#1 Spain, June 18,2013

The boys ‘slept off’ their flight for about 15 hours the first night. We did actually go to the Prado Art Museum on the first afternoon---they said they were up for it, but they, of course, kind of faded, but did enjoy the El Grecos and the Goyas. We had preceded that with a full dinner at a lovely place—four courses, which I see they can put away handily!

The hostel experience is working out fine. The first night when I was alone it wasn’t too crowded, but the second night when the boys arrived—so did a whole bunch of Polish kids who filled up every bed. Still, in spite of the multitudes, all went surprisingly smoothly with the bathrooms and breakfast.

We set out for the Plaza del Sol, where we saw the Bear, the symbol of Madrid. From there we walked on to the Plaza Major, that beautiful square that is the center of Madrid life. However, they had put a temporary exhibi... more »

Not cut out to be a 'good' travel companion....

The truth is there all along but until now, I refused to recognise that I am just not cut out to be a 'good' travel companion.

I value my own independence too much. Prefer to do my own thing, enjoy my own company thus finding it too confining to travel with someone for long. I think I can manage one week, perhaps more but only if it is possible for us to go our separate ways for awhile.

Does this mean that I have the making of a solo traveller? Perhaps time will tell. Any ideas about how to say to a travel companion that it is not meant to be, that it is best for me to go off on my own?

Would love to hear your thoughts. :)

Lee

#4 Italy, June 12, 2013

I trained from Barletta to Bari, then had a bit of trouble finding the onward connection to Alberobello. It turned out it was a regional train that had its own little station at track 11 in the main station. The train was standing there as I bought my ticket and the doors closed just as I approached it. I pressed the green button, the doors opened again and I got on; they closed and we pulled out! On the Barletta-Bari train, the conductor punched tickets, looking like an executive. On the Bari-Alberobello, a young man got on with his bicycle, tipped up the seat next to me and racked his bike. It turned out those four seats, when tipped up, became a bicycle rack.

As we approached Alberobello, isolated trulli began to appear. When I arrived at the station, I found my hotel quite easily, then went downtown to see the trulli and eat linner. It was really cloudy, but luckily, ... more »

Train cost

Hello
I was wondering if somebody could link me to a page that has Train Ticket Prices for India...Would like to be able to go from the north down the western side and end up down in Kerala Thanks in advance Rolef

Edited by: rolef

Dolpo Nepal 25 day trek

Looking for fit travel companions to join a party of two males plus guides etc to do a 25 day trek in the Dolpo region of Nepal.
One guide book has described this area as "Remote wild and considered by many to be one of the most magical and mysterious of places in the Himalaya....This region lies among high peaks, on top of the roof of the world" "Dolpo is one of the last genuine examples of traditional Tibetan culture"
We are planning to travel there in October with a possible start date of 4 or 6th of October. This walk involves walking at high altitude with a max of 5500m, terrain is described as moderate with some inclines up to 45%. No special skills required other than being a confident walker with good fitness. This is a camping trip with tents supplied by the trekking company. I can email an itinerary and further details if required.
If you are interested in joining us I ... more »

I've Done It Again!

A funny thing happened on the way back from the market yesterday ... I tripped over a huge metal slab on the sidewalk right outside the grog shop. My head smashed the ground, big time, my big toe got wrenched under the metal sheet, I landed on the side of my right hand and then scraped the left knee and bruised the left hand. My groceries, purse and sun glasses went flying (glasses now no longer fit properly). I couldn't move for a few seconds then felt like a right pratt when what seemed like half Nadi town came running up to help. Two men managed to haul me to my feet, and when I asked one of the if my head was okay he sort of paled and just asked I could walk. So I probed my temple and felt a goose egg size goose egg; luckily no skin was broken. Ended up not being able to move my right hand, got a tension bandage and spent the rest of the day feeling somewhat wobbly and blo... more »

Travel Insurance

Hi

I am 76 and have Diabetes 2 (non insulin).

I have found an insurance company who will insure me but only for a maximum of 94 days. Can anyone recommend an insurance company that offers insurance for approximately 180 days (not going to USA).

Many thanks