Thousand steps Huashan - Part 1

UP, Dawn, and down again Carey Fink, U.S. Morning came too quickly, had to do very much, so to lose to waste time, it was not. I went outside and walked to the bus stop before my body is woke up to the end. Look at the Terracotta Warriors was interesting, although they are quickly bored. Statues are located in three separate pavilions. I slowly moved from the pavilion to pavilion, only sometimes Chinese people have asked me to take some pictures. Because we are in the most significant from an archaeological point of view of the place of China, and they want to be photographed with a white tourist Remains terracotta army in record time I finished my tour and went back to the bus stop. Here I was waiting for a monstrously slow vehicle, which was to take me to the station, where I sit on the next bus to Mount Huashan. I was lucky, I quickly found a bus to Huangshan, but had to wait another hour before all the seats were filled, and we moved. The trip took about six hours. Scenery is hard to be called spectacular, but for the most part they are quite beautiful. We arrived at the scene, and to my horror I saw that all the streets were flooded with throngs of local residents. All this was like how is the summer solstice in Fairbanks (a city in the U.S. state of Alaska, where every year a large-scale summer festival, ca. Perevi.). I got off the bus and headed towards the mountains. At the end of the street was a monastery. People around him were burning scented sticks and praying to various statues of Buddha.

There are a lot of donkeys, but you can meet friends - Part 1

ISLAND ROADS WITHOUT Eric Brownlee, Canada, I have begun to feel that in Nairobi, I spend too much time, despite the fact that permanently somewhere to leave. In the end, decided to go to the coast. I have heard many good things about the island of Lamu, which is located in northern Kenya, and as Maria and Soren (German couple from a nearby camp) were going to go there through Mombasa (the second largest city in Kenya, approx. Perevi.), I too decided to join them. We bought train tickets in first class, the cost of which includes dinner and breakfast. Had to get there as much as 15 hours, the train goes at night and arrives in Mombasa at 9:30 am. In each of the compartments are relatively comfortable beds, a sink and a fan that did not work, and no wonder, because this car was already 50 years old. The train was supposed to go from the station at seven o'clock in the evening. I was lying on the bottom shelf when I heard the announcement of the administration. It was 6:30. I thought that I was lucky, because now not have to contend with nocturnal hitchhiking strangers. My joy lasted exactly until the moment that appeared in the doorway, Ben, a guy foot tall, shiny with sweat on his stomach in an unbuttoned shirt and colorful with a bottle of beer in each hand. Talking, he caught his mouth air, so I could hardly understand what he was saying. And he told me that in traffic jams, and he had to flee from the city center, with the streets of Ngong Road, because otherwise it would be too late.

How to rest in January

Do not be discouraged when behind a window Blizzard, A BETTER SEND TO RESORT January - while a cold and bleak. The novelty and freshness of winter is not pleased, and very gay colors you want your life with bright colors and interesting events, fun places and new emotions. Hence, it is time to gather in the road. Why not enjoy all the colors and the pleasures of winter and not go to the winter resorts? What kind of winter resorts can be compared with the Swiss? So, we go to Switzerland. St. Moritz Super elegant, extravagant and truly winter Swiss resort, St. Moritz is known worldwide for its world-class ski runs, two held here at the time Winter Olympics, fantastic scenery and life-giving waters of the healing mountain sources. Of course, tourists (often senior) from around the world attracted vigorous social life with lots of receptions, receptions, parties, at which the dazzling diamonds glitter and endless river flowing champagne. Mountain landscape in the resort of St. Moritz outspread around St. Moritz depths of the forest, towering mountain peaks and glistening lakes adjust to the very romantic. And the resort itself consists of two separate villages - is located on the shores of Lake St. Moritz Bad, with its famous spas and healing mud baths and St. Moritz Dorf, rising on a hillside above the lake. St. Moritz - the charm of the evening, of course, the hottest season here we have it in January. In the middle of winter in St Moritz from all over the world come lovers go skiing and snowboarding.

Thousand steps Huashan - Part 3

UP, dawn, and back down (the ending part 3) To my surprise, I met another American (Scott, came here on vacation, he learns at the Medical University in Israel), who walked the same route, I do. However, we have several times lost their way, but eventually found their "special" route. The descent began with an endless series of steps, they went down as far as the eye could see. My legs began to tremble slightly, it is not clear - of joy or of fatigue, however, there was no choice - I had to descend along this path. After about an hour's walk on the treacherous steps of the Scott we sadly looked at the opposite side of the valley. In anticipation of the dawn We looked at the wooden planks on which we had to go down. After a few forays into other enclosed chains trail, we realized that the dangerous routes were abandoned, and that meant that we are doomed to continue to slide down the hated stairs. This discovery is very much spoiled our mood, so we had to cheer each other with tales of our travels. About another hour descent by steps we reached the foot of the mountain. Dawn We bought tickets for the bus, which was to take us back to the city, and gladly sat down on a soft cushion. When they reached the city, we found a place where we could eat, and be subject to supervision of local residents. Would be fun better than staring at a high white woman? Of course! You can always popyalitsya a high white woman and a high white man! We found the minibus stop, which goes to the city of Xian, and took their places.

Campaign for the tarsiers - Part 1

Indonesian adventure two Europeans Viadzherong Pina At the bus station we found a bus that went to the city of Bitung. There were empty seats, and before he started off, we had to wait about an hour. I quickly fell asleep immediately after departure. I remember how we got stuck in a traffic jam due to a political demonstration in one of the towns through which we passed. It took a very long time before we were able to gain a tempo of movement. All bus passengers visibly nervous. After 2 hours we arrived at the bus station Bitunga. Upon learning that we need a national park Tangkoko, obsessive taxi drivers immediately pounced on us, trying to persuade to go with them, however, agreeing only on some unspeakable amount. Comptroller of the bus we arrived in Bitung, helped us get tickets to mikrolet (like taxi in Indonesia, prim.perev.) For 5000 rupees each. We found a platform from which the trucks and vans were sent to Batuputi, the town where we planned to spend the night. Also in this city is the entrance to the national park. We approached one of the pickups, but they refused to take us as empty seats had gone. We approached another pickup - also to no avail. After a while we got tired walking from machine to machine, but then someone told us that the owner of the hotel "Mom grew up" here, and showed her pickup truck. We approached them - and their car had no seats, but they asked us to wait for the next machine, which soon was to come. Hotel "Mother Russia" By this time, my mood has been completely spoiled, and my friend Thomas was trying to me somehow cheer.

Voyage Manchester gentleman Ukrainian cities - part 11

AGAIN (former) Soviet Union (the ending, ch.11) Every road ever ends The next day we planned to spend on the beach, but it began to rain, so came into force "plan B" in which the first item was listed inspection exposure history museum. Here is a spectacular diorama of the Battle for the Dnepr, which was composed of artistic paintings and models. Then we boarded the tram to the city center, where to hide from the rain, went into a spectacular new shopping center. We had an important task - to buy a special inflatable cushion for travel, because we were soon to go to the grand tour. Fortunately, the coveted travel articles for a long time did not have to look for. In 18-00 we had to board the bus, and then we waited for a tedious 12-hour journey to Chisinau, including such "a favorite of" my "front" way. Fun little! "In a spin" is a huge shopping center we liked, the situation is quite European, but on the top floor there is even an ice pad for skating. At first I wanted to ride, but then quickly changed his mind when he saw how well the children were riding, which was quite a lot on the ice. It became clear that in their background, I'll look untalented jerk as permanent downs I can not be avoided. At 5 pm we boarded the bus, arrived at the bus station, which went into the bar and took a glass of beer Stella Artois. Here, finally, we got on the bus and prepared to make these things ordeal. Generally speaking, I am deeply convinced that the journey into night buses time to bring in the Olympics.

Campaign for the tarsiers - part 2

Indonesian adventure two Europeans (continued, p.2) The next night, three hours in succession heavy rain to five in the morning he expired. We began to prepare for our big hike, but after half an hour of rain began again! We got raincoats and defied the elements. In the march we went to three, I, Thomas and our Czech friend of Skoda. By the time we got to the forest, the rain intensified and walked for hours without stopping, but we still decided to continue the campaign. This must be the best way to explore the rainforests! In some parts of the forest was slippery and dark, so we had to be very careful. There were many large trees, mainly figs. Skoda soaked through and through and wanted to return. He joined another group, and we are with Thomas and our guide Jack went into the forest and soon saw monkeys! These monkeys are like little chimps. We noticed them when they are on the ground crossed our path. Later, we met with them again. For this bunch of monkeys watched a woman scientist from France. We acceded to last long, and she told us about the different types of behavior and character traits of different individuals within the clan. We saw a monkey mother with a cub. Macaques are very funny: they climb trees, wander around and play with each other. They did not pay us any attention. Soon we had to leave them alone, and we headed to the beach. Macaques, Jack cut a few leaves of palm trees and made for us a temporary tent. There, on the beach, we had a kind of picnic. Wave there were very large, so that no one dared to swim.

American Go through the Alps - Part 1

ALPINE BEAUTY: THE NATURE AND PEOPLE Hinshberger Paul, Agronomist I write these lines, being in a small cottage, which is perched on a wooded hillside near Genoa, Italy. Chirping birds, gurgling brook near something on his universal language of peace and harmony. Serenity fully upon me, I feel like a Buddha in his bosom. Must have a same feeling experienced Jack Kerouac (Jack Kerouac - American writer, one of the brightest representatives of the Beat Generation: prim.perev.) When he wrote "Big Sur", or Bilbo Baggins (Bilbo Baggins - Hobbit character works J . R. R. Tolkien: prim.perev.) when he started writing about his epic journey. I feel almost as well. But I do not know. A lift! Last week I was in the Rhone Valley and headed to Italy. Originally I planned to get into the city of Chamonix and the cable car to cross the Alps in the Italian region of Valle d'Aosta. I decided to go hitchhiking, and within 45 minutes I picked up a guy named Danny. He quickly threw me to the city of Grenoble, where I decided to take the train, and on it to overcome the rest of the way that nowhere else do not be late. (Anyone who is going to visit France: Grenoble and its surroundings are much nicer than the rest of France. Here the mountains !!!). Finally, I got to Chamonix. It was 6 o'clock, and then I learned that the lift will not operate until the summer! Understandably, I was very angry. In fact the only reason that I came here, was just this lift. I even thought about how to write a caustic letter to Rick Steve, author of "Europe through the backdoor", which does not mention that in the cable car there is a break of several months.

American Go through the Alps - Part 2

ALPINE BEAUTY: THE NATURE AND PEOPLE (continued, part 2) My hosts, John and Simon, warmly welcomed me and showed a beautiful bridge and an aqueduct which was built in the 3 rd century AD. Can you imagine? In the 3 rd century! And he will stand still long. The Romans certainly knew how to build bridges. I was treated Gelato (Gelato - cold dessert, ice cream: approx. Perevi.) And their favorite pizza in honor of the fact that I arrived in Italy. Then my hosts invited me to a music festival of Balkan music, which, if you've never heard of Balkan music (and I am sure that you have not heard), is similar to a mixture of salsa, ska music (ska - the musical style that emerged in Jamaica in the mid- the last century: approx. Perevi.), and Russian folk music. Very fun! Roman Aqueduct in Aosta Aosta I left on Sunday to get to the last day wine festival, held in the city of Alba. For those who do not drink, I will explain: Alba - a hub of winemaking region of Piedmont. It is located very close to the famous wine regions of Barolo and Barbaresco. So my day was full of fun, as well as my glass was full Barbera, Barolo and Barbaresco, and abdomen different varieties of cheese. (I wonder could a healthy 25-year-old man suffered a heart attack from eating too much cheese?) Everything was divine. (Vse-vse! ceasing to tease you!) Wine Festival and a lot of cheese late afternoon, I started looking for a quiet place to pitch a tent, because I've heard that Italian police are not particularly zhaluyut those who put up a tent in unauthorized places.

Voyage Manchester gentleman Ukrainian cities - Part 6

AGAIN (former) Soviet Union (continued, Part 6) unfriendly Kharkov Ira was waiting for us near the pedestal, we met and immediately went to the nearest restaurant. It seemed to me that she was not at all happy gift, and I did not even notice the shadow of a smile on her face when photographed her with the Marina. I wanted to say: "I have traveled thousands of miles to get to your creepy cursed town, we stopped the outskirts of hell, in a room with no hot water, and you could at least make it look that happy to see us." Slightly more than my head, is not it? Half an hour later il-"ulybashka" apologized and walked away. When we parted, her face slipped past a shadow of a smile. Well, thanks for that. We immediately went to the marina to the station to prepare for tomorrow's departure to Kiev. I asked Marina to buy tickets for the very first train to quickly get out of this hell. For tomorrow the number of seats were already sold out, so we headed to the bus station where you've purchased tickets for the morning bus departing at 7 am. Again began to rain, so we went down to the subway, rode to the center and went into an internet cafe. Again the rain on my phone started playing the melody - it was a message from Victoria, she returned from work and wanted to meet us. We sent each other four or maybe five posts, and she finally found us. Victoria would like us to show us something in this gray city, but we decided that with us enough. Again we walked in the rain in the flooded streets, I was tired and miserable, I was anxious to go back to our room, read a book and then go to sleep, wake up, get on a bus and go very quickly.

Country pleasant vampires, or where "take flesh" - Part 2

Cigarettes, DRACULA, WINE AND FISH (continued, part 2) Next, we went to the city of Brasov, which is located among the snow-covered Carpathian Mountains, in the heart of Romania's Transylvania. Since we came here partly because of the legend of Count Dracula and Vlad Tepes (the ruler of Wallachia of the XV century, prim.perev.), It was very difficult to keep a straight face when a very dear woman designed the administrator of our hotel. Look her green eyes pierced through and through, and in her mouth were pointed incisors. She said, like a vampire from the movie, with a typical Transylvanian accent. "I hoschschu ... show you the kitchen - she said. - Hoschschu ... show you your room. " And in fact, Brasov was rather beautiful than scary. The town has a big beautiful square, perfect for observing the passers (and eating ice cream), and the myriad of flowers and brightly painted houses. All very nice, despite the vulgar words "BRASOV" Hollywood-style, which towers over the town, shops and an abundance of western companies on the main street (of course, we're not the first inhabitants of Portland, who came to this city, we realized this after the saw the nearby shops, "Columbia" and "Nike"). In the following days we even managed to get out of town. We spent half a day in Sighisoara, a small village, where Vlad the Impaler spent his childhood years, then we are back in town to visit his church, an ancient cemetery, which has about a thousand years, and the numerous towers that protrude from the walls.

Voyage Manchester gentleman Ukrainian cities - part 9

AGAIN (former) Soviet Union (continued, Part 9) We visited the church of St. Nicholas and a walk along the shore. I took off her shoes and socks, rolled up his pants and went into the water. Damn, well holodina! The one who searches always finds! We left the island and started up the hill on which was very close to the Park of Taras Shevchenko, which turned out to be permanent while away leisure time many local residents. Occupation they were simple enough - almost all playing dominoes, some - in chess. Going a little further we came to the Historical Museum, located on the main street - named after Karl Marx. Front of the museum, directly under the open sky have been installed tanks, armored cars, and various anti-aircraft artillery from World War II. We examined the military equipment, and then walked on Karl Marx Street toward downtown. I must say that during our long walk we are pretty hungry. I'm hoping to find a good restaurant, which serves succulent steaks. Since we were at the very end of the street, the search proved unsuccessful. Nearby was a snack of an international network «TGI Fridays», I studied the menu through the window display, however, enthusiasm for this document have not caused. I talked with one pass lad and asked him if he could recommend a good place to eat inexpensively. He remembered a German restaurant, which is located on Komsomolskaya Street not far from Karl Marx. It turned out that we need to go in the direction from which we have just arrived.

"Grand Slam" Denali Park - Part 4

The wild beauty of ALASKA (continued, part 4) Normally during "Tundra Tour" makes a stop for lunch at the far end of the Toklat River bridge. This place is the middle route. Employees of the park has been put there tent that serves as the center and to the tourists. We were warned that food out of the bus pass can not, because if you accidentally drop it, we can come here bears. We have done little to stop, but at lunch went to Mount Stony Dome, then to return to the tourist center in the Toklat River. From the summit of Stony Dome in good weather you can see Mount Denali. In the morning the weather was getting better, but the clouds have not dissipated, and the Denali has remained out of sight. At Stony Dome, there were several buses that brought tourists from different routes. All eyes were on the south-west, like cameras catch ghostly outlines of the mountains. Down the road, going to the northwest, all backs ran for another wolf. He went 50 meters, then turned and disappeared into the bushes. Normally secretive and shy animals, wolves Denali Park have developed some immunity to the buses and tourists. There was a slope of the last signal to land. Once again, I turned around to make sure that Mount Denali and has not appeared on the horizon. The bus departed for the return journey, but first we stopped at a tourist center near the Toklat River. They are there exhibits of local fauna and souvenirs. The Centre has not yet fully ready. I learned that the visitors of this center could receive a special stamp my passport, which provides additional opportunities when visiting national parks.

Voyage Manchester gentleman Ukrainian cities - part 2

AGAIN (former) Soviet Union (continued, p.2) In the morning we decided to walk on the Potemkin stairs. Typically, a city famous for its towers, monuments or buildings, but one of the symbols of Odessa is a set of 192 granite steps located unequal marches. We counted the number of stages in the marches, we've got the numbers 12, 19 and 20, and then we fed to these calculations. Happiness - is a warm gun «Happiness Is a Warm Gun in Your Hand», happiness - is a warm gun in your hand, sounds like that original name still one of my favorite songs of the Beatles. And the sarcastic anti-war slogan has a great look as the title of this section. Now continue the story of the city of Odessa. Welcome to the glass house! Most people know that such a Potemkin Stairs, thanks to the classic Sergei Eisenstein film "Battleship Potemkin". In June 1905 Russian sailors rebelled and took the ship under control. At this point, for the past two weeks in Odessa were massive strikes. The leader of the uprising had been shot and his body thrown to the bottom of the stairs. Thousands of people came to express my respect and support to rebellious sailors. After some time on the part of the city came up units of troops loyal to the king. Soldiers opened fire on a peaceful crowd and people began to flee, many jumped into the sea, killing about two thousand people. Do you want to know a secret? «Do You Want To Know A Secret», as an avid Beatles fans, I continue to entitle paragraphs song titles, this time I chose a track where the lead singer - George Harrison.

Voyage Manchester gentleman Ukrainian cities - part 3

AGAIN (former) Soviet Union (continued, part 3) can be difficult to understand the music lover As we stood at the edge of the pier, I was pointed in the direction of the lighthouse on the other side of the port and asked Marina: "You do not know that a man who serves the lighthouse, he lives with his wife and children? "On the face of Marina has been displayed universal boredom of all time, but she found the strength to answer in the affirmative. "Stop! So in fact they are all taken together form a family that lives in a lighthouse! Ze Lighthouse Family! "- I yelled. "Well, yes," - said my companion, "why are you so excited?» (The lighthouse family - a family that lives and maintains the lighthouse, prim.perev.) Then I had to read the short help of music history that a group of "Ze Lighthouse Family" is very well known to all music lovers since the late 80's. For greater clarity, I even sang a few lines from the song "Lifted": "Oh, we could emerge from the shadows to the light ...." Instead of applause I've seen in the auditorium just surprised looks stunned audience. Curtain. Then I remembered my last trip to Odessa. Then, three years ago, I played about the same "concert room", but the audience was two, in addition to the marina, as the reader will recall, was with us, Jeff. We then walked on a boat around the bay, it was the only time my joke has caused genuine laughter my friend. All other attempts to laugh it ended with the fact that Jeff shook his head in amazement and stretched face somewhere in the direction of space, probably in the direction of the star Alpha Centauri.

In Honduras and without tourists is not bad - part 1

Blonde, ride to and Waterfalls Ben Bahia, Germany, the only thing in Honduras, you will not see - it's tourists. After visiting the islands Islas da la Bahia, (they are in the Caribbean Sea, off the northern coast of Honduras), where tourists have more than enough, we expect to see many newcomers across the country, but to our surprise, this did not happen. For a whole week of our stay we met a few foreign tourists (three German students and American family near Lake Yoho). At other times, it seemed as if all world governments issued any a warning about Honduras, but we missed them. All the hotels where we stayed, were completely empty. We did not see a single guest. All local buses, which we had to use it, never had a gringo or some other alien. During the inspection of local attractions are just us and nobody but us. Great! We remembered other countries that we were able to visit during this trip, and Honduras seemed to us something unreal. Only in El Salvador, there we go back after the Honduran approximately the same situation. Because there were no other travelers, we have had several amazing encounters with the locals. In addition, the country is totally ruined a lot of foreign guests. I was also surprised that with us almost never have more money than with the locals, except for a strange entry fee. Traveling is much easier when you do not need to be alert and overly tense when paying for goods or services. Pulhanpansak Waterfall Our first stop at this stage travel was Yoho Lake, located in the western part of the country.

Through Russia to Baikal - part 1

Trans-Siberian trip for two to Chris and Anna, UK Customs officials were not always the most cheerful people, but a woman who met us in Russia, could easily get the prize of the Snow Queen. We stood in a queue along with other foreigners, looking at how all those who stood before us, examined the lady who was very similar to the Anne Robinson of "weak link" (British television host intelligent show, approx. Perevi.). She, in silence, looking through each falling into her hands a passport, constantly sighing, desperately trying to find at least some inconsistency with the visas. After careful study of passports, which seemed to have taken an eternity, she grumbled, acknowledged his defeat and glumly pointed us to pass on, through a metal detector. Fortunately, such dire people like this woman, we met infrequently. In fact, most of them Russian, with whom we have met have been pretty nice people, even the drunk was interesting to practice their English and a little chat with us. Moscow. St. Basil's Cathedral. Our adventure began in Russia in Moscow, where we spent just two days before they began their journey on the Trans-rail in the direction of Beijing. The ancient architecture of the Kremlin, Moscow - a city unusual. Two days later, of course, is not enough to get an idea of ??the city, however, by the end of our stay, we both felt a certain indifference to this place. We certainly did not hate Moscow, but also about the love we did not go. In this city with all the clarity we have noticed the gap that separates rich and poor.

Bike Tour of Montreal: an adventure without a car

My friend and I travel together ... on the green continent - Part 4

IN SEARCH OF THE SUN THROUGH ALL AUSTRALIA (continued, part 4) Thus, the last bus, which we used in Australia, delivered us to the city of Melbourne. It was a very heavy 13-hour crossing. On the other hand, due to the fact that we have repeatedly went on the road at night, managed to save a lot of money because we did not have to rent a hotel room. Our stay in Melbourne was very different from our trips to other cities because here we had a lot of friends, so we almost did not feel like tourists in this city. It's amazing how you start to appreciate the simple things, such as feather beds and sofas, where you quite a long time has been deprived of this luxury. . Most of the time in Melbourne we spent in the company of our own guide. Our friend Anna, we met during a trip to Malaysia. Anna, by the way, learns to Jade at the university. The first few days we spent just walking around town and enjoying a very familiar atmosphere of the city's cafes. From Melbourne we still have very pleasant memories. It is not as big as Sydney, which gives it its charm. We went to the match on Australian football. We respected the rules, and we thought it was a very tough game. Anne's team lost just one point. What a pity! The same day, we climbed (no, not climbed - by elevator) to the observation deck a skyscraper "Eureka", the tallest residential building in the world. Kind of out great, the whole Melbourne - in your hand! Melbourne, at a glance I also liked how we went by car Anna at Phillip Island to see penguins on parade and on the road Great Ocean Road.

My friend and I travel together ... on the green continent - part 2

IN SEARCH OF THE SUN THROUGH ALL AUSTRALIA (continued, p.2) The next day we spent on the road. We went by bus along the east coast, but it was only the first of many other long journeys, which we had to do. We arrived at the scene 12 hours later and immediately went to the hotel. The town of Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. In general, the more and talk about it there is nothing - a long street with restaurants, bars, hotels, travel agencies and, of course, a marina. But we still liked the city! The next three days, we, along with 20 other tourists went on a yacht called the "Alexander Stewart". It was a luxurious yacht, and although initially we wanted to get on another boat, and our application messed up, everything was on the highest level! We had his own cabin, while on other ships we have always placed in a dormitory. Luxuriously! Airlie Beach Weather during our voyage changed very often. Often was rain, the wind was blowing, and very rarely we have been able to see the sun! Most flights to the islands has been canceled due to strong winds and an approaching cyclone, but we were lucky - our boat was the penultimate vessel that dared to leave the port. At least we went out to sea. The storm caught us just at the middle of the road. (Later we learned that the cyclone hit Airlie Beach and everything in town closed at this time). Most of all I liked to dive in the Bay of Blue Pearl. I've never seen anything like it. And on the beach, Whitehaven Beach, the sand was so white that they could clean their jewelry, and the result would have been much better than after brushing the jewelry shop in our home!