Results for "Pyrénées+Orientales+ou+Perpignan+|+127"
3840 results found.
Voyage en France 2005 English translation pending
Bonjour,
Je suis un nouveau membre sur ce forum et j'habite le Québec. Ma principale motivation pour m'y joindre réside dans mon projet de me rendre en France à l'été 2005 avec ma femme et mes deux enfants (15 et 9 ans) pour un voyage de trois semaines. Je cherchje donc à lanifier des choses, de prévoir les coûts d'hébergement.
j'ai le projet d'aller en Normandie ( pays des ancêtres), les plages du débarquement, la Bretagne et la Vallée de la Loire. Je veux éviter de trop vouloir en voir et ainsi de trop passer de temps sur la route ( nous voulons louer un véhicule). Toutefois, j'aimerais bien voir les Pyrennées et la Provence. Enfin beaucoup de projets, pour peu de temps.
Ma principale préoccupation réside dans les coûts d'hébergement, et les enfants. Est-il possible de trouver des hôtels, , ou tout autre forme d'hébergement à des coûts raisonnables, sans me ruiner. Je parle ici d'environ 50 euros par nuit.
De plus, quel circuit pourrais je envisager à partir des régions ci-haut énocés ( Normandie, bretagne et Loire)???
Merci de vos conseils, en souhaitnt que ces échanges soient le début d'autres correspondances enrichissantes
bruno
Je suis un nouveau membre sur ce forum et j'habite le Québec. Ma principale motivation pour m'y joindre réside dans mon projet de me rendre en France à l'été 2005 avec ma femme et mes deux enfants (15 et 9 ans) pour un voyage de trois semaines. Je cherchje donc à lanifier des choses, de prévoir les coûts d'hébergement.
j'ai le projet d'aller en Normandie ( pays des ancêtres), les plages du débarquement, la Bretagne et la Vallée de la Loire. Je veux éviter de trop vouloir en voir et ainsi de trop passer de temps sur la route ( nous voulons louer un véhicule). Toutefois, j'aimerais bien voir les Pyrennées et la Provence. Enfin beaucoup de projets, pour peu de temps.
Ma principale préoccupation réside dans les coûts d'hébergement, et les enfants. Est-il possible de trouver des hôtels, , ou tout autre forme d'hébergement à des coûts raisonnables, sans me ruiner. Je parle ici d'environ 50 euros par nuit.
De plus, quel circuit pourrais je envisager à partir des régions ci-haut énocés ( Normandie, bretagne et Loire)???
Merci de vos conseils, en souhaitnt que ces échanges soient le début d'autres correspondances enrichissantes
bruno
Visa de travail et permis de travail (France) English translation pending
Je sais que pour un canadien, il n'est pas nécessaire d'Avoir de visa pour travailler 3 mois ou mois en france. Mais faut-il d'autres papiers tel permi de travail ou autres trucs similaires?
Renseignements écovolontariat English translation pending
Bonjour, 🙂
J'espere que vous pourrez me repondre efficacement.
Voila mon souci: je souhaite partir cet été pour effectuer une mission d'ecovolontariat.
Mon probleme est que toutes les expeditions sont excessivement cheres (a partir de 1500 euros). Je n'arrive pas a comprendre ces tarifs prohibitifs!!! 🙁
Je souhaite faire une action de 2 semaines à un mois. Je ne souhaite pas de remunerations. Mais je ne veux pas payer (comme si j'allais en vacances!) pour donner un coup de main!Je comprends bien qu'il y ai des frais mais a ce point la?
Alors je me retourne vers vous pour savoir si vous ne connaissez pas d'organismes ou autres qui pourrait repondre a mes attentes (action pour la preservation de la faune et/ou de la nature) sans pour autant me ruiner???
Je suis tres motivée et a la recherche d'une opportunite depuis assez longtemps maintenant. Je compte sur vous et j'espere que vous pourrez repondre favorablement a ma requete. 😉
J'espere que vous pourrez me repondre efficacement.
Voila mon souci: je souhaite partir cet été pour effectuer une mission d'ecovolontariat.
Mon probleme est que toutes les expeditions sont excessivement cheres (a partir de 1500 euros). Je n'arrive pas a comprendre ces tarifs prohibitifs!!! 🙁
Je souhaite faire une action de 2 semaines à un mois. Je ne souhaite pas de remunerations. Mais je ne veux pas payer (comme si j'allais en vacances!) pour donner un coup de main!Je comprends bien qu'il y ai des frais mais a ce point la?
Alors je me retourne vers vous pour savoir si vous ne connaissez pas d'organismes ou autres qui pourrait repondre a mes attentes (action pour la preservation de la faune et/ou de la nature) sans pour autant me ruiner???
Je suis tres motivée et a la recherche d'une opportunite depuis assez longtemps maintenant. Je compte sur vous et j'espere que vous pourrez repondre favorablement a ma requete. 😉
Partir en Europe English translation pending
bonjour! je suis quebecoise et j'aimerais partir en europe cet automne (oct. ou nov.) pour un tout premier voyage seule, mais je sais pas trop quel pays choisir...
L'islande m'inspire beaucoup, mais à cette periode de l'année ça me semble plus compliqué (moins de place en héberg., sites fermés aux visiteurs...) et c'est hyper cher.
La Belgique peut-être, ou la France ?? (côté langue ce serait le plus facile, mon anglais est tres moyen...)
alors si vous avez des suggestions à me faire ce serait tres apprécié! Une autre interrogation, si je veux trouver de petits boulots sur place pour réduire les coûts, dans quel pays c'est le plus simple?
merci à l'avance pour vos conseils et suggestions!
ann
Chemin de Compostelle (Espagne-France) à pied? English translation pending
salut
est ce que quelqu'un a deja fait le chemin de compostelle (800 klm de l'espagne a la france) a pied.
est ce que ca en vaut la peine et quel son les herbergements disponible.
quel son les point d'interet (sauf le cote spirituel)
merci
phil
est ce que quelqu'un a deja fait le chemin de compostelle (800 klm de l'espagne a la france) a pied.
est ce que ca en vaut la peine et quel son les herbergements disponible.
quel son les point d'interet (sauf le cote spirituel)
merci
phil
Visites de la France et l'Italie English translation pending
Bonjour tout le monde!
Je viens du Québec et j'entreprends un voyage pour l'europe sous peu! (Départ Mai-Juin 2004) J'aimerais visiter entre autres la France, l'Italie et l' Espagne, mais je suis ouvert aussi a d'autres destinations!
Je viens de finir mon BAC, alors j'aimerais voyager un peu avant de commencer a travailler pour de bon!
Pour le moment je partirais tout seul! Mais j'aimerais bien trouver un ou une partenaire de voyage (Meme plusieurs aussi) qui serait peut-etre intéresser a correspondre! On pourrait s'echanger de l'information ou se rencontrer la bas, etc. Ou meme ici avant de partir!
J'ai quelques petites questions:Quel auberge de jeunesse suggérez vous en France? (Coté Prix et emplacement, aussi pour rencontrer d'autres voyageurs, etc)
Quoi visiter en France?
Les moyens de transport et les prix? Comment ca marche?
Ensuite, j'ai les meme petites questions pour l'Italie?
Si vous pouvez m'aider ce serait bien apprécier! J'aimerais aussi correspondre avec les intéressésil y a des intéressés! Réécrivez-moi!
Merci a l'avance!
Hugues
Je viens du Québec et j'entreprends un voyage pour l'europe sous peu! (Départ Mai-Juin 2004) J'aimerais visiter entre autres la France, l'Italie et l' Espagne, mais je suis ouvert aussi a d'autres destinations!
Je viens de finir mon BAC, alors j'aimerais voyager un peu avant de commencer a travailler pour de bon!
Pour le moment je partirais tout seul! Mais j'aimerais bien trouver un ou une partenaire de voyage (Meme plusieurs aussi) qui serait peut-etre intéresser a correspondre! On pourrait s'echanger de l'information ou se rencontrer la bas, etc. Ou meme ici avant de partir!
J'ai quelques petites questions:Quel auberge de jeunesse suggérez vous en France? (Coté Prix et emplacement, aussi pour rencontrer d'autres voyageurs, etc)
Quoi visiter en France?
Les moyens de transport et les prix? Comment ca marche?
Ensuite, j'ai les meme petites questions pour l'Italie?
Si vous pouvez m'aider ce serait bien apprécier! J'aimerais aussi correspondre avec les intéressésil y a des intéressés! Réécrivez-moi!
Merci a l'avance!
Hugues
Tout savoir sur Barcelone! English translation pending
Bonjour vous tous,
j'ai comme projet de quitter la terre québécoise pour l'Espagne en septembre 2004...j'ai évidement plusieurs interrogations car je quitterais seule....enfin si vous avez des suggestions pour dormir...des visites à faire absolument etc etc ...ca serait énormément apprécié.
J'aimerais aussi savoir si la température est agréable est Septembre ou si je dois m'apporter des vêtements plus chaud....
Je vous TOUT TOUT TOUT savoir sur l'Espagne et les endroits à visiter. Je quitte 1 mois alors je vais avoir du temps pour visiter en masse...j'aimerais aussi voir le Portugale et p-e finir par Paris alors si vous avez des suggestions...
j'attends de vos nouvelles
aux plaisirs
ariane
j'ai comme projet de quitter la terre québécoise pour l'Espagne en septembre 2004...j'ai évidement plusieurs interrogations car je quitterais seule....enfin si vous avez des suggestions pour dormir...des visites à faire absolument etc etc ...ca serait énormément apprécié.
J'aimerais aussi savoir si la température est agréable est Septembre ou si je dois m'apporter des vêtements plus chaud....
Je vous TOUT TOUT TOUT savoir sur l'Espagne et les endroits à visiter. Je quitte 1 mois alors je vais avoir du temps pour visiter en masse...j'aimerais aussi voir le Portugale et p-e finir par Paris alors si vous avez des suggestions...
j'attends de vos nouvelles
aux plaisirs
ariane
Transport, logement et travail sur Biarritz (France) English translation pending
Bonjour à tous!
Je pars en europe avec ma blonde pour l'été. Nous voulons aller à Biarritz pour y travailler un peu et ensuite aller voyager(espagne, france, italie, allememagne, hollande...) Nous avons plusieurs questions
1. Quel est le moyen le plus pratique et surtout le moins cher pour se déplacer?
2. Est-ce préférable d'acheter une tente ou bien les camping sont trop éloingnés?
3. Comment environ peut nous coûter une place ou rester à biarritz par mois?
4. Est-ce facile d'y trouver un emploi et que doit-on prévoir ??
Merci à l'avance de votre aide!!
jEF
Je pars en europe avec ma blonde pour l'été. Nous voulons aller à Biarritz pour y travailler un peu et ensuite aller voyager(espagne, france, italie, allememagne, hollande...) Nous avons plusieurs questions
1. Quel est le moyen le plus pratique et surtout le moins cher pour se déplacer?
2. Est-ce préférable d'acheter une tente ou bien les camping sont trop éloingnés?
3. Comment environ peut nous coûter une place ou rester à biarritz par mois?
4. Est-ce facile d'y trouver un emploi et que doit-on prévoir ??
Merci à l'avance de votre aide!!
jEF
Itinéraire en Asie du Sud-Est English translation pending
Ok, les dates ne sont pas encore définitive, mais je serais en ASE (en solo, mais je suis open...) de mars à octobre à peu près : arrivée BKK, puis Cambodge, Vietnam (déjà été pendant 7 mois), Yunnan et Sichuan, Birmanie (avant ou après, il faudra de toutes façon revenir à BKK). 1 à 2 mois par pays, "à l'aventure". Alors voila, j'ai quelques questions :
J'arrive à Bangkok sans réserver (je n'appele jamais une GH à l'avance). Le coin le plus pratique semble être Kao San Road, mais je pense que l'atmosphère cool-backpacker-pancakes à la banane va me déplaire. Existe t'il un autre quartier à logements pas cher / roots / pratique ?
J'irais en Thaïlande par éclipses (transits avant et après) et j'ai envie de visiter des coins un peu moins battus que la moyenne. Je n'ai pas besoin de faire du recto-verso à la plage (bronzage naturel, je suis martiniquais), par contre si quelqu'un à des infos / témoignages sur la zone Mékong et la frontière ouest...
Idem pour les autres pays, comment c'est la région de Ratanikiri (?) au Cambodge, y a t'il d'autres trucs interessant à voir en Birmanie en dehors du circuit Rangoon / Pagan / Mandalay / Inle et cie, etc...
Beaucoup de choses se décideront au feeling sur place et au dernier moment, mais c'est toujours interessant d'avoir quelques infos avant...
A plus
Beaucoup de choses se décideront au feeling sur place et au dernier moment, mais c'est toujours interessant d'avoir quelques infos avant...
A plus
Bons plans à Andorre English translation pending
Bonjour,
je cherche des bons plans à Andorre. Hotel ce qu 'il y a voir là bas comment s y rendre de Paris
merci! :-)
je cherche des bons plans à Andorre. Hotel ce qu 'il y a voir là bas comment s y rendre de Paris
merci! :-)
Recherche coéquipier(ère) de voyage pour TDM English translation pending
Bonjour à tous et à toutes les voyageuses! 🙂
Je me présente :
Je suis une québécoise de 41 ans. j'habite en France depuis 4 ans.
Depuis mon premier voyage (dans l'ouest canadien, endroit magnifique où j'ai eu l'impression de rennaître!), je rêve de faire le tour du monde.
J'adore découvrir de nouvelles cultures, aller à la rencontre de gens authentiques, apprendre ... toujours apprendre... sur la vie, la nature, les animaux, l'être humain...
Il y a 8 destinations qui m'attirent beaucoup : le Tibet, la Polynésie, L'Afrique, la Malaisie, le Costa Rica, la Corse, le Canada (rencontrer les amérindiens) et le Yémen.
Prochains voyages : Londres, Maroc (Hauts Atlas... randonnée pédestre d'une durée d'un mois) ...
Autres intérests: la nature, la protection de l'environnement, les animaux, le plein air, les randonnées pédestres, la voile, les cuisines et les musiques du monde, la danse, faire la connaissance de gens passionnés par les voyages de type routard, l'humour, Yannick Noah...
Je recherche donc à faire la connaissance d'un homme ou d'une femme avec qui je partagererais la même vision de la vie, et avec qui j'aimerais voyager de style routard, hors des sentiers battus.
J'ai prévue faire le tour du monde, pour une durée illimitée, d'ici un an. Et vous???
Ca vous intéresse???
Au plaisir de faire votre connaissance! 🙂
Josée XXX
Je me présente :
Je suis une québécoise de 41 ans. j'habite en France depuis 4 ans.
Depuis mon premier voyage (dans l'ouest canadien, endroit magnifique où j'ai eu l'impression de rennaître!), je rêve de faire le tour du monde.
J'adore découvrir de nouvelles cultures, aller à la rencontre de gens authentiques, apprendre ... toujours apprendre... sur la vie, la nature, les animaux, l'être humain...
Il y a 8 destinations qui m'attirent beaucoup : le Tibet, la Polynésie, L'Afrique, la Malaisie, le Costa Rica, la Corse, le Canada (rencontrer les amérindiens) et le Yémen.
Prochains voyages : Londres, Maroc (Hauts Atlas... randonnée pédestre d'une durée d'un mois) ...
Autres intérests: la nature, la protection de l'environnement, les animaux, le plein air, les randonnées pédestres, la voile, les cuisines et les musiques du monde, la danse, faire la connaissance de gens passionnés par les voyages de type routard, l'humour, Yannick Noah...
Je recherche donc à faire la connaissance d'un homme ou d'une femme avec qui je partagererais la même vision de la vie, et avec qui j'aimerais voyager de style routard, hors des sentiers battus.
J'ai prévue faire le tour du monde, pour une durée illimitée, d'ici un an. Et vous???
Ca vous intéresse???
Au plaisir de faire votre connaissance! 🙂
Josée XXX
Voyage en France, pouvez-vous me conseiller? English translation pending
Salut tout le monde!
C'est officiel, je serai en France du 26 juin au 13 juillet. J'aurais besoin de quelques informations, si quelqu'un ici pouvait m'aider, ce serait très apprécié!
Nous arriverons sur Paris le 27 juin et nous cherchons (mon copain et moi), un hotel a prix modique dans un quartier intéressant. Auberge internationale des jeunes est-ce que quelqu'un connait? C'est celui qu'on s'est fait conseiller (proche de Notre-Dame).
Nous passerons 3 jours a Paris et nous désirons ensuite prendre le TGV pour Nice. Est qu'il y a un site internet où je pourrais obtenir les horaires de TGV et les prix?
À Nice, nous avons loué un petit studio pour 1 semaine. Nous pensons donc visiter ce qui se fait en une journée l'aller-retour. Avez-vous des suggestions d'endroits à ne pas manquer?? Quel est le meilleur moyen de voyager de Nice à Monaco, Nice a Cannes? Est-ce que ces 2 endroits vallent la peine? On m'a aussi parlé d'un canyon dans l'arrière-pays de Nice.
Après Nice, nous voulons aller à Carcassonne. Combien de temps me suggérez-vous pour visiter cette ville? Ça semble vraiment génial! Outre le HI, avez-vous des suggestions d'hotels modiques?
Après Carcassonne, nous pensons aller dans le Midi pour voir les paysages de Montagnes, mais nous ne savons pas où exactement. Encore une fois, des suggestions?? Hotels, villes, choses a voir, etc.
Finalement, est-ce que vous croyez que la FranceRail Pass serait avantageuse pour nous? C'est relativement cher, mais je ne sais pas combien coûte un billet de train (pour moins de 25 ans). Connaissez-vous un site où on peut avoir les horaires des trains, quelles liaisons ils font? Je suis allée sur le site de la sncf et je ne vois pas de train qui relie Nice a Carcassonne...
Je sais que je pose beaucoup de questions!!! C'est que c'est une décision de dernière minute, je ne connais a peu près pas la France et nous voulons réserver les premiers hotels d'avance.
Est-ce qu'il y aura des québécois (ou d'autres gens francophones) dans ces coins là en meme temps??
Je vous remercie beaucoup!!! J'AI HATE D'Y ETRE!!!!!
Véro 😎
C'est officiel, je serai en France du 26 juin au 13 juillet. J'aurais besoin de quelques informations, si quelqu'un ici pouvait m'aider, ce serait très apprécié!
Nous arriverons sur Paris le 27 juin et nous cherchons (mon copain et moi), un hotel a prix modique dans un quartier intéressant. Auberge internationale des jeunes est-ce que quelqu'un connait? C'est celui qu'on s'est fait conseiller (proche de Notre-Dame).
Nous passerons 3 jours a Paris et nous désirons ensuite prendre le TGV pour Nice. Est qu'il y a un site internet où je pourrais obtenir les horaires de TGV et les prix?
À Nice, nous avons loué un petit studio pour 1 semaine. Nous pensons donc visiter ce qui se fait en une journée l'aller-retour. Avez-vous des suggestions d'endroits à ne pas manquer?? Quel est le meilleur moyen de voyager de Nice à Monaco, Nice a Cannes? Est-ce que ces 2 endroits vallent la peine? On m'a aussi parlé d'un canyon dans l'arrière-pays de Nice.
Après Nice, nous voulons aller à Carcassonne. Combien de temps me suggérez-vous pour visiter cette ville? Ça semble vraiment génial! Outre le HI, avez-vous des suggestions d'hotels modiques?
Après Carcassonne, nous pensons aller dans le Midi pour voir les paysages de Montagnes, mais nous ne savons pas où exactement. Encore une fois, des suggestions?? Hotels, villes, choses a voir, etc.
Finalement, est-ce que vous croyez que la FranceRail Pass serait avantageuse pour nous? C'est relativement cher, mais je ne sais pas combien coûte un billet de train (pour moins de 25 ans). Connaissez-vous un site où on peut avoir les horaires des trains, quelles liaisons ils font? Je suis allée sur le site de la sncf et je ne vois pas de train qui relie Nice a Carcassonne...
Je sais que je pose beaucoup de questions!!! C'est que c'est une décision de dernière minute, je ne connais a peu près pas la France et nous voulons réserver les premiers hotels d'avance.
Est-ce qu'il y aura des québécois (ou d'autres gens francophones) dans ces coins là en meme temps??
Je vous remercie beaucoup!!! J'AI HATE D'Y ETRE!!!!!
Véro 😎
The Cathar Castles Road
I’ve had the chance to visit friends in the Aude region—Cathar country—several times and explore this area between Leucate and Carcassonne, including the famous Corbières Road 20 and the Cathar Castles Road.
Check out my article for a list of the castles and abbeys to visit along this route. Read the full post soon, and I look forward to hearing from you! Post
Check out my article for a list of the castles and abbeys to visit along this route. Read the full post soon, and I look forward to hearing from you! Post
What bike route would you recommend from Vienne (Isère) to Sicily?
Hi, who can recommend a bike route from Vienne, Isère to Sicily, and what’s the best time of year to go?
Thanks
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
Societal Evolution
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

...
Question about travel time for a 2-week Egypt itinerary
Hi there,
I’ve finally decided to make my childhood dream come true—and at the same time, fulfill my two boys’ dreams (ages 9 and 13). Just to give you some context, we’re used to "backpacker" vacations—the little one even crossed Malaysia on my back. But now I’ve got a teenager, so if I pack too much, he complains, and I’m getting older, so I’m more tired 😉.
I’ve put together this itinerary trying not to rush, based on a felucca trip with a small local agency that has a solid reputation.
Day 1: Late arrival in Cairo Day 2: Cairo - Flight to Aswan (11:20 PM)? Day 3: Aswan? Cairo? Day 4: Aswan Day 5: Sail Day 1 Day 6: Sail Day 2 (camel market + Kom Ombo) Day 7: Sail Day 3 (Jabal El Silsila) Day 8: Sail Day 4 Edfu - transfer to Luxor - arriving at 2 PM Day 9: Luxor (Valley of the Kings) Day 10: Luxor (Karnak) Day 11: Luxor / Cairo? Day 12: Cairo: Giza Day 13: Cairo Giza again - Flight home at 11 PM
My main question is about how much time to allocate in Aswan, Luxor, and Cairo to avoid missing out but without feeling rushed. We definitely have: - 3 full days in Cairo - 2.5 days in Luxor - 1 day in Aswan
I can adjust a bit: - By adding 1 day in Aswan or Cairo - By adding a half-day in Cairo or Luxor.
What would you recommend and why?
Thanks in advance!
Catherine, back on VoyageForum—what a joy.
I’ve finally decided to make my childhood dream come true—and at the same time, fulfill my two boys’ dreams (ages 9 and 13). Just to give you some context, we’re used to "backpacker" vacations—the little one even crossed Malaysia on my back. But now I’ve got a teenager, so if I pack too much, he complains, and I’m getting older, so I’m more tired 😉.
I’ve put together this itinerary trying not to rush, based on a felucca trip with a small local agency that has a solid reputation.
Day 1: Late arrival in Cairo Day 2: Cairo - Flight to Aswan (11:20 PM)? Day 3: Aswan? Cairo? Day 4: Aswan Day 5: Sail Day 1 Day 6: Sail Day 2 (camel market + Kom Ombo) Day 7: Sail Day 3 (Jabal El Silsila) Day 8: Sail Day 4 Edfu - transfer to Luxor - arriving at 2 PM Day 9: Luxor (Valley of the Kings) Day 10: Luxor (Karnak) Day 11: Luxor / Cairo? Day 12: Cairo: Giza Day 13: Cairo Giza again - Flight home at 11 PM
My main question is about how much time to allocate in Aswan, Luxor, and Cairo to avoid missing out but without feeling rushed. We definitely have: - 3 full days in Cairo - 2.5 days in Luxor - 1 day in Aswan
I can adjust a bit: - By adding 1 day in Aswan or Cairo - By adding a half-day in Cairo or Luxor.
What would you recommend and why?
Thanks in advance!
Catherine, back on VoyageForum—what a joy.
Yet Another Travel Journal in this (Too) Familiar Rajasthan, But with Family and Kids
Prologue
This journal recounts a trip to Rajasthan that’s already over a year old and that I’ve only now found the chance to write about. The summer of 2024 marked my return to India—my tenth trip—after six long years away since my last solo wanderings in Tamil Nadu in 2018 (the journal of which is published on this site). That absence was partly (but not only) due to the long COVID and post-COVID period, which saw a complete halt and then a major slowdown in global tourism. To top it off, Voyage Forum announced its closure in an end-of-the-world atmosphere. A sad time for our favorite social activity…
A few weeks after returning from Rajasthan, I tried to motivate myself to start writing a journal to publish on a forum claiming to be VF’s successor, which I’d eventually signed up for out of desperation. But I kept hesitating and putting the project off because, for one, I no longer have the time I used to. For another, the vibe wasn’t really taking off on that forum—it was overrun with ads and not very active, contrary to what its host’s name suggested. Despite its good intentions and commendable role as a stopgap, it also turned out to be very impractical to use, especially when you don’t have much time like me. I’ll admit I’d occasionally check back on VF to see if anything was happening. But all the discussions remained frozen in time, stuck in that fateful year, 2020. Then, rumors swirled online about shady reasons behind its closure, leaving little room for hope.
And then, one fine morning, I got a message at work from Marien informing me that VF had reopened. What a huge surprise! Even though the forum’s “end” had played out in a somewhat apocalyptic atmosphere, the memories of passionate and heated discussions, the frank debates, and the useful exchanges that made this site a traveler’s goldmine and a unique hub of conviviality all came rushing back to me like a breath of fresh air. I finally saw a sign and tried to motivate myself to find the time to publish the journal of this tenth trip to India and fifth to Rajasthan. But in the end, I got bogged down in professional and family obligations and never managed to find the time to get started. That’s now fixed, though, because I had two reasons for wanting to do it: I find that looking back on a trip to tell others about it is a highly beneficial introspective exercise. Also, I thought this journal could be useful to other travelers on a few points.
Because, “do we really need yet another journal about Rajasthan?” you might rightly ask! Especially in a time when so many journals about the “Land of Kings” have been published since VF’s return, not to mention the countless stories you can already find online about this region, one of India’s most touristy. And I’d add, why go back to Rajasthan for a fifth time, where I’ve already dragged my feet more than enough—through its forts, deserts, temples, cities, villages, bumpy roads, train stations, tasty street food stalls, cheap guesthouses, and more? Where some might see just another overhyped tourist destination full of the same old *Arabian Nights* clichés, worn to a thread, that I mentioned earlier, when there’s so much else to see in India? Well, first because it’s a magnificent country I never tire of, where I started an academic study and made so many connections. It’s also packed with places where you won’t find a single tourist (right, Marie-Jo?), even in the heart of well-trodden paths and classic itineraries. And most importantly, as I said earlier, things have changed in recent years. First, after six years without traveling far, the urge to go back to India was getting stronger. But this time, no more solo trips (often) or duo adventures (sometimes)—now it’s a team of four that has to come along! And even if you can argue with that, what better place than Rajasthan to introduce India to people who’ve never seen it? To kids you want to amaze? Plus, traveling with your new little family to your favorite country isn’t the same as going solo in often spartan conditions that only affect you. It’s a different challenge, but ultimately probably much harder. So, is it really reasonable to take two kids to India, including a two-year-old baby? That’s one of the main goals of this journal (but not the only one)—to try to answer that question.
As you can tell, it’s not so much the destination but the slightly unusual setup of this trip that, in my opinion, will make this journal interesting. Despite my experience and expertise (yes, I dare say it) in India, there were plenty of questions before we finalized the plan and said, “Alright, let’s go!” The questions were flying for us parents. Is it wise to travel to India with a two-year-old? What would we do (it happened) if the kids got very sick? Would they be able to handle a road trip on Rajasthan’s bumpy, dusty roads using public transport? Could they handle the shock of such a different world—the dirt, poverty, pollution, noise (…and the smell, as they say), the spicy food, monkeys, mosquitoes, snakes, tigers, leopards, and so on? In short, all the clichés that I usually joke about suddenly became potential realities. Another concern: as a mixed Franco-African family (not me, but my partner and her oldest), wouldn’t we risk not always being well received, given what you sometimes hear about that in India? How would Indians react to seeing a mixed-race family, the ultimate taboo in a country of purity and social segregation, which would undoubtedly raise many questions for them? Of course, not everything went as expected… Because, as you know, with India—and what makes it charming for some—there are always complications: sometimes where you don’t expect them… and sometimes where you do. I’ll go into detail about that in the journal to come (not right away) and in the final review (even later). These experiences could be useful to travelers who find themselves in similar situations and have the same questions we did before embarking on such a journey. And maybe it’ll spark the curiosity of those who aren’t concerned and will read yet another Rajasthan journal, but with its own unique twists.
Despite my unchanged constraints, which mean I have little time to write this, I don’t want to rush the story, so I’ll take my time. There will probably be lulls. I hope that won’t stop people from coming to react, debate, share their impressions, or ask for information.
This journal recounts a trip to Rajasthan that’s already over a year old and that I’ve only now found the chance to write about. The summer of 2024 marked my return to India—my tenth trip—after six long years away since my last solo wanderings in Tamil Nadu in 2018 (the journal of which is published on this site). That absence was partly (but not only) due to the long COVID and post-COVID period, which saw a complete halt and then a major slowdown in global tourism. To top it off, Voyage Forum announced its closure in an end-of-the-world atmosphere. A sad time for our favorite social activity…
A few weeks after returning from Rajasthan, I tried to motivate myself to start writing a journal to publish on a forum claiming to be VF’s successor, which I’d eventually signed up for out of desperation. But I kept hesitating and putting the project off because, for one, I no longer have the time I used to. For another, the vibe wasn’t really taking off on that forum—it was overrun with ads and not very active, contrary to what its host’s name suggested. Despite its good intentions and commendable role as a stopgap, it also turned out to be very impractical to use, especially when you don’t have much time like me. I’ll admit I’d occasionally check back on VF to see if anything was happening. But all the discussions remained frozen in time, stuck in that fateful year, 2020. Then, rumors swirled online about shady reasons behind its closure, leaving little room for hope.
And then, one fine morning, I got a message at work from Marien informing me that VF had reopened. What a huge surprise! Even though the forum’s “end” had played out in a somewhat apocalyptic atmosphere, the memories of passionate and heated discussions, the frank debates, and the useful exchanges that made this site a traveler’s goldmine and a unique hub of conviviality all came rushing back to me like a breath of fresh air. I finally saw a sign and tried to motivate myself to find the time to publish the journal of this tenth trip to India and fifth to Rajasthan. But in the end, I got bogged down in professional and family obligations and never managed to find the time to get started. That’s now fixed, though, because I had two reasons for wanting to do it: I find that looking back on a trip to tell others about it is a highly beneficial introspective exercise. Also, I thought this journal could be useful to other travelers on a few points.
Because, “do we really need yet another journal about Rajasthan?” you might rightly ask! Especially in a time when so many journals about the “Land of Kings” have been published since VF’s return, not to mention the countless stories you can already find online about this region, one of India’s most touristy. And I’d add, why go back to Rajasthan for a fifth time, where I’ve already dragged my feet more than enough—through its forts, deserts, temples, cities, villages, bumpy roads, train stations, tasty street food stalls, cheap guesthouses, and more? Where some might see just another overhyped tourist destination full of the same old *Arabian Nights* clichés, worn to a thread, that I mentioned earlier, when there’s so much else to see in India? Well, first because it’s a magnificent country I never tire of, where I started an academic study and made so many connections. It’s also packed with places where you won’t find a single tourist (right, Marie-Jo?), even in the heart of well-trodden paths and classic itineraries. And most importantly, as I said earlier, things have changed in recent years. First, after six years without traveling far, the urge to go back to India was getting stronger. But this time, no more solo trips (often) or duo adventures (sometimes)—now it’s a team of four that has to come along! And even if you can argue with that, what better place than Rajasthan to introduce India to people who’ve never seen it? To kids you want to amaze? Plus, traveling with your new little family to your favorite country isn’t the same as going solo in often spartan conditions that only affect you. It’s a different challenge, but ultimately probably much harder. So, is it really reasonable to take two kids to India, including a two-year-old baby? That’s one of the main goals of this journal (but not the only one)—to try to answer that question.
As you can tell, it’s not so much the destination but the slightly unusual setup of this trip that, in my opinion, will make this journal interesting. Despite my experience and expertise (yes, I dare say it) in India, there were plenty of questions before we finalized the plan and said, “Alright, let’s go!” The questions were flying for us parents. Is it wise to travel to India with a two-year-old? What would we do (it happened) if the kids got very sick? Would they be able to handle a road trip on Rajasthan’s bumpy, dusty roads using public transport? Could they handle the shock of such a different world—the dirt, poverty, pollution, noise (…and the smell, as they say), the spicy food, monkeys, mosquitoes, snakes, tigers, leopards, and so on? In short, all the clichés that I usually joke about suddenly became potential realities. Another concern: as a mixed Franco-African family (not me, but my partner and her oldest), wouldn’t we risk not always being well received, given what you sometimes hear about that in India? How would Indians react to seeing a mixed-race family, the ultimate taboo in a country of purity and social segregation, which would undoubtedly raise many questions for them? Of course, not everything went as expected… Because, as you know, with India—and what makes it charming for some—there are always complications: sometimes where you don’t expect them… and sometimes where you do. I’ll go into detail about that in the journal to come (not right away) and in the final review (even later). These experiences could be useful to travelers who find themselves in similar situations and have the same questions we did before embarking on such a journey. And maybe it’ll spark the curiosity of those who aren’t concerned and will read yet another Rajasthan journal, but with its own unique twists.
Despite my unchanged constraints, which mean I have little time to write this, I don’t want to rush the story, so I’ll take my time. There will probably be lulls. I hope that won’t stop people from coming to react, debate, share their impressions, or ask for information.
Holiday in Brittany: Pink Granite Coast and Cornwall
We were invited to a friend’s wedding in this beautiful part of Brittany, so we took the opportunity to spend a few days there—first on the Pink Granite Coast and then in Cornwall.
Our friends, who are from the Trégor region, had found us a really nice little gîte in Tonquédec, just a stone’s throw from the coast. It was the perfect base for exploring the area’s iconic sites. We stayed in a lovely little house that combined authenticity, comfort, elegance, and tranquility.
Our first trip to the coast was to Ploumanac’h, a small village we discovered thanks to Stéphane Bern’s show. It’s an adorable little fishing port where we parked the car before continuing on foot along the sea. It’s charming—more than that, it’s magical!

Our first walk, our first hike along the coastal path, and our first photos of these massive rocks bathed in light.


The views change with every turn, and so do the surprises—especially the view of the Château de Costaérès.
The path through the woods leads us to the Chapel of Saint Guirec, which overlooks the beach.


This pretty little beach is famous for its oratory, which sits in the middle of the sand and houses the statue of St. Guirec. In the past, young women hoping to marry within the year would often pray to him—they’d stick a needle into his nose! Today, the statue is made of stone, but back then, it was wooden, which must’ve made it easier.


It’s really charming, well-sheltered, and the water is crystal clear. We noticed that everywhere we went!
Our first trip to the coast was to Ploumanac’h, a small village we discovered thanks to Stéphane Bern’s show. It’s an adorable little fishing port where we parked the car before continuing on foot along the sea. It’s charming—more than that, it’s magical!


Our first walk, our first hike along the coastal path, and our first photos of these massive rocks bathed in light.


The views change with every turn, and so do the surprises—especially the view of the Château de Costaérès.
The path through the woods leads us to the Chapel of Saint Guirec, which overlooks the beach.

This pretty little beach is famous for its oratory, which sits in the middle of the sand and houses the statue of St. Guirec. In the past, young women hoping to marry within the year would often pray to him—they’d stick a needle into his nose! Today, the statue is made of stone, but back then, it was wooden, which must’ve made it easier.


It’s really charming, well-sheltered, and the water is crystal clear. We noticed that everywhere we went!
Skyscrapers, Markets, Ice Cubes, Tourism, and Waterfalls... Thailand's Excesses

A somewhat lengthy title... I could have simply written: from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, via Chiang Mai, since that was my route. But when poets embellish our travel journals with their verbal flourishes, you’ve got to try not to be too ordinary.
Skyscrapers of excess? You’ll have gathered that from the photo illustrating this journal—though it might change as the trip goes on.
The excess of markets—not so much in their size, though... Chatuchak... But in their sheer number. Day markets, night markets, floating markets, fresh produce markets, fish markets, meat markets, spice markets, fabric markets... and even... amulet markets... For luck, good fortune, protection. Not to mention, sadly, the market for girls—and boys, incidentally. I’ve even heard they’re displayed in windows. I’ve heard about that one, like you have, but I didn’t set foot in it, so I can’t say anything about it. Some even claim there’s a black-market trade in children. Disgusting! It reminded me of the book *The Parcel* by Anosh Irani, which I recommended in another journal. The story is set in India, but I’ve been told it exists in Thailand too. So, the "famous Thai markets" we’re bombarded with in paper and online guides—sure, they amazed me in the first few days, and I don’t regret visiting them. But no matter how big they were, I quickly got my fill since you saw the same things at every stall...
I had a market overdose.
Excess of tourism? I should say *tourists*, since I saw them literally swarming in the streets and those famous markets. I’d forgotten about them. I’d lost the habit, living in an Indian city for so long...
Waterfalls are a bit like markets. At this time of year, they’re not particularly spectacular, but they’re everywhere. There are the ones everyone goes to see. For example, Erawan, which I decided to skip even though it was in my original itinerary—I guessed it’d be a nightmare with the selfie circus. On the other hand, you come across them all over the place, hidden in the mountains and forests, not listed in any guide. Not to mention the ones you can find in temples or even private homes... Yes, really! Thais love waterfalls, so they install them in their gardens—and I even saw one in the middle of the city, right on the street! Sometimes they’re tiny, but very photogenic.
But what do ice cubes have to do with this? Why the excess of ice cubes? Not only are they everywhere by the ton, but they put them in *everything* you drink. You’d think they’d even put them in soup! And it’s not just one or two ice cubes—no! They fill the container to the brim, whatever it is, then pour the liquid on top to fill the gaps. They’ll make you an excellent coffee right in front of you, piping hot, then—bam! An avalanche of ice cubes in the glass. Okay, I’m exaggerating a little. They *do* sometimes ask if you prefer your coffee—or tea—hot. Everything edible, and especially everything drinkable, is refrigerated: vegetables, fruit, hot drinks (I mean, drinks that are *usually* hot), but meat and fish are left out in the open. They just wave a little whisk to shoo away the flies when they get too eager. Mind you, I never put fruit, cheese, eggs, or water in the fridge in France, but I do in India. And I refrigerate meat and fish too... Though sometimes one of those little flies sneaks into the fridge...
You won’t find practical or technical details in this journal, like addresses or prices. Others do that better than me. You also won’t find the names of obscure or unknown places I discovered, or directions to get there.
I don’t really feel like recounting what I saw day by day, following my schedule and route. There might be flashbacks, projections into the future. It’ll depend on my memories, what I felt, what I hated, what comes back to me—and maybe your questions and our exchanges. And for those who’ve never read me before, you’ll have to get used to my parentheses and digressions, maybe on a completely different subject, as my thoughts wander. Stories within stories. There’ll also be long, endless sentences—but still punctuated, so you can follow along. Though I used to curse Proust and his sentences that started on one page and ended on the next, sometimes even further. I’d have to reread them twenty times to follow and understand what he was saying. I hated Proust. But hey, I was 20. Maybe I’d like him now?
See? The digressions are starting already. Forgive me.
You’ll find few photos here. First, the number is limited, and second, photos aren’t the main purpose of either VF or a travel journal. They’re too often used to mask the poverty of the text. And, sorry to say it, but so many of them are just plain ugly! If you really want to see photos, I’ll share some links where you can browse them at your leisure
Warm January in Kerala (and a bit of Karnataka)
Hi everyone,
We're back in India for the 7th time (for the other trips, check here:
https://www.unendroitoualler.fr/asie/) ... But this time, no more exploring or trekking! With age, we're just spending a quiet month in southern India, a country we particularly love...
Our journey starts in Kovalam, then Monroe Island, Varkala, Kochi, Kannur, Udupi, and finally, as in recent years, Gokarna.
No problem getting around—there’s the train all along the coast...
Night in Trivandrum
Prepaid taxi to the « Safire Residency », where we stayed last year. This hotel is still just as nice and welcoming (980 INR). Then, dinner at the restaurant « Ariya Niwas » where we enjoyed those delicious dosas again! (We missed them!)

Night in Trivandrum
Prepaid taxi to the « Safire Residency », where we stayed last year. This hotel is still just as nice and welcoming (980 INR). Then, dinner at the restaurant « Ariya Niwas » where we enjoyed those delicious dosas again! (We missed them!)

What are the criteria that make you choose one destination over another?
Hi there,
The title might be a bit long, but I hope it’s completely understandable!
When it comes to choosing your next trip, what tips the scales in favor of Eritrea over Ibiza?
Why pick Canada over French Polynesia?
The price? A magazine or TV report, a travel journal, an Instagram ad? Ease of travel? Minimal time difference? The country that has the most in common with all the trip participants? Activities? Relaxation? The desire to push your limits?
A photo?

What else, I wonder...
Personally, I often prioritize simple destinations (no administrative hassles), where I’m not at risk (nothing extraordinary like getting kidnapped by Daesh or ending up in a jail cell because the current geopolitics aren’t favorable to my passport, etc.), and where I can drive.
Wide-open natural spaces are more my thing than urban anthills.
Finally, I try not to spend three days on a plane to reach my destination, and I aim for a maximum budget of 3500 € (for 3 weeks) in comfortable conditions—that means charming hotels, good meals, etc.
What about you?🙂
The title might be a bit long, but I hope it’s completely understandable!
When it comes to choosing your next trip, what tips the scales in favor of Eritrea over Ibiza?
Why pick Canada over French Polynesia?
The price? A magazine or TV report, a travel journal, an Instagram ad? Ease of travel? Minimal time difference? The country that has the most in common with all the trip participants? Activities? Relaxation? The desire to push your limits?
A photo?

What else, I wonder...
Personally, I often prioritize simple destinations (no administrative hassles), where I’m not at risk (nothing extraordinary like getting kidnapped by Daesh or ending up in a jail cell because the current geopolitics aren’t favorable to my passport, etc.), and where I can drive.
Wide-open natural spaces are more my thing than urban anthills.
Finally, I try not to spend three days on a plane to reach my destination, and I aim for a maximum budget of 3500 € (for 3 weeks) in comfortable conditions—that means charming hotels, good meals, etc.
What about you?🙂
A Turquoise Dream Come True in Uzbekistan - 2022
We took this trip from September 12 to October 7, 2022. I didn’t post this travel journal earlier in Voyage Forum because the site wasn’t back up yet (and also because I was short on time).
Then, at the end of 2024, I made a promise to a friend: to publish my travel journal on VF. So here it is!
We took off from Paris in the late afternoon on September 12 and arrived in Tashkent around 7:15 AM on the 13th.
This trip was the result of long contemplation and preparation (it was originally planned for the year of the lockdown (2020) and was prepared with the help and advice of Nasrullo Jumanov from Turquoise Travel.
Stages and Itinerary
Stage 1: Tashkent - September 13 and 14
Stage 2: Ferghana Valley – September 15 to 17
Stage 3: Nukus and Moynaq - September 18 and 19
Stage 4: Mysterious Khiva - September 20 to 22
Stage 5: Holy Bukhara - September 23 to 26
Stage 6: Asraf - September 27 and 28
Stage 7: Mythical Samarkand - September 29 to October 2
Stage 8: Tersak (via Shakhrisabz and Urgut) – October 3 and 4
Stage 9: Samarkand – October 5 and 6
Stage 10: Tashkent/Istanbul/Paris – October 6 and 7
Stage 1: Tashkent
September 13
At the airport exit, we were greeted by the owner of our B&B (B&B Gulnara).
Today was all about recovery and our first steps in the capital. Our first currency exchange made us feel like sudden millionaires.
Our first stroll down the avenue leading to Chorsu Market introduced us to the fact that 80 to 90% of the cars here are white Chevrolets.
A walk under the arcades facing Chorsu: hardware stores, cabinetmakers, lute makers (one of them gave me a little concert/demo of a few string instruments).


As we entered the market, many vendors called out to us, including this florist who asked where we were from: ‘France? Ah! Macron! PSG!’ He then recited a list of players from the Parisian team as well as past (Platini, Zidane, etc.) and current (Giroud, Griezmann, Mbappé, etc.) French national team players. Since we’re more into rugby (we live near Toulouse), he knew more players than I did!
The market sprawls outside around the large circular, multi-story hall. We bought some grapes and bottles of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice for just a few sums. This evening, we had a meet-up with Nasrullo. The reunion was very warm: we’d been exchanging messages for over two years, and I’d been ‘torturing’ him with changes to our itinerary and trip duration. We were finally eager to meet, and honestly, I wasn’t disappointed—in fact, it was the opposite. Nasrullo was very attentive throughout our trip and always made sure, even from a distance (and most often from a distance!), that everything went smoothly. His goal was for us to leave delighted with our trip and, why not, indirectly become ambassadors for this destination. September 14 Breakfast with Nasrullo, then we set off with him by taxi to explore some of the capital’s sites.

We started by visiting the Khazrati Imam complex, which includes the mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, the Barak Khan and Muyi Muborak madrasas, and the great Khazrati Imam Mosque with its immense prayer hall.


In the Muyi Muborak madrasa, now a museum, you can see the oldest Quran in the world. It was written by three religious scholars, including the secretary of the Prophet Muhammad, on large ‘pages’ made of antelope skin. Next, we explored Soviet-era Tashkent, discovering its parks, canals, and squares: Independence Square with its storks and phoenixes, Amir Temur Square with its large statue and, in the background, the massive Soviet-era hotel that has become one of Tashkent’s iconic buildings. Nasrullo took us through Broadway Boulevard and along what he calls ‘Tashkent’s Montmartre’… Well, it’s far, very far from Montmartre (in every sense of the word!). Then we took the metro to Chorsu station. Rush hour is pretty much the same everywhere in the metro… When we arrived at Chorsu, it was time to say goodbye. Nasrullo had to head back to Samarkand. Before leaving, he recommended some chaikhanas at the end of the galleries facing the market. We ate there for just a few euros (2 or 3 € for two people). After eating, we headed back to our room to cool off (our B&B is about a 10-minute walk away).

Around 4 PM, we set off to visit the Kokeldash Madrasa, which is still active. On the way, we stopped to watch some bread vendors and take a few photos. We were hesitating about buying some for our evening picnic when a young woman approached us. In perfect English, she asked: ‘Are you looking for something? Do you want to buy bread? Which one? How much?’ She then spoke to one of the vendors and negotiated the price. ‘Do you want one?’ And she took two. She paid directly. I took out my wallet to reimburse her, but she refused. It’s on the house! Then the vendor asked where we were from. And off we went again: Macron, PSG, football players… We’ll have to get used to it. The young woman smiled at the questions and comments, barely gave us time to thank her, and left as quickly as she had approached us.
We continued our walk. Visited the madrasa. Then we crossed the boulevard to see the Tashkent Circus. I would’ve loved to go in and visit, but the ticket seller wouldn’t hear of it. We carried on around what should’ve been a park with old-fashioned rides and attractions. All we found was a construction site. Oh well! Back at our hotel, a message from Nasrullo was waiting for us. He had managed to change our train ticket for the next day. Instead of taking the 6:00 AM train, we’d take the 8:00 AM one. And instead of second class, we’d be in first class! Great! This evening, we had a picnic at one of the breakfast tables in the B&B courtyard. Under a shelter, the owner and his family were celebrating a birthday. The owner started by offering us some tea. Then they brought us some fruit (watermelon and melon). Finally, after the song, candles, and cake cutting, they brought us two generous slices of that beautiful birthday cake. Delicious!
We took off from Paris in the late afternoon on September 12 and arrived in Tashkent around 7:15 AM on the 13th.
This trip was the result of long contemplation and preparation (it was originally planned for the year of the lockdown (2020) and was prepared with the help and advice of Nasrullo Jumanov from Turquoise Travel.
Stages and Itinerary
Stage 1: Tashkent - September 13 and 14
Stage 2: Ferghana Valley – September 15 to 17
Stage 3: Nukus and Moynaq - September 18 and 19
Stage 4: Mysterious Khiva - September 20 to 22
Stage 5: Holy Bukhara - September 23 to 26
Stage 6: Asraf - September 27 and 28
Stage 7: Mythical Samarkand - September 29 to October 2
Stage 8: Tersak (via Shakhrisabz and Urgut) – October 3 and 4
Stage 9: Samarkand – October 5 and 6
Stage 10: Tashkent/Istanbul/Paris – October 6 and 7
Stage 1: Tashkent
September 13
At the airport exit, we were greeted by the owner of our B&B (B&B Gulnara).
Today was all about recovery and our first steps in the capital. Our first currency exchange made us feel like sudden millionaires.
Our first stroll down the avenue leading to Chorsu Market introduced us to the fact that 80 to 90% of the cars here are white Chevrolets.
A walk under the arcades facing Chorsu: hardware stores, cabinetmakers, lute makers (one of them gave me a little concert/demo of a few string instruments).

As we entered the market, many vendors called out to us, including this florist who asked where we were from: ‘France? Ah! Macron! PSG!’ He then recited a list of players from the Parisian team as well as past (Platini, Zidane, etc.) and current (Giroud, Griezmann, Mbappé, etc.) French national team players. Since we’re more into rugby (we live near Toulouse), he knew more players than I did!

The market sprawls outside around the large circular, multi-story hall. We bought some grapes and bottles of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice for just a few sums. This evening, we had a meet-up with Nasrullo. The reunion was very warm: we’d been exchanging messages for over two years, and I’d been ‘torturing’ him with changes to our itinerary and trip duration. We were finally eager to meet, and honestly, I wasn’t disappointed—in fact, it was the opposite. Nasrullo was very attentive throughout our trip and always made sure, even from a distance (and most often from a distance!), that everything went smoothly. His goal was for us to leave delighted with our trip and, why not, indirectly become ambassadors for this destination. September 14 Breakfast with Nasrullo, then we set off with him by taxi to explore some of the capital’s sites.


We started by visiting the Khazrati Imam complex, which includes the mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, the Barak Khan and Muyi Muborak madrasas, and the great Khazrati Imam Mosque with its immense prayer hall.


In the Muyi Muborak madrasa, now a museum, you can see the oldest Quran in the world. It was written by three religious scholars, including the secretary of the Prophet Muhammad, on large ‘pages’ made of antelope skin. Next, we explored Soviet-era Tashkent, discovering its parks, canals, and squares: Independence Square with its storks and phoenixes, Amir Temur Square with its large statue and, in the background, the massive Soviet-era hotel that has become one of Tashkent’s iconic buildings. Nasrullo took us through Broadway Boulevard and along what he calls ‘Tashkent’s Montmartre’… Well, it’s far, very far from Montmartre (in every sense of the word!). Then we took the metro to Chorsu station. Rush hour is pretty much the same everywhere in the metro… When we arrived at Chorsu, it was time to say goodbye. Nasrullo had to head back to Samarkand. Before leaving, he recommended some chaikhanas at the end of the galleries facing the market. We ate there for just a few euros (2 or 3 € for two people). After eating, we headed back to our room to cool off (our B&B is about a 10-minute walk away).

Around 4 PM, we set off to visit the Kokeldash Madrasa, which is still active. On the way, we stopped to watch some bread vendors and take a few photos. We were hesitating about buying some for our evening picnic when a young woman approached us. In perfect English, she asked: ‘Are you looking for something? Do you want to buy bread? Which one? How much?’ She then spoke to one of the vendors and negotiated the price. ‘Do you want one?’ And she took two. She paid directly. I took out my wallet to reimburse her, but she refused. It’s on the house! Then the vendor asked where we were from. And off we went again: Macron, PSG, football players… We’ll have to get used to it. The young woman smiled at the questions and comments, barely gave us time to thank her, and left as quickly as she had approached us.

We continued our walk. Visited the madrasa. Then we crossed the boulevard to see the Tashkent Circus. I would’ve loved to go in and visit, but the ticket seller wouldn’t hear of it. We carried on around what should’ve been a park with old-fashioned rides and attractions. All we found was a construction site. Oh well! Back at our hotel, a message from Nasrullo was waiting for us. He had managed to change our train ticket for the next day. Instead of taking the 6:00 AM train, we’d take the 8:00 AM one. And instead of second class, we’d be in first class! Great! This evening, we had a picnic at one of the breakfast tables in the B&B courtyard. Under a shelter, the owner and his family were celebrating a birthday. The owner started by offering us some tea. Then they brought us some fruit (watermelon and melon). Finally, after the song, candles, and cake cutting, they brought us two generous slices of that beautiful birthday cake. Delicious!
Back from 4 weeks in Mozambique
hi everyone, we’re just back from 4 weeks in Mozambique. If you need any info—even though the situation’s getting more and more chaotic—just ask!
Photo Contest, September 2020: Departure or Arrival Scenes and Places
Hello everyone, 🙂
This month’s theme is: places, departure or arrival scenes.
The places include: train or bus stations, passenger ports, and airports.
Here, for example, is Beijing West Railway Station
This is Beijing West Railway Station.
You can submit a photo of the whole place, a part of it (inside or outside, the platforms), or a detail (like a station clock) as long as it clearly shows it’s a departure or arrival spot—such as a timetable display.
Or here’s another example:

Even if you’re not in one of these places, a departure or arrival scene is welcome: Example: Early morning departure from a pagoda at Inle Lake (Myanmar) as people head back to their villages in the surrounding hills
A vehicle about to leave:
People are also allowed, as long as they’re clearly identified as travelers about to depart or who have just arrived. Bus station in Thailand (a photo I’d shared for the "solitude" theme)
Another example: in the foreground, a boat docked, and just above, another that has just left (Rangoon, Myanmar—these boats serve cities in the Irrawaddy Delta, and in some areas, they’re still the only means of transport for locals).
You can also include departures or arrivals from races, but again, it must be at the start or finish, not during the race: Boats before the start of the Route du Rhum in Saint-Malo:
Participation: Each participant can submit up to 3 photos, until Tuesday, September 22 at 11:59 PM Paris time. Each photo must be posted in a separate message, with its number (1, 2, or 3). Don’t forget to add a short description (comment, location, etc.).
Voting: Every VoyageForum member can vote for the 4 photos they think are the best, based on their own criteria and the theme (I’m trying this format this month). Voting will take place from Wednesday, September 23 to Tuesday, September 29 at 11:59 PM Paris time.
Photos should be ranked in order of preference: - 1st photo: 4 points - 2nd: 3 points - 3rd: 2 points - 4th: 1 point
Each member can vote only once for 4 photos. No ties for 4th place with half a point each.
The winner is the photographer whose photo receives the most points. Results will be announced on September 30. In case of a tie, the number of first-place votes will decide. The winner will have the honor of organizing October’s contest.
Give me two or three days to put together the slideshow—I’ll definitely reach out to Masterpo via PM for advice if I’m stuck (and if he’s willing).
Good luck to everyone—may the best photographer win! Let’s get started! For discussion, it’s here
This is Beijing West Railway Station.
You can submit a photo of the whole place, a part of it (inside or outside, the platforms), or a detail (like a station clock) as long as it clearly shows it’s a departure or arrival spot—such as a timetable display.
Or here’s another example:

Even if you’re not in one of these places, a departure or arrival scene is welcome: Example: Early morning departure from a pagoda at Inle Lake (Myanmar) as people head back to their villages in the surrounding hills

A vehicle about to leave:

People are also allowed, as long as they’re clearly identified as travelers about to depart or who have just arrived. Bus station in Thailand (a photo I’d shared for the "solitude" theme)

Another example: in the foreground, a boat docked, and just above, another that has just left (Rangoon, Myanmar—these boats serve cities in the Irrawaddy Delta, and in some areas, they’re still the only means of transport for locals).

You can also include departures or arrivals from races, but again, it must be at the start or finish, not during the race: Boats before the start of the Route du Rhum in Saint-Malo:

Participation: Each participant can submit up to 3 photos, until Tuesday, September 22 at 11:59 PM Paris time. Each photo must be posted in a separate message, with its number (1, 2, or 3). Don’t forget to add a short description (comment, location, etc.).
Voting: Every VoyageForum member can vote for the 4 photos they think are the best, based on their own criteria and the theme (I’m trying this format this month). Voting will take place from Wednesday, September 23 to Tuesday, September 29 at 11:59 PM Paris time.
Photos should be ranked in order of preference: - 1st photo: 4 points - 2nd: 3 points - 3rd: 2 points - 4th: 1 point
Each member can vote only once for 4 photos. No ties for 4th place with half a point each.
The winner is the photographer whose photo receives the most points. Results will be announced on September 30. In case of a tie, the number of first-place votes will decide. The winner will have the honor of organizing October’s contest.
Give me two or three days to put together the slideshow—I’ll definitely reach out to Masterpo via PM for advice if I’m stuck (and if he’s willing).
Good luck to everyone—may the best photographer win! Let’s get started! For discussion, it’s here
Préparer son voyage à vélo ou improviser, vous faites comment? English translation pending
Salut à tous,
On voit bien que tous les vélos permettent de voyager, pourvu qu'on ai l'envie , quoi que selon les itinéraires certains vont mieux que d'autres...
Autre sujet de partage d'expérience: la préparation
- Préparation de l'itinéraire, êtes vous du genre à tout planifier à l'avance ? (les hébergements , les étapes etc) ou bien "a l'aventure", "on verra bien" ? - Préparation des sacoches , le listing sur excell ! ou au pif et on oublie toujours un truc ? - Fana d'électronique (genre tableau de bord d'Airbus) avec GPS , smartphone, compteur ... ou Carte papier à l'ancienne ? - Etes vous du genre inquiet avec 5kg d'outillage, 3 chambres à air et un pneu de rechange pour la "Loire à vélo" ou bien un multi outil et une chambre à air pour la route de la soie ? - Les trucs indispensables à prendre pour vous c'est : une chaise, une table, 10kg de fringues et 3 paires de chaussures ? ou bien juste une tenue de rechange, des tongs pour l'étape soit 10kg tout compris ? - La photo pour vous c'est : 1) rien du tout, 2) un smartphone, ou 3) un reflex, 3 objectifs et un trépied ?
Voila je vous laisse nous raconter ...
Autre sujet de partage d'expérience: la préparation
- Préparation de l'itinéraire, êtes vous du genre à tout planifier à l'avance ? (les hébergements , les étapes etc) ou bien "a l'aventure", "on verra bien" ? - Préparation des sacoches , le listing sur excell ! ou au pif et on oublie toujours un truc ? - Fana d'électronique (genre tableau de bord d'Airbus) avec GPS , smartphone, compteur ... ou Carte papier à l'ancienne ? - Etes vous du genre inquiet avec 5kg d'outillage, 3 chambres à air et un pneu de rechange pour la "Loire à vélo" ou bien un multi outil et une chambre à air pour la route de la soie ? - Les trucs indispensables à prendre pour vous c'est : une chaise, une table, 10kg de fringues et 3 paires de chaussures ? ou bien juste une tenue de rechange, des tongs pour l'étape soit 10kg tout compris ? - La photo pour vous c'est : 1) rien du tout, 2) un smartphone, ou 3) un reflex, 3 objectifs et un trépied ?
Voila je vous laisse nous raconter ...
Choix de cadre acier cause douleur aux cervicales (à vélo) English translation pending
Bonjour,
Lors de mes recherches sur le net je suis tombé plusieurs fois sur ce forum donc je me suis dit que ce serait intéressant d'y demander de bons conseils.
Après 3 années à partir en vacances avec nos Peugeot ns pliant et la volonté d'utiliser le moins possible la voiture nous avons décidé d'investir dans des vélos un peux plus sérieux, histoire d'aller encore plus loin avec plus d'efficacité !
Je trouve en occaz un ktm pour ma femme, cadre alu roues de 700 et fourche télescopique avec tous les œillets qui vont bien pour recevoir de l'équipement plus tard. Pour moi je trouve un bmc alpen challenge à 40mn de chez moi à un bon prix et sur place je succombe à cette beauté. Frein à disque hydraulique, cadre alu, roue 700, Shimano 105.... Bref une belle bête !
Sauf que finalement c'est un bout de bois et qu'après chaque sortie je ressent des douleurs aux cervicales. J'ai joué sur tout ce que j'ai pu pour m'y faire, raccourcie la potence avec un angle plus grand, ajouté des cornes, joué sur différents réglages de selle mais rien n'y fait. J'en conclue donc que le soucis ne vient peut être pas de la position plutôt sportive sur ce vélo mais bien le retour des chocs dans directement dans mes cervicales !
Nous envisageons de faire une partie de la Loire à vélo l'année prochaine et je ne me voit pas partir avec le bmc.
Maintenant ce que j'en pense : à 43 ans j'ai été un peu prétentieux de prendre ce type de vélo hyper urbain pour finalement faire un peu de chemin.
Maintenant les solutions et c'est là que j'ai besoin de vos conseils : soit je revend le bmc et je me retrouve un vélo moins typé sportif, soit je trouve un kit cadre et je dépouille le bmc qui est bien équipé.
Cahier des charges : pour une utilisation mixte chemin + ou- roulant/ petite route à 20km/h maxi. En priorité je veux du confort, de bons freins car j'ai ma petite derrière moi, de quoi poser des sacoches avant par la suite, et un budget plutôt serré (disons 300/400e pour un kit cadre que je retrouverai en partie en revendant le bmc) ou 600/700e pour un vélo complet.
Voilà vous savez tout, j'attends vos avis et vos expériences pour m'aider dans mes choix.... Merci !
Petit tour dans le Péloponnèse English translation pending
Tous nos séjours en Grèce nous ont enchantées alors, après un séjour en Crète, à Rhodes, à Zakynthos et en Grèce centrale, pourquoi pas un tour du Péloponnèse?
Nous avons quelques hésitations quant à la chaleur possible (notamment pour les randonnées) mais finalement, hop! la réservation des billets d'avion est faite fin janvier: ce sera un départ de Bruxelles (avec Brussels airlines) le 05/07 à 7h30. Puis arrive le (la) Covid avec son lot d'incertitudes: partira? Partira pas? Partira? Partira pas? Faut-il tout annuler, reporter? Au mois de juin les règles d'ouverture des frontières changent en permanence mais il arrive un moment où il faut bien se décider car certains hébergements ne sont plus annulables. Les frontières de la Grèce doivent théoriquement ouvrir totalement le 1er juillet (sous réserve de...) on doit partir le 5 ...alors, c'est décidé, on part! ...enfin, si tout se passe comme prévu!
L'ouest du Péloponnèse ne m'inspire pas plus que ça. Par contre Cythère me tente bien, alors voilà à quoi ressemblera notre circuit (on prendra le bateau pour Cythère à Neapoli):
Muriel
Nous avons quelques hésitations quant à la chaleur possible (notamment pour les randonnées) mais finalement, hop! la réservation des billets d'avion est faite fin janvier: ce sera un départ de Bruxelles (avec Brussels airlines) le 05/07 à 7h30. Puis arrive le (la) Covid avec son lot d'incertitudes: partira? Partira pas? Partira? Partira pas? Faut-il tout annuler, reporter? Au mois de juin les règles d'ouverture des frontières changent en permanence mais il arrive un moment où il faut bien se décider car certains hébergements ne sont plus annulables. Les frontières de la Grèce doivent théoriquement ouvrir totalement le 1er juillet (sous réserve de...) on doit partir le 5 ...alors, c'est décidé, on part! ...enfin, si tout se passe comme prévu!
L'ouest du Péloponnèse ne m'inspire pas plus que ça. Par contre Cythère me tente bien, alors voilà à quoi ressemblera notre circuit (on prendra le bateau pour Cythère à Neapoli):
MurielUn vélo, des sandales et des déboires English translation pending
Récemment lors de mon parcours sur la transméditerranéenne (EV8) de Narbonne à Draguignan j'ai eu une mauvaise surprise.
À un moment je m'arrête pour boire puis au moment de repartir lorsque je positionne mon pied droit dans le cale-pied j'ai une sensation étrange. Je regarde. La semelle de la sandale s'est détachée ! Il reste attaché à mon pied les sangles elles-mêmes attachées à la semelle interne. Je n'ai pas d'alternative. Comment faire ?
Je cherche un Decathlon (merci Osmand) car on est lundi ce sont les seuls ouverts. Le plus proche est à Arles pas très loin. Oui mais je ne peux pas pédaler, ni marcher.
Dans ces cas là malgré l'émotion, la colère de voir qu'on ne peut pas compter sur un matériel conçu pour faire de la randonnée (merci Colombia), ça cogite dur. Finalement je prends la petite sangle de fixation de la gourde. Je l'enroule autour de mon coup de pied pour solidariser la semelle externe au restant de la sandale toujours attaché à mon pied. Et nous voilà parti vers Decathlon par le chemin le plus court et le plus plat (merci encore Osmand).
C'est quand même incroyable que la semelle externe ne soit que collée. Un matériel de randonnée on doit pouvoir compter dessus. Une semelle doit être collée et cousue pour prétendre être de qualité randonnée.
En conclusion je suis à la recherche d'une paire de sandales résistant au pédalage et à l'eau sachant que j'utilise des cales-pieds de VTT.
À un moment je m'arrête pour boire puis au moment de repartir lorsque je positionne mon pied droit dans le cale-pied j'ai une sensation étrange. Je regarde. La semelle de la sandale s'est détachée ! Il reste attaché à mon pied les sangles elles-mêmes attachées à la semelle interne. Je n'ai pas d'alternative. Comment faire ?
Je cherche un Decathlon (merci Osmand) car on est lundi ce sont les seuls ouverts. Le plus proche est à Arles pas très loin. Oui mais je ne peux pas pédaler, ni marcher.
Dans ces cas là malgré l'émotion, la colère de voir qu'on ne peut pas compter sur un matériel conçu pour faire de la randonnée (merci Colombia), ça cogite dur. Finalement je prends la petite sangle de fixation de la gourde. Je l'enroule autour de mon coup de pied pour solidariser la semelle externe au restant de la sandale toujours attaché à mon pied. Et nous voilà parti vers Decathlon par le chemin le plus court et le plus plat (merci encore Osmand).
C'est quand même incroyable que la semelle externe ne soit que collée. Un matériel de randonnée on doit pouvoir compter dessus. Une semelle doit être collée et cousue pour prétendre être de qualité randonnée.
En conclusion je suis à la recherche d'une paire de sandales résistant au pédalage et à l'eau sachant que j'utilise des cales-pieds de VTT.
L'Espagne va elle refermer ses frontières? n°2 English translation pending
holà
après la discussion fermée a juste titre et sans intérêt de certain sur le sujet...on en est ou ?
toujours intéressant le ressentie des locaux
touriste motard et dans 20 jours en andalousie, aucune appréhension pour bouger las bas ou en ce moment ici en ouest france mais bien sur avec le respect des consignes meme si ce n'est pas forcement tres clair on fera le compte plus tard !!! je reviens d'allemagne et de hongrie, la communication covid et la compréhension du problème m'a semble plus facile qu"en pays de france...😉 ceci dit en Espagne ces jours ci ?
on reste cool, on parle situation et que situation 😎
merci V
après la discussion fermée a juste titre et sans intérêt de certain sur le sujet...on en est ou ?
toujours intéressant le ressentie des locaux
touriste motard et dans 20 jours en andalousie, aucune appréhension pour bouger las bas ou en ce moment ici en ouest france mais bien sur avec le respect des consignes meme si ce n'est pas forcement tres clair on fera le compte plus tard !!! je reviens d'allemagne et de hongrie, la communication covid et la compréhension du problème m'a semble plus facile qu"en pays de france...😉 ceci dit en Espagne ces jours ci ?
on reste cool, on parle situation et que situation 😎
merci V
Projet de voyage itinérant à pied English translation pending
Bonjour a toutes et a tous,
Voila je me présente j'ai 35 ans et j'ai un projet de voyage itinérant a travers plusieurs pays a commencer par l’Europe, sachant que je n'ai pas d'itinéraire précis et pour une durée indéterminée.
Côté matériel, tout est prêt, sachant que je vais privilégier le bivouac (tente, couchage, petit matériel divers...etc)
Je table sur une charge de mon sac de 60l a 18kg maxi donc je vais privilégier le minimum vêtements y compris.