Thursday, August 7, 2008

What happen??


What happen to you??
how long it will gonna take??


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Saturday, July 12, 2008

My Delicious MAA 2008

Vote for Avril!

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Thursday, July 10, 2008

IAFL Translation & Interpretation Services


In our daily life, sometimes language could be a problem for some people. Sometime we have to translate a lot of documents or files from our own language to English or from other languages to our language. That could be a problem to us who just familiar with our national language and it will take a lot of time to solve it. But now, since I found www.iaflindia.com it’s not a problem anymore. This website is about a translation and interpretation services company in India.

We can use their services to translate our personal documents and also our company documents. Not only translation service, this company also provides interpretation services. They can help us to communicate with our clients or our partners at many occasions like: meetings, seminars or conferences.
This company also provide subtitling and dubbing service in all languages for our movies, documentaries, video, and also TV series. Because in India there are many kinds of languages, this company also can give us service to translate many kind of India’s languages like: Hindi, Tamil, and many others.
The most interesting thing is they are not only provide India and English translation services but also provide Farsi translation service and Arabic translation service. Farsi is very common language that used in Iran, and Arabic is spoken by people is Middle East.

So start from now, by the services of this company, language is not a problem anymore for us to communicate. If you have any questions or interesting to use their service, do not hesitate to contact them. I hope from this moment, language is not a problem again for us.

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Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Indonesia Travel formalities

All visitors travelling to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and have proof of onward passage. Visas are not required for nationals of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Ice land, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom (Great Britain), United States of America, United Emirate Arab and Venezuela.

Visa free entry is also allowed for registered delegates attending a conference which has received official approval For those not belonging to the above categories, tourist visas can be obtained from any Indonesian Embassy or Consulate.
Holders of a Certificate of Identity (CI) from Hong Kong can obtain visas for group travel, with a minimum of 5 persons, from the Consulate General of Indonesia in Hong Kong for visits not exceeding 30 days.
Travel and accommodation should be arranged by a tour operator. Entry and exit must be in groups, and through Soekarno-Hatta International airport of Jakarta, "Ngurah" Rai- Bali or Polonia Medan.
Entry and exit must be made through certain specified gateways:
By air through Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Manado, Biak, Ambon, Surabaya and Batam; By sea through Semarang, Jakarta, Bali, Pontianak, Balikpapan, Tanjung Pinang and Kupang. For other ports of entry and exit special visas are required.
The maximum stay permitted is two months and is not extendible.

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PEMALI OPEN PIT TIN MINE


Passing through the country side, small villages and pepper plantations along the route, an unusual and splendid view will be observed from the top of a mountain in the mining area, looking down about 100 M you will see the progress of the tin mine. People from Siantan and Johor of Malaysia first discovered tin in Bangka Island in 1710, since then a lot of traders from Asia as well as from Europe stopped and visited Bangka Island.
To operate the tin mines, skilled labors were imported from Malacca and China. This is the only open pit tin the excavation and in the future mine in Indonesia will grow much larger and deeper.

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Pemali Hot Spring


Most of Indonesian Island, lies in a volcanic belt, however, Bangka Island has no volcanoes. The Pemali Hot Springs is naturally created pool from the underground hot springs in the area. The tin workers found it and today a recreation park exists around the spring's area. Please make sure to bring along your swimming suit and be ready to jump into the hot water pool or just relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the recreation park.


Pemali Hot Springs is the main tourism of Sungailiat town. This hot springs come from the active land and suit for health and avoid the rigidly by stand in the water. This tourism objects has equipped with some tourism facilities such as; hotels, shops, etc.

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TANJUNG KELIAN OLD LIGHTHOUSE


The old lighthouse was built in 1826. It is located about 9 km of Muntok district. In the surrounding area we still can find wrecks of Dutch and British ships, which were torpedoed by Japanese warships during the Second World War, on 16 February 1942. Take our time to climb up 199 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular view from the height of approximately 60 M above sea level.

We can see the whole beaches in Muntok.

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Goa Gajah, Gajah Cave, Bali


Goa Gajah, literally means 'Elephant Cave”. Although named by 'elephant' it doesn't mean there is any real elephant live or ever live here. The name Goa Gajah derived from 'Lawa Gajah', which is mentioned in the manuscripts that found in this site. This temple complex was built for the first time around 11 century based on epigraph found in this site.
A seven-meters deep cave with a shape of T-letter is the major attraction of this Bedulu village's local temple.

The cave it self is carved in a solid stone hill of the river valley. The main figure of the carving at the cave entrance is 'boma', a barong face, accompanied with big clapping fingers on its side. Leaf, flower, and some horror figures can be noticed if we give more attention look to the rest of the carving. Some holes that are considered to be used as meditation or sleeping quarters can be found in the wall of the cave. Nowadays, those holes are used to place offerings whenever there is ceremonies taking place. On the left end side of the cave is Ganesha statue, believe it as 'the God of knowledge'. Meanwhile on the right end side can be found three 'linggas', that each of them dedicated to the three common God manifestations in Bali, Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa. There are other three stone carvings in the centre wall, one of them figuring head and face.

Three other statues of Ganesha, demons and Men Brayut, a legendary lady with her beloved children, are placed on a high building located on the left side of cave entrance. It is considered that these statues are 1000 years old. In the middle of the complex, in front of the cave, there is bathing place that is not any longer used by the local people. The angle figures within the bathing complex are about similar to common figures found in India. On the south part of the complex, there are along flight of step leads down the lower part of the valley. After crossing a bridge above a small creek and follow another flight of steps up to eastern side of the valley, a headless sitting Buddha statue can be seen. This is the evident of a close relationship between the two religions.

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Bedugul, Bali


Bedugul is the name of both a small city and a mountain-lake resort area, which Balinese have long used for weekend retreats. Bedugul is located on the main north-south road between Denpasar and Singaraja in cool damp mountain country, an excellent base for walking trips around the lakes and surrounding hills. Bedugul is located in a high plateau at the center of the Island.

Cool air and mists are natural for the place. Bedugul is a resort in Bratan Mountains, famous for its golf course; and also the Ulun Danu. Ulu Danu is an amazing temple, which seems to have risen out of Bratan Lake 1,200metres above sea level. There are many water sports available here are boating, water skiing, and parasailing. When the heat and humidity are get, why not escape to Bedugul. Bali's highland retreat has tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano 1400 meters above sea level. Here three lakes provide everything from recreation to the water for springs, rivers and rice fields below. Lush pine forests seem to create freshness in the air. Bedugul is known for the quality of its fruit, vegetables and flowers. There are several places to stay near the lake and there is also an interesting temple, botanical gardens, an excellent golf course and a variety of activities on Lake Bratan itself.

Bedugul is a favorite place for Balinese family for weekend picnic. Bedugul is also a center of horticulture. We'll find plenty of fruits and vegetables here. Here we find 3 of Bali 4 lakes, Bratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan. Bratan, the largest of the three is perfect place for water sports such as para sailing, motor boating, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, etc. Bedugul fertile soil also produced abundance of plants and trees, some of them formed rain forests with their exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures.

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Ubud, Bali


Ubud is Bali's cultural heart. This area is located in the cool mountains, just one hour's drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali, this traditional country town is the home of the Balinese Royal family and a flourishing arts centre. Most of Bali's museums and galleries are centered in Ubud, but culture and history rich Bali is peppered with museums and galleries.

These museums and galleries offer paintings, woodcarvings, textiles and all kinds of souvenirs for viewing and also purchase. Puri Lukisan Museum in centre of Ubud, Neka Museum in Campuhan, Seniwati Gallery and Agung Rai Museum in Pengosekan is a must, to see the difference between creative art and more commercial products.

Inspired by vibrant green rice paddies, mountains and colorful Balinese festivals, the elite artistic colony that began in the 1930's with eminent European painters, writers and musicians has now grown into a thriving arts centre, drawing increasing numbers of visitors. Ubud is also a flourishing crafts centre. Around Ubud the surrounding villages like Camphuan, Penestanan, Peliatan and Batuan specializing in crafts and woodcarving which are sold all over the island. There are hundreds of shops selling antiques, woodcarvings, crafts, textiles, paintings and jewelry as well as some of the best art museums in the country, dozens of art studios, an excellent local craft market, and galleries selling local and international art.

Ubud's role as the epicenter of Balinese culture makes it the perfect place to see traditional Balinese dance and drama. From the early 1920's the royal family ensured that most talented teachers of dance, music and drama were brought to Ubud to entertain the King and pass on their knowledge. Dances like Legong, Ramayana, Baris, Kecak and Sanghyang (the fire dance) are performed nightly in Bona village, just 15 minutes drive from Ubud. Bali's most accomplished dancers, musicians, painters and carvers live in just 10 square kilometers.

Balinese Hinduism remains stronger in Ubud than elsewhere in Bali, cremation ceremony or celebration of some kind. Balinese Hinduism is distinct from that of India and has absorbed the animism of Bali's pre-Hindu ancestors - inspired by the extraordinary beauty of Bali's landscapes - rice fields, mountains, river gorges, villages and ancient temples.

Visit Ubud Monkey Forest, a natural forest reserve popular with both locals and tourists. Inhabited by wild monkeys who will steal the camera, bananas, handbags, toupees, etc. These mischievous monkeys provide lots of entertainment. Interesting meandering paths lead to charming places like the bathing temple surrounded by lush remnants of ancient forest. Just off the main square a lovely arched stone bridge leads to the Hindu elephant-headed Lord Ganesh overlooking a small, square, moss-covered pool where several koi swim at his feet.

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Kintamani, Bali


The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan provide a great view of the still active Mount Batur and its fantastic lake. Seven miles in diameter and sixty feet deep, Batur caldera is simply astounding. From Penelokan, take the road Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be rented to cross over to Trunyan. The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep Crater Lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit.

Batur Lake is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Batur Lake also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain. Kintamani is really great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days.

The district is the earliest known kingdom in Bali, dating from the tenth century. The evenings get cool up here but it's well worth the stay overnight to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise. Many cheap cottages are available here.

Kintamani can run through Payangan or from Denpasar through the Sangeh monkey forest, Plaga and Lampu, arriving to the north of Kintamani. Bemos to Kintamani are available from Ubud via Sakah (notable for its huge "Baby" statue). They also run via Tampaksiring and Bangli. From Denpasar bemos leave for Kintamani from the Batubulan terminal until late afternoon.

Tour to Kintamani is a very impressive experience where Kintamani Area have very beautiful panorama located in plateau and also encircled by mountain atmosphere with the windblast from Mount Batur. Carpet of Batur Lake seen far below and also there are local resident house beside of Batur Lake. Beside of that, Mount Batur which to date still be active growing its beautiful for Kintamani Area.

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Sunday, June 29, 2008

Application For Singapore Permanent Residence

Application For Permanent Residence

* Procedure
* Documents Required
* Fees
* Processing Time
* National Service Liability



http://app.ica.gov.sg/serv_pr/per_res/app_for_pr.asp

Please visit Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority for more information.

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Process of cancelling Singapore PR


This is an email from a friend of mine who surrendered his PR in case I need to do it too. I think its exactly what you need:

Cancelling PR
Go down to SiR/ICA (or whatever they call themselves at this moment) and inform the information counter that you want to cancel your PR. Be sure to take your passport, IC and the entry permit. They will take you into an interview room. Don't worry, no one will interview you. A pleasant officer will let you ask you if you had any dependant PRs (no). She will inform that once PR is cancelled, a social visit visa will be issued for a month and that will help you finish off all work and leave Singapore. She will take back your IC and entry permit and cancel the re-entry permt. Then she will stamp a 1 month social visit from that day and give you one half of the disembarkation form/card. She will also give you a letter stating that ICA has accepted your PR cancellation request and that you have returned the IC as well as the entry permit. Keep this letter safely.

To the CPF board
Take the letter you got from ICA and go down to the CPF board. They will use this letter to close your CPF account. For quicker processing, pass them a bank account number in Singapore to remit your CPF amount. If I am not mistaken, they can also provide demand drafts (issued in your name only) etc. and send it to your permanent address overseas, if you cant wait in Singapore for the money to arrive in the bank. Bring along some document showing that you indeed have that account. One of the month's statement of account will do. Else you will be asked to sign an indemption form. They will need about 10 working days (i.e excluding Sunday and public holidays) to get the money into your account. I got the amount in my DBS account on the 9th day. If your employer has to pay any more CPF money to you, they will give you a letter instructing your company that you have closed your CPF account and that any amount (employer or employee contribution) still due to you should be paid to you directly. Take this letter and pass it to your company. They should then be able to give you the money directly. They will have to fill up the reverse section of that letter and send it back to CPF board.

The IRAS
Go down to IRAS and get an IR21 form. This form is to be filled when someone is permanently leaving Singapore and the taxes have to be settled. Get the company to fill it for you and return it to IRAS. Companies that use e-filing can fill the IR21 form online. Ask your employer if this can be done, so that you don't have to run to IRAS twice. IRAS will then compute the tax that you should be paying. Pay it. Note that the CPF board will ask IRAS for an "OK" with respect to your taxes before they credit the CPF money to you. If you have not filled in the IR21 form and not filed your taxes, IRAS will not give the green light to CPF board. If you are rushing (as I was), do let the IRAS officer know your emergency. They may help you by expediting the process. Ofcourse for this, e-filing will not work. Person-to-person contact works wonders in these cases. They took about 5 working days in my case.

That should cover everything that you will need to do in a normal case when dealing with ICA, IRAS and CPF board.

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Friday, June 13, 2008

Delicious Movie

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

I miss you...

Babi guling, very delicious food from Bali. This picture is taken from babi guling Bu Oka, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

Babi guling Rebo in Kedonganan, Jimbaran, Bali also recommended :D


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I really love this song...

One of the soundtracks of Sex And The City The Movie by Fergie.
You can listen it in Youtube.

Labels or Love

Shopping for labels, shopping for love
Manolo and Louis, it’s all I’m thinking of
Shopping for labels, shopping for love
1,2,1,2,3, Turn the lights off!

I already know what my addiction is
I be looking for labels, I ain’t looking for love
I shop for purses while I walk out the door
Don’t cry, buy a bag and then get over it
And, I’m not concerned with all the politics
It’s a lot of men I know I could find another one.

Oughta know that I’m always happy when I walk out the store, store
I’m guessing Supercalifragi-sexy, nothing to be playing with
I love him, hate him, kiss him, just I’m trying to walk a mile in my kicks

(Chorus)
Love’s like a runway but which one do I love more
No emotional baggage, just replace it with Dior
Love’s like a runway, so what’s all the fussing for
Let’s stop chasing them boys and shop some more
1,2,1,2,3,Turn the lights off!

I know I might come off as negative
I be looking for labels, I ain’t looking for love
Relationships are often so hard to tame
A Prada dress has never broken my heart before
And, ballin’s something that I’m fed up with
I’mma do the damn thing, watch me do the damn thing
Cause I know that my credit card will help me put out the flames
I’m guessing Supercalifragi-sexy, nothing to be playing with
I love him, hate him, kiss him, just I’m trying to walk a mile in my kicks

[Chorus]

Gucci, Fendi, Prada purses, purchasing them finer things
Men they come a dime a dozen, just give me them diamond rings
I’m into a lot of bling, Cadallic, Chanel and Coach
Fellas boast but they can’t really handle my female approach
Buying things is hard to say
Rocking Christian Audigier, Manolo, Polo, taking photos in my Cartier
So we can’t go all the way, I know you might hate it but
I’m a shop for labels while them ladies lay and wait for love

(Chorus)
Love’s like a runway but which one do I love more
No emotional baggage, just replace it with Dior
Love’s like a runway, so what’s all the fussing for
Let’s stop chasing them boys and shop some more
1,2,1,2,3,Turn the lights off

Shopping for labels, shopping for love
Manolo and Louis, it’s all I’m thinking of
Shopping for labels, shopping for love
1,2,1,2,3, Turn the lights off!



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Is it really work??

I just read something interesting from a blog about how to get the trackback, pingback, refback. To increase those things we just have to get links from another blogs that have same theme with ours. I'm trying this things:
1. Paste this url to one of your post in your blog.

http://www.indonesiaindonesia.com/f/20604-tes-trackback-pingback-refback-thread-forum/

2. That post in your blog will let the forum know that we have a link to this forum.

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Sunday, June 8, 2008

Ana wins her first Grand Slam!


Yeah, she did it...!!! Yuhuii...it's a very best news from my tennis idol. Ana Ivanovic won her first Grand Slam title after taking down Dinara Safina in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, in the Women French Open final 2008. Ivanovic has reached the semifinals at four of the past five Grand Slam tournaments. She struggled against Patty Schnyder only when trying to close out the victory. With light rain beginning to fall, she hit her second and third double-faults of the match in the final game before smacking a service winner on the third match point.
Not only the champion of French Open, now she also number 1..!!! The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour will crown a new world No.1 on Monday, June 9, when the latest rankings are published, following Ana Ivanovic's nail-biting win over compatriot Jelena Jankovic in the semifinals of Roland Garros on Thursday. Ivanovic replaces Maria Sharapova at the top of rankings after a three-week reign by the Russian and becomes the first player representing Serbia to hold the No.1 ranking, adding yet another milestone to her already long list of remarkable accomplishments.
"Being No.1 is a dream come true for me," Ivanovic said. "It was a big surprise because I was so focused on the tournament. This is a great achievement and something that I'm very proud of. It hasn't exactly hit me yet because it won't be official until Monday. I'm sure we'll have a big celebration then."
I'm so happy for her.. and proud being her fans!

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Thursday, June 5, 2008

Izea Fest 2008

As a new blogger, I always learn everything about blog, including how make good page rank in my blog and how to make my blog interesting that make many people will take a look and get some advantages from my blog. For that purpose, I have to know about marketing and also the way to make interesting blog.
Today I found an interesting event about blog. This blog is very interesting with wonderful color, complete with video and very nice design, I like it so much, makes me want to join Izea Fest. The reason is also because the purpose of this event is to meet and great with many bloggers around the world. For me, that event is like a time for learning and having a lot of experiences from many other bloggers. I can learn many things from them like:the way to marketing my blog and the way to make my blog more interesting and more popular. In my opinion, the key success of a blogger is creation because with many creations we can make everything more interesting. Sometimes, I just do not know the way to implements it. So from this event I hope I could get many suggestions and many things to share with other bloggers. I really want to be a good blogger and take some advantages from my blog. I like to share my opinion with other blogger and I want to attract advertisers to come to my blog.
The schedule of IzeaFest is on September 11, 2008 until September 13, 2008. The location is in Grand Bohemian pool area, Orlando, USA. If you are not leaving in USA like me, you can check the travel info to this hotel to make reservation from your country to this location. There are many facilities in this hotel like: air transportation, lodging, restaurant, and also many attractions like: universal Orlando Resort, Seaworld Orlando, and Walt Disney World Resort. Jeremy Schoemaker and Merlin Mann will be the keynote speakers on this wonderful event. Yes, they are 2 famous person, who are 2 of the top 100 bloggers in the world, Jeremy is the owner of Shoemoney.com and Merlin is owner of 43folders.com. Many special people will come as speakers like: Katia Adams, Stephanie Agresta, Lea Alcantara, Brian Clark, Michael Brito, Sean Bonner, Susannah Gardner, Alex Schek, and many others. Partners of this events are UniqueBlogDesigns and Downtown Orlando Partnership.
Now I just want to register as soon as possible because I do not want to wait until the ticket sold out. I could wait to enjoy IzeaFest and take some advantages from it.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2008

World Wide Sports Travel

I like sports so much. I always do some sports especially in weekend and in my spare time. Tennis and jogging are my favorites, but besides that I also like swimming, badminton and basket ball. Actually I'm not only love do some sports, but also watching sports game and also browsing everything about sports, including sports events, sports strategies, sports players, sports shoes, and also some sports books and website. I always watching Champion League, English Premiership football, FA Cup, and European football on TV, and I hope someday I can go there to see live on the stadium.
To improve my knowledge about sports, I usually browsing on the net to get last update of sports player and also sports events. There are many website about sports, but my favorite one is World Wide Sports Travel. I like it so much because I like sports and also travel, so visit that website really complete everything that I need.
For me, watching sports game while I'm traveling is perfect. I like both of them and combining them make my journey more interesting. There are many kind of sports events that I really want to see. In tennis I really want to see Wimbledon, US Open, French Open, Stella Artois. I also really want to see horse racing events like: Royal Ascot, Prix de L'arc de Triomphe, Grand National 2008, Glorious Goodwood, Epsom Derby, Chester Races and Cheltenham Festival. Grand Prix like British Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix are my favorites because I can see some good cars, for me it's like a dream come true. Classic golf event like British Open Golf 2008 is my dream to visit. I like Europe so much, I like some countries that have very famous football game like: England, Spain, and Italy, so I'm very happy and interesting to visit Europe. England has Manchester United, Italy has AC Milan, and Spain has Real Madrid. Ryder Cup 2008 that will be held in Louisville, US is also very interesting to visit because it is very prestigious. Actually I never try rugby before, watching rugby game live like: Autumn Internationals and Heineken Cup Final in a stadium is wonderful.
Football or soccer is my favorite game to watch. I like David Beckham, I like Manchaster United, and absolutely I like England football team. I'm very sad that they can not join Euro 2008. I'm very proud of Manchester United of the winner of Champion League. World Cup 2010 will be held on South Africa, I hope Beckham and England still have opportunity to join, and could be the winner. Sports event like boxing and cricket are also available in this website. You can browse all of sports events and get some information like tickets, hotel, and also corporate hospitality.
Now, I'm still just writing about my dream, I hope someday I'm not just imagine, but I can really go there to enjoy sports game with this website as my guidance.

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Sunday, June 1, 2008

Bargain

So, how do you bargain when you travel in Asia?
I found out a lot of European or U.S visitors who visited Asia find it real hard to adapt to one of the cultural here, which is to bargain! Second, Asia itself has a lot of languages, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Cantonese, Thai, Viet, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia Languages. It’s very difficult for a non asian to do bargain here because

1. You don’t have the habit to bargain.

2. You don’t know how much you should bargain.

3. You don’t know the cultural here when you should bargain and till what limit you should bargain.

4. You don’t speak the local dialect here and they don’t understand you! You both will end up using calculator saying ‘Yes Yes, No No, Cheaper Cheaper!’.

As because most of the countries that you visited in Asia would be Chinese, or at least do understand Chinese, and most of the places that you need to bargain are Chinese area! Don’t say Chinese are mean, they are just too good in doing business, besides they know they’ll hardly see you the 2nd time because you are just a visitor, a tourist.

I’ve already listed some Chinese language in bargaining that you can check at the resource box later, learn some basic language about bargaining part.

If you can speak some good Chinese, the price they quote you would be cheaper, and you can even do bargaining with them. Why? Simply because they thought u work for the Embassy, or you work there, and they know there’s a potential you would be coming back or bring your friends there when they visited China or others.

So, What are the step to do bargaining with them. Here it is.

Step 1 – Find what you want. Don’t bargain if you don’t plan to buy.

So, the only place that you can do bargain, are mostly at flea market, stalls lining up the whole street that sells maybe piracy, memorable goods. Remember, Don’t bargain if you don’t want to buy! Don’t bargain at any restaurant or air conditioned shop where they put “nett Price”, or “fixed price” sign. If you found something you like, remember, there’s definitely the same thing down the street, don’t rush buying it. Bargain first!

This is how it goes, let’s say if you find a dress that you like. Point at it and say…

You :”How Much?”
You :”Duo1 Shao3 Qian2?”

The seller will answer in either English or Chinese, go to the resource box later and find under Price & Number and Shopping.

Now when you understand how much they offer, you need to ask yourself how much do you think this is worth, usually if they say $100, you’ll say, “$25!” Which means start with 25% of what he offered.

There will be only 2 situations he’ll response, First, he would say no, and ask for a higher price. Second, he would say no, and ignore you.

If it’s the first situation, you know he can easily sell for $25, but he just wan to get the most out from you, in that case, walk away, and he might ask you to go back and sell you the dress. If you walk away and he never ask you to go back, means $25 is really too low for them and they would rather keep it.

Step 2 – Identify the best price you can offer.
Ok, so 25% of what he offered isn’t the right price for them, don’t worry, as long it’s a bargaining area, there will always have the same item down the street. Don’t rush! So when you find the same item at the 2nd stall, do Step 1, ask again.

This time, ignore what the price that seller is going to give you, it could be up to $200! Maybe you can raise from the previous $25 to $40. Get the response from the seller, and see what you can do about it.

Remember, when you walk away, as long as they ask you to go back, 80% of the chances you get to buy the stuff at $40, unless you don’t mind to buy at $50. Well, this is the easiest way to bargain.

Lastly, I wish you all the best in Learning Chinese.

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Easy Backpacking

Backpacking isn’t complicated. In fact, its simplicity is what makes it so attractive. With only your pack on your back, there are no limits to what you can do or see. Many hostels provide self-catering kitchens and most provide meals.
You should book a room at a hostel the day before rather than wander the streets at night looking for a room. It isn't only the young who use hostels. Many older travellers use hostels for cheap accommodation at their destinations. There are hostels in castles, in teepees and in railroad carriages.

Safeguard your important documents and money - Get one of those thin money belts that fit inside your clothes. That way you can carry your passport and money with you at all times. A useful tip - Many hostels give discounts to students, so you should always keep your student card handy. The hostel custom is that all guests clean up after themselves.

Essential gear for your trip will include Backpack, Fast Drying Towel, Walking Shoes, Socks and Underwear, Long Underwear, Pillow Case, Sleeping Bag, Passport, Spy Wallet, Day Pack, Camera . Generally, large city hostels are open 24 hours per day, while others may have shorter opening hours. Many hostels have a self-catering kitchen where you can cook your own meals and some even have their own restaurants, cafe and bars.

Planning that seems so trivial at home can become complicated when you are in a strange place. Hostels provide a great way to meet new people and experience new things which is why they appeal to such a diverse range. Many hostels provide internet access, laundry, and free breakfast. Common identification used to stay in hostels includes passports, photo driver’s licenses and state or country identity cards.

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Airplane sit map

Many people that fly for pleasure or for business purposes have to seat in an airplane for 2-3 hours or sometimes even more, depending on the trip that they make, and during the flight seating in an uncomfortable place in the airplane can be a really pain for them. This is happening very often due the lack of details that each airline is publishing about their airplanes or because people that fly don’t consult an aircraft seat map before they book a ticket.
Airplane seat maps can be really handy for frequent or even for occasionally fliers and help them to choose their seat in the airplane even before they buy their tickets. Knowing the place where you seat before going aboard is very good because on almost all seating charts you can find all the details of a specific seat from extra legroom to missing windows or any other details.

Seat maps published by airlines

Most of the airlines publish the seats configurations for their airplanes but the quality of those seat maps is some times questionable and some of the details and information about seats are confusable. Usually airlines don’t publish seat maps for all of their airplanes, they do it only for the major airplanes and for the ones flying on frequent routes.

Seat maps published by specialized websites

In additions to those published seat maps which can be found on airlines websites there are some other sites that publish aircraft seat maps for almost all the commercial airplanes that are flying these days. Seat maps that can be found on these sites usually have more details and on some websites you can found comments from other passengers with ups and downs about each particular airplane seat.

Reading and understanding a seat map it’s a very simple job but people should be carefully on the design of each seat map because is different from website to website or from airplane to airplane, so reading the legend will help understanding the seat arrangements and the meaning of each symbol from the seat map, in this way mistakes can be avoided and passengers can make the best decision for their flight.

Choosing your seat is important as choosing an airline or an airplane to fly with, some people prefer to fly only if they seat is near a window or some people like to fly in their own cabin and the requests and conditions of each passenger could go on. Consulting a seat map before going aboard can bring only benefits and can show to the passengers more details about the airplane comparing with the details and information about each airplane or flight that airlines are publishing.

The bottom line is that airplane seat maps which can be found very easy on the web can help people choosing the best seat that will satisfy the all demands for them. Finding the right seat with the help of aircraft seat maps can improve very much the flight conditions and things can be better when fliers read other people’s reviews of seats and airplanes because bad seats or bad flights can be avoided.

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Six Legs in Thai Food

Many people enjoy Thai food worldwide: spicy soups and salads, flavorful rice dishes are abundant. But in Thailand, fried or roasted insects and scorpions are also popular, readily available, and inexpensive.
Insects have traditionally been a rich source of protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals in the Northern Thailand diet. They are also prized as delicacies. In fact, it is unusual to find an insect which is not eaten in one form or another by local people. Among the most popular are:
• cicadas, locusts, mantises, crickets, and grasshoppers which are all deep fried and are rather crunchy;
• bamboo worms, which are also deep fried;
• giant water bugs, which are steamed; they are also ground into a paste with chili and eaten with sticky rice;
• weaver ants (red ants with a painful bite) and their eggs; sticky rice is dipped into a mixture of ants, eggs, and chili;
• dung beetles; which add a wholesome flavor to curries; however, many people will not eat them because they live in and on excrement.
In addition, Thai people will eat
• the pupae of silk moths and other moths and butterflies; you must first remove the pupae from their cocoons, then boil them until soft with a pinch of salt, finally sautée them lightly;
• the larvae of wasps and bees; these are deep-fried;
and arachnids:
• poisonous scorpions, which are grilled;
• giant tarantulas, which are also grilled.
I have not seen other spiders eaten, but I suspect if it moves, it is considered food somewhere.
Also, termites (large white ants) are grilled and their eggs are a delicacy used to make a flavorful soup.
Where I lived in Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 4, every night starting around 5:00 PM, there was a street vendor with half a dozen kinds of fried and grilled insects and scorpions; her customers were mainly the bar girls in the area. Every night she was quite busy as the girls consider these insects a tasty snack, and munch on them as frequently as Western people munch on potato chips.
The lady vendor does not speak any English, but will pose with her wares for a photograph if you give her a 20 baht (about 60 cents) tip. And if you're brave, you could always buy a bag of deep fried bamboo worms.

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Planning a Holiday From Home

To succeed in the organization of a holiday in Spain, it is important to bear in mind a few tips that would make easier your stay in the Spanish country. Planning a holiday plenty of time in advanced would give you the choice to decide among different possibilities. So it is highly recommended to have the time to make an effective search in Internet, and get a list of quality results.
Numerous websites offer holiday accommodation in Spain, from apartment rentals, villas, to hotels, camping, or youth hostels. But how to know which one is a quality page? Try the first results in your search engine, they are normally good sites. Reading reviews from users, or ask in forums for people´s opinion can help you as well. Once you have decided the type of accommodation, get familiarized with the holiday website and choose the base of your holiday.
Get informed of the area you are going to visit. Travel information portals can provide you with many useful details and resources.
Check a national weather forecast website to get an idea of the temperatures and climate.
Spain is a big country with an extension of 505.000 squared metres. The beauty of Spain deserves a drive around the country, so if you wish to take some days in different towns, consider to arrange a car rental with an expert company.
If you visit Costa Blanca, it is far better to avail yourself of holiday villas and apartments to rent in Costa Blanca. Property management and villa maintenance for your holiday home in Costa Blanca.

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Saturday, May 31, 2008

Sex and the City: The Movie (2008)

Wow..Sex and The City The Movie is coming. It's nice to see the girls again!! I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie celebration of friendship. These women, after all, aren't having much sex, hahaha.. If Sex and the City is a hit, it will be partly because it's an enjoyable and somewhat true depiction of female friendship. After 2.5 hours, I summarize that I really enjoy this movie. How about you? Labels or Love is a very nice song by Fergie as Sex And The City movie soundtrack.

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Sunday, May 25, 2008

Indonesian Delicious Foods ( I miss you all..)

Stay in another country is not easy for me. This is my first time and sometimes I really miss some of these best Indonesian food:
1. Babi guling / Balinese Sucking Pig
Ehmm..yummi!!! This is Bali's most famous dish. I love it so much especially the skin :) Event there are many food that created from pork, they can not replace babi guling as my favorite food. Maybe the taste of this food is contained on my DNA so I'm very addicted with this food.
The banana leaf plate consisted of a pile of fragrant rice , piled high with tender slices of piggy, a piece of blood sausage, some other unidentifiable internal fried bits and pieces, crowned with a piece of kulit (crispy skin). Sheer perfection when doused with the accompanying sambal –– a saucy blend of chilis, coconut, and spices. My favorite place to get this food is in Ubud, Bali, that is called Babi guling Bu Oka. This place is located on Jalan Suweta, Ubud. The price is about Rp 20.000

2. Sate Madura + gule
This food originated from Madura, Indonesia, but we can find it in many places outside Madura. This food is consist of chunks or slices of dice-sized chicken or mutton on a bamboo skewers. It serve with delicious peanut sauce.
3. Soto Ayam
very famous Indonesia food.
4. Nasi campur / nasi rames
very famous Indonesia food.
5. Gudeg
Originated from Jogjakarta and Central Java, Indonesia. It is made from jack fruit that boiled several hours with cocunut milk and sugar. It is usually served with rice, chicken, tofu, tempe, and krecek.
My favorite place to get Gudeg is Yu Djum that is located near MM UGM, Jogyakarta.
7. Lontong opor
very famous Indonesia food.
8. Indomie goreng telor
It is a very famous Indonesian branded noddles. I have already eaten this noddles maybe since I was a baby, so you can imagine the relationship between us :)
So when I try another brand, the taste is not like what I want.
9. Sayur tempe + mendoan :D
Sayur tempe is a very famous Indonesia food especially in Java. I like the spicy and the sweet taste of this food. Mendoan is just another kinds of tempe with different delicious taste. I think it is originated from Cilacap, Central Java.
10. Twister
This is my favorite in all of KFC in Indonesia, but I can not find it here. Same things like kebab but with Indonesian + western flavor, that make it very delicious.

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

I have got my first task!!! Finally.. :D

I am very happy and very exited today because finally I got my first task in Blogvertise. Why I have to be happy? Yes of course, because this is my first time and I hope another tasks will coming soon. I am very exited with this first task because it is my starting point to reach another tasks. The reason is another tasks mean additional money..that's why I'm very happy and exited.

I'm still new person that now learning about making money as a blogger. I like to try many kinds of things. Blogger booming for me is one of the things that I have to try. Firstly, I just want to make sure that it really can gives some money. I have already read a lot of blogs that describe the ways to make money. now I'm trying and and hope it's really true :D

My friend said that I can create my opinion about something and share it on my blog. After that my descriptions will be reviewed and if I'm lucky, I will get some money. I'm still confuse about the reason and the way to do that, so now I'm trying..
There are many sites as like: Blogvertise, Smorty, etc as money maker.

As you know, my first experience with Blogvertise is make me happy and there's a smile in my face..but opposite from that situation, my first experience with Smorty is very make me sad. My blog is rejected by Smorty and I can not get tasks :(
Why? very simple reason, coz the rate of my blog is still not enough to get some tasks. I hope someday I can go back to Smorty and they gives me some tasks.

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Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Blackpool Hotels

As a traveler, traveling to Europe especially England is one of my dreams. I always imagine visiting David Beckham’s country. I have a friend who is working in Blackpool area. Because of this reason, I have decided to make Blackpool as my first stop place in my journey to England. I have not known anything about this country. All I need to do now is searching on the net and find a good, comfort, and easy place to take a rest in Blackpool area.

I have a clue to visit a nice looking website about Blackpool hotels. Blackpool Norberck Castle is the one that I need, because the location is very near from the airport, just fifteen minutes by taxi, so I don’t have to spend too much money for taxi and too much time in taxi. I can enjoy the hotel facilities like gym and as soon as possible. I can wait to relax and make my self comfort by swimming on the hotel and do many things like: solarium, Jacuzzi, and sauna. I also imagine about Blackpool Airport Skypark that located in this area. It is one of the advantages that everyone will get by staying in this location, because you can park your car and enjoy the park before catch your flight. You also don’t have to worry about the price because it is guarantee and very cheep.

The website also makes me comfort beside the price, I also can see the details location of this hotel. There is a map that can make me easier to describe the place and it’s location around Blackpool. Availability and price are very important for me. So, before I will go there, I have to make sure that the room is available and also the price is acceptable for me. I also can contact to ask some question to get more details information that I need.

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Monday, May 19, 2008

American Idol 2008

finally, the big David won the final American Idol 7..!!!
As you known in the final performance big David and little David has fight each other to win this title. Based on their performance on final performance, Archi did the better job than Cook. I can summary that he chosen right songs on that night, but Cook he did not. I just feel bored with Cook performance, and I just enjoy with Archi performance.
For hole performance since the beginning, Cook is better than Archie. Archie is too young to win American Idol. I worried because of Archie has so many fans..
Now, I just feel happy because finally people can choose the right person to be American Idol.
Congratulation Cook!!!

You so stupid if thinking that David Cook is a chef..he is the winner of American Idol :D

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Manchester United is the champion

This is perfect! Manchester United is adorable...They are champion of the Champion.
Let's the party started with this champion.. :D
Actually, after Backs start to leaved Man. Utd and went to Madrid, I was not really enjoy with United, but they always make me proud with their actions and performance.
I did not like CR7 or whatever his name. For me he is nothing, I still hate him..dont know why I just do not like him, I do not adore him as a personal or as a football player.
This moment make me back to 1999, when they also won the Champion. But at that moment there was David Beckham in the celebration parties. Now, nothing!
I feel little empty to celebrate this party without Becks. However he was Man Utd. superstar. He always be my fottball superstar although he was not in Man Utd. anymore.
First time i like Man Utd. it was because of him. So every time I celebrate the Man Utd. championship without him it's feel empty!
I hope he will come back as Man Utd. team..maybe not as a player anymore because he is too old to play :D
I don't know, I just still can feel the spirit of Becks :D

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Sunday, May 18, 2008

American Idol 2008

Who is the winner??

It should be MJ..Yes, Michael Johns :D

But something weird happens in American Idols, so sad he didn't reach the final :(

Now, I think Davids will fight each other.. I means David Cook and David Archuleta :D
About them from wiki and fans club:

David Roland Cook (born December 20, 1982) is an American singer-songwriter and musician, and is a finalist on the seventh season of American Idol. He will be competing against David Archuleta in the American Idol season finale on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.


http://www.davidcookidol.com/
www.david-cook.org

David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990)[2] is an American pop singer and a finalist on FOX's seventh season of American Idol as of May 2008. At the age of twelve, Archuleta won the Junior Singers competition on Star Search.[2][3] If he wins American Idol on May 21st, 2008, he will become the youngest Idol in the show's history--one week before he would be exactly 17 and a half (6 days younger than Jordin Sparks was when she won in 2007).

http://archuletafans.com/
http://www.david-archuleta.org/

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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Great Singapore Sale

Singapore is a very small country. Event when I compared it with one of an island in Indonesia like Bali, Singapore still smaller than Bali. Not like in Singapore, there are many places to visited in Bali especially on weekend. In Singapore, there are also many places to visit especially malls. Every where I go, I always see and enjoy mall environment. For me, there nos place like home is really true. Even there are so many malls I prefer enjoy my weekend in some places like Kedungu beach, Badugul, or Ubud then malls.
For many people, shopping is everything and could be a special attraction. Singapore is one of famous countries for shopping. Every year there is a big event, Singapore Great Sale (SGS), that attract many people from around the world to shopping. This event is available from May 23, 2008 until July 20, 2008. SGS include of The Great Singapore Shopping Challenge, Late Night Shopping, Shopping Tours, Pokemon Show@Marina square, Toy Universe@Takasimaya, Singapore movie fiesta@Vivi city. There are also other events like Siangpore Arts Festival, Singapore Food Festival, and Singapore Heritage Festival.
People can shop in many places like:Orchard Road, Marina Bay, Bugis, China Town, Little India, Kampong Glam, etc. Orchard Road is a very famous road in Singapore especially for Indonesian people :) Many Indonesian people stay in this region. They also have a business like a restaurant and stores. If in Bali there is a very famous beach like Kuta, I think Orchard Road is the Kuta of Singapore :) Maybe when people from Indonesia visited Singapore, thay have to visit Orchard Road. I don't know why :) My friend from Myanmar said that Indonesian and Philippines are join together to share a mall, that is called Lucky Plaza.. :)
So guys..if you have time and money you can enjoy this event :D
Welcome to this event!

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Maia Estianti

Who is Maia Estianti?

She also known as Maia Ahmad coz Ahmad is the last name of her damn husband, Dhani Ahmad, Ahmad Dhani or whatever...She is the mother of Al, El, and Dul.

Why I have to write something about her?
So many reasons about this:
1. she is one of celebrities in Indonesia
2. she can write and arrangement music and songs
3. she is phenomenon
4. her husband is Dhani, the number one sucks in Indonesia.

What's the purposes?
I just support her, event she is not my friend, and not my my family also.

Her blog: maia.blogdetik.com

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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Google Analytics Blog: Exciting Announcements at eMetrics Today

Google Analytics Blog: Exciting Announcements at eMetrics Today



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Saturday, May 10, 2008

Henin announces retirement ???


Why you do this?
You still so young to end up like this.
And you haven't got championship in Wimbledon, rite?
I'm waiting for that moment..
Don't give a lot of opportunities to Sharapova, event I also like her..
But it's to easy for her to win the competition without you.
The competition will be so boring..
You also haven't came to Bali in Wismilak Open or whatever the name.
I just like to watch you play good tennis..
I'm so sad with your decision :(


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Monday, May 5, 2008

Cause of Shania's Split

Canada has a wonderful couple: Shania Twain and Robert "Mutt" Lange. They have very romantic relationship..forever and ever. There are many romantic songs they have been created. "You're still the one" and "Forever and for always" are my favorites..
All of those songs are inspired by their romantic life. Perfect couple event Shania is too beautiful for him..but she loves him so much, and "From this moment" is the best wedding song that they have created.

The shocking news is that their relationship is breakup!!!!!
And the reason is very unacceptable..because her husband has alleged affair. OMG..I can not believe it!! They have been married for 14 years and has a 6 years old child.

Sources close to the situation say a third party was involved: Marie Ann Thiébaud, a longtime secretary and manager of the couple’s chateau in Switzerland. "Mutt and Marie Ann left their spouses for each other and are still in a relationship," says one source.
An insider says that Shania never imagine about this problem before, and this situation is very make her devastated :(
Is there a really good man in the world???

Enjoy and share everything about Shania in shaniaforums

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Monday, April 28, 2008

Going to Johor Bahru

On last weekend I went to Johor Bahru, Malaysia. That was my first time to Malaysia ad of course my first time to Johor Bahru. The journey was started from Kranji MRT station, Singapore, because I have been living here. Fromm Kranji, I have to take bus to the first check point. That was very near from Kranji MRT station, just for about 5 minutes by bus. In this check point, we have to show our passport to Singapore immigration. It was so crowded because it was holiday, so many people from Singapore went to Johor Bahru for shopping or traveling just like me. For many Singaporean or for many people that work in Singapore, shopping n Johor Bahru is like a paradise because of the the price is cheaper than in Singapore. It is also because of the rate of Singapore dollar is higher than Malaysian ringgit. After waiting and queuing for about 1 hour, finally I could finished the immigration process and continued to another check point. This second check point was in Malaysia, but the distance from the first check point is just 10 minutes by bus. The border between Singapore and Malaysia is just a river. So I just have to cross the river by bus from the first check point in Singapore into the second check point in Malaysia. In this place I have to finished the immigration process from the immigration of Malaysia. The condition between those 2 places are very different. I just across the border for 10 minutes and certainly get the different condition. Singapore is very clean and has very good public transportation. But when I just enter Johor bahru, everything changed rapidly. The immigration office in Malaysia was very hot because the air condition and the fan was not work properly. Besides that, it was a very long queue, so that situation make us very tired. It was so different than when we was in Singapore. So after waiting and queueing for about 1 and a half hour, finally, I could finished the immigration check and continued my journey in Johor Bahru.


Enjoy delicious food, delicious places, delicious activities with Delicious Life.

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Saturday, April 19, 2008

Plan Your Trips

I had to plan a road trip. I thought I had a few weeks of boring work ahead of me. Wrong! As I laid out our itinerary and began to look closer and deeper into the areas we would visit, I began to get excited.
We were going to take a car trip, to the Northwest, starting in early May. We had no set plans and no motel reservations. We hoped to stay off the interstate as much as possible, fish at some trout streams, and try to see a lot of the western U.S..

I started the planning at our local AAA office where I got a roadmap of the US. Using two 'scenic roads' books I have as guides, I took a highlighter and marked the scenic routes on the map.

Using the internet, books and articles, I traveled along the route I had highlighted. I 'checked out' small towns, 'toured' museums, and ‘stayed’ at elegant bed and breakfasts. As I continued my research, I discovered many special places. I began to wonder how many more unique places could I find? As time went on, I began to get worked up with excitement in the planning.

A relaxing trip meant we needed to get a good idea of how much our daily mileage should be. We didn't want to end up driving while tired. And we also didn't want to rush through areas. While it's pretty easy to calculate mileage on an interstate, it can be hard figuring mileage for secondary roads, the kind we hoped to take a lot of. For help with this, I used the Triptik® tool at the AAA website. I was able to get the needed mileage information and also information about roads and mountain passes that could still be closed in the late spring/early summer.

After weeks of planning, we packed the car and got on the road. Did we keep to the plan? Not 100%. We were tempted off our route by the signs for Promontory Point, Craters of the Moon National Park and the Birds of Prey Center to mention just a few. And let's not forget the trout streams we passed that just about hollered 'FISH ME!' And, of course, the time needed to walk that great beach we found.

Our trip took 4 days long than the originally planed, putting over 10,000 miles on the car. It was a great trip and now I'm working on one to take us to the Southwest.

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Friday, April 18, 2008

Auto Transports

uto transport is one of the leading demandable services all over the world. A person who have vehicle or wants to transfer the vehicle from the one place to another requires vehicle shipping services from the company. More number of companies is offering the services to the customers in most excellent way to meet their requirements in an exact manner without comprising in customer service. Today, almost every company started to be an auto shipper with innovative technologies and experienced employees. The important things need to be known by the customer while choosing a best auto transport for the vehicle. There are more factors are to be considered before moving a car across country or overseas which should be known by the customer.
The client is required to know that the pickup and drop terms serve the purpose and it is sensible for the customer to ship their motors to the place required. When you make the shipping order then the company should have to make proper arrangements regarding car moving, so that vehicles can delivered at the consignment date. Sometimes, the delivery of vehicles may get delayed due to traffic, unforeseen events. Today, almost every car shipping company offers the services for prices affordable by the customers.

Price is the important factor which should be considered and more importance should be provided. Today, world becomes more competitive and everybody offers the services for different prices to meet the customers of all sorts. The prices should be competitive at same time it should be more economical for the people. Well qualified vehicle transporters should be employed in the transit company, so that guaranteed services can be obtained.

The person should possess proper experience and knowledge in the field to offer the service in more excellent method as required by the customer. Flexible mode of payments enables the client to pay off the payments easily. Door-to-door delivery services are also offered by the moving company to facilitate the customer with

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Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Six Legs in Thai Food

Many people enjoy Thai food worldwide: spicy soups and salads, flavorful rice dishes are abundant. But in Thailand, fried or roasted insects and scorpions are also popular, readily available, and inexpensive.
Insects have traditionally been a rich source of protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals in the Northern Thailand diet. They are also prized as delicacies. In fact, it is unusual to find an insect which is not eaten in one form or another by local people. Among the most popular are:
• cicadas, locusts, mantises, crickets, and grasshoppers which are all deep fried and are rather crunchy;
• bamboo worms, which are also deep fried;
• giant water bugs, which are steamed; they are also ground into a paste with chili and eaten with sticky rice;
• weaver ants (red ants with a painful bite) and their eggs; sticky rice is dipped into a mixture of ants, eggs, and chili;
• dung beetles; which add a wholesome flavor to curries; however, many people will not eat them because they live in and on excrement.
In addition, Thai people will eat
• the pupae of silk moths and other moths and butterflies; you must first remove the pupae from their cocoons, then boil them until soft with a pinch of salt, finally sautée them lightly;
• the larvae of wasps and bees; these are deep-fried;
and arachnids:
• poisonous scorpions, which are grilled;
• giant tarantulas, which are also grilled.
I have not seen other spiders eaten, but I suspect if it moves, it is considered food somewhere.
Also, termites (large white ants) are grilled and their eggs are a delicacy used to make a flavorful soup.
Where I lived in Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 4, every night starting around 5:00 PM, there was a street vendor with half a dozen kinds of fried and grilled insects and scorpions; her customers were mainly the bar girls in the area. Every night she was quite busy as the girls consider these insects a tasty snack, and munch on them as frequently as Western people munch on potato chips.
The lady vendor does not speak any English, but will pose with her wares for a photograph if you give her a 20 baht (about 60 cents) tip. And if you're brave, you could always buy a bag of deep fried bamboo worms.

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Monday, April 14, 2008

Traveling with friends

My mother used to say visitors were like fresh fish, great for the first two days, OK for the next day but that they start getting a little hard to bear on day four, as for days five and onwards, the fish or the friends….a little hard to bear!
Now try spending two weeks, in one four-by-four doing the “Botswana” or other safari “thing”… as passengers in a friend’s car, my wife and I looked forward to a stunning experience with two of our best friends.
Planning was fun with us enjoying many a meeting gathered around maps on the table, lists detailing packing methods, food and equipment, list upon list developed and added to around eventful evenings sharing good food and fruits of the vine. What for I call a friend, we have known each other for many years, shared fun and laughter and know each others good and bad points, personality failings and deepest secrets, that kind of friend is who I refer to in this context. To put this differently, forgive me if I over elaborate, we were all four, ready willing and able to head for the savannah together with no hesitation.

Going back to my mother for a moment, we once did the caravan “thing” with another family in a large caravan with supporting tents and spent two weeks in the rain, needless to say that was my mothers first and last camping trip. Moving on to the present, the day arrived and off we went, the first and last days being dedicated totally to travel, via the exciting metropolis of Maun and into what can only be described as one of the most wonderful of all the last remaining natural wonders of Africa.

Dare I digress again but with names like Moremi; Third Bridge and Savuti rolling of one’s tongue, if one can put to one side the exorbitant prices and the few acceptable facilities one should normally expect, this is top of the pops, bite the bullet, pack well and head for Botswana, it’s worth it.

Our bookings along the way, and I mean a….long the way, we started out in the Eastern Cape which necessitated sleeping over a few times, accommodation organised with thanks to www.staysa.co.za… at last we finally arrived.

Our friends are fanatical bird watchers….now lets put this into perspective, one gets nature lovers who enjoy a broad range of the boundless beauty of nature, like most of us, then one gets the nature lover who also takes a little turn towards birds – we are in this category, my wife and I watch birds, we do this in most places, we log them and we enjoy spotting the different birds in each region. We love climbing into a hide or securing a quiet spot, perhaps with a glass of Chardonnay, to sit and watch. We do not however need to spend fifteen minutes at each bird, particularly if it is the tenth example of the exact same bird on that particular game drive! To cut quite a long story short, by day three, when I had stopped to see a Superb Starling for the umpteenth time we were quite ready to never see another bird ever, and I mean ever again! Have you ever experienced real claustrophobia, the fear of closed or confined spaces? Well let me tell you, that was the smallest four-by-four that ever travelled Botswana, every time I was in the mood to gaze over a waterway to watch a family of Hippo frolicking about with the young males play-fighting, perhaps even a bird or two, we were allocated about thirty seconds tops and then whisked away to another Superb Starling or similar.

Thank goodness our friendship is and was so sufficiently strong we could deal with this, an agreement in the evening limiting a five minute stop and only for a first sighting or at least a good sighting was soon agreed and the four of us ended up sharing that can only be described as the holiday of our lives, made possible through friendship and trust. So much for the happy ending, how can you ensure the same thing when on a combined holiday:

• Most importantly, select a destination and friend carefully; repeat carefully, to ensure all of you have the same expectations and desires for your holiday enjoyment.

• Obviously, the friends would not be classified as such if you did not share similar interests in food; people; the environment; fun activities and the like. Make sure they are really friends, do you know them well, make sure you have been on the odd weekend away before you commit to something like the trip mentioned above or perhaps a yacht cruise or similar confined quarter.

• Agree everything in advance, where are you staying; what are the costs; who is responsible for what.

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Sunday, April 13, 2008

Backpacking

It is useful to be able to compare room rates at a number of hostels in your preferred destination. Backpacking can be a wonderful experience. Book a room in a hostel today, so that you aren't roomless on your arrival.
People from all walks of life and every corner of the world stay in hostels. Backpacker Hostels are very affordable. Expand your horizons - Taking excursions away from your original plan is part of what makes backpacking fun.

Safeguard your important documents and money - Get one of those thin money belts that fit inside your clothes. That way you can carry your passport and money with you at all times. Tip of the day - Always carry your student or youth card because you may be able to get a discount. Many hostels offer a wide range of activities - from city tours to white water-rafting.

Travel in comfort - Bring a pillow with you for those long bus journeys. Almost all hostels offer lockers, either free of charge or for hire so that people staying in dormitories can lock up their valuables. During the daytime, there is usually a lockout time from early morning to late afternoon when the rooms are being cleaned.

Planning that seems so trivial at home can become complicated when you are in a strange place. Today, many hostels are not unlike budget hotels where the only significant difference is the price. Many hostels provide access for wheelchair users, and specially adapted rooms are becoming more common. Many hostels in the country are so quiet you can hear your heart beat.

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Saturday, April 12, 2008

Advantages of Travel Books

Travelling is regarded as one of the preferred options by most of the people to stimulate their tiring souls. Exploring unknown places can be very exciting as it helps the people undertake adventurous tasks to overcome the hurdles of daily life. However, it is also very absurd to start travelling without having any prior knowledge of the concerned place or locality.
A particular place incites our curiosity only when it is very popular or has some unique feature. This kind of activity is basically undertaken by a person when he or she wants to take a break from the daily hectic schedules. As such a person should careful plan to enjoy his whole trip. It would be very irritating if the travellers get lost in the midst of their journey. As such the travel books are carefully written to guide the readers to the right path.

The Travel Books perfectly depict the records, events, people and the history of the concerned place. These books form a different genre in literature. However the readers should not get confused with the travel literature and the travel guides.

But both of them are useful for the travellers as they offer huge chunks of information regarding the hotels, major sights, restaurants and travel tips etc. These books are specially written after extensive research and survey. The writers in most of the cases travel to these places and share their experiences in these books.

Reading the travel books will not only guide you in your journeys but can also help you to enhance your knowledge about a particular place. These books efficiently help the readers to wander in those wonderful and exciting places in their imagination.

These books superbly depict the histories of those exciting places and the habitation of the people who reside there. They can perfectly guide the readers to undertake adventurous decisions to have thrilling experience throughout their journeys.

Some of the top rated travel books are Ancient Rome, Apples of Kazakhstan, Basrayatha, Black Gold of the Sun, Down in New Orleans, God's Middle Finger, Humberger Eyes and Goodbye Madame Butterfly etc. These books would give you an insight about your preferred destination. The online shopping stores can also help the travellers to get their preferred books at affordable prices.

These stores have various genres of books to suit the taste of every category of people. Moreover, the customers can browse these sites to avail their preferred book along with various attractive offers and gifts.

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Flights, Travel, Holidays, Vacations

Almost anyone will probably agree that in a perfect world they'd be able to travel more. It is one of the most natural human desires to want to see different parts of the world and experience new things. And anyone who has traveled will probably agree that you don't really appreciate or think about your home too much until you have the perspective of seeing how people live in other parts of the world.
The problem of course, is that travel has always been expensive. Although airfares have gotten cheaper over the years, they are still expensive enough that most people don't fly regularly, and this is likely to remain the case. So unless you plan on suddenly getting rich, you're going to have to come up with some discount travel solutions if you want to fly more, and a great thing to look into if you're looking for a cheap flight are charter flights.
Charter flights are cheaper because they work on a different system than a started airline flight. A standard airline will have a set route between two cites: an airline will fly a certain amount a times a week between two cities, and this remains constant regardless of the amount of passengers. In other words normal airline routes function like bus routes, and sometimes there may only be a few people on the plane. It is this need to average out costs - to be able to afford all those times when the plane is a third full - that leads to high airfares.
A charter company can offer cheaper fares by working in a different fashion: they will charter an entire plane from an airline for a particular date and time, and thus receive a heavy discount on the cost. They can then pass some of this discount on to you by offering a lower per seat price for the flight. Most charter companies operate along very common routes during peak times - for example, sunny vacation spots during the winter.
Charter flights are much more reliable then other more radical ways of obtaining discount airfare, and fares will generally get cheaper as the departure date approaches. There is a certain amount of risk, however: a charter company can decide to cancel a flight if they haven't sold enough tickets. Unlike a regular airline, which constantly has planes going to multiple destinations, the charter company may not be able o immediately put you on another plane. So instead of waiting a few hours it's likely that if your charter flight is cancelled you'll either be receiving a refund, or waiting at least a day or two for another charter - which of course can ruin any vacation.
That being said, there are many large and reliable charter companies, and charter flights — while not offering discounts as big as can be found through other discount travel methods - remain a reliable alternative to regular airfare. And if you're flexible and willing to buy a ticket on short notice, you can find many excellent airfares from charter companies, making charter flights one of the more popular discount traveling methods

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Friday, April 11, 2008

Another Thailand's girls

Anyone who has ever visited Thailand will know about the beauty of Thai women. In their twenties, they are striking. In their thirties, they are looking more mature, but still most are very attractive.
The women working in the ubiquitous bars and massage parlors of Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket are mostly former housewives, believe it or not, married but separated, with two kids they left back in their village with their mothers. Most are from Isaan, the North-East corner of Thailand, which has a large amount of poverty. Some are from other parts of the country, especially Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and a very few are from Bangkok or central Thailand.
But about 1 in 100 is not a female at all, but a "ladyboy", or katoey in Thai. Quite often, they appear more feminine than the real women. I have seen many a farang ogle and lust after a very sexy woman, not realizing that "she" is a "he".
Like the women, most ladyboys are from Isaan. I have talked to a few on a one to one basis, and asked them when they first knew they wanted to be a female. All said they knew at an early age, around 5 or 6 years old. They said they liked the female manner, didn’t like rough sports, were partial to art and music.
Katoeys are an accepted part of Thai culture, considered to be a third sex in Thailand. Several are movie stars and TV announcers. One is a national kick-boxing champion. You will find ladyboys everywhere, working as waiters, store clerks, hairdressers, couriers, etc.
In North America and Europe, a sex-change (also called a gender re-assignment) operation is considered to be a big deal, requiring many months of psychological counseling before the operation to make sure the person is committed to the change.
In Thailand, a sex change operation is quite common. There are several clinics and hospitals which perform it, and the cost is a fraction of what the western charge would be, typically US00-7000. Nevertheless, for a poor person from Isaan, 00 is a huge amount of money.
There are three main areas in Bangkok where ladyboys are present in large numbers: Nana Entertainment Plaza (on Sukhumvit Soi 4), Patpong Road (off Silom), and Soi Cowboy (close to the intersection of Sukhumvit Road and Asoke Road, which has both BTS SkyTrain and MRT Subway stations).
At Nana, the majority of ladyboys are "pre-op", meaning they still have a penis. At Patpong and Soi Cowboy, most are "post-op", meaning they have had the operation to create a vagina. The operation involves cutting out a section of intestine, which will become the vagina. The penis is cut open and inserted into the intestinal tube; typically some of the scrotal sac is used to increase the length of the new vagina. The tip of the penis becomes the new clitoris, and is normally still sensitive after the procedure is finished and everything has healed. The ladyboys I talked to said they could still have an orgasm, but did not ejaculate.
Scar tissue is visible if the post-op ladyboy retains his/her public hair, but if it is shaved off, it is difficult to tell an artificially created vagina from the real thing.
However, this is typically not the end of the story in sex reassignment. The male body is typically larger than the female, even in Thailand, where many people seem to be 80% the size of western people. The ladyboy has to take hormones for a couple of years before the operation; these hormones help him grow breasts and reduce his facial and body hair growth. Thai men don't usually have much body hair, compared to Western men, but they do have some; hormones or another treatment are needed to reduce or eliminate it. However, hormones have a side effect of reducing the ability to ejaculate.

Males typically have a protruding Adam's apple, so that is yet another operation: it can be shaved by a surgeon to reduce or eliminate the protrusion. And many have electrolysis to eliminate body hair, especially in the armpits.
If you visit Nana Entertainment Plaza after 7PM (which is when it opens), you will find several hair-dressing establishments located on the decks that run around three sides of the structure. The ones at the front cater to the bar girls; the ones at the rear cater to ladyboys. You can watch some of the ladyboys preening and preparing their makeup.
Some of the bars are exclusively ladyboys. If you enter one such bar, you will find that most ladyboys are more than passable and some are strikingly beautiful. I don't think I have ever seen an ugly ladyboy.
As far as relationships go, ladyboys are just like Thai women. They want a long-term relationship, and they will try hard to make the relationship work. Many speak some English, but you really need a product like Speak Easy Thai to help you learn some basic Thai vocabulary. If you can communicate better, you have a much better chance of a lasting relationship.
A part of Bangkok's nightlife that should not be missed by any visitor, ladyboy cabaret shows are professionally done, with spectacular productions (lots of feathers and glitter, good music, and some comedy as well). You can see them at the Calypso Cabaret (Asia Hotel, Ratchathewi SkyTrain station), Golden Dome Cabaret (15 minute walk from Sutthisan subway station), and Mambo Cabaret in the former Washington Theater between Sukhumvit Soi 22 and 24.

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