, mesanges et autre p'tits moineaux gazouillent...
Le chat fixant un trou dans la pelouse pendant des heures, esperant voir sortir une souris...
Les iris, tulipes, mysotis, le cerisier du japon sont en boutons, les forsythias, corêtes du japon, le magnolia, les p'tites et grandes narcisses et autres incognitisses sont en fleurs, le soleil est haut dans le ciel sans nuage aucun...
C'est magnifique...
Sur ce, je vais aller continuer à becher et planter mes patates 😎
Bien le bonjour du plat pays 😎
Fainéanter dans un monde neuf est la plus absorbante des occupations... (N.Bouvier)
ca me ferait plaisir de pouvoir en parler 🙂 ca fait si longtemps que ces souvenirs ne m' etaient pas revenus en surface......
Bonjour Georges
J'ai essayé de repérer où c'était sur une carte et il me semble que c'est un peu plus à l'ouest du trajet que j'aimerai bien faire cet été.
En fait, suite au voyage que je viens de faire au rajasthan, je vais essayer (si j'ai assez de sous et si je trouve des compagnons de voyage !) de repartir cet été pour aller à Amristar voir le temple d'or puis au cachemire et au ladakh - donc, si tu es passé par ces endroits est-ce que tu aurais des tuyaux à me donner ? D'avance un grand merci !
Et toi, quels sont tes projets de voyages "sublimes" à venir ?
Amitiés
Marie
via 90
Bonjour Marie,
Band-e-Amir, c' est en plein milieu de l' Afghanistan, plus haut que la valle de Bamyan (les deux bouddhas tailles dans la montagne), donc tres loin de la ou tu veux aller, en plus le pays je n' y toucherais pas a la legere de nos jours 🏴☠️. Le Kashmir je ne connais pas du tout. Je connais aussi quelques coins assez interessants (et tres beaux) dans le nord du Pakistan, mais c' est plus difficile que l' Inde 😠, c' est le moins que l' on puisse dire.
Mes prochains voyages? Maintenant-meme je te reponds de Damas, tres belle ville (ou j' ai vecu 6 ans), quant aux mois qui viennent: je vais me recaser quelque part hors Europe 🙂 (mes choix du moment: Australie, Malaisie, Oman, Etats-Unis). Mes voyages sont souvent des periodes de plusieurs annees a vivre (et travailler) dans un autre pays, ca donne une toute autre optique que seulement passer, meme si c' est pour plusieurs mois. Quant a voyager pour une periode plus courte, je dirais Thailande ou Iran, ou j' ai des attaches.
Band-e-Amir, c' est en plein milieu de l' Afghanistan, plus haut que la valle de Bamyan (les deux bouddhas tailles dans la montagne), donc tres loin de la ou tu veux aller, en plus le pays je n' y toucherais pas a la legere de nos jours 🏴☠️. Le Kashmir je ne connais pas du tout. Je connais aussi quelques coins assez interessants (et tres beaux) dans le nord du Pakistan, mais c' est plus difficile que l' Inde 😠, c' est le moins que l' on puisse dire.
Mes prochains voyages? Maintenant-meme je te reponds de Damas, tres belle ville (ou j' ai vecu 6 ans), quant aux mois qui viennent: je vais me recaser quelque part hors Europe 🙂 (mes choix du moment: Australie, Malaisie, Oman, Etats-Unis). Mes voyages sont souvent des periodes de plusieurs annees a vivre (et travailler) dans un autre pays, ca donne une toute autre optique que seulement passer, meme si c' est pour plusieurs mois. Quant a voyager pour une periode plus courte, je dirais Thailande ou Iran, ou j' ai des attaches.
Bonjour
c'est sûr qu'elle sont magnifiques ces chutes mais moi, j'ai le souvenir d'un guide fou qui nous a emmenés, avec son petit zodiac de rien du tout, un jour de crue exceptionnelle, juste sous la chute principale : entre ça et les tourbillons effroyables qu'il y avait sur toute la longueur des chutes, je n'ai jamais éprouvé une telle terreur - j'ai bien cru qu'on allait tous y rester des dizaines de fois !!!
ceci étant, si tu as de la famille en Argentine, tu as encore beaucoup d'endroits sublimes à découvrir...entre-autres, comme je l'ai dit plus haut, la route entre Salta et Cafayate avec la "recta Tintin" où je rêve de retourner, la région de Bariloche, les glaciers tout au sud...quelle chance tu as d'avoir des contacts sur place !
via 90
J'aime bien l'aventure mais c'est sûr que je préfère éviter l'Afghanistan et le Pakistan 😕 - je pense que le Ladakh devrait être plus "cool" !!!
Bon séjour à Damas (encore une ville que j'aimerais bien découvrir si le coin était plus calme...) et bonne continuation pour tes voyages au long cours
Amitiés
Marie
via 90
😉doucement quand meme Parvat la terre est si basse😏😏
Smokey
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More discussions
Hi! It was totally by chance that I stumbled upon VoyageForum (an ad online and a story lol), and I’ve been reading some really old posts from 2011 about Thai massage schools—discussions on how to get by, accommodation, prices, etc. It reminded me of my own experience: I kept things simple by staying with a local family during my entire trip. I only shared all the expenses with them, which, I’ll admit, was super cheap… and I often traveled with them, which naturally opened a lot of doors for me. To start, at the school in Salaya, my Thai friend immediately connected me with Teacher Phong (the school’s mentor and teacher of teachers, a former monk). I was supposed to join a group session with other foreigners, but for some reason I don’t know, I got two days of private lessons for free with this expert… incredible! And on top of that, he loved France! It was an amazing experience. I "discovered" massage by chance—the Thai family just told me: "Try it, you’ll see!" (I’d had a pretty intense massage in the capital before 😅… but the next day, I felt unbelievably great!))
Every morning, I’d take a taxi (chosen by the Thai family at prices that beat all the competition) to this school—I’ve forgotten the name of the little village now… right in the heart of the countryside. Then, in the evenings, I’d keep practicing massage on all the family members… and they’d teach me Thai at the same time!))
Since then, I’ve practiced a bit, with lots of positive feedback. Following Teacher Phong’s advice—he thought my pressure was deep, firm, and precise—he strongly encouraged me to take this seriously.
I love Thailand so much. It’s a whole different way of living… and it’s a real blessing, even if I couldn’t live there full-time. Anyway, that was an unforgettable memory, and sometimes the Thai family and I still say hi—from 2011, 2013… right up to today!
Take care, everyone! !
Every morning, I’d take a taxi (chosen by the Thai family at prices that beat all the competition) to this school—I’ve forgotten the name of the little village now… right in the heart of the countryside. Then, in the evenings, I’d keep practicing massage on all the family members… and they’d teach me Thai at the same time!))
Since then, I’ve practiced a bit, with lots of positive feedback. Following Teacher Phong’s advice—he thought my pressure was deep, firm, and precise—he strongly encouraged me to take this seriously.
I love Thailand so much. It’s a whole different way of living… and it’s a real blessing, even if I couldn’t live there full-time. Anyway, that was an unforgettable memory, and sometimes the Thai family and I still say hi—from 2011, 2013… right up to today!
Take care, everyone! !
Hi everyone,
I’m Loulou, a French expat who’s been living in Southeast Asia for about fifteen years, currently in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A passionate walker at heart, I’ve trekked in Nepal (Thorung La, Mardi Himal), India, Vietnam, and I’m still planning new hikes (Char Dham, Langtang, Annapurna).
I’ve just published my first travel journal, recounting three months of walking and encounters across India. A portion of the sales goes to an educational center I support in Kep, for children whose parents work in the salt marshes.
I’m also working on a second book about Nepal with a musician friend, focusing on the Mardi Himal trek—two independent perspectives on the same journey.
Happy to swap stories with you about the Himalayas, India, Southeast Asia, or just the urge to hit the road and walk far from home.
Safe travels,
Loulou
Hi everyone,
Who’d like to share their best and worst travel memories in a few lines? For me, it’s watching the TAJ MAHAL at sunrise and getting chased by dogs at the top of a mountain pass in GREECE on the way back from ISTANBUL. THANKS GUYS
Who’d like to share their best and worst travel memories in a few lines? For me, it’s watching the TAJ MAHAL at sunrise and getting chased by dogs at the top of a mountain pass in GREECE on the way back from ISTANBUL. THANKS GUYS
"It seems to me that poverty would be less painful in the sun" wrote Aznavour...
Not sure...😕 Who can prove that people in hot countries are happier than others? What do you think?
Is it better to live in Montpellier than in Lille? Are the Pygmies happier than the Inuit? Are Canadians less happy than the people of Louisiana? Are there more French expats in hot countries?
And your travels? Do you choose your destinations based on the climate? Do you rejoice when a bit of sunshine appears?
Not sure...😕 Who can prove that people in hot countries are happier than others? What do you think?
Is it better to live in Montpellier than in Lille? Are the Pygmies happier than the Inuit? Are Canadians less happy than the people of Louisiana? Are there more French expats in hot countries?
And your travels? Do you choose your destinations based on the climate? Do you rejoice when a bit of sunshine appears?
Hi everyone, just this once I’m not posting for a travel story, but to share a thought for Venezuela.
If you didn’t know—since it’s not making headlines—the country was hit by two 7.5-magnitude earthquakes last week. Over 2,200 people have died, more than 50,000 are missing, and some coastal towns have been completely destroyed. Maybe when the scale of the humanitarian crisis becomes clear, our media will cover it a bit more... especially since earthquakes with this many casualties usually make the front page, but there’s been nothing in France.
So here’s a thought for this country, which, whatever you think of its politics, is a true jewel of South America, both for its landscapes and its people.
If you didn’t know—since it’s not making headlines—the country was hit by two 7.5-magnitude earthquakes last week. Over 2,200 people have died, more than 50,000 are missing, and some coastal towns have been completely destroyed. Maybe when the scale of the humanitarian crisis becomes clear, our media will cover it a bit more... especially since earthquakes with this many casualties usually make the front page, but there’s been nothing in France.
So here’s a thought for this country, which, whatever you think of its politics, is a true jewel of South America, both for its landscapes and its people.
hi there
I’d like to invite you to discover my coastal province in central Vietnam: Quang Ngai.
This year, my province has really improved its infrastructure—mountains, countryside, and sea are all authentic here.
No harassers or thieves, and no Russians either.
A local lunch costs around 1 €.
A *** hotel room is about 25 €, and you can find hotels right on My Khe Beach.
We have a specialty: *banh xeo*—10 crepes for just 1.5 €.
You can rent motorbikes to explore the province and maybe visit the many ethnic minorities.
I live here—I’m not selling anything, but I can help if needed (my father-in-law is a traditional Vietnamese doctor and he’s very skilled).
We're planning to spend a month in Vietnam. Is hiring a guide helpful?
Hi everyone! 😉
I’m Typhaine, 35 years old. Five years ago, I left France for a solo round-the-world trip—no planes, just a van, hitchhiking, cycling, and even a canoe in the Amazon! Today, I work as a naturalist guide in Argentine Patagonia.
Wherever I go, my compass stays the same: observing and photographing wildlife, which I deeply admire and respect.
My project: I’d love to share this experience through a sustainable, authentic, and immersive nature tourism initiative. But to build something meaningful, I need to understand how other nature enthusiasts experience their own adventures.
If you:
Are over 20 years old
Have a true passion for Nature
Have already taken at least one trip lasting more than 3 nights (in your country or abroad) in your life
Then... would you have 5 to 7 minutes to help me by filling out this questionnaire? 🙂 »» https://forms.gle/y74ckkvN9TjrougLA
Promise: I’m not selling anything, this isn’t marketing. Your answers are 100% anonymous and will only help me shape this wild project. A huge thank you to everyone for your help and kindness! Looking forward to chatting in this thread 😛
(Dear admins, this is purely a collaborative effort for my project study, with no commercial purpose. Thank you so much for your support!)
Photo: Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), female on the left and her cub on the right. Photo taken by me in Alaska, Denali National Park.
My project: I’d love to share this experience through a sustainable, authentic, and immersive nature tourism initiative. But to build something meaningful, I need to understand how other nature enthusiasts experience their own adventures.
If you:
Are over 20 years old
Have a true passion for Nature
Have already taken at least one trip lasting more than 3 nights (in your country or abroad) in your life
Then... would you have 5 to 7 minutes to help me by filling out this questionnaire? 🙂 »» https://forms.gle/y74ckkvN9TjrougLA
Promise: I’m not selling anything, this isn’t marketing. Your answers are 100% anonymous and will only help me shape this wild project. A huge thank you to everyone for your help and kindness! Looking forward to chatting in this thread 😛
(Dear admins, this is purely a collaborative effort for my project study, with no commercial purpose. Thank you so much for your support!)
Photo: Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), female on the left and her cub on the right. Photo taken by me in Alaska, Denali National Park.
Hello everyone,
It’s something we often notice in this forum—and many others—this behavioral shift.
A long-time member, or even a new one, asks a question. They get one or more answers, some brief, some detailed, and then... nothing???
Not even a simple thank you!!!
From what I’ve gathered, if the answers don’t align with what they wanted to hear, it seems natural for the asker to just disappear!! 😕 Unless—(and I fear this is the case)—basic politeness is no longer part of our society????
Please forgive my little rant.
Wishing everyone all the best. Cheers,
Puma2A
...
It’s something we often notice in this forum—and many others—this behavioral shift.
A long-time member, or even a new one, asks a question. They get one or more answers, some brief, some detailed, and then... nothing???
Not even a simple thank you!!!
From what I’ve gathered, if the answers don’t align with what they wanted to hear, it seems natural for the asker to just disappear!! 😕 Unless—(and I fear this is the case)—basic politeness is no longer part of our society????
Please forgive my little rant.
Wishing everyone all the best. Cheers,
Puma2A
...
I spent 3 weeks in Bali last summer (+ 3 nights on Gili Meno and a day trip to Kawah Ijen in Java). So I wanted to see what ChatGPT could suggest for comparison...
Here’s the prompt I gave:
"You’re a local expert guide for Bali.
- Plan a 20-day itinerary for Bali with a side trip to Gili Meno and a day trip to Kawah Ijen in Java without staying overnight.
- I’m traveling with my wife, and I love visiting historical sites, hiking, relaxing at the beach, snorkeling, and exploring rice terraces...
- For the duration of the stay, I don’t want more than 8 places to sleep, and I’d like to stay at least 2 days at each stop to avoid unpacking too often. Except for the last night, where I’m okay with just one night near the airport.
- I prefer neighborhoods that are walkable and try to avoid typical tourist traps, though I don’t want to miss the must-see spots. So suggest a mix of iconic sites and hidden gems.
- Recommend hotels or guesthouses with a budget of 50 to 100 € per night, including breakfast. Make suggestions in areas popular with travelers, specifying the vibe (I prefer quiet), and consider safety and proximity to attractions.
- For lunch and dinner, suggest two to three restaurants that are well-rated by customers.
- Give me a day-by-day program with details on travel times, visiting times for each point of interest, and recommendations for transportation (taxi, train, bike, etc.). Estimate the total cost of the trip, including accommodations, food, transportation, and activities, and suggest two tips for saving money in each category.
- Don’t make anything up—be realistic about travel times, take into account the opening dates and hours of sites, and give me the entry fees for places to visit.
- Ask me all the questions until you’re 95% sure you understand what’s being asked. Don’t generate your response until you’ve understood."
The AI asked for a few clarifications:
"Great request—I can build you a really optimized and enjoyable itinerary, but to be 95% sure I hit the mark, I need a few key clarifications (this will really influence the pace, areas, and accommodations)."
In the end, it proposed a program very close to what we actually did. I’ll skip its accommodation and restaurant suggestions...
Its proposal:
"Ubud (4 nights) => we did 5 nights Sidemen (2 nights) Amed (3 nights) => we’d planned 2 nights Gili Meno (3 nights) => we did Gili between Sidemen and Amed Munduk (3 nights) => we did 2 nights before Pemuteran Pemuteran (3 nights) with Ijen => we did 4 nights Sanur (2 nights + 1 last night) => we chose Jatiluwih instead of Sanur
It suggested "activities" (and accommodations too):
IN UBUD: - Walk around central Ubud (1–2h) - Campuhan Ridge Walk - Tegalalang Rice Terrace - Tirta Empul - Gunung Kawi - Massage / market / slow café
IN SIDEMEN: - Rice terrace hike (2–3h) - Cooking class
IN AMED: - Snorkeling - Japanese Shipwreck - Beach + relaxation - Volcano sunset
ON GILI: - Snorkeling at Gili Meno Turtle Point, Nest Underwater Statues
IN MUNDUK: - Jungle & waterfall hike - Munduk Waterfall + Melanting Waterfall - Loop: 3–4h (perfect for your level) - Ulun Danu Bratan Temple - Twin Lakes
IN PEMUTERAN - Snorkeling: Menjangan Island
For Kawah Ijen, it detailed the day well: 👍 from Pemuteran = best possible option 12 PM: leave hotel (we left at 10 PM) 1 PM: ferry 3 PM: arrival in Java + transfer 11 PM: start ascent 2 AM–6 AM: volcano Return to Bali around 11 AM–12 PM (we got back at 4 PM) 👍 still very intense, but doable with an agency 💰 ~80–120 €/person all-inclusive
IN SANUR: - Relaxation - Quiet beach - Proximity to airport (30 min)"
BUDGET: "3,000 – 3,900 € for 2 people" (We paid 3,200 €)
In conclusion, it’s not (yet) enough, but it’s (already) pretty impressive!
Here’s the prompt I gave:
"You’re a local expert guide for Bali.
- Plan a 20-day itinerary for Bali with a side trip to Gili Meno and a day trip to Kawah Ijen in Java without staying overnight.
- I’m traveling with my wife, and I love visiting historical sites, hiking, relaxing at the beach, snorkeling, and exploring rice terraces...
- For the duration of the stay, I don’t want more than 8 places to sleep, and I’d like to stay at least 2 days at each stop to avoid unpacking too often. Except for the last night, where I’m okay with just one night near the airport.
- I prefer neighborhoods that are walkable and try to avoid typical tourist traps, though I don’t want to miss the must-see spots. So suggest a mix of iconic sites and hidden gems.
- Recommend hotels or guesthouses with a budget of 50 to 100 € per night, including breakfast. Make suggestions in areas popular with travelers, specifying the vibe (I prefer quiet), and consider safety and proximity to attractions.
- For lunch and dinner, suggest two to three restaurants that are well-rated by customers.
- Give me a day-by-day program with details on travel times, visiting times for each point of interest, and recommendations for transportation (taxi, train, bike, etc.). Estimate the total cost of the trip, including accommodations, food, transportation, and activities, and suggest two tips for saving money in each category.
- Don’t make anything up—be realistic about travel times, take into account the opening dates and hours of sites, and give me the entry fees for places to visit.
- Ask me all the questions until you’re 95% sure you understand what’s being asked. Don’t generate your response until you’ve understood."
The AI asked for a few clarifications:
"Great request—I can build you a really optimized and enjoyable itinerary, but to be 95% sure I hit the mark, I need a few key clarifications (this will really influence the pace, areas, and accommodations)."
In the end, it proposed a program very close to what we actually did. I’ll skip its accommodation and restaurant suggestions...
Its proposal:
"Ubud (4 nights) => we did 5 nights Sidemen (2 nights) Amed (3 nights) => we’d planned 2 nights Gili Meno (3 nights) => we did Gili between Sidemen and Amed Munduk (3 nights) => we did 2 nights before Pemuteran Pemuteran (3 nights) with Ijen => we did 4 nights Sanur (2 nights + 1 last night) => we chose Jatiluwih instead of Sanur
It suggested "activities" (and accommodations too):
IN UBUD: - Walk around central Ubud (1–2h) - Campuhan Ridge Walk - Tegalalang Rice Terrace - Tirta Empul - Gunung Kawi - Massage / market / slow café
IN SIDEMEN: - Rice terrace hike (2–3h) - Cooking class
IN AMED: - Snorkeling - Japanese Shipwreck - Beach + relaxation - Volcano sunset
ON GILI: - Snorkeling at Gili Meno Turtle Point, Nest Underwater Statues
IN MUNDUK: - Jungle & waterfall hike - Munduk Waterfall + Melanting Waterfall - Loop: 3–4h (perfect for your level) - Ulun Danu Bratan Temple - Twin Lakes
IN PEMUTERAN - Snorkeling: Menjangan Island
For Kawah Ijen, it detailed the day well: 👍 from Pemuteran = best possible option 12 PM: leave hotel (we left at 10 PM) 1 PM: ferry 3 PM: arrival in Java + transfer 11 PM: start ascent 2 AM–6 AM: volcano Return to Bali around 11 AM–12 PM (we got back at 4 PM) 👍 still very intense, but doable with an agency 💰 ~80–120 €/person all-inclusive
IN SANUR: - Relaxation - Quiet beach - Proximity to airport (30 min)"
BUDGET: "3,000 – 3,900 € for 2 people" (We paid 3,200 €)
In conclusion, it’s not (yet) enough, but it’s (already) pretty impressive!
Hello everyone,
I’m sharing the menu posted at the entrance of a bar at the foot of the Porto Tower in Southern Corsica. . .
.
.
Greetings and have a great Sunday.
Puma2A . .
...
I’m sharing the menu posted at the entrance of a bar at the foot of the Porto Tower in Southern Corsica. . .
.
.Greetings and have a great Sunday.
Puma2A . .
...
I’ve kept the habit of blowing my nose in the sink and then washing my hands—a custom I picked up in India. Sometimes, non-travelers are shocked when they catch me in the act... 🤪
Also, when I run out of toilet paper, it doesn’t bother me—unless I’ve got company over... 🤪
Just got back from walking a friend’s dog (while they’re on vacation), wearing a djellaba and Tibetan boots... 😏😏😏 Oh, for sure, if I’d run into locals, I probably would’ve shocked them? 😏
Anyway, as long as I’m not spitting on the floor at a restaurant or squatting on the side of a highway with a water bottle in hand...
Do you bring back customs from your travels?
Also, when I run out of toilet paper, it doesn’t bother me—unless I’ve got company over... 🤪
Just got back from walking a friend’s dog (while they’re on vacation), wearing a djellaba and Tibetan boots... 😏😏😏 Oh, for sure, if I’d run into locals, I probably would’ve shocked them? 😏
Anyway, as long as I’m not spitting on the floor at a restaurant or squatting on the side of a highway with a water bottle in hand...
Do you bring back customs from your travels?
After taking a little trip around the world, I came back a few months ago with an idea in mind.
I mostly do diving, and I love observing animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
During the trip, I realized it was quite complicated to know where and when to see certain species.
For example:
where to dive with sharks or manta rays where you might get a chance to swim with whales
I even discovered thresher sharks during my trip… I didn’t even know this species existed before, even though they’re incredible to see.
We spent a ton of time searching for info all over the place, especially on social media, without ever getting a clear picture.
So I started putting all this together on my own, in the form of a map, to make it easier to visualize where to go depending on the seasons.
I recently put a first version online (it’s called Fauneya). There are probably mistakes, inconsistencies, or things to improve, and that’s partly why I’m posting here.
I’d really love to know how you all go about planning this kind of trip.
I mostly do diving, and I love observing animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
During the trip, I realized it was quite complicated to know where and when to see certain species.
For example:
where to dive with sharks or manta rays where you might get a chance to swim with whales
I even discovered thresher sharks during my trip… I didn’t even know this species existed before, even though they’re incredible to see.
We spent a ton of time searching for info all over the place, especially on social media, without ever getting a clear picture.
So I started putting all this together on my own, in the form of a map, to make it easier to visualize where to go depending on the seasons.
I recently put a first version online (it’s called Fauneya). There are probably mistakes, inconsistencies, or things to improve, and that’s partly why I’m posting here.
I’d really love to know how you all go about planning this kind of trip.
As part of my Master’s thesis, I’m currently conducting a public survey on a topic that concerns all of us when planning a trip: artificial intelligence and the role of human contact in travel planning.
These days, we’re using more and more digital tools to find ideas, compare options, and book trips... but is the role of human advisors still essential? At what moments? And for what types of trips?
The survey is anonymous and takes about 7 minutes.
It’s aimed at anyone who travels (or has traveled) for leisure, whether you plan everything yourself or go through an agency.
Survey link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkmBzW2QOE3_ZirhmdG8e2LQyaWLJxWUeyTR0LzpC8ytlufQ/viewform
Your response will be a huge help for my work and will contribute to a broader reflection on the future of the travel experience.
Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time to participate!!
These days, we’re using more and more digital tools to find ideas, compare options, and book trips... but is the role of human advisors still essential? At what moments? And for what types of trips?
The survey is anonymous and takes about 7 minutes.
It’s aimed at anyone who travels (or has traveled) for leisure, whether you plan everything yourself or go through an agency.
Survey link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkmBzW2QOE3_ZirhmdG8e2LQyaWLJxWUeyTR0LzpC8ytlufQ/viewform
Your response will be a huge help for my work and will contribute to a broader reflection on the future of the travel experience.
Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time to participate!!
While browsing the forum to gather info for my upcoming trip to Thailand, I often see the terms "traveler," "great traveler," and also "tourist"—so what’s the nuance for you?
I've traveled quite a bit in Vietnam over the past few years—from the southern delta to bustling cities and even some small islands—but what really sticks with me is the north, the high mountains.
Up there, there's something different—maybe slower, more raw. The morning markets with ethnic groups, women in traditional clothes, the colors...
The stilt houses, kids following you and laughing for no reason, the terraced rice fields—it almost feels unreal at times, so vast and quiet, yet so human and simple.
You often hear that Sapa has become too touristy, and that's partly true, especially in the center. But as soon as you move a little farther away, everything changes quickly. The landscapes open up, encounters feel more natural, and you rediscover something truly authentic.
I think it's that contrast that struck me—the difference between what you imagine before going and what you actually discover when you take the time.
And you—what memory do you hold onto from Vietnam? A particular place that touched you more than others?
Hello,
We’re finalizing the plans for our upcoming trip to China in May 2025. The second-to-last stop will be in Zhangjiajie, where we’ve planned to stay for 2 full days before heading to Shanghai.
We’re traveling solo using local transport and have arranged to stay in the city of Zhangjiajie.
We’ve seen that there’s a lot to see: Tianmen Mountain, the Grand Canyon and the glass bridge, Zhangjiajie National Park, and that the sites are quite far apart with fairly expensive entry fees. We’re thinking of dedicating one day to the national park and the Grand Canyon (glass bridge) and one day to Tianmen Mountain. But we’re not sure if this plan is realistic—any thoughts would be much appreciated!
Do you know if it’s possible to get around on our own, or is it better to go through a local agency or book a package like the one sold by TravelChinaGuide? https://www.travelchinaguide.com/package/zhangjiajie/2days-tour.htm
Thanks in advance for your advice! Alod
We’ve seen that there’s a lot to see: Tianmen Mountain, the Grand Canyon and the glass bridge, Zhangjiajie National Park, and that the sites are quite far apart with fairly expensive entry fees. We’re thinking of dedicating one day to the national park and the Grand Canyon (glass bridge) and one day to Tianmen Mountain. But we’re not sure if this plan is realistic—any thoughts would be much appreciated!
Do you know if it’s possible to get around on our own, or is it better to go through a local agency or book a package like the one sold by TravelChinaGuide? https://www.travelchinaguide.com/package/zhangjiajie/2days-tour.htm
Thanks in advance for your advice! Alod
Hello 🙂
I should be serving a warming drink to the participants in the discussion about gardens and parks that provide us with beautiful photos, I could mention the delicious buttery scent wafting from bakeries in the thread about returning to France, but my heart, its powerful pulse that nourishes my entire being, is elsewhere.
Dasht-e Lut, Yazd, Esfahan, Bam, Kerman, Qeshm, Hormuz—a melody, a prayer at the heart of desire.
A dream, an unattainable fantasy? No. Not anymore. A very serious Italian travel agency is organizing this trip for 6 people this winter. I’m signed up, I’m going, I’m living. Maybe.
"But you’re completely crazy!!!!"
I know... I know that every civilization, every society has a vital need to create scapegoats to define and justify itself, pathetically. And Iran is one of them, top of the list. I laugh or sigh, and it doesn’t bother me.
But that unchanging red, deep red and garnet, so beautiful in itself, in all the Western chancelleries repeats, whispers, shouts: don’t go, don’t go, don’t go, you’re putting yourself in danger and we can’t do anything for you. You’ll be turned into mere bargaining chips, into arguments for endless negotiations. Fear must be instilled, its power absolutely preserved, no concessions made to the enemy. The information (how many French hostages, real or fake, compared to the number of travelers?) is always lacking.
Traveling becomes a merciless confrontation between desire, the vital pulse, and anxiety, its ghosts.
Catherine
I should be serving a warming drink to the participants in the discussion about gardens and parks that provide us with beautiful photos, I could mention the delicious buttery scent wafting from bakeries in the thread about returning to France, but my heart, its powerful pulse that nourishes my entire being, is elsewhere.
Dasht-e Lut, Yazd, Esfahan, Bam, Kerman, Qeshm, Hormuz—a melody, a prayer at the heart of desire.
A dream, an unattainable fantasy? No. Not anymore. A very serious Italian travel agency is organizing this trip for 6 people this winter. I’m signed up, I’m going, I’m living. Maybe.
"But you’re completely crazy!!!!"
I know... I know that every civilization, every society has a vital need to create scapegoats to define and justify itself, pathetically. And Iran is one of them, top of the list. I laugh or sigh, and it doesn’t bother me.
But that unchanging red, deep red and garnet, so beautiful in itself, in all the Western chancelleries repeats, whispers, shouts: don’t go, don’t go, don’t go, you’re putting yourself in danger and we can’t do anything for you. You’ll be turned into mere bargaining chips, into arguments for endless negotiations. Fear must be instilled, its power absolutely preserved, no concessions made to the enemy. The information (how many French hostages, real or fake, compared to the number of travelers?) is always lacking.
Traveling becomes a merciless confrontation between desire, the vital pulse, and anxiety, its ghosts.
Catherine
Hi everyone, here’s our itinerary. Arriving on the evening of December 13th. Departing on January 7th.
Thanks in advance for your tips and valuable feedback.
Manila – 1 night Coron – 4 nights Coron to El Nido cruise – 2 nights El Nido – 4 nights Port Barton – 5 nights Flight from Puerto Princesa to Vigan Vigan – 2 nights Sagada – 2 nights Banaue – 2 nights Bagabag – 1 night Manila – 1 night I’ve only booked the flight to Manila and the Manila/Coron flight so far. Is it possible to book boat trips, accommodations, and the Puerto Princesa flight last-minute?
Thanks in advance. Florence
Manila – 1 night Coron – 4 nights Coron to El Nido cruise – 2 nights El Nido – 4 nights Port Barton – 5 nights Flight from Puerto Princesa to Vigan Vigan – 2 nights Sagada – 2 nights Banaue – 2 nights Bagabag – 1 night Manila – 1 night I’ve only booked the flight to Manila and the Manila/Coron flight so far. Is it possible to book boat trips, accommodations, and the Puerto Princesa flight last-minute?
Thanks in advance. Florence
Really disappointed with Costa Rica! Pura vida? The scam of the century!
(Costa Rica pure emptiness).
The country where animals are free and people are in cages. 3 weeks in December in this country and never again. Imagine the trailer of a movie that seems interesting, and when you go see it, you realize it’s a flop and the best moments were in the trailer. Well, that’s exactly how we felt with Costa Rica pure emptiness. My wife and I have traveled quite a bit and didn’t expect to be so wrong about a place. On the main routes, we visited: San José Alajuela Limón, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo (Caribbean side) Jaco, Quepos, Manuel Antonio (Pacific side) And a few short stops in intermediate towns.
Our dissatisfaction grew gradually like this:
When we arrived at the hotel, the taxi dropped us off on a small street in front of a white metal gate with ground-floor windows barred. We looked at it skeptically, but the sign matched. He approached the gate, rang the bell, the buzzer sounded, and the door opened slightly. The hotel wasn’t bad for the price, a 10-minute walk from downtown, but with a "Fleury-Mérogis" vibe guaranteed.
So far, so good.
After showering and regaining our bearings, we headed downtown. What started to unsettle us on the way was seeing houses with bars on the ground-floor windows and even on the second floor. At first, we thought the hotel’s neighborhood wasn’t great.
Downtown San José: It’s a generic city, not very exotic, with a pedestrian street and a small mercado where you can eat local food without frills. Very few tourists—if any—which let you blend in with the locals. We had lunch and struggled to make ourselves understood because, aside from one or two shops, English wasn’t spoken. On the way back to the hotel, we took a different route, and while chatting and strolling, my wife pointed out a beautiful two-story white house completely barricaded like Fort Knox. From that moment, we started noticing the facades of houses and buildings, and wow, it was creepy—most looked like prisons, some even with barbed wire. Though put off, we told ourselves it was probably a big-city thing and the rest of the country couldn’t be like this.
So far, so good.
We relaxed at the hotel and had a drink at the bar. Night falls early, around 5:30 PM. By 7:30 PM, we headed back downtown for dinner. A bit unsettling for a capital—downtown was almost deserted, and aside from fast-food chains, very few restaurants were open, with hardly anyone on the streets. Bars with security guards out front. I won’t say we felt unsafe that night, but once it got dark, we realized the bars on the windows weren’t for nothing. First day in, and our impression was already mixed.
The next day, we explored the city and surroundings, and our feelings didn’t change.
So far, so good.
Off to Cahuita by bus—4 hours of travel. The landscapes are very green but quickly become monotonous. The road runs alongside the forest and passes through a few towns and villages, and even in the countryside, there were just as many prison-like houses. The bus dropped us off at Cahuita’s terminal station—only four of us got off. It’s a village, or rather, a small town. Cahuita is basically one straight road and a perpendicular one, and honestly, doubt started to creep in. A few restaurants that add 13% tax and 10% service charge—so 23% extra. We dropped our stuff at the hotel and went to explore. In 20 minutes, we’d seen it all. We had lunch and planned to check out the famous park. Entry is by donation—well, the "entry" is a joke. There’s a path along the forest by the sea, and that’s it.
Nothing’s going right anymore.
We thought it was a total scam, but since we hadn’t gone far, we decided to come back the next day to explore further. We returned to the hotel, relaxed, and around 8:00 PM, we went out for dinner. Only two restaurants were open, and the streets were deserted.
Creepy!
The next day, we explored the so-called park more thoroughly and really got it. A path along the forest by the sea—2 hours there and 2 hours back, where you see animals that feel like showing their faces. A total joke—"all that for this?"
The beach was full of wood debris and coconut husks. We wondered if the photos online were edited because the sea, very rough, wasn’t the azure blue we’d seen in pictures. But calling this a park is a joke—it’s like a new concept.
When we thought about the reviews online, we started to suspect that professionals with interests in the country were monitoring and countering any negative feedback that could harm their business. Too bad we didn’t check the negative reviews beforehand—we did while we were there, and it helped. We wondered if we’d become too demanding after all our travels, but no—when something’s bad, it’s bad.
Manuel Antonio’s park is even more ridiculous—there’s a short path along the sea for about 500 meters, and then nothing. You have to climb through mud and hack your way through the forest. We ended up barefoot because the mud was up to our calves. All that to see a raccoon and a few parrots flying overhead.
We didn’t expect Noah’s Ark, but we’ve seen more animals in Bali, Mexico, and Thailand while visiting temples or just walking around than in these so-called parks!
Puerto Viejo, not far from Cahuita and supposedly livelier—well, it couldn’t be worse! According to Lonely Planet, it had a Caribbean vibe and wild nights, but maybe that was a long time ago. The good reggae music playing everywhere isn’t enough.
In the evening, Puerto Viejo was a bit livelier than Cahuita, but that’s not saying much. Very few tourists—if any—no night market, just two or three shops open selling $20 T-shirts. Same vibe as San José.
No big deal—we enjoyed the beach and the sun, which was reliable. Our itinerary was supposed to include Tortuguero Park, but after talking to other travelers who’d just been, we changed our minds, knowing we’d be visiting Manuel Antonio Park on the Pacific side.
To get back to the Pacific side, you have to take the bus and go through San José again—5 hours this time—then switch bus terminals and another 4.5 hours to Quepos. A stopover town to get to Manuel Antonio’s beach and park! A town just like the others we’d seen—deserted as soon as the sun sets, and not exactly bustling during the day either. (Where are all the tourists?)
Still as many bars on the windows and that feeling of being in the wrong place.
7 km later: Manuel Antonio beach and park. The beach is very beautiful and quite large, but don’t expect turquoise blue water—the waves stir up the sand, giving the water a brownish color. Along the beach, shops and restaurants for about 300 meters, and then nothing. At night, after sunset, the town shuts down too.
Manuel Antonio Park is highly praised for its wildlife, so we were eager to see it. When you express dissatisfaction with Cahuita or Manzanillo parks, the response is always, "But you should’ve gone to Monteverde or Manuel Antonio!" No matter what you do or say, they’ll tell you, "You should’ve gone there or here."
Back to our famous park—entry was about $16, and contrary to what we’d heard, it wasn’t crowded! Guides at the entrance with spotting scopes offered their services for about $30. The park: a mix of boardwalk and dirt paths through the forest, sometimes running alongside beautiful coves and beaches. As soon as we entered, a crowd was taking photos of a deer eating leaves. A little further on, a guide with a group of five stopped. The guide raised his arm and set up his spotting scope! He showed them, about 100 meters away, a hummingbird perched on a branch. Some, looking through the scope, exclaimed, "Oh my God! Amazing! Incredible!" For a moment, we thought they’d discovered a unicorn or were in Jurassic Park and had just crossed paths with a T-Rex! The concept is comical—looking at a bird or another animal through a spotting scope because it’s too far away. Isn’t that what TV is for? For our part, we saw monkeys, ants, an armadillo, an iguana, and the backside of a sloth climbing a tree. Amazing, incredible!
We stayed a few days in Manuel Antonio to enjoy the beach, changing hotels often because prices varied wildly from one day to the next for shameful services. On top of that, they’d quote a price in dollars and convert it at their discretion—thieves!
Alajuela, a city near the airport, has a two-story mall and a local market downtown! No interest except its proximity to the airport.
What we liked:
The climate and, in hindsight, San José—the most authentic city we visited.
What we didn’t like, in addition to what we’ve already mentioned:
Costa Ricans aren’t very friendly or communicative. English is barely spoken, not even by doctors at Quepos Hospital, where my wife ended up with food poisoning (thanks, Google Translate). The widespread obesity among Costa Ricans, who eat like Americans. The insecurity. The eco-hipsters who leave their $150 lodges in minivans with guides to visit parks and other sites, then return to barricade themselves in their fortresses at nightfall (oh my God, amazing, incredible). The blue signs at the entrance of towns that accept this payment method: "We accept American Express." Parking lots that become paid just because a guy is watching your car. Prices displayed in dollars. The cost of living (hotels, restaurants, taxes). Landscapes that are too green and not flowery enough. Beaches—nothing exceptional. Pollution in cities where big American trucks rule. Sewage dumped directly into the sea. Aside from the jungle, there’s nothing to visit—no ruins, monuments, or anything worth seeing.
In short, my wife and I think the hype about this supposedly eco-friendly country is overrated. It’s just the trendy destination of the moment. There are much better, cheaper, and more authentic places. In hindsight, we keep the good memories and our beautiful photos, but if we had to do it over...
Before signing off, a little message to those who don’t like hearing opinions different from theirs: Well, some things aren’t up for debate. And to those who’d have us believe that in 3 weeks, we don’t have the right to criticize a country or express our feelings—how can you praise it in so little time? What a scam. Costa Rica is a money pit. Pura vida? Pure cosmic emptiness.
If you like spending your evenings barricaded in your cozy hotel after dark, this country is for you. For everyone else: run!
The country where animals are free and people are in cages. 3 weeks in December in this country and never again. Imagine the trailer of a movie that seems interesting, and when you go see it, you realize it’s a flop and the best moments were in the trailer. Well, that’s exactly how we felt with Costa Rica pure emptiness. My wife and I have traveled quite a bit and didn’t expect to be so wrong about a place. On the main routes, we visited: San José Alajuela Limón, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo (Caribbean side) Jaco, Quepos, Manuel Antonio (Pacific side) And a few short stops in intermediate towns.
Our dissatisfaction grew gradually like this:
When we arrived at the hotel, the taxi dropped us off on a small street in front of a white metal gate with ground-floor windows barred. We looked at it skeptically, but the sign matched. He approached the gate, rang the bell, the buzzer sounded, and the door opened slightly. The hotel wasn’t bad for the price, a 10-minute walk from downtown, but with a "Fleury-Mérogis" vibe guaranteed.
So far, so good.
After showering and regaining our bearings, we headed downtown. What started to unsettle us on the way was seeing houses with bars on the ground-floor windows and even on the second floor. At first, we thought the hotel’s neighborhood wasn’t great.
Downtown San José: It’s a generic city, not very exotic, with a pedestrian street and a small mercado where you can eat local food without frills. Very few tourists—if any—which let you blend in with the locals. We had lunch and struggled to make ourselves understood because, aside from one or two shops, English wasn’t spoken. On the way back to the hotel, we took a different route, and while chatting and strolling, my wife pointed out a beautiful two-story white house completely barricaded like Fort Knox. From that moment, we started noticing the facades of houses and buildings, and wow, it was creepy—most looked like prisons, some even with barbed wire. Though put off, we told ourselves it was probably a big-city thing and the rest of the country couldn’t be like this.
So far, so good.
We relaxed at the hotel and had a drink at the bar. Night falls early, around 5:30 PM. By 7:30 PM, we headed back downtown for dinner. A bit unsettling for a capital—downtown was almost deserted, and aside from fast-food chains, very few restaurants were open, with hardly anyone on the streets. Bars with security guards out front. I won’t say we felt unsafe that night, but once it got dark, we realized the bars on the windows weren’t for nothing. First day in, and our impression was already mixed.
The next day, we explored the city and surroundings, and our feelings didn’t change.
So far, so good.
Off to Cahuita by bus—4 hours of travel. The landscapes are very green but quickly become monotonous. The road runs alongside the forest and passes through a few towns and villages, and even in the countryside, there were just as many prison-like houses. The bus dropped us off at Cahuita’s terminal station—only four of us got off. It’s a village, or rather, a small town. Cahuita is basically one straight road and a perpendicular one, and honestly, doubt started to creep in. A few restaurants that add 13% tax and 10% service charge—so 23% extra. We dropped our stuff at the hotel and went to explore. In 20 minutes, we’d seen it all. We had lunch and planned to check out the famous park. Entry is by donation—well, the "entry" is a joke. There’s a path along the forest by the sea, and that’s it.
Nothing’s going right anymore.
We thought it was a total scam, but since we hadn’t gone far, we decided to come back the next day to explore further. We returned to the hotel, relaxed, and around 8:00 PM, we went out for dinner. Only two restaurants were open, and the streets were deserted.
Creepy!
The next day, we explored the so-called park more thoroughly and really got it. A path along the forest by the sea—2 hours there and 2 hours back, where you see animals that feel like showing their faces. A total joke—"all that for this?"
The beach was full of wood debris and coconut husks. We wondered if the photos online were edited because the sea, very rough, wasn’t the azure blue we’d seen in pictures. But calling this a park is a joke—it’s like a new concept.
When we thought about the reviews online, we started to suspect that professionals with interests in the country were monitoring and countering any negative feedback that could harm their business. Too bad we didn’t check the negative reviews beforehand—we did while we were there, and it helped. We wondered if we’d become too demanding after all our travels, but no—when something’s bad, it’s bad.
Manuel Antonio’s park is even more ridiculous—there’s a short path along the sea for about 500 meters, and then nothing. You have to climb through mud and hack your way through the forest. We ended up barefoot because the mud was up to our calves. All that to see a raccoon and a few parrots flying overhead.
We didn’t expect Noah’s Ark, but we’ve seen more animals in Bali, Mexico, and Thailand while visiting temples or just walking around than in these so-called parks!
Puerto Viejo, not far from Cahuita and supposedly livelier—well, it couldn’t be worse! According to Lonely Planet, it had a Caribbean vibe and wild nights, but maybe that was a long time ago. The good reggae music playing everywhere isn’t enough.
In the evening, Puerto Viejo was a bit livelier than Cahuita, but that’s not saying much. Very few tourists—if any—no night market, just two or three shops open selling $20 T-shirts. Same vibe as San José.
No big deal—we enjoyed the beach and the sun, which was reliable. Our itinerary was supposed to include Tortuguero Park, but after talking to other travelers who’d just been, we changed our minds, knowing we’d be visiting Manuel Antonio Park on the Pacific side.
To get back to the Pacific side, you have to take the bus and go through San José again—5 hours this time—then switch bus terminals and another 4.5 hours to Quepos. A stopover town to get to Manuel Antonio’s beach and park! A town just like the others we’d seen—deserted as soon as the sun sets, and not exactly bustling during the day either. (Where are all the tourists?)
Still as many bars on the windows and that feeling of being in the wrong place.
7 km later: Manuel Antonio beach and park. The beach is very beautiful and quite large, but don’t expect turquoise blue water—the waves stir up the sand, giving the water a brownish color. Along the beach, shops and restaurants for about 300 meters, and then nothing. At night, after sunset, the town shuts down too.
Manuel Antonio Park is highly praised for its wildlife, so we were eager to see it. When you express dissatisfaction with Cahuita or Manzanillo parks, the response is always, "But you should’ve gone to Monteverde or Manuel Antonio!" No matter what you do or say, they’ll tell you, "You should’ve gone there or here."
Back to our famous park—entry was about $16, and contrary to what we’d heard, it wasn’t crowded! Guides at the entrance with spotting scopes offered their services for about $30. The park: a mix of boardwalk and dirt paths through the forest, sometimes running alongside beautiful coves and beaches. As soon as we entered, a crowd was taking photos of a deer eating leaves. A little further on, a guide with a group of five stopped. The guide raised his arm and set up his spotting scope! He showed them, about 100 meters away, a hummingbird perched on a branch. Some, looking through the scope, exclaimed, "Oh my God! Amazing! Incredible!" For a moment, we thought they’d discovered a unicorn or were in Jurassic Park and had just crossed paths with a T-Rex! The concept is comical—looking at a bird or another animal through a spotting scope because it’s too far away. Isn’t that what TV is for? For our part, we saw monkeys, ants, an armadillo, an iguana, and the backside of a sloth climbing a tree. Amazing, incredible!
We stayed a few days in Manuel Antonio to enjoy the beach, changing hotels often because prices varied wildly from one day to the next for shameful services. On top of that, they’d quote a price in dollars and convert it at their discretion—thieves!
Alajuela, a city near the airport, has a two-story mall and a local market downtown! No interest except its proximity to the airport.
What we liked:
The climate and, in hindsight, San José—the most authentic city we visited.
What we didn’t like, in addition to what we’ve already mentioned:
Costa Ricans aren’t very friendly or communicative. English is barely spoken, not even by doctors at Quepos Hospital, where my wife ended up with food poisoning (thanks, Google Translate). The widespread obesity among Costa Ricans, who eat like Americans. The insecurity. The eco-hipsters who leave their $150 lodges in minivans with guides to visit parks and other sites, then return to barricade themselves in their fortresses at nightfall (oh my God, amazing, incredible). The blue signs at the entrance of towns that accept this payment method: "We accept American Express." Parking lots that become paid just because a guy is watching your car. Prices displayed in dollars. The cost of living (hotels, restaurants, taxes). Landscapes that are too green and not flowery enough. Beaches—nothing exceptional. Pollution in cities where big American trucks rule. Sewage dumped directly into the sea. Aside from the jungle, there’s nothing to visit—no ruins, monuments, or anything worth seeing.
In short, my wife and I think the hype about this supposedly eco-friendly country is overrated. It’s just the trendy destination of the moment. There are much better, cheaper, and more authentic places. In hindsight, we keep the good memories and our beautiful photos, but if we had to do it over...
Before signing off, a little message to those who don’t like hearing opinions different from theirs: Well, some things aren’t up for debate. And to those who’d have us believe that in 3 weeks, we don’t have the right to criticize a country or express our feelings—how can you praise it in so little time? What a scam. Costa Rica is a money pit. Pura vida? Pure cosmic emptiness.
If you like spending your evenings barricaded in your cozy hotel after dark, this country is for you. For everyone else: run!
Hello,
Since the war between Russia and Ukraine, nothing is simple anymore for traveling to Belarus due to sanctions.
No more direct flights from the EU to Minsk.
Driving is a huge hassle, especially crossing through Poland at the only open border in Brest—you can wait 2, 3, or even 4 days just to get through by car.
The least painful driving option is to come via Lithuania and cross at the only open border, with a minimum wait time of 8 hours, sometimes up to 20 hours or more!!
Controls are very strict and annoying on both the Lithuanian and Belarusian sides. Avoid bringing alcohol, food, or cigarettes—everything will end up in the trash, especially when leaving Belarus for Vilnius, where the Lithuanians are tough, even with EU citizens.
The joy I once knew when visiting my wife in Minsk is sadly over—it’s now a real ordeal.
The fastest solution is to fly. My wife travels to France by taking a bus to Kaunas in Lithuania, where you can catch a flight (though not daily) to Paris Beauvais or Charleroi in Belgium with Ryanair, for example. For the return trip, it’s the same: a flight to Kaunas and then a direct bus from the airport to Minsk. The bus crossing is quicker than driving—the 250 km journey, including border checks, takes about 6 to 8 hours for buses leaving Lithuania around midnight, but controls are still strict at the border. The biggest challenge is finding flight schedules that align with the bus routes between the two countries, given the unpredictable border crossing times. Now, my wife travels via Charleroi in Belgium (near Brussels), and you can take a train to Paris. Alternatively, you can fly into Beauvais and take a bus to Paris (Porte Maillot). For those driving, note that EU insurance and assistance policies no longer work in Belarus or Russia. You’ll need to get local insurance, usually limited to third-party liability (I don’t think full coverage exists?), as well as mandatory medical insurance. This is available at the border. You now have to pay highway tolls—no more BELTOLL boxes. Instead, you pay a flat fee for the duration of your stay. Stop at the first gas station after crossing from Lithuania to fill up on fuel and cigarettes. From what I know, Lithuania bans carrying more than 60 € in cash, but there’s no limit for USD (though it’s capped at $10,000??). With a Visa card, you can now withdraw 1,000 rubles per week (about 270 €)—two months ago, it was only 500 rubles!! For now, you can still pay by card in shops and gas stations. However, major retailers like KORONA (which may be Russian-owned??) no longer accept foreign Visa cards. Unfortunately, the additional sanctions announced by the U.S. on August 5, 2025, against Russia—and possibly Belarus—aren’t promising for the future. After 20 years of visiting Belarus, I’m truly saddened to see the joy of living in this country with my wonderful wife turn into such a bleak situation, all because of human folly.
The fastest solution is to fly. My wife travels to France by taking a bus to Kaunas in Lithuania, where you can catch a flight (though not daily) to Paris Beauvais or Charleroi in Belgium with Ryanair, for example. For the return trip, it’s the same: a flight to Kaunas and then a direct bus from the airport to Minsk. The bus crossing is quicker than driving—the 250 km journey, including border checks, takes about 6 to 8 hours for buses leaving Lithuania around midnight, but controls are still strict at the border. The biggest challenge is finding flight schedules that align with the bus routes between the two countries, given the unpredictable border crossing times. Now, my wife travels via Charleroi in Belgium (near Brussels), and you can take a train to Paris. Alternatively, you can fly into Beauvais and take a bus to Paris (Porte Maillot). For those driving, note that EU insurance and assistance policies no longer work in Belarus or Russia. You’ll need to get local insurance, usually limited to third-party liability (I don’t think full coverage exists?), as well as mandatory medical insurance. This is available at the border. You now have to pay highway tolls—no more BELTOLL boxes. Instead, you pay a flat fee for the duration of your stay. Stop at the first gas station after crossing from Lithuania to fill up on fuel and cigarettes. From what I know, Lithuania bans carrying more than 60 € in cash, but there’s no limit for USD (though it’s capped at $10,000??). With a Visa card, you can now withdraw 1,000 rubles per week (about 270 €)—two months ago, it was only 500 rubles!! For now, you can still pay by card in shops and gas stations. However, major retailers like KORONA (which may be Russian-owned??) no longer accept foreign Visa cards. Unfortunately, the additional sanctions announced by the U.S. on August 5, 2025, against Russia—and possibly Belarus—aren’t promising for the future. After 20 years of visiting Belarus, I’m truly saddened to see the joy of living in this country with my wonderful wife turn into such a bleak situation, all because of human folly.
Hi everyone!
I’m putting together our travel itinerary for Veneto at the end of April. And the more I look and research potential sites to visit, the more I find!
We’ll only be there for a week—my family and I—including 3 days in Venice. So we have to make some choices...
I plan to rent a car when we arrive in Venice and head straight to Bergamo, which would be our first stop. We’d leave the car at the airport when we return to Venice so we can explore the city at our leisure.
What do you think: 1 night in Bergamo (a 2h15 drive from Venice airport), 1 night in Garda, 1 night in Verona, 1 in Padua, and 3 in Venice—would that be doable?
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences! :)
What do you think: 1 night in Bergamo (a 2h15 drive from Venice airport), 1 night in Garda, 1 night in Verona, 1 in Padua, and 3 in Venice—would that be doable?
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences! :)
Now that the curtain has fallen on the past year, it’s time to see what’s happening around here.
It seems pretty quiet, but I’ll read more in detail later.
First, I need to tell you all an anecdote.
My eldest little girl, in her third year of law school, was really scared she wouldn’t pass the year. I told her: “Trust yourself, you’ve worked so hard, and worst case, if you fail, you’ll just redo the year.” “But I don’t think I’ll make it—they changed the rules, and if I mess up even one unit, I have to start all over.” I knew her grades weren’t exactly stellar, and with what I was about to say, I wasn’t taking much of a risk. “Here’s the deal, sweetheart: if you pass, I promise I’ll take you to India, just the two of us.” I have to admit, India is a country I’ve talked about so much to all my grandchildren that in their minds, it’s become a magical, mythical place (hmm).
July had barely begun when my phone rang, her name flashing on the screen. “Mamido, I did it!” My promise came rushing back—oh no, oh no, oh no! “Congratulations, sweetheart!” A little shyly, she said: “Is the India trip still on?”
And me, replying: “Of course it is!”
And that’s that—a promise is a promise, or you risk losing that precious trust that keeps hearts warm and at peace.
We’re leaving in February. Only 8 days—yikes, the carbon footprint! But we can’t miss her tutorials, or she’ll be kicked out. Personally, that works just fine for me.
Going to India has become a challenge for me. It’s far, it’s exhausting, I sweat, I hate mosquitoes, the spices bother my mouth when I used to love them. There’s noise all the time—at night, the dogs bark nonstop, and we almost get run over. I’ll get lost in the streets because my sense of direction has vanished. I don’t like rice anymore. All that chaos and those cultural differences that once enchanted me now just overwhelm me. But I promised.
The upside—and it’s a big one—Raman, the same driver I’ve had forever, will be at the airport with a sign with our names. We’ll stop at the same little shop for chai (or tea, plain and simple) with that aroma that intoxicates me, halfway through the trip.
It’ll be a tiny trip—staying with friends, I’ll show her a few places I love: Chidambaram, Mamallapuram, and the clinic where I worked. Then we’ll head back. My little girl will go home to her parents.
As for me, I’ll leave right away for our Scottish island with Homme for our chilly winter.
How can you love a country so much you want to live there, then suddenly reject it, no longer able to appreciate what once made it special? That’s the mystery of love, I guess.
First, I need to tell you all an anecdote.
My eldest little girl, in her third year of law school, was really scared she wouldn’t pass the year. I told her: “Trust yourself, you’ve worked so hard, and worst case, if you fail, you’ll just redo the year.” “But I don’t think I’ll make it—they changed the rules, and if I mess up even one unit, I have to start all over.” I knew her grades weren’t exactly stellar, and with what I was about to say, I wasn’t taking much of a risk. “Here’s the deal, sweetheart: if you pass, I promise I’ll take you to India, just the two of us.” I have to admit, India is a country I’ve talked about so much to all my grandchildren that in their minds, it’s become a magical, mythical place (hmm).
July had barely begun when my phone rang, her name flashing on the screen. “Mamido, I did it!” My promise came rushing back—oh no, oh no, oh no! “Congratulations, sweetheart!” A little shyly, she said: “Is the India trip still on?”
And me, replying: “Of course it is!”
And that’s that—a promise is a promise, or you risk losing that precious trust that keeps hearts warm and at peace.
We’re leaving in February. Only 8 days—yikes, the carbon footprint! But we can’t miss her tutorials, or she’ll be kicked out. Personally, that works just fine for me.
Going to India has become a challenge for me. It’s far, it’s exhausting, I sweat, I hate mosquitoes, the spices bother my mouth when I used to love them. There’s noise all the time—at night, the dogs bark nonstop, and we almost get run over. I’ll get lost in the streets because my sense of direction has vanished. I don’t like rice anymore. All that chaos and those cultural differences that once enchanted me now just overwhelm me. But I promised.
The upside—and it’s a big one—Raman, the same driver I’ve had forever, will be at the airport with a sign with our names. We’ll stop at the same little shop for chai (or tea, plain and simple) with that aroma that intoxicates me, halfway through the trip.
It’ll be a tiny trip—staying with friends, I’ll show her a few places I love: Chidambaram, Mamallapuram, and the clinic where I worked. Then we’ll head back. My little girl will go home to her parents.
As for me, I’ll leave right away for our Scottish island with Homme for our chilly winter.
How can you love a country so much you want to live there, then suddenly reject it, no longer able to appreciate what once made it special? That’s the mystery of love, I guess.
I’ve visited the U.S. four times myself, including two long road trips. The last one was just this past August...
I won’t be going back. I already felt guilty last August, but recent policies have finally convinced me: the humiliation of Zelensky, authoritarian excesses, Gestapo-like methods for detaining people of foreign origin, the murder of innocent people (a mother shot dead), corruption, insane "tariffs," skyrocketing healthcare costs for Americans, the abduction of foreign figures to secure oil, the requirement to disclose social media accounts, and now... threats and blackmail to forcibly take Greenland—a region that belongs to Denmark and thus the European Union!
The reality is that simply posting this could get me denied entry to the U.S.!
In this context, I just can’t keep spending money there. I loved my trips, but there are so many other countries with stunning landscapes to explore.
So I get why you’d want to travel there. I did, and I loved it. But once a country no longer respects any of the values that made us love it, why go?
How can we even consider traveling to a country that threatens to take one of our territories by force?
I won’t be going back. I already felt guilty last August, but recent policies have finally convinced me: the humiliation of Zelensky, authoritarian excesses, Gestapo-like methods for detaining people of foreign origin, the murder of innocent people (a mother shot dead), corruption, insane "tariffs," skyrocketing healthcare costs for Americans, the abduction of foreign figures to secure oil, the requirement to disclose social media accounts, and now... threats and blackmail to forcibly take Greenland—a region that belongs to Denmark and thus the European Union!
The reality is that simply posting this could get me denied entry to the U.S.!
In this context, I just can’t keep spending money there. I loved my trips, but there are so many other countries with stunning landscapes to explore.
So I get why you’d want to travel there. I did, and I loved it. But once a country no longer respects any of the values that made us love it, why go?
How can we even consider traveling to a country that threatens to take one of our territories by force?
Hi there,
While reading some travel journals, I notice that we always reflect on the people of the countries we visit.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on which people charmed you the most during your travels?
I’m not looking for controversy, just reflections and personal feelings. Looking forward to reading your replies...
While reading some travel journals, I notice that we always reflect on the people of the countries we visit.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on which people charmed you the most during your travels?
I’m not looking for controversy, just reflections and personal feelings. Looking forward to reading your replies...
Hello everyone,
Controversial topic? Not necessarily—maybe just a reflection on a world to come.
I spent the last 15 days of August on a cruise in Greenland, from Kangerlussuaq to Tasiilaq.
I was utterly amazed by this unique world of rock and ice, the little houses in every color, a simple life that’s also complicated by isolation and climate, among other things...
I carry in my heart the kindness of the people I met, the raw and gentle majesty of the icebergs, the colors of the sky...
So, I can’t even imagine a massive presence of raw material prospectors, heavy machinery requiring roads to be built—if that’s even possible—changing their way of life... putting sled dogs out to pasture!
Do fast food and Greenland’s northern lights really mix?
I wouldn’t trade my memories for an ESTA!
All opinions are respectable, which is why this isn’t a controversy—but I’m sorry, I have a soft spot for *my* Greenland.
Best regards,
So, I can’t even imagine a massive presence of raw material prospectors, heavy machinery requiring roads to be built—if that’s even possible—changing their way of life... putting sled dogs out to pasture!
Do fast food and Greenland’s northern lights really mix?
I wouldn’t trade my memories for an ESTA!
All opinions are respectable, which is why this isn’t a controversy—but I’m sorry, I have a soft spot for *my* Greenland.
Best regards,
Hello to all East Africa lovers and nature enthusiasts in general,
While I prepare to share a recap of our latest trip/safari in Kenya soon, I’d like to wish you all a peaceful transition between 2025 and 2026.
Warm regards,
Puma2A.
...
We’re a couple aged 58 and 63. We’ve just returned from a wonderful trip to South India in Tamil Nadu and a few days in Kerala. We traveled with a local French-speaking guide and his friend, the driver. They both live in Pondicherry. We spent 3 weeks with them in the most authentic way!
We covered just over 2,500 km and visited not only temples but also archaeological sites, museums, and small artisanal businesses making tiles, tea, sculptures, bronze, and silk spinning. We were lucky enough to visit a public school, attend a wedding, and even a death announcement in a small countryside village. We were fully immersed in the culture, food, noise, and colors—it was incredible!
The hotels and guesthouses we chose were very clean and mostly quiet. We’re returning from India with amazing discoveries!
We’re happy to share more info if you’d like! M-Claire and Jean
We covered just over 2,500 km and visited not only temples but also archaeological sites, museums, and small artisanal businesses making tiles, tea, sculptures, bronze, and silk spinning. We were lucky enough to visit a public school, attend a wedding, and even a death announcement in a small countryside village. We were fully immersed in the culture, food, noise, and colors—it was incredible!
The hotels and guesthouses we chose were very clean and mostly quiet. We’re returning from India with amazing discoveries!
We’re happy to share more info if you’d like! M-Claire and Jean
This catchy and somewhat mysterious title comes from several questions I’ve been asking myself.
VF has been back open for a reasonable number of weeks and months now. The number of visitors overall matches past averages, but the number of members online in the last 24 hours seems relatively lower than what we used to see.
Yet, to my surprise, I’m seeing fewer travel journals, way fewer messages, and way fewer questions. I don’t see many new registered users online, and I notice a number of members who are logged in but either aren’t participating or have stopped participating.
Something’s not adding up for me because, in my opinion, VF is still appealing, and I don’t see which other sites could really compete.
Was there a real break between pre- and post-Covid? Does it just take more time for some people to discover the site or learn that it’s active again? Do people now prefer quick consumption on sites like FB or others I’m not familiar with? Where have the site’s old-timers gone, and what are they doing with their time now? What’s really going on here?
VF has been back open for a reasonable number of weeks and months now. The number of visitors overall matches past averages, but the number of members online in the last 24 hours seems relatively lower than what we used to see.
Yet, to my surprise, I’m seeing fewer travel journals, way fewer messages, and way fewer questions. I don’t see many new registered users online, and I notice a number of members who are logged in but either aren’t participating or have stopped participating.
Something’s not adding up for me because, in my opinion, VF is still appealing, and I don’t see which other sites could really compete.
Was there a real break between pre- and post-Covid? Does it just take more time for some people to discover the site or learn that it’s active again? Do people now prefer quick consumption on sites like FB or others I’m not familiar with? Where have the site’s old-timers gone, and what are they doing with their time now? What’s really going on here?
Hi there,
This isn’t exactly a traveler’s question... I’d like to know who handles the technical side of this forum?
I run a similar forum on a different topic (unrecognized children), and we’re dealing with a few technical issues that are slowly killing our forum... so I’d have one or two questions to ask 😊.
Also, I was wondering who created this forum... who the administrators or moderators are, etc.
I think this forum is great. Much better than Facebook, which I’ve been using since it shut down (so I’m happy to see it’s working again...)
This isn’t exactly a traveler’s question... I’d like to know who handles the technical side of this forum?
I run a similar forum on a different topic (unrecognized children), and we’re dealing with a few technical issues that are slowly killing our forum... so I’d have one or two questions to ask 😊.
Also, I was wondering who created this forum... who the administrators or moderators are, etc.
I think this forum is great. Much better than Facebook, which I’ve been using since it shut down (so I’m happy to see it’s working again...)