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The Do’s And Don’ts of Thailand

By on May 15, 2015 in General

First, I’d like to thank the Fighting Couple for hosting my post here. I’m a big fan and I especially recommend their article on International travel. You’ll love the tips they have there. Thailand is really welcoming and understanding to foreigners. Most will forgive you for your mistakes without you even knowing. This does not mean you should go around without a care for their culture. Taking the time to learn even just a few polite gestures will help you go a long way in this loving country.

Do’s

-Learning to smile all the time. Thailand is known as the “land of smiles”, and for a good reason. Smiling does not mean the Thai people are in a good mood, it is just a cultural gesture so please take that into consideration.

-Travel insurance is a must when traveling to Thailand or anywhere in the world. Having insurance for your goods and health will be beneficial for you in the long run. World Nomads is a very secure travel insurance agency.

Thailand is paradise!

Thailand is paradise!

-If you ever see a monk, please treat them with the utmost respect. All monks in Thailand are well respected by the locals and should also be by tourists.

-When visiting temples or shrines always take your shoes and hats off before entering any temple. Even if there is no sign in English or other languages, you can take a hint from watching the local’s actions.

-Be conservative when dressing, cover your shoulders and knees. This goes for men and woman. Wearing clean clothes is considered a respect to society. Thai people would not understand how a foreigner with enough money to visit their country cannot afford clothes in proper condition.

-When visiting others, always bring gifts, especially when visiting them at their home. The Thai people really like receiving flowers, sweets, and liquor.

-Buddhism is practiced by most of Thailand and it is generally important to respect this. It is even practiced in law and you can be arrested for disrespecting Buddha.

-If you take pictures of Buddha in a temple or anywhere in general, you must take it discreetly and from a kneeling position. Upon taking a picture, it is polite to leave a donation at nearby boxes.

-Show respect to the king and his family. This means you need to show respect to absolutely everything that has the king’s image on it. Altering images or playing around with objects with the king on it can cost you if you’re caught.

-When waving taxis or other types of public transportation down make sure you hold your hand up horizontal with your fingers pointed down.

-Introduce yourself to others by stating your first name. You will hear the prefix “Khun” a lot because this equal to Mr, Mrs, or Ms.

-Being open is a natural thing in Thailand. Do be open about yourself to others. You will be getting questions about age, marital status and even income. This is just a way of socializing for the people of Thailand.

-Spending time in Thailand as a tourist, it is important to care for your own safety. When looking for tour guides and apps on your phone, or even bank information, try to keep things even more private by masking it from others. As cybercrime is on the rise, you should install a VPN program to your phone prior to your arrival. This will encrypt your connection for protection and also anonymize your surfing to keep your activity private from government censors or network administrators.

-While eating out in Thailand you might have to do something you are not usually used to. Leaving food behind is actually a good thing here. This lets the host know you are leaving full and satisfied. If you do not leave any behind, the host might think you are leaving hungry and could possibly order more for you.

Don’ts

-Never touch others without permission. It is really disrespectful to touch others on the head.

-You do not shake hands in Thailand. Thais tend to be shy and stray away from most physical contacts. Instead you will have to “Wai” to others.

-Do not “Wai” to children or others of lower status. This can cause you to embarrass them in public.

The Grand Palace in Thailand.

The Grand Palace in Thailand.

-Public display of affection is considered disrespectful to others and is looked down upon.

-The feet are considered the filthiest part of the human body so pointing your feet or showing the sole of your shoes can be extremely disrespectful and considered an insult.

-When out, try not to shout or show your temper, if you currently have one. In the eyes of the Thai you would either be insane or of poor upbringing to be acting that way.

-Do not be surprised if you don’t get handed some chopsticks with your meal in Thailand. It is actually common to use a fork and knife.

-When eating with hands never use your left hand. The use of the left hand is considered to be used for toilet paper.

-As you enter a building try to step over thresholds, Thais believe spirits protect their home by living in their doorsill. By stepping on them you will enrage the spirits and cause a streak of bad luck for the home and the family living in it. Take off your shoes before stepping over thresholds at temples and homes.

These tips should help you to make the most of your time in Thailand and fully experience the beautiful culture waiting there for you.

 

Hi, my name is Jess Signet. My parents were travelers since before I was born. Even in the womb, I was able to travel all over the place! Boy, did things NOT change as I grew older!

Knowing there’s more to the world than the bubble I live in made me want to travel even further. Traveling is my drug and I’m addicted. (Please, no intervention!)

 

@1000Fights  Thanks Jess for giving the rundown of the do’s and dont’s!  Well done!

Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? In Mississippi!

By on May 9, 2015 in General

The hayseed cult-classic, “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou,” starring George Clooney has long been one of our favorite films. The film is set and was filmed in the American south.   As the storyline loosely follows the Odyssey by Homer, it appeals to wanderlusters. During our recent visit to the south, we tracked several of the film’s most iconic locations.

Its has been a while since this film came out…. How about a quick review? Here is the trailer:

The Woolworth Store

George Clooney

The Woolworth Store. Luci said she would never kick Clooney out of her Woolworth.

Perhaps the only establishment that George Clooney has ever been banned from: the Yazoo City Woolworth. As the story goes, Clooney’s character Ulysses Everett McGill confronts his ex-wife and her new fiancé.  Yazoo City is located an hour north of the State Capitol of Mississippi, Jackson. Getting to the city is fairly strait forward. Take 49 north. The “Woolworth” building today is actually an antique dealership and is located right on Main Street. Location: 128 South Main Street, Yazoo City, MS.

Yazoo City is a unique place, with colorful buildings lining an active Main Street. Try Tom’s on Main Street for lunch. He makes a mean cheese burger.

Movie Fun Fact:  George Clooney practiced his singing for weeks, but in the end his singing voice was dubbed by country blues singer Dan Tyminski. -IMDb

 

Yazoo Bank

Just down from the Woolworth Building is old Yazoo City Bank. It makes an appearance in the film as the boys and George “Babyface” Nelson rob the Bank of Itea Bina. The structure is small, just as it appears in the movie.  There are Greek revival columns that frame the door. There is an engraved logo above the doors, that was whited out for the movie. The bank is located at the intersection of Main Street and Commercial in Yazoo City, MS.

Yazoo Bank

Yazoo Bank

WEZY Radio Station

The elusive WEZY Radio Station. Photo courtesy of http://martykittrellphotos.blogspot.com/

The elusive WEZY Radio Station. Photo courtesy of http://martykittrellphotos.blogspot.com/

The boys meet up with blues guitarist Tommy Johnson along the way, and form a signing group called the “Soggy Bottom Boys.” In an effort to make some quick cash, they head to WEZY Radio, where they “sing into the can” for a blind radio engineer. This was perhaps the most fun and frustrating location to find.   I say “find,” but I was never able to actually find the location. The scene was shot in Valley Park, MS, west of Hwy 61. From what I have been able to track down, the radio station itself was made for the movie and destroyed after. What remains is just the radio tower. I wandered around town (a few farm houses and a post office open in the afternoons.) If you have found it and can give directions, please leave a comment below.

Baptism

The Scene of the Baptism.

The Scene of the Baptism.

In Oh Brother, Where Art Thou, a baptism scene takes place at Alligator Lake located on Long Lake Road. The lake is located 20 minutes north of Vicksburg, MS. During my visit, the river was flooding, so I wasn’t able to get all the way in. The water was warm!

Movie Fun Fact:  All of the records shown in the film are turning at 33-1/3 RPM. In 1934, only 78 RPM was used. The first 33-1/3 RPM album was released in 1947. -IMDb

Theater

Every time I see this picture, I start singing, "you are my sunshine!"

Every time I see this picture, I start singing, “you are my sunshine!”

At the climax of the movie, George Clooney and his cohorts, The Soggy Bottom Boys, sing at a political function in a community hall. It is here were the Homer Stokes for Governor campaign makes a major misstep and Mr. Stokes is run our on a rail. The hall is filled with tables and features a stage at the front of the building. This scene was filmed in the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation Building.  Scenes from the movie, Mississippi Burning were also set at this location. Interesting thing about this location, as you watch the movie, and they are carrying Mr. Stokes out on the rail, the sound of them marching is very loud. The floor of the hall is wood and sounds exactly the same as you walk on it! Loud! This location is 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS.

Movie Fun Fact: Although Homer is given a co-writing credit on the film, the Coen Brothers claim never to have read The Odyssey and are familiar with it only through cultural osmosis and film adaptations.

Pappy’s Porch

The Governor's favorite porch.

The Governor’s favorite porch.

Governor Pappy O’Daniel, the flour magnate and proud governor, plots his re-election plans on the porch of a beautiful plantation. The plantation is one of many antebellum beauties in Natchez, MS. The plantation is aptly called, “Cedars,” and is located along the Mississippi River. A tree lined lane leads to the stunning home. It is privately held and there are heavy gates that block entry. We did our best to photograph the porch from a distance. The location is Cedars Plantation, 13688 River Road, Natchez, MS.

During out stay in the south, we elected to stay in Natchez and can highly recommend the area.  The entire city is filled to the brim with stunning well kept plantation mansions. We used Flipkey to book this amazing cottage . This house has a ton of history of its own, and has been lovingly restored.

Movie Fun Fact:  When Everett and Delmar are eating at the restaurant, Everett orders the restaurant’s “finest bottle of bubbly wine.” Though Prohibition was repealed nationally in 1933, Mississippi still prohibited the sale of alcohol until 1966.

River Sex Scene

The D'Lo Water Park

The D’Lo Water Park

Everett, Pete and Delmer’s harken to the Siren’s call. Three southern belles call to them along a trickling creek.  The boys participate in debauchery in one of the most beautiful settings in the south, D’Lo Water Park. It is here that Pete gets loved up and turned into a horney toad. The location is D’Lo Water Park, 135 D’ Lo Road, D’Lo, MS. It is 20 miles south of Jackson.

The KKK Cross Burning

The Coen brothers, the directors of this movie didn’t feel that it would be appropriate to recreate the cross burning scene in the south. They elected to use a sound stage in Hollywood.

Movie Fun Fact: The song recorded by the Soggy Bottom Boys (“I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow”) , contains the line “I bid farewell to ol’ Kentucky, the place where I was born and raised.” George Clooney, who played one of the Soggy Bottom Boys, was born in Lexington, Kentucky.

 

We hope that you enjoyed this behind the scenes peek at a great movie. Each of these locations are close together so you can hit all the sites mentioned in one day. Now go R-U-N-N-O-F-T.

 

Disclosure: On occasion we are offered items to review on this site.  Does this affect our honest review and opinion?  Not one bit!

Half way to Homer

By on April 11, 2015 in General

Are you looking for the perfect day trip outside of Anchorage, Alaska? Are you looking for adventure, pampering and some mind blowing seafood? We have just the plan for you. Our “Half-way to Homer” route will take you along some of the most scenic alpine views. Wildlife is abundant along the route. Every turn and bend in the road offers majestic views of the towering snowy peaks. There are ample opportunities to take day hikes and wander the Alaskan countryside.

First stop will be at the grocery store in Anchorage. There aren’t a lot of affordable options along the way to grab some water and snacks. Hit a Safeway, save yourself a few bucks. If you are partial to picnics, pack a lunch. Lets go! Head south east on the New Seward road. The road winds along the Turnagain Arm inlet. Along the route which is located in the Chugach State Park, there are a number of pull offs to check out the bay and learn about the sea-life that lives in it. Leave a little early in the morning if you want to avoid some of the crowds that have the same idea as you.

Beautiful Alaska Mountians

Hiking

The beauty of this route is just how much it has to offer. For couples that like to hike, there a dozens of trail heads that offer parking and maps of hikes appealing to the gentle walker to the skilled trekker. Locals rave about the Bird Creek trail.  A good description and map is available here.

A Spa with a View

Our next stop is at the Alyeska Resort, Spa and Tram. The resort offers high end accommodations, but you don’t have to be a guest to sign up for one of their many spa treatments. Treatments include many natural Alaskan products. Once your muscles have been massaged, how about lunch? Even better yet, how about lunch with a million dollar view? On the second level of the resort, snag your tram tickets. They offer a number of different options that get you on the tram and much of your lunch price covered. There are two dinning options at the top, a fine dining restaurant, and a cafeteria option.   The food is ok. The view is outstanding! The tram ticket is good for unlimited trips up and down the mountain. Just scan you ticket and board the tram to the top. The journey takes 7 mins. It goes by quick, so have the camera all prepped and ready.

Take the tram to the top!

Take the tram to the top!

The resort offers a number of other outdoor adventures including helicopter and airplane rides exploring the area, as well as guided hikes and fishing. Yes, you could stay there all day…or even all week!

Portage

As you leave the resort turn left back onto the Seward highway. Another 20 or so miles you will see a sign for Portage. Take the left turn and follow the river. The water color is so unique due to the minerals in the water. Portage lake, depending on the season of your visit has floating ice chunks that have tumbled off the surrounding mountains. The lake has a nice visitor’s center, and walking path at the lake’s edge. Dip a toe in. The water hovers around freezing for much of the year! There are a number of campgrounds and day use picnic areas along the road to the lake as well. In the summer months, May through Aug, you can board a small ferry that can take you on a scenic cruise around the lake.

The views of Alaska are stunning!

The views of Alaska are stunning!

Onto Seward

Leaving Portage, the highway is a little less “user friendly”. Frost heaves and the rough Alaskan winter takes it toll on some parts of the road. While it is very drivable, there are some potholes and bumps and jumps. Stop along your way at some of the roadside waterfalls that line some of the slow traffic pullouts.

Seafood in Seward

The little hamlet of Seward takes two things very seriously, fishing and tourist trapping. The open marina is lined with hundreds of pleasure and fishing vessels. The large fish processing facility anchors the inlet, then feeds out to the shoreline lines with fishing gear retailers, tourist traps, and some of the greatest fish houses this side of the Klondike. Our fave is the renowned Chinook. Just saying the name makes me hungry! Call ahead to assure yourself of a window side table. Ask for something away from the bar area if you are looking for something a little more quiet. The views of the coming and goings of the fishing fleet and rookie sailors is beyond entertaining.

Get a bite at Chinooks.

Get a bite at Chinooks.

Chinook’s liquid libations menu is impressive. The restaurant attracts sailors and seekers from around the globe, and the offering matches its eclectic clientele. As you would expect, the seafood offering is a must. While the list of selections is limited, you are not short-changed on the quality. We elected for the King Crab. A-Maze-zing! A word of warning: prices are steep, similar to what you would expect seeing on the lower 48. It is what it is. Don’t go cheap, and go else where.

What we didn’t find

We didn’t find a good place for dessert. Help us and our readers out. What do you recommend in Seward for the sweet tooth?

Point your car back toward Anchorage. Take your time on the beautiful drive back. Watch out for moose on the road around dusk. The drive takes a couple of hours. We would recommend fuelling in Seward, as there aren’t many offering between there and Anchorage.

We hope that you enjoy your trip ‘North to Alaska’!

 

 

7 Questions with ‘As We Saw It’

By on March 29, 2015 in General

In our continued quest in introduce you to some of the most interesting traveling couples, this week’s installment is one of the best.  Meet Dan and Linda of www.aswesawit.com.  This empty nester duo found freedom and a bucketload of adventure on the road.  Together they have visited over 40+ countries on five continents!  Best of all?  They met online!  They have been together  for over 14 year.  Congrats!

1)  Our fave post of yours is “The Day Ecuador Kicked Us Out”.  Give us the quick version.  How did you keep your cool?

She said: I kept reminding myself that they were only doing their job and that I’d never win, plus nothing could be accomplished by breaking into tears. Then we started brainstorming to figure out our options.

He said: Easy… I have a saying:  “It is what it is” and thus you just deal with the problem at hand.  I am an entrepreneur and a problem solver.  So once we figured out the situation, we made plans, proposed solutions to the authorities, won them over by our cooperation and ability to provide choices from a humble position and moved on.

 

Dan and Linda visiting the Sea of Galilee.

Dan and Linda visiting the Sea of Galilee.

2)  If you had to travel with someone else besides your travel partner, who would it be?  (this person can be living, historical or mythical?)

She Said: My mom. It’s a lifetime dream I’ll never accomplish. When I was younger I watched her enjoy a series of trips with her mother including a Scandinavian cruise and an opportunity to watch the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany. Unfortunately, at 89 and in a wheelchair, she’s unable to travel as she’d like so she prefers to stay at home.

He Said:  That would be Yeshua the Messiah (known in the Christian world as Jesus) since He would be able to teleport us anywhere and save the long-haul flight time and bring an interesting perspective to people and cultures since he can see through the lies.

 

3)  Being empty nesters, how do you keep in contact with family and friends?  Is it tough to live the nomadic lifestyle? 

She said: All five of our children and Dan’s parents visited us when we were living in Panama. Email, Whatsapp, Facebook and Skype help us stay in touch. The toughest part is knowing that my mom is so far away and can’t visit. I miss her and it’s hard to keep in touch with her because she doesn’t have a computer or cell phone.

He said:  We use Skype and Facebook to keep in contact.  Our family follows us there and for the most part we are fairly independent.

 

4)  We know you two are huge foodies…. If you had to eat one last meal, what/ where would you eat?

He said:  My last meal would be a Middle-Eastern style meal in Jerusalem… Those meals can go on forever and the food never stops.

She said: Oh, that’s a hard question because I’m crazy about Greek salads and their massive hunks of feta cheese. On the other hand, I also adore hummus and could happily consume bowls of it with a spoon. So I sort of agree with Dan … except for one thing: It wouldn’t be in Jerusalem. There was a lovely Arab restaurant atop a rooftop in Yafo (Jaffa) that brought out 20 – no kidding, 20 – mezze dishes and a mega basket of laffa bread, before our entrées even arrived! And their lemonade was amazing.

 

As We Saw It visiting Jordan.

As We Saw It visiting Jordan.

5)  What is the great challenge as a couple and individual living and traveling abroad?

He said:  Traveling for any extended period can be a great task on a relationship as well as a great building experience depending on how you handle it.  No matter how close you are as a couple, you still are different people and must learn and adapt to those differences, either by helping your partner change their habits or changing yourself to accept the differences.

This goes back to one of our first long term trips through Europe and dealing with a travel difference that hit me in the face in Venice, dragging our suitcases over all those bridges. For me it was like I had to do everything and it just boiled over.  After the trip, I reflected on the experience.  At first I was mad at Linda for her travel style.  Everything she did seemed to rub me the wrong way.  As the time went on through that year, I kept on looking back at that trip and dreading the upcoming long-term trip.  Time has a way of revealing yourself in situations!

I realized that much of this was on me and thus I decided to make a conscientious decision NOT to get upset on the next trip and to be more patient and understanding with her travel style.  This decision was seriously put to the test after about a week into a 3 week trip when another business situation crept into sight.

We found out that we needed to go to Asia so we ended up on a 10-week trip while packed for a 3-week one.  The change in my mindset ended up with us having the best time ever and brought us, if possible, even closer as we thoroughly enjoyed our private pool time in our own villa in Bali, Indonesia.

So from that point forward, travel has still brought us closer together with each trip and the challenges they bring.

She said: Dan and I are wired differently. He can easily multitask whereas I get completely lost whenever I focus on more than one thing at a time. It’s been hard for him to understand and just as hard on me, trying to do something I’m unable to.

 

6)  If you could solve one problem in the world what would it be?

He said:  Religion.  I would eliminate it since religion is used to separate and kill one another.

She said: I’d teach people not to take offense and to let go of anger, envy, bitterness and resentment. None of those produce anything beneficial.

The traveling duo in Lisbon.

The traveling duo in Lisbon.

7)  You knew it was coming…. What has been your greatest travel fight/disagreement?

He said:  Actually this is a very good question because I actually can’t find a “great fight,” travel or non-travel.  I’d have to say it would have to be in Richmond, Virginia, where for some reason which I can’t remember, I got mad and went off to photograph a building, then got separated from Linda and couldn’t find her.  So I just went on shooting around downtown Richmond.  Finally I thought this was totally stupid and we started texting to find each other.  To make it worse, Linda’s phone was dying and that added to the stupidity of the fight.

She said: I’d say it occurred during that first long trip we took together. Lugging a suitcase up and down stairs takes a lot more effort and time when you’re as short as I am. Dan kept coming back to help me with my baggage so we could keep moving. By the time we got to Venice’s many bridges Dan was so exasperated with my slowness that he finally blew up, “I am never going to travel with you again! From now on we are taking separate vacations!” Fortunately he changed his mind before we had another opportunity to travel.

1000Fights: Linda, we had the exact same fight!!!!  Who knew there were so many stairs in Venice?

A hearty thank you to Dan and Linda from As We Saw It.  What a great example of couples that make traveling work for them.  Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and our readers.  Happy travels!

Borneo for Beginners

By on March 21, 2015 in General

The first time I heard the word “Borneo” it conjured up a mystical and magical place. The word somehow conveys more than just a place. Borneo captures the imagination. It sounds exotic, lush and extremely remote. This is only partly true. We found Borneo to be simple to get to, and every bit as exotic as we imagined. So what exactly is Borneo? First off, Borneo is not a country. It is an Island made up of three countries, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the sultan-ship of Brunei.

What and where is Borneo?

This may be a first.   If you have the time, please don’t follow our example. There is so much to see in Borneo, We took a side trip during our visit to Bali. As stated above, the island is no longer this remote and difficult place to reach. It is now a simple puddle jump from places like Bali, Australia, KL, Singapore, or even Hong Kong. Low cost carriers like Air Asia and Jetstar offer deeply discounted flights in and out of the two major states Sarawak (South) and Sabah (North).   Sabah is well developed for tourists and can be a bit crowded and overdone. The southern or Sarawak region is served by an airport in Kuching. If you are able, make Borneo your destination not just a side trip.

The Island of Borneo

The Island of Borneo

The City of Cats

Kuching is the regional hub for the southern portion of the Island which is controlled by Malaysia. Kuching translated from Malay means cats. And there are plenty of them.   Statues to the feline adorn every roundabout and building.   There are a number of nice hotels to be had in town. From there you can use this as a base to explore Borneo Jungles and caves. We elected to stay at the Hilton, as we were going to the Batang Ai Resort which is run by Hilton in the interior of the island.

The Long Journey to the Long House

Getting to the Batang Ai Resort is an adventure by itself. A driver in a van picks you up at daybreak and you wind you way out of Kuching into the Borneo countryside. Our driver was extremely knowledgeable about the area, having grown up in a traditional Borneo Longhouse. He commented on the changing farming practices and economics of the region all the while deftly piloting our van past wagons, animals, cars and other primates. The journey to the lake takes about 3 hours. We stopped for a short break about two hours into the trip. Finally we arrived at the lake. It is huge!   The banks are a deep red color. The water a deep blue. Pictures truly don’t do the colors justice. Our van driver dropped us off at the jetty and we walked our gear down the dock.   . The lake is in the center of the island and thus deep in the rain forest. While we were waiting for the boat, you could hear the jungle teeming with bugs, birds and wildlife. From there we loaded onto a power boat to cross the lake to the resort.

Beautiful Batang Ai

Beautiful Batang Ai

Arrival

Few hotels have the kind of arrival as the Batang Ai Resort. It is truly spectacular. The entire resort is perched on a gentle slope rising from the water. We landed our vessel and unloaded our gear. They do have golf carts to transport your cases to the lodge. You then begin the “hike” to the main lodge. The stairs do have landings so you can catch your wind in the humid and hot assent. The lodge has a huge covered portico entry. In the evening, we had drinks overlooking the lake in front of the lodge. You can watch bats and birds swoop in and out from under the awning to gobble up insects.

The check-in is standard fare. At that point you can select from a number of different activities to engage in during your stay. They have nature hikes, night walks, visits to local aboriginal Longhouses, waterfall picnics as well as blowgun training. If you are Diamond status with Hilton they are going to give you an air-conditioned two-story bungalow. The beds are a bit Spartan, but the rooms are tastefully decorated.

The Longhouse debacle

We spent two nights and three days at the resort. Our first full day, we embarked on a Longhouse lunch tour. We were assigned a guide, who happened to be a member of a local longhouse. She loaded us onto her dugout canoe and off we went across the lake. No one could have prepared us for the cultural experience that we were about to have. Borneo longhouses are communal living quarters, housing dozens of families. Each family has an apartment/room within the house. Down the center of the house is a large communal hall. Kids gather there to play soccer, old ladies visit, and men grab a smoke. Many longhouses around the lake invite tourists to stop in for lunch and a tour as a way to raise revenue.

When things started to go wrong

Enter the tourists…us. Our guide landed her boat, and showed us up the hill to the longhouse. We entered in, removed our shoes as is the custom, and our guide said she was going to work on lunch and left us with little instruction.   Needless to say, it was a little uncomfortable. We didn’t know what to do exactly. We walked down the hall way, smiled at the kids, and checked out the little trinkets they had for sale hanging outside the doors of the apartments. We walked end to end a dozen or so times. Minutes, then an hour when by. No sign of our guide. Other tourist groups and their guides came in, engaged with the residents and left. After nearly two hours our guide reappeared and we followed her into on the apartments for lunch. Mike is a very picky eater, and the lunch fare was “rustic”. A little boiled chicken, greens, and some watery rice. We did our best to be polite.

A little song and dance and vodka

Once we had lunched, we rejoined a group of tourists in the main communal hall to watch some native dance. In turn a man and girl did a traditional dance in native costume. The entire thing felt a little forced and lacked much depth. The general feeling was, lets get this over so the tourists can leave. Then the alcohol came out and folks got a little more energized. The bottle of strong libation was passed around, and spectators were invited to join in the native dance.

Longhouse dancer

Longhouse dancer

Then things got really weird

At the conclusion of the dance, the children, and the men that were not working came and sat in a half circle by us tourists. We were then told that we were to offer gifts to the residents. The guides from the other groups had prepared gifts of trinkets and a couple cookies that they handed out. Our guide had not prepared us for this. We really didn’t have anything to give. Needless to say, it was very awkward.

Then it got good, really good.

Once our visit to the longhouse was complete, we boarded our boat and headed back out across the lake. Luci and I whispered back and forth about how strange and uncomfortable the entire experience had been. We then worked our way back into a quiet cove in the lake. We disembarked and hiked back into the jungle. We heard water falling in the distance. We then found a beautiful swimming hole with a cascading water fall. It was paradise. There were lower and upper pools with cool water. It felt like heaven with the heavy heat of the jungle. The perfect ending to a difficult day for sure.

We must tell you, if you do your research like we do on TripAdvisior, you will see some shady reviews on Batang Ai Resort. We are telling you this is completely unwarranted. First off, the resort was built by the state when they elected to create Batang Ai Lake. It is a man-made reservoir.   It was massively overbuilt. The main lodge is huge, and there are a dozen or so “longhouse” styled lodges on the mountain side. Only a couple are used by the resort. As you walk past them, you can see where their AC units have been raided for spare parts. The staff is very young for the most part, many are from the local tribes that surround the lake. Their exposure to high-end customer service training is very limited. If you get a chance to single them out and ask for assistance, they will do any for you.   This truly is a special location and resort. Please set you expectations appropriately.

View from Batang Ai Resort

View from Batang Ai Resort

Our short visit came to an end the next morning. We motored back across the lake. The resort has become one of the places we will always think fondly back on. It is very remote. This is for sure. But the beauty of the lake, the dense jungle, our little longhouse adventure all made it an adventure we will not soon forget. We beg you, if you are able, make Borneo your destination.

Have you been to Borneo? What was your impression?

Must-try Dishes While Visiting Florence

By on March 7, 2015 in General

Florence is well known around the world for its magnificent architecture and rich history. However, there’s another way in which the Tuscan capital excels, and that’s in its cuisine.

While on city breaks to Florence, you can sample an array of culinary treats, from light bites to hearty meals. Here are some must-try dishes when you’re in this part of Italy.  Don’t get us wrong, we ate our way from north to south in Italy!  With that said, Tuscan dishes are truly special.

Savory delights

It may not be one for vegetarians, but the bistecca Fiorentina, or Fiorentina steak, is one of the city’s favorite meals. This super-sized on-the-bone cut of beef is served charred on the outside and succulent and rare in the middle. Meanwhile, the cooking is performed on the grill, giving the meat a delicious, smoky taste. It’s often served alongside potatoes and a light salad, but you might not have any room for extras by the time you’ve chomped your way through this beast! YUM!

Another local delicacy is ribollita. This rustic stew was traditionally a peasants’ dish made from leftover vegetables and stale bread. However, modern versions of this satisfying creation are served up in all manner of eateries, from simple cafes to fine dining establishments. There is no set recipe, but all versions include a few staples, such as cannellini beans, cabbage and soaked bread. Other than this, you can find an array of ingredients, including the likes of onions, tomatoes and black kale.

Prosciutto, the king of meats.

Prosciutto, the king of meats.

A must taste in Tuscany is real prosciutto or cured ham.  This delicacy is simply not to be missed.  It is a perfect pairing for a picnic as you explore the hill towns of Tuscany.  Buy the good stuff.  The process to make genuine prosciutto is very labor intensive.  It takes eighteen months to complete the entire process!  After all the washing, salting, storing, and in some cases even smoking, what is created is nothing short of meat candy.

Sweet treats

Of course, no Italian holiday would be complete with ice cream, and plenty of it. Gelato is a mainstay all around the country, and Tuscans are skilled in the art of creating it. This sugary, creamy dessert comes in all shapes, sizes, colors and most importantly flavors. Whether you fancy trying fresh fig, chocolate and hazelnut of the quintessentially Italian limoncello versions, you won’t struggle to find them.  The nice thing about Florence, is gelato stands are on nearly every corner.  And get this, most are actually really good.  We recently wrote a primer on how to become a gelato snob!  How to Become a Gelato Snob!

Yum! Gelato!

Yum! Gelato!

If you fancy something a little more grown up, try biscotti with vin santo. Also known as cantuccini, these crunchy, twice-baked cookies filled with almonds are the perfect way to top off a meal, and in Florence the tradition is to soak them in the sweet Tuscan dessert wine of vin santo.  As the crumbs drop into the glass, they give this apricot colored drink a subtle taste of almond.  (Not us!  We just eat them strait out of the bakery bag!)

This is just a small selection of the edible delights on offer in this part of Tuscany. One thing’s for sure, you won’t return from your trip to Florence feeling hungry!

Tell us, what is your favorite Florence food?

 

Fighting at the Better Marriage Conference

By on March 4, 2015 in Best of the Fighting Couple, General, Slideshowable

 

Better marriages 2015

Exciting news!  The Fighting Couple have been invited to be presenters at the upcoming Better Marriages Conference in St. Louis, MO on July 9-11th, 2015.  If you live in the mid-west and your relationship could use a tune up.  (Who doesn’t?) We invite you to join us!

The conference is being put on by BetterMarriages.org.  Their mission is to promote better marriages by providing enrichment opportunities and resources to strengthen couples.  They have regional events throughout the year that promote vibrant relationships.  Once a year the organization holds their Annual Marriage Conference, inviting couples from across the country to participate in helpful workshops to improve their relationship.

So what will the Fighting Couple be sharing?  Sorry, It’s top secret.  Let’s just say it is going to include a lot of laughs, a few wild and crazy stories from the road, a dash of couple advice, and a lot of fighting.

Are you thinking of attending?  Need more info?  Check out their website:  Conference Info

This will be our first visit to the gateway city.  We are beyond excited to discover what this wonderful city has to offer.  Any locals have any tips/recommendations/good BBQ joints?  Send us a note!

How to See Machu Picchu

By on February 21, 2015 in Destinations, General, Slideshowable

On top of almost everyone’s bucket list lies a very special location: Machu Picchu. This mountain fortress located just outside Aquas Caliente is just one of them most special places we have visited in our travels. The commanding views from Machu Picchu rival any vista we have taken in.

Why go?

We get asked a lot, is Machu Picchu really that cool? Take our word for it:  It is. Set your expectations high: few places live up to the exquisite beauty, intricate history, and fascinating architecture.  Machu Picchu certainly one does.   The only thing likely to ruin your visit is weather.  We will talk about that later.  So what is Machu Picchu?  The Inca Fortress of Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century. It is a collection of 150 buildings, temples, homes and bath houses. It was apparently abandoned 100 years or so after its construction due to reasons unknown. There is no evidence that Europeans ever laid eyes on it during their conquests in South America in the 1600s.

The Perfect Day at Machu Picchu

The Perfect Day at Machu Picchu

You may want to check out National Geographic’s “10 secrets of Machu Picchu.”

Machu Picchu was “rediscovered” by a Yale professor named Hiram Bingham. Bingham engaged local residents to assist him in exploring the area. They led him to the ruins that had been taken over by the jungle growth. Over the next 4-5 year Bingham led expeditions to clear the growth and uncover one of the wonders of the world.

Why go? The site is fascinating on so many levels. First you have the intricate stonework that makes up the entire fortress. The farming techniques using terraces with mud from the river below is incredible. Little is known of the ancient Inca religion, but temples and religious sites are on display in the mountain perch. Again, the views from Machu Picchu are simply breathtaking. The green mountains cut against the blue sky are something to behold in person. If you love photography, You will fall in love with Machu Picchu.

But the real reason you should go to Machu Picchu, is the spiritual energy of the place. It’s difficult to describe. Here you are in such a beautiful setting, amid architecture that is way before its time, you sense that this is a wonder of the world.

When to go

Machu Picchu is open to visitors year round. The entire area is a jungle climate zone, so rain is always a possibility. It does rain more in October to mid April. The peak visitors season is July-August. But if you select this time to visit, be prepared for hordes of people. We visited in April and it was perfect.   Always pack a sport towel to wipe down the camera.

Machu Picchu

It is hard to take a bad picture of the place.

Getting There

We must be candid, getting to Machu Picchu is not easy. It is not close to anything. With that said there is an easy way and hard way to get to Machu Picchu. Before we get to the way that we prefer, you must know that there are a number of different hikes through the sacred Valley along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This is a much beloved route of backpackers from around the world. They brag about the beauty of the trail leading to the fortress. There are many guides and travel agencies that can arrange all of the details for this kind of trip. Everything from rustic camping to full on ultra “glamping.”   We have heard some backpackers complain that after traveling the Inca Trail, visiting Machu Picchu was actually anti-climatic.

The whole camping hiking thing is just not for us.

For those who are pressed for time or want to take the easy way, We will walk you through it. Most journeys to Machu Picchu begin in Cuzco, Peru. We flew from Lima to Cuzco, then used it as our base to see the Sacred Valley and Machu.

Peru Rail now runs the main train from Cusco to Augas Calientes. There is also a luxury option called the Hiram Bingham run by the Orient Express. The train trip runs 3.5 hours one way. (Sit on the left side of the train going up. It has the best views of the river.) Overnighting in Aguas and coming back the next day is always a viable option. We were pressed for time and did the whole thing in one day, which is doable, just keep in mind the train waits for no one. The train doesn’t actually depart from Cusco, it departs from a little suburb called Poroy. It takes 20 mins or so from your hotel in downtown to get to the train station. The ride takes you along the beautiful Urubamba River. You see a number of little farms and families along the way. Simply beautiful. You can also see the hardworking Sherpa’s linking up with hikers headed out to take on the Inca Trail.

The beginning of the Inca Trail. This is the HARD way to get to Machu Picchu.

The beginning of the Inca Trail. This is the HARD way to get to Machu Picchu.

As stated above, Machu Picchu is extremely popular. Train tickets do sell out. It is critical that you buy you tickets on the Peru Rail site as early as possible.  You will also need to purchase your tickets into Machu Picchu as well, in advance.

Once you arrive in Augas Calientes, buy water. You can secure a guide in town if you wish, but the entire site is seeable with a guidebook. We actually did both. We saved all our questions for our guide. You then board the bus and head up the switch backs. If you are at all motion sickness prone, meds would be appropriate. These bus drivers are crazy! It is a two-hour hike by foot one way.

The winding road to Machu Picchu

The winding road to Machu Picchu

There are bathroom facilities at the venue. Bring some bills or coins for the tip. There is a small snack bar there at the main gate.  Once you leave that venue, you will need you actual passport to get back in.  DONT FORGET TO BRING YOUR PASSPORT!

If you elect to see Machu Picchu’s sister Huayna Picchu, you will need a separate ticket to climb the peak. Our good friends returned from attempting the hike last year. It is rigorous, and at altitude, keep that in mind.

Fighting Couple Tip: Eat an early or late lunch and let the crowds go eat. You will get some great pictures, like this one:

Machu Picchu

The Views of Machu Picchu. Mike taking it all in. There is something special about this place.

Machu Picchu is truly one of the wonders of the world. We cant recommend it enough to you. Have you been? What were your impressions? Any tips for couples wanting to see the place? Please leave your comments below.

 

 

Fighting Couple’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

By on January 31, 2015 in General

Finding the right gift for the avid traveler is not an easy task. Ask any wanderer what they want and they will usually say they don’t want anything. Travelers are not about collecting things; they value experience over physical goods.  So what is to be done?  The Fighting Couple to the rescue!  We put together a list of a few items that every traveler would LOVE for Valentine’s Day.  While some of these items may appear small and all are quite affordable, each is a perfect gift for the traveling man or woman. Every time your lover travels, they will be reminded of you.  Score! Travelers are all about form and function.  We have put each of these items to the travel test, so you can rest assured that they will be the perfect gift.  A word of warning: a number of these gifts sell out fast, many of them are handmade and take time to make and deliver.  Get your orders in quick to assure delivery by V-Day!

The Best Travel Umbrella Lilly's Shop

The Best Travel Umbrella Lilly’s Shop

The Perfect Travel Umbrella

We love travel products that are multi-functional.  Packing space is so limited and expensive!   The first gift to make our list is the Travel Umbrella from Lilly’s Shop.  This little gift packs a big punch!  It includes a 37″ umbrella that collapses into a smart, little case.  What we love about this umbrella is the classy case.  It functions as a case for sunglasses or other items when you are using the umbrella.   During our recent visit to London, we were constantly going in and out of museums.  The question always arises…”where are we going to stow our wet umbrella?”  If we put it in our backpack, it is going to get everything else soaked.  Not good.  The beauty of gift, is the case offers an ideal place for wet umbrellas without getting everything all wet.  Brilliant huh?  Want to pick your fave color umbrella?  Done.  Want the case monogrammed?  How about 9 different types of lettering and 45+ different colors!  The personalized gift means so much to the traveler!

 

Map cuff links from Bejeweled Vintage.

Map cuff links from Bejeweled Vintage.

Travel in Style

I think I have found the only way to get Mike to read a map!  Put a map on a fancy pair of cufflinks!  Seriously, travelers love to talk about travel.  This handsome pair of cuff links from Bjeweled Vintage will be an easy conversation starter.  We love taking in the opera or a good concert when we are on vacation.  French cuffs are a must!  These upscale links are hand-made using crystal clear glass instead of resin.  As you hold them in your hand, you can really feel the heft of the quality.  Not only are these cuffs great for Valentine’ Day, they are the ideal solution for a groomsman or Father’s Day gift.  Not in love with the globe map?  There are dozens of different maps offered.  They even allow you to pick your own location on the map to feature!  Find the perfect conversation starter.  The links come in an attractive jewelry pouch in a gift box.

It gets even better!  We are going to save you some euros!  ***** VALENTINES DAY SALE 5% off entire order ….. Coupon code PROMO5 ********

 

Paris Scarf from Lyndy Lou Designs.

Paris Scarf from Lyndy Lou Designs.

Paris Travel scarf

Ask us what our favorite city in the world and we will instantly say, “Paris!”  Paris is the capital of love!  Why not give your lover a gentle hint on where you want to go next?  The Paris Travel Scarf from Lyndy Lou Designs is gorgeous.  This unique scarf features a print with vintage Paris locations and some of our fave haunts!  It can be worn a number of different ways.  It is good-sized so you can easily double or even trip wrap it.  It is made of cotton and rayon.  The print feels like a vintage map with pink and teal highlights.  The other portion is solid teal.  The entire scarf folds easily to fit in a handbag or luggage.  Scarves expand your wardrobe. A huge bonus if you are short on luggage space.  Highly recommend!

Click on the picture for a large view.

The perfect travel watch: DUO by Botta Design.

The perfect travel watch: DUO by Botta Design.

The Ultimate Travel Watch

Guys are tough to shop for.  Traveling guys are impossible to shop for!  Until now.  We have long-searched for a travel watch that met the following criteria: stylish, functional, not over the top, easy to adjust, simple to read, and durable.  We finally found it!  The Botta Design: DUO Watch.  Made in Germany, this ruggedly handsome timepiece is one of the most unusual watches in the world.  It operates on one hand technology.   This is a watch for the discriminating traveler.  What makes this watch unique is there are only two hands, one for the local time, and another for a time zone of your choice.  Mike’s everyday watch is not ideal for traveling internationally.  When we travel, he has worn an old “Ironman” digital.  It is impossible to remember how to program and lacks a second time zone option.  Traveling with kids at home, it is reassuring to always know the time back in Idaho. Operating the DUO watch is simple:  Pull the adjusting tab out, spin to the desired time, and you are good to go.  Waterproof?  Yes.  Easy to read?  Yes.

You must know, this is one of the most handsome watches Mike has ever owned.  With that said, there is an inherit danger in traveling with men’s watches: appearing too flashy.  Don’t tell our Mother-in-Law, but we travel to some “rough” places.  Wearing too much “bling” will get prices doubled instantly or even worse… With the DUO, you get quiet elegance.  You look sharp, without screaming you are well-heeled.  You will be comfortable wearing this watch in the Vietnam jungle or a Viennese opera house.

Derby Fine Lingerie

Derby Fine Lingerie

Lovely Lingerie

Our next gift is for both him and her!  Why not heat up your Valentine’s Day with a handmade creation from Derby Fine Millinery & Clothing?  Every little pretty thing you purchase is lovingly handmade with the highest quality natural and organic fabrics.  Each piece is made to order.  You work directly with the fashion artist to create something that will fit you.  Derby’s retro style is unique and beautiful.  There is likely just one thing that your man likes more than travel.  Treat him to something that will knock his socks off literally!

Not only does Derby make wonderful intimates, they are also fabulous hat makers.  Her hand-blocked hats are made of the finest wool and fur felts.  Each hat is a work of art.  Every one is hand stitched and custom fit. They look like something Lady Mary from Downton Abbey would wear.

Derby Fine Millinery and Clothing is based in the Pacific North West, so we are a little biased!  We love products made near our home.

 

Red Damask Leather Camera Strap from Porteen Gear.

Red Damask Leather Camera Strap from Porteen Gear.

 Comfy Camera Strap

Have you ever looked around when you are visiting a museum or attraction?  There are a lot of ugly, ugly, camera straps out there!  Don’t let you lover be ugly!  The fix is easy, pick out one of the stylish leather camera straps from our friends at Porteen Gear.  We use the Red Damask Leather strap and absolutely love it.  They offer designs and materials that will satisfy even the most discriminating taste.  These straps are adjustable from 28 inches to 43 inches.  They easily attached to most DSLR cameras.  They are not ideal for your point and shooters.  Each strap is made with stylishly crafted poly strap on the front and comfy suede leather on the back.  Our DSLR is heavy!  Slap our long lens on it and it is a burden.  The strap that came with our Cannon was skinny and the side would dig into our shoulders.  We honesty knew we needed something new after our recent hike around Machu Picchu. Porteen Gear’s straps are soooo comfy, even after hiking around.  The best thing?  Every other traveler with the ugly “manufactures” plastic straps will be very jealous.  Unless you meet up with us, then we will look stylish together!  These straps are very affordable.  Your shoulders will thank you for it.

Sleeping Mask from Chere Patos.

Sleeping Mask from Chere Pafos.

Sexy Sleep Masks

“To sleep…perchance to dream,” the immortal words of fellow traveler Shakespeare.  Sleep is one of the most precious things during our travels.  Finding comfort and sleep on jets or in unfamiliar hotel rooms can be a challenge.  We have certain strategies we use to find some shut-eye.  One of the best kept secrets is using sleeping masks.   We were slow to embrace the sleep mask…that was until we found our friends at Chere Pafos.  They took a simple mundane product and created a work of art! These handcrafted sleeping masks are made with plush satin.  Importantly, they are large enough to give you enough coverage to block out all light.  Now if they would just block out the annoying seat mate’s snoring!

What we love most about Chere Pafos Designs are the playful patterns that they have come up with.  They have many styles, shapes and colors.  If you want a basic black one for the male in the companionship, they have one of those.  Luci’s favorite is the hot pink satin cat mask; it makes her feel like Cat Woman! Take it from couple travel bloggers that spend a ton of time in the air, this little gift will be a lifesaver.  To make this even more special, write a card to your lover and mention that you want them to think of you every time they close their eyes to dream!

You cannot go wrong with any of these items!  From the Fighting Couple, we want to wish each and every one of you a very lovely Valentine’s Day.  We do care that you love our selections.  Please come back and leave us some feedback on what you selected and what you thought.

 

Disclosure: On occasion we are offered items to review on this site.  Does this affect our honest review and opinion?  Not one bit!

I Don’t Want to Travel Internationally

By on January 17, 2015 in General

We recently had a discussion with another couple that frankly told us, “We don’t want to travel internationally. “ We began our usual interrogation of their reasoning. They had some real concerns. As we went through them, we had a great discussion, and our conversation provided inspiration for this post. Do you have friends that don’t want to fly abroad? Please send them this post!

It is too expensive.

Really? A flight from Boston to Phoenix will run you $642 per person, that is $1284 for a couple. A flight from Boston to Paris, France on the exact same days, exact same airline will cost you $653 or $1306. Domestic is cheaper right? But wait! You get free luggage on international flight! The international flight is actually cheaper! Don’t you hate luggage fees?

With a little advance planning, often it is cheaper to fly international.   We usually book our international flights 6-8 months in advance. We fly during the shoulder seasons, and we get some smokin’ good deals on flights. We often pay less to travel across the oceans than a few states away.

Hotel Castle Liebenstein

Hotel Castle Liebenstein

There is so much to see domestically.  

Yes, there is. Life is short. See the world. Yes, you could spend a lifetime visiting every corn field in Iowa. But why not expand your horizons? Why not see the sunrise on the other side of the planet? Make the most of your walk, take yourself somewhere radically different. Wait until you see how they grow corn in Bali!

I don’t know anyone?

Wonderful! Meeting new people, learning new cultures, traditions, and languages is one of the huge dividends from foreign travel.   We travel two weeks at a time. Obviously, we are not able really get to know folks too well during our travels. But we have met some incredible people that we still keep in contact with. We will never forget our outstanding Amazon guide Javier, Carol and Jeff, the owners of Bromeliad Bed and Breakfast in Darwin, Australia, and Dan and Becky, the owners of Kindred Spirit Inn in Prince Edward Island.

I might offend someone?

In our experience, you really have to put yourself completely out there and be extremely rude to offend someone. We have completely butchered a long list of languages. However, in each case we have found kind people that are so gracious and willing to help. A little known secret to “domestic only” people, English is the language of travel. We have yet to find a city in the world that didn’t have a bunch of English speakers.

Italy police

What if I get arrested?

Really? This is an excuse not to travel outside of your country? If you are headed anywhere not called Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria, the likelihood that you are going to end up in a prison is miniscule.   Yes, we have gotten parking tickets and a small fine for passing in a no passing zone, and a huge fine for not buying the right Slovenian “sticker.” If you go there, shoot us a message and we can help you know which sticker to buy. We have become pros!

The fact of the matter is, you will only get arrested in a foreign country for doing something that you would get arrested for domestically. Candidly, we have gotten out a few things because we were foreigners. So you likelihood of getting in trouble abroad is actually less.

Don’t they drive on the wrong side of the road? I don’t know how to drive in another country.

Haven’t you secretly always wanted to drive on the wrong side of the road? Me neither. Again, 95% of the world drives on the “right” side of the road. If that is a big hang up, go to a place not called Britain or India.

Rome Fountian

Trevi Fountian

I don’t know the language?

Its probably going to be ok. In most European and Asian tourist destinations there is more English spoken than any other language. But, candidly we highly recommend that you learn a little of the native language.

I don’t know how to use their money.

Money is same in every country. When you land, look for an ATM, punch in your pin and get money. It is really that simple.  Bring two credit cards, let them know that you are traveling abroad and where.  Problem solved.

How to eat Chocolate

I might not like the food.

Right. And then again you might LOVE it!   Mike is one of the most pickiest eaters on the planet. He is not the most adventurous eater. We have never gone hungry during our travels. In the worst case scenarios McDonalds has become an international empire. You will always find a grocery store that will have a wide offering of food that you are more familiar with.

Trust us, there is nothing like eating escargot in Paris, sushi in Tokyo, or guinea pig in Peru. Give the local cuisine a try.

Where would I stay?

At a hotel. They have a lot of them. The internet has a list of them.  Google (city) and hotel and you will get a list. Check out TripAdvisor if you don’t know where to stay. We also have friends that book a hotel on Hotwire just a few days before they leave.

I don’t have a passport.

Get one. It is easy. Go here (USA), Or here (UK) or here (Canada), or here (Australia). There are many studies that show that people that have passports are smarter, wealthier, and better looking (ok we made up that last one.)

I don’t know where to go.

The world is a huge place. Here’s are top three suggestions if you have never been out of the country: Thailand, Peru, Turkey, and Slovenia. Each offers reasonable prices, delicious food, and unique sights.

Now go see the world!