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Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
24 April 2016
Title
| More Ketchup than Salsa - Confessions of a Tenerife Barman |
Author
| Joe Cawley |
Publisher
| Joe Cawley |
Publication Date
|
December 2013
|
Pages
| 374 |
Genre
| travel, memoirs |
Description (from Amazon)
When Joe and his girlfriend Joy decide to trade in their life on a cold Lancashire fish market to run a bar in the Tenerife sunshine, they anticipate a paradise of sea, sand and siestas. Little did they expect their foreign fantasy to turn out to be about as exotic as a wet Monday morning.
Amidst a host of eccentric locals, homesickness and the occasional cockroach infestation, pint-pulling novices Joe and Joy struggle with the expat culture and learn that, although the skies might be bluer, the grass is definitely not always greener.
An hilarious travelogue exposing the wild and wacky characters of an expat community in a familiar holiday destination, More Ketchup than Salsa is full of humor and is a must-read travel memoir for anybody who has ever dreamed about moving abroad, finding a job overseas or even momentarily flirted with the idea of 'doing a Shirley Valentine' in these trying economic times.
My thoughtsI absolutely loved this book. Found it by searching for books on Tenerife. We love Tenerife and had some lovely holidays there. Even before I read this book, I always had a sneaking suspicious if you want to live and work there, it is not always holiday every day.
Joe Cawley is a very skilled writer, and it was so easy to read without every being boring. He comes up with so many witty similes and funny descriptions and anecdotes, it felt often like talking to a good friend and laughing and crying with that friend about their hilarious stories.
I read it in 2 sittings and it never got boring. There is a second part to the book, and I will get it now.
21 February 2016
Title
| Tapas and Tinto |
Author
| Pete Wolstencroft |
Publisher
| Pete Wolstencroft |
Publication Date
|
August 2012
|
Pages
| 141 |
Genre
| travel, non-fiction |
Book Description (from Amazon)
This is the story of how I fell in love with Spain. The main elements are the food and drink, the wildlife and the wonderful people. But the protagonist is Spain itself. I first lived in the country in 1984 when it was a very different country to the one we know today.
My thoughts
I read this book on my E-reader on the plane - not flying to or from Spain though. I love travelling and reading about people's adventure, so this very short book fitted the bill.
The book is an easy read, and the author writes with a lot of wit and humour; I found myself laughing out aloud quite a few time. The book is based on his personal experience of Spain mainly in the 1980's. I did admire his guts, leaving everything behind in the UK ans setting out for Spain, naive at first and learning the lessons of travelling, the expat community and of Spain as he went along. I think there was quite a lot of alcoholic beverages involved ;)
This is not a 'how to' guid of travelling or working or living in Spain, but made a very entertaining quick read.
The book is an easy read, and the author writes with a lot of wit and humour; I found myself laughing out aloud quite a few time. The book is based on his personal experience of Spain mainly in the 1980's. I did admire his guts, leaving everything behind in the UK ans setting out for Spain, naive at first and learning the lessons of travelling, the expat community and of Spain as he went along. I think there was quite a lot of alcoholic beverages involved ;)
This is not a 'how to' guid of travelling or working or living in Spain, but made a very entertaining quick read.
17 May 2015
Title
| Pakistan - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture |
Author
| Safia Haleem |
Publisher
| Kuperard |
Publication Date
|
May 2013
|
Pages
| 168 |
Genre
| Travel Guide |
Description
Pakistan is a land with a unique history, formed by migrating peoples who have left their footprint in its diverse cultures, languages, literature, food, dress, and folklore. The country is besieged by bad news, but despite the political turmoil the everyday life of its people is more stable, rich, and rewarding than the media headlines would lead you to believe. A myriad local festivals and celebrations and a vibrant cultural life go unremarked. Pakistan has the eighth-largest standing army in the world and is the only Muslim-majority nation to possess nuclear weapons, but few know that it is also the home of two unique schools of art.
This complex nation consists of various ethnic groups, each with its own individual cultures and subcultures, but which are unified by the common values of hospitality, honor, and respect for elders. Pakistani society has extremes of wealth and poverty, and daily life for most people is full of difficulties, yet everyone knows how to cope with crises. Creative and adaptable, Pakistanis are among the most self-reliant people in the world, bouncing back after major catastrophes.
Culture Smart! Pakistan takes you behind the headlines and introduces you to many of the country’s little-known traditions. It describes the vitally important cultural and historical background, shows you how modern Pakistanis live today, and offers crucial advice on what to expect and how to behave in different circumstances. This is an extraordinary country of enterprising, tough, and passionate people. Earn their trust and you will be rewarded many times over.
This complex nation consists of various ethnic groups, each with its own individual cultures and subcultures, but which are unified by the common values of hospitality, honor, and respect for elders. Pakistani society has extremes of wealth and poverty, and daily life for most people is full of difficulties, yet everyone knows how to cope with crises. Creative and adaptable, Pakistanis are among the most self-reliant people in the world, bouncing back after major catastrophes.
Culture Smart! Pakistan takes you behind the headlines and introduces you to many of the country’s little-known traditions. It describes the vitally important cultural and historical background, shows you how modern Pakistanis live today, and offers crucial advice on what to expect and how to behave in different circumstances. This is an extraordinary country of enterprising, tough, and passionate people. Earn their trust and you will be rewarded many times over.
My review
If you are intending to travel to Pakistan, and have never been there and/or have no further connection to Pakistan, I would say this book is almost an essential reading, and this applies to the tourist, the business person and someone visiting family there. But not only for the traveller, but also if you are interested in different cultures this makes a very interesting read.
Understandably maybe, Pakistan has a very bad press and is not associated with a country to go on holiday to, which is a shame really as it has so much to offer. The book is keeping neutral whilst getting the right balance in introducing us to this amazing country, really waiting to be discovered. But, at the same time, it is important to know about cultural differences (not necessarily to do with religion) and also simple security measures.
Living in a European country, Pakistan couldn't be further different from my current surroundings. I have a Pakistani husband who left his home country many years ago and even he found many interesting facts he didn't know. I have been to Pakistan before I read the book and often thought 'Yes, exactly' but also still found facts where I'd wish I'd known it on my previous journeys.
Short enough, this is the ideal book to download on your E-reader and browse before you travel and re-read on the plane.
One of the issues with travel guides like this is that the situation in the country can change quickly, so one of my concerns was also to find the most current travel book on Pakistan, and this one from 2013 is the newest one I could find.
The book covers following: land and people; values and attitudes; customs and traditions; making friends; private and family life; time out; travel, health and safety; business briefing; communicating.
I am very much looking forward to my next trip to Pakistan.
About the author (from Amazon)
SAFIA HALEEM was born and grew up in Peshawar, northwestern Pakistan, and graduated from Peshawar University with an M.A. in English Literature. She worked as a teacher trainer in all the main cities of Pakistan before winning a British Council scholarship to study in Scotland. After gaining a post-graduate degree in Linguistics from the University of Edinburgh, she returned to Pakistan and co-authored the book "Visuals for Language Teachers." In 1987 she moved to London and joined the BBC. Her work as a journalist has taken her to India, Iran, China, Afghanistan, and all over Pakistan. In 2004, she was project director for the BBC World Service Trust in Afghanistan. She is currently developing educational material for the Afghan Medical Association, whose work benefits people on both sides of the Afghan-Pakistan border. Safia is an established writer in Pashto, her first language, and has published several novels and short stories in the language.
5 May 2014
Title
|
Lanzarote
|
Author
| Sven Weniger |
Publisher
| Marco Polo Travel Publishing Ltd, Basingstoke |
Publication Date
|
2012
|
Pages
| 132 |
Genre
| Travel Guide |
---
From Amazon:
Travel with Insider Tips to Lanzarote, the easternmost of the splendid Canary Islands that blend Spanish flair with African climate – this is one of Europe’s warmest destinations.
This guide will make getting around easy as you travel and explore using the best maps and insider tips for Lanzarote and discover all about its amazing history and help you spot the hundreds of different plants that make this island so unique.
Including lots of inside local knowledge for all the top attractions, museums and restaurants such as Hacha Grande, Cave of los Verdes, Playa Blanca and Timanfaya National Park.
- Top Highlights at a glance include Castillo De San José, La Geria, El Golfo and Salinas De Janubio
- 15 Marco Polo Insider Tips with detailed background information including where to get the truest island fashion, where to party by the sea and where you may sample a mirage like scene!
- Over 300 web links lead you directly to the Insider Tip websites
- Offline maps of Lanzarote with street index
- Google Map links aid speedy route planning
- Public transport maps with links to timetables
- 'The Perfect Day' and 'The Perfect Route' is the best way to get to know a destination intimately for those with limited time. Includes practical tips on how to beat queues, get the best view and much more from hitting the beach to climbing Mirador del Rio.
- The chapter 'Links, Blogs, Apps & More' provides easy access to even more information, videos and networks
Have fun from the moment you arrive in Lanzarote and make the most of those precious days off. Enjoy a hassle free trip, full of new experiences and adventures ranging from total relaxation to extreme activities. Having fun is what it’s all about - whether it is diving, taking a camel trip or visiting the museum of contemporary art.
Experience the sights and discover exceptional Lanzarote hotels, restaurants, trendy places, festivals, concerts, sports and activities.
Create your own personal Lanzarote itinerary by bookmarking the text and adding your own notes and browse the eBook in seconds with the handy full-text search facility!
This guide will make getting around easy as you travel and explore using the best maps and insider tips for Lanzarote and discover all about its amazing history and help you spot the hundreds of different plants that make this island so unique.
Including lots of inside local knowledge for all the top attractions, museums and restaurants such as Hacha Grande, Cave of los Verdes, Playa Blanca and Timanfaya National Park.
- Top Highlights at a glance include Castillo De San José, La Geria, El Golfo and Salinas De Janubio
- 15 Marco Polo Insider Tips with detailed background information including where to get the truest island fashion, where to party by the sea and where you may sample a mirage like scene!
- Over 300 web links lead you directly to the Insider Tip websites
- Offline maps of Lanzarote with street index
- Google Map links aid speedy route planning
- Public transport maps with links to timetables
- 'The Perfect Day' and 'The Perfect Route' is the best way to get to know a destination intimately for those with limited time. Includes practical tips on how to beat queues, get the best view and much more from hitting the beach to climbing Mirador del Rio.
- The chapter 'Links, Blogs, Apps & More' provides easy access to even more information, videos and networks
Have fun from the moment you arrive in Lanzarote and make the most of those precious days off. Enjoy a hassle free trip, full of new experiences and adventures ranging from total relaxation to extreme activities. Having fun is what it’s all about - whether it is diving, taking a camel trip or visiting the museum of contemporary art.
Experience the sights and discover exceptional Lanzarote hotels, restaurants, trendy places, festivals, concerts, sports and activities.
Create your own personal Lanzarote itinerary by bookmarking the text and adding your own notes and browse the eBook in seconds with the handy full-text search facility!
My review:
Whenever I go on vacation, I always try to read up on my holiday destination beforehand - history, geography, culture etc. I know that a lot of this information is available online these days, so I've made a little ritual of reading a travel guide in the plane on the way there. Writing this review as I've returned from my holiday, I can tell you that the book is sitting here on my desk and still has the sand from the beach in the pages - so it definitely did get used out there!
The book I bought is the paperback - not the Kindle version.
What made me decide to buy the book was the fact that it had a map neatly tucked in the back page. The map is very good quality, and the plastic pouch strong so it won't break off after getting the map out a few times. Another positive is the size - smaller than A5 and not too big to carry around in your hand bag.
As the book covers all of the island, there is naturally limited information and each individual resort, but there are a few recommendations in regards to where to stay, where to eat, what to see. Some of the information about our resort was out of date (the latest night clubs), but this is inevitable and what is in / out can change within a matter of weeks.
All in all, a good buy which will get you into the right mood for your vacation. If you are planning to rent a car or hike, the map is excellent and good value for money.
21 April 2014
Title
|
Footpaths for Fitness Kent
|
Author
| Michael Easterbrook |
Publisher
| Countryside Books |
Publication Date
|
2008
|
Pages
| 96 |
Genre
| Non-Fiction, Travel, Maps |
Book Description:
Twenty circular walks to help the young and not so young improve their fitness. The routes range from 1 - 10 miles and are graded by length and degree of energy needed.
Blurb:We all want to remain fit and healthy and enjoy a log life. Exercise plays a vital part - but it doesn't have to become a trial or chore.
Walking is one of the best forms of regular exercise. It is also one of the most enjoyable. A brisk walk in the open air raises energy levels, burns off calories, and it makes you feel good. Not only that - it's free.
Here is a carefully selected combination of country walks in the beautiful Kent countryside. The 20 graded circular routes have been designed as a simple programme for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The routes are between 1 1/4 and 6 1/2 miles in length and include:
- How to get to the start
- Estimate of calories used
- details of distance and terrain
- recommended refreshment stop
- numbered route directions
- points of interest along the way
---
There is not much more I can add to the above, as it pretty much describes exactly what is contained within the book. I would really like to get more into walking, and decided to take it a bit further than just walking around my town, so best to start with my local county.
All the maps in the book are very clear for beginners and the walks and descriptions of it are designed for a walker who wants to take their sport a bit further afield. - perfect for me. I guess if you are an accomplished walker those walks might be too simple for you? Still, it is always good to find new walks. What I do like about the guide is that it gives you options for parking near the beginning of the walk, and the walks are circular.
The Author lives near Maidstone and is a member of the Ramble's Association.
2 March 2014
Title
| The Beach |
Author
| Alex Garland |
Publisher
| Penguin |
Publication Date
|
1996
|
Pages
| 448 |
Genre
| travelling, backpacking |
Unusually so, I've seen the movie for The Beach before I read the book. So when reading I kept 'seeing' Leonardo DiCaprio which isn't necessarily a bad thing :)
Quote: (and I so agree with these words!!)
Escape through travel works. Almost from the moment I boarded my flight, life in England became meaningless. Seat-belt signs lit up, problems switched off. Broken armrests took precedence over broken hearts. By the time the plane was airborne I'd forgotten England even existed.”
Richard is a backpacker from England and arrives in Bangkok Thailand. He is disillusioned from mass tourism and the filthy side of this is more than evident in Thailand. He checks into a small hotel and during the night, Duffy, the Scottish guy in the room next to his, starts talking to him.Duffy is clearly stoned and tells Richard about a secret community in an secluded island off the waters of Koh Samui, completely undiscovered by the world and he gives Richard a hand-drawn map. The next morning Richard discovers that Duffy has committed suicide. Initially shocked, he starts talking to a young French couple in the same hotel, Francoise and Etienne. He shows them the map and tells them about the secret community and they decide to look for it and go over there. Richard also gives the map to two American students he meets in Koh Samui.
Richard, Francoise and Etienne reach the secret beach, and by sheer luck escape local marihuana farmers on the island. They find the community where all kind of different young people from all corners of the world live. They learn that Duffy was one of the original founders of the community, together with Sal and her boyfriend Bugs who are still there. Everyone who is there got invited by either of those 3, apart from Jed, an English guy who heard about the beach on the mainland. They initially love the beautiful beach and being away from the tourist buzz. But they soon discover that not all is beautiful and great. Sal and Bugs run the community with an iron rod. Cleaning, obtaining food via fishing and farming, cooking, gardening, carpentry all needs to be done, are quite often hard and everyone gets tasks allocated which are nonnegotiable. They don't want any new joiners to their community because this defeats the object of a secret community, but Richard, Francoise and Etienne get accepted as the last newcomers. Richard, of course, doesn't tell that he has given the map already to the two Americans in Koh Samoi.
Things get more serious soon...Even when most of the camp gets seriously ill with food poisoning, and after an incident with a shark where a community member dies, the secret of the community is to be kept and no-one is allowed to go and ask for help. Once there, you can't leave this wonderful secret community. And the American students who Richard had given the map, in the meantime, are intrigued as well and are looking for a way to get in.
I absolutely loved this book and it is on my 're-read list'. I like the idea of that secret community and all the different nationalities who live there away from all the worries of our world (no financial crisis there!) but of course there are other issues on that island. Still, have you ever read a book and feel that you would like to be in it?? Despite that not all was well in paradise. I love all the characters and the way they are beautifully drawn out: Richard, Jed, Keaty, an English guy always with his game boy, The Swedes, Unhygenix (!!) the Cook, Sal who probably is not a bad person but will do everything to keep her secret community….
The film adaptation is well known and yes, I do love it as well. I found it strange that, in some ways, the film keeps to the book exactly (almost down to the dialogue, for example at the beginning when Richard comes into the hotel and sees the cleaner wiping water from the floor and almost getting electrocuted from the poor wiring, or the way the meet the Marihuana farmers etc.). Some parts differ completely. Without giving too much away and wanting to spoil the reading of the book -- the movie has been majourly 'sexed up'! The book is more dark and graphic in the descriptions of the not so nice things which happened on The Beach.
23 January 2014
The next holiday can't come quick enough!
I usually try to travel to a different destination every time, simply because there are so many place to see. But I just love Mallorca. From the UK, it's only 2 hours on the plane, and the Island has something for everyone.
But this isn't a travel review, so….
Title
|
Mallorca
|
Author
| Marco Polo UK |
Publisher
| MAIRDUMONT GmbH & Co. KG |
Publication Date
|
09.04.2012
|
Pages
| 156 |
Genre
| travel guide |
I bought this little handy guidebook prior to my first trip to Mallorca and found it very useful. It's small enough to fit in your handbag and has everything I would want to have from a holiday guide.
It starts off with an introduction to Mallorca's history and cultural heritage - well worth reading. And I'm not talking about a dry essay on Spanish history, but a few pages which I found very informative. As with all Marco Polo guides, there is a brief section to introduce food /drink (i.e. local specialities) and shopping guide (again, local souvenirs you can look out for). The main section contains guides to all main areas of Mallorca and the main resorts, but as the whole island is covered, every resort, town, area etc can realistically only get a smallish mentioning. So I think it will still be necessary to research the actual resort / town you are going to (maybe online), as this guide can only give basics on each resort, for example 1 or 2 restaurants and attractions may be mentioned, but of course there will be more and detailed insider information of course can't be given an every resort.
In the back section, there are trips and tours, advice on sports and activities, travelling with kids, festivals and events, links etc, travel tips (money, weather, public transport), useful phrases.
The guide has an excellent full pull-out map tucked neatly in the back contained in a plastic wallet, which will be essential if you intend to rent a car.
My recommendation is to read this handy little in the plane on your trip there. I found it excellent value for what you get.
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