What a mix of opinions on travel journals and blogs! 😄
Pitting "useful journal" against "personal journal"—fair enough! You mention caricature, but you’ll probably agree that the two can blend... sometimes one or the other, sometimes both.
A journal can be written in the first person, share feelings without being narcissistic, and still include practical info that readers can pick up along the way or separately.
Concretely, a review of a destination, what we felt here or there, is subjective and really only concerns the author.
Concretely, yes... but it can also give a hint (or even influence) if the reader seems to relate to a certain way of traveling.
As for the "useful" side you seem to favor, you yourself call it "maybe less interesting"... so that ties into the boring part! 😉
The useful can’t have any purpose other than to inform... more or less well, more or less clearly.
It can’t be linked to the pleasure of reading, but rather to a certain convenience.
This way of delivering information has its place just as much as the more personal journal, but isn’t it easier to find info in a guidebook, go straight to the page you need, or the right section online?
It’s true you won’t find everything in guidebooks, but how many journals will you have to go through before finding the info you want?
Anyway, we’re going in circles... 😏 There’s something for every taste, and what seems boring to some will be appreciated by others!
l ne s'agit pas de voyager au millimètre, mais d'en savoir un peu plus sur le lieu à visiter.
Then why pile up information before leaving?
The people who seek the most precise details are usually those who can’t imagine traveling without first preparing a hefty road book, even if the destination is super touristy and well-marked.
.je dis que le partage d'information est plus utile
A letter’s missing:
I say that sharing information is more useful **to me**
e raconter sa vie ou son voyage est plus subjectif.
Yes, generally speaking.
That’s partly what makes it interesting to me.
.j'ai dit non, toi tu dis oui..
Even if I rephrase it, that’s not what I said...
I just think a travel journal is more exciting than a litany of prices, schedules, or good (or bad, depending on taste—very subjective too) addresses if it has that little extra that hooks the reader, whether it’s words, humor, photos...
A travel journal can be just as dull as an informative one, but that’s okay because you’ll notice right away in the first message and won’t read the rest.
After all, a travel journal will stand the test of time,
while an informative one has a built-in obsolescence as short as a mobile phone’s—even shorter if the country starts its tourism boom.
The term "airport novel" came up in this thread... it could make a great theme for a novel set in a train station, with all its social interactions, forgotten luggage, delayed trains, and travelers missing their rides.
It's the story of a returnee who, by reading him, you understand why he chose another mode of expression: video. And since one must justify their inclinations, he claims it’s superior to others. To the point of seriously considering summarizing entire countries in a single video without commentary.
Someone who awkwardly hijacks (the first to write 'video') the topic of this interesting discussion for the thinly veiled benefit of his blog. To the point of getting tangled in his own ideas.
He first gathers opinions from the crème de la crème of the 'Thoughts' section (one displaying intellectual dishonesty) and then from the forum’s elite, as he puts it.
A Narcissus unaware of himself.
(I hope the click-throughs live up to his expectations).
The same thing that makes a travel journal appealing—a style...
For a uniquely practical side, I don’t see it.
Maybe a style too, but with even more talent to make it go down smoothly.
Actually, I think the truly practical side of a trip is found more in answers to questions you ask than in a generic travel journal that isn’t necessarily tailored to your own needs.
By asking questions, you usually get more precise, up-to-date info that aligns better with your way of traveling—aside from those few old-timers who ramble on, and you never know if they’re talking about their 1970s adventures or their quiet trip from yesterday.
After all, an author doesn’t necessarily write to be appealing.
But also to relive their trip and keep the memory in an easily accessible virtual space.
On the contrary.
When planning my trips, I start from the principle that for any weird place or unusual experience, there’s someone who’s written about it on their site. I check out dozens of blogs looking for gems, and then I dig deeper into my research, using the power of Google (with the - operator).
Of course, there are plenty of blogs I skim through quickly. But others grab my attention more, and I even end up checking out other destinations...
Actually, the misunderstanding or miscommunication might come from the fact that no one gives the same definition to "travel journal" or "practical guide"...?
Travel-oriented websites with loads of practical information are rarely just a list of prices... there’s always some text behind it, a hidden opinion, an experience.
And the information on these kinds of sites is something we need at one point or another: which path should I take to get there faster? Which part of the beach is better for snorkeling? Or where am I most likely to see a particular animal in a park? I want to go to Caño Cristales in Colombia—how do I book, which agency seems good...? And all the answers provided by useful blogs come from experience.
So yes, consulting "useful" blogs saves a *ton* of time. It’s kind of like passing on knowledge: you struggle to find info, and when you get back, you think of others so they don’t struggle like you did or waste time like you did. You share the info you wish you’d had before leaving...
When planning a trip, a practical guide (or practical blog) is often the best source for all this info. It has nothing to do with planning down to the last detail.
A paper guidebook will rarely, if ever, tell you that taking this little path on the right gives you a much better view, for example, or that there are other cool spots to visit, or that in this part of a coral reef, there’s a moray eel hiding, or that going this way helps you avoid a scam... in short;
And a travel journal can certainly be well-written, to the point of grabbing attention or admiration or even inspiring a calling... but personally, I’ve read so many blogs or travel journals searching for info and never found anything—no style, no useful details, just "I went there, and I loved it"... that I have a really bad impression of them. They’ve never helped me plan a trip. Like you all say, a site that blends a travel journal with a real writing style *and* practical info—and does it well—is the ideal, but those are rare...
Maybe it’s this difference in approach—searching for info vs. searching for escape—that makes us not always agree...
After that, Atila, I agree with you: running a practical blog is a double constraint because, on top of writing, you also have to keep it updated... especially when it’s just a hobby. It’s a choice you have to think about when you have a blog, because it’s true that it takes time, and after a while, it can get annoying to take notes while traveling, knowing that in two years, the info will be outdated... 🙁
I don’t quite see the connection with practical blogs and this.
When planning my trips, I start from the principle that for any weird place or unusual experience, there’s someone who’s written about it on their site.
A blog or a practical travel journal is about addresses, opening hours, prices.
Unusual experiences and weird places don’t seem to fit into that category—they feel more like part of a travel story or narrative blog. ???
But you rarely stumble upon a blog by accident, right? Most people who read them are interested in a specific destination. After that, they might explore the blog and read other things, but that’s often the starting point...
And sharing practical info doesn’t stop you from talking about your experiences, your visit itinerary, or telling anecdotes—it’s not all one or the other!
we’re going in circles...
- "I really like travel journals"
- "I’m not that interested, I prefer info to plan my trip"
- "Really?? But I love travel journals.."
- "Oh yeah?? No, you know... I prefer practical sites"
- "Oh, is that true??? But travel journals are dreamy"
- "No, practical info is useful"
- "I waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaant my journaaaaaaaaaaaal....!!!!!"
- "Alright, fine, here’s your journal... but wouldn’t you like a little practical tip before you leave.... no???"
Talking to a brick wall...
Every now and then I come to chat in a thread, but most of the time I leave exhausted from spinning in an endless roundabout!! 🙂
Generally, all discussions where people share their opinions just go in circles. Because everyone has their own opinion, the next person won’t agree, someone else will argue in favor of their own view, and in the end, everyone leaves with the same ideas. It’s like most debates: pointless.
Overall, all the discussions where people share their opinions just go in circles. Because everyone has their own opinion, the next person won’t agree, another will argue in favor of theirs, and in the end, everyone leaves with the same ideas. It’s like most debates: pointless.
There are also people who are open-minded enough to look beyond their own perspective—people you can have constructive debates with, consider others’ arguments, and even be convinced to reconsider your own viewpoint.
Yes, they really exist. I’ve even been on forums where everyone was like that—kind when reading others’ posts, and it was a real pleasure to debate.
It has to be said, though—it was a different time back then, since the internet is still so new.
That’s not the issue. It seems we’re discussing things in a calm and open way, but that doesn’t mean people who don’t like reading travel journals will suddenly start enjoying them, etc.
It *is* a matter of exchanging points of view—it can be interesting (which is why I read these kinds of threads), but after a while, once everyone’s shared their opinion with explanations, well, we just end up going in circles.
But you rarely stumble upon a blog by accident, right?
When you're looking for information, you might come across a blog.
But on this forum, you can read a travel journal without searching for info.
Just because the title, the author, or the first few words caught your eye.
hey cold (or should I say, hey runny nose?), I’m stepping slightly out of the discussion (which seems endless and ultimately pointless) to ask you what you think makes the key to a constructive discussion?
Because let’s be honest, some people—once they jump in—it just goes in circles… and even if we admit we can understand certain points of view, the person (or people) in question stubbornly keeps repeating themselves and making others repeat things endlessly… (and I’m sure they think the same about the other side).
It’s tough under those conditions not to get annoyed, not to slip into personal judgments (because you start wondering if the person is all there), and to stay constructive, right?
On an open question like this, everyone gives their opinion. Once they’ve shared their take, both sides clash to make the other admit that one point of view is better than the other. Everyone digs in. Once both sides realize they can’t change the other’s mind, we move on to the phase of "I’m judging you because if you don’t get it, you must be stupid"… and in the end, everyone looks at each other and says… "Wait, what was the question again?"…
On an open-ended question like this, everyone gives their opinion. Once they’ve shared their views, both sides clash to make the other admit that one point of view is better than the other. Everyone digs in. Once both sides realize they can’t change the other’s mind, we move on to the "I’m judging you because if you don’t get it, you must be stupid" phase… and in the end, people just look at each other and say, "Wait, what was the question again?"…
That’s actually a pretty good summary of the usual process! 🙂
But honestly, at a certain point, what the question was doesn’t matter at all! What counts is the debate (or should I say the free-for-all!) and, above all, the clash! Some TV shows thrive on that!
That’s actually a good summary of the usual process!
And even then, VF is a model of its kind (thanks to moderation).
I’ve been hanging out on forums since the last century, and the early days—especially on unmoderated forums—were way more brutal. We were closer to trench warfare than a casual chat...
because let’s face it, some people—once they get started—just go in circles. Even if we can see their point, the person (or people) in question just keeps hammering the same thing over and over for no clear reason, making everyone repeat themselves endlessly... (and I’m sure they think the same about the other side).
At least some people repeat the same thing under the same username, while you’ve been saying the same stuff under different ones...
hey rhume, I’m stepping out of the discussion (which is endless and ultimately pointless)
Here’s a thread opened seven years ago by a contributor who shares excellent travel journals here, both in photos and writing. A thread where around sixty participants have expressed themselves properly. Among them, writers of beautiful travel stories, renowned bloggers, and early readers. A lively, rich, and respectful discussion—one I’ve been part of since the beginning (for those who think the world began with you).
Then some random person shows up, seemingly not even understanding what they’re writing, goes off-topic, spins in circles, gets tired, and finally decides the whole discussion is pointless. They’re absolutely right—about their own contributions, that is.
P.S. I’ll say it here as briefly as I have elsewhere: no need to bombard me with private messages. To put it in terms you’ll understand—leave me alone. I handle my public business publicly.
Thanks voyajou, you’re totally proving my point again... yeah, we’re going in circles. Seems like quite a few of us keep saying the same thing, but oh well... Careful voyajou, don’t bark too loud or you’ll lose your dentures!!😉
Take care of your health, otherwise soon you won’t be able to flood us with your travel journals anymore, and your groupies will feel lonely!!
Hello,
I just came across this debate.
I agree that there can be a bit of narcissism in sharing our travels. But digging deeper, aren’t there other reasons why some travelers spend hours recounting their adventures on a forum or in an article?
Isn’t it also because they’ve been disappointed—or even frustrated—by not finding interested listeners that they finally decide to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard?
Isn’t it natural, when you return from a trip full of anecdotes, to want to share all of it with your loved ones?
Is it really less interesting for our friends to learn a little more about the world through a loved one’s experience than to hear yet another discussion about the umpteenth way to cook dish X, the imagined flavors of wine Y, or the features of the latest car Z?
Is it shocking to spend 30 minutes sharing the highlights of a three-week trip or showing your best photos during a four-hour evening?
If the topic of a lived experience should be censored (I’ve personally known this for 30 years!), where do we draw the line?
Every year, we receive a little document recounting the highlights of the year—especially their travels—from an American couple we met in Peru. We find it interesting and it doesn’t shock us, but it seems unthinkable in France...
Every year, I try to understand such attitudes, and every year, one word comes back: jealousy!!!
For me, nothing shocking—it’s just about finding the right person to talk to!
It’s like anything else: parents who go on and on about their kids, the workaholic who won’t shut up about their job, the best friend who drones on about their dramatic love life, the fitness buff with their sport, etc...
These are just conversations like any others—you’ve gotta find the people who are actually interested!
Otherwise, we’re definitely all bores at one point or another.
The great thing about writing and also about exchanges on sites like VF is that only those who want to read a story do… with the option to skip it anytime!
That’s why I stick to travel forums to talk about travel. Unless someone asks me about it in real life.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Hi!
Being a "bore" would be the right word if we wanted to recount a trip in minute detail for hours.
Claiming 30 minutes to share a few anecdotes from a 3-week trip seems legitimate.
Facing total boycott is shocking.
Admitting that we can only express ourselves in a forum is surprising...
I see we don’t agree. But I’m probably wrong...
Hi!
Being a "bore" might be the right word if someone wanted to recount a trip in minute detail for hours.
Claiming 30 minutes to share a few anecdotes from a 3-week trip seems reasonable.
Facing total boycott is shocking.
Admitting that we can only express ourselves in a forum is surprising...
We don’t see eye to eye, I guess. But maybe I’m wrong...
Hello!
Nope, you’re not wrong. We just have different points of view ;)
What I meant is that I don’t spontaneously talk about my trips. If someone asks me what I did last summer, I’ll say I went to Oregon. But I won’t expand on the topic on my own. If the person is interested, they’ll ask. In that case, I’m obviously not a "bore."
But you know, people ask questions but don’t actually expect an answer most of the time. It’s like when someone asks how you’re doing! They don’t really want to know if you’re not okay
For example, after a trip, I don’t organize a slideshow of my photos with my friends. If the destination interests them, they won’t hesitate to ask.
And how do I know most people aren’t interested in our travels? I have a blog, and when I post an article, I share the link on FB. A lot of my friends "like" my post but don’t actually read the article ;) (I know because of the stats)
But you see, the boycott isn’t total since I still share my articles on social media.
We’re all bores. Back home, people don’t care where we went or what we did… gotta accept that. We don’t travel for others, we travel for ourselves. Cheers
we're all bores. People "back home" don't care about us, where we went, what we did... gotta accept it. We don’t travel for others, we travel for ourselves. Cheers
Hey Frank,
Thanks for chiming in—at least the message is clear and often true...
Okay, let’s admit that sometimes our stories *can* interest certain people and/or internet users.
But it’s true that the one telling the story gets the most pleasure out of reliving the trip.
So as far as I’m concerned, I’ll keep "reliving" my travels... by writing up travel stories and reports. Like this one, with this little nod to a visit in the world capital of ostriches—it’s in South Africa... and it’s a wink!
Generally, all discussions where people share their opinions go in circles. Because everyone has their own opinion, the neighbor won’t agree, another will argue in favor of their own view, and in the end, everyone leaves with the same ideas. It’s like most debates: sterile.
There are also people who are educated not to only see their own navel—people you can have constructive debates with, reflect on others' arguments, and even be convinced to reconsider your viewpoint.
Yes, they exist! I’ve even been on forums where everyone was like that—kind when reading others’ posts, and it was a real pleasure to debate.
I must say, it was—already, since the internet is recent—a different era.
It has nothing to do with travel, but there are language forums where people respond politely, like WordReference: no ego problems.
Hello,
I completely agree—if we can’t talk about travel, what *can* we talk about? Where do we draw the line? We become "boring" if we go on too long... just like any conversation. Of course, we travel primarily for ourselves. Thankfully, otherwise I would’ve stopped long ago! But it’s only natural to want to share the moments we’ve experienced. I stand by the diagnosis I made in a previous post....
On this site, no one can claim they were forced to log in and then had to read a travel journal.
Even if I’m often disappointed by the poor quality of the photos and/or texts, every now and then a gem pops up.
I know my travel journals interest a certain number of people—my only regret is that these shares don’t inspire more participants. Uh, I mean, non-participants.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
I totally agree with you, Jemmaflor!
I found the solution to avoid this very real pitfall: I keep a daily serial going by sharing just a short reflection or anecdote that I want to be poetic, funny, or philosophical—but very short, illustrated with one or two photos, and whoever wants to follow along can! I have my loyal followers, and as a result, we only exchange a few impressions when I return, nothing more.
No detailed, exhaustive accounts like: « After a restorative nap, we hit the road again at 3 PM heading toward , ,, » only to arrive exhausted and overwhelmed by the heat at our destination, where we enjoyed a well-deserved meal. »
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
"After a restorative nap, we hit the road again at 3 PM, heading toward... only to arrive exhausted and drained by the heat at our destination, where we enjoyed a well-deserved meal."
No detailed and exhaustive account like: "After a restorative nap, we hit the road again at 3 PM heading toward..." only to arrive exhausted and overwhelmed by the heat at our destination, where we enjoyed a well-deserved meal.
You forgot to add the photo of the dishes during the romantic dinner!
in this case, I find it more interesting than all the stories that are just copy-pasted from travel guides
With texts that regularly lack rich vocabulary and expressions.
And on top of that, terrible photos taken in a rush with a phone. Everything’s there: the blur, the poor centering, the awful framing, no focus, cut-off feet, etc.
The craziest part is how many people gush and congratulate the author for their "beautiful" photos. Hard to tell if it’s their eyes or their brains that are damaged—or both.
For me, it’s a mystery: those who praise both the people posting great photos *and* those who dare to share a mess of images you wouldn’t even want in your attic. Yet they’re not running for office or anything.
Oh well, some questions will just remain unanswered!
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Je lis les carnets de voyages, certains sont franchement intéressants, d'autres lassants, mais je me pose aujourd'hui la question: pourquoi fait on un carnet…
Étant adepte du stop et n'ayant jamais utilisé de carton avec ma destination marquée dessus, je me demandais si cela était utile? Outre le fait que j'ai…
Rentrée de voyage depuis hier, à chaque fois, j'ai la même sensation de revenir dans cet horrible train train quotidien! je ne suis pourtant pas partie très…
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?
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.
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).
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
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.
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????
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)"
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...
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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
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!
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.
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! :)
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.
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?
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.
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
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?
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...)
Hi there, I’ve been traveling for 18 years now, at least 6 months a year, and as the years go by, I actually enjoy coming back to France more and more—a feeling I struggled with at first. I mean, we always think the grass is greener elsewhere.
But in the end, I find meaning in that saying about how there’s no place like home. I still love traveling just as much, but now my trips are shorter, and I enjoy spending more time in our beautiful country, even though I don’t hesitate to criticize it.
How about you? How do you handle coming back from your travels?
A few years ago, I went with a group of friends to lend a hand at a small rural school near Thiès, Senegal.
It was a relaxed but hardworking atmosphere—hands in the mortar, laughter, exchanges, and everything that a COOPERATION project can bring.
Today, the little project is flying on its own.
Wanting to explore Senegal’s riches, we set off for some tourism in the Siné Saloum. One girl in our group fell ill (a malaria attack), and we decided to take her to see a doctor at a large tourist complex nearby. Despite her condition, we had to "show our credentials" (if I may say so) just to get in. She was treated and has been fine since.
This "stop" at a Club Med-style resort with a Teutonic twist—resembling Le Grau-du-Roi but fancier—was a horror show for us: pools, massive artificial basins dyed blue, pink, or green (!!!!), animators shouting around wet T-shirt contests or coconut tree climbing, and sunburned (or sun-pinked) *toubabs*.
The entire hotel was surrounded by a huge wall, behind which a small souvenir-seller slum had sprung up, worthy of Dakar’s outer neighborhoods.
On leaving, we saw a minibus of guests returning from an "excursion," loaded with masks, fabrics, and djembés—African souvenirs?
Maybe those will be *theirs*?
What impression did the kids clustered at the hotel gates get?
What about the Black servers in "traditional African costumes," serving cocktails and ice cream nonstop?
For me, who experienced Africa very young and in the bush, this remains a haunting image.
On VF, this kind of vacation doesn’t seem to be the norm among users, and that’s exactly why I signed up.
Have you ever experienced this kind of interstellar travel?
Do you understand the Martians?
Are their motivations peaceful?
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