from tent to Turkey - the Eclipse experience

2006-10-22T00:32:00.000+10:00

2006-10-22T00:19:00.000+10:00

Many hurt in Turkey blasts

2006-08-28T10:49:00.000+10:00

Ankara | August 28, 2006 - 10:08AM

Four separate blasts on Turkey's popular coastal region and in the country's commercial capital Istanbul injured at least 22 people, state news agency Anatolian reported today.

Anatolian said three blasts occurred near the southern coastal area of Marmaris early today and another in Istanbul late yesterday.

The British Foreign office said 10 British tourists were among the wounded. There were no immediate claims of responsibility and the authorities were not immediately available for comment.

Marmaris is a coastal resort popular with west European and Russian tourists as well as Turks.

Kurdish separatists, leftists and Islamic militants have carried out bomb attacks in Turkey in the past. The tourist industry is a powerful motor of the Turkish economy.

Reuters"

travelling around...

2006-07-06T03:38:00.000+10:00

travelling around..., originally uploaded by WebGrrL.

the place i did visit during my 12 weeks trave

kuala lumpur (malaysia)
Brighton, Burgess Hill, (UK)
Isle of Wight (UK)
Istanbul (Turkey)
Antalya (turkey)
Olympos (Turkey)
Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)
Lille, (France)
Maastritch (Nederlands)
Belgium
Berlin (germany)

soulclipse 2006 entry

2006-07-04T03:10:00.000+10:00

soulclipse 2006 entry, originally uploaded by WebGrrL.

I took 1300 photos of the festival alone! hehe :P to date, theres just over 600 pix online of mine. so many others took pix too.. u can see mine at http://www.ozdoof.com/soulclipse2006/ -

i like getting comments for my photos :) :) *hint*

enjoy!!

Lost in Transit / One size does not fit all

2006-05-16T08:19:00.000+10:00

So what's going on here? How many times have you watched fellow passengers cart aboard luggage that's way in excess of the stated carry-on limits? On Pacific island routes, for example, the amount of stuff allowed into the aircraft cabin is simply amazing, particularly the presence of those voluminous plastic bags known colloquially as 'Pacific Louis Vuitton'."

read more :
The Sydney Morning Herald Blogs: Lost in Transit / One size does not fit all

London Stansted (STN) - Review - Early/late flights if you don't drive

2006-05-16T00:47:00.000+10:00

London Stansted (STN) - Review - Early/late flights if you don't drive:

Early/late flights if you don't drive

A review by kam76 on London Stansted (STN)
January 6th, 2005

Author's product rating:

Advantages:	Good for early/late arrivals, cheap, easy to navigate
Disadvantages:	Can be extremely crowded, can be expensive to get to

Full review

Stansted airport is usually the cheapest London airport to fly from, as it is the airport that most of the budget airlines fly from. I use it regularly. I used to avoid the early and late arrivals, assuming that getting to and from the airport would be too difficult, however I've found that it's quite achievable. It's definitely worth trying out a few 1p 6.30am flights!

I can offer the following tips for using Stansted efficiently:

Getting to and from the airport:
Virtually all my flights leave before 8am and arrive after 11pm, as these are the cheapest. This can make transport difficult, as I don't have a car. There are 3 options for early/late arrivals and departures.

Terravision
I personally use Terravision Coaches and heartily recommend them. They leave from London Victoria and go direct to the airport without stopping. It takes 1hour 15 minutes off-peak . I couldn't say how long it takes in peak hours, or any time after 7am or before 10pm, as I have never used them then, but I assume it takes a fair while longer. The route goes through central London along the Embankment and out through Canary Wharf to Stratford (which is, incidentally, quite a scenic route for tourists), so I imagine the traffic can be pretty horrendous. They cost £8.50 each way and run once or twice an hour, and you can either book in advance on-line or pay in person at the stop. I recommend buying online, because you get priority seating. You should let the person selling tickets on the bus know you have pre-booked, because otherwise they will not ask if anyone has tickets and when it's busy you run the risk of the bus filling up before you get on. Their website is www.terravision.it. They also provide coach services at some Italian airports served by the budget airlines flying out of Stansted (Rome, Milan, Florence, & Pisa).

National Express
National Express run from London Victoria and make several stops throughout London via Golders Green. They also operate a service from Stratford. National Express are slightly more expensive than Terravision (between £8 and £10 depending on where you get on), and slower, because they stop more often. They also run more often. Again, you can book online or pay on the bus. The only reason I personally no longer use them is because the Terravision Coach is more convenient for me. Tickets and timetables can be found on their website at http://www.nationalexpress.com/destinations/airports/stansted/index.cfm

Stansted Express
Stansted Express now run a coach throughout the night and on days when the train doesn't run. It runs every half hour from Liverpool Street, although it does not stop at Tottenham Hale the way the train does. I believe the fare is the same as for the train, which is £24 return, although if you are using the coach both ways you can get a special ticket for £15 onboard the bus, which is not valid on the train. Tickets and timetables can be found on their website at http://www.stanstedexpress.co.uk/, although they do not have an e-ticket service the way the other two companies do, nor will they send you paper tickets. The only way you can prebook tickets is to collect the tickets on the day from the special machines at Liverpool Street or the airport. NB for some strange reason you cannot pick up tickets from Tottenham Hale. I think if you use a booking engine like the Trainline.com you can have tickets posted to you if you book far enough in advance.

Due to the horrendous nature of London traffic, if the trains are running I take the trains, even though it is more expensive (catching the tube to Tottenham Hale and transferring to the Stansted Express works out the fastest for me). The Stansted Express departs from Liverpool Street every 15 mintues during the day and every half hour during the evenings. Journey time from Liverpool Street is 45 minutes, or 34 minutes from Tottenham Hale. Fares are £14.50 single /£24 return.

There are also trains to destinations other than London - I assume you can get details from journey planner websites like www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Leaving the airport by coach or train is simple - the train station is directly underneath the airport itself, and the coach station is directly outside. So it is only 5 minutes from picking up your luggage to your chosen form of transport.

Beware - particularly just after the trains stop running in the evening - there can be long queues for the coaches. If you have a ticket let the person managing the queue know you have one, as you will probably be allowed to jump the queue and get straight on the coach. Many people don't realise the trains don't run all night and wind up wandering around looking for the right bus.

At the airport : Departures
Early morning arrivals at the airport can be surprisingly hectic. I always try and check in 2 hours before departure, so as to leave plenty of time for transport disasters, plus having a low number on your boarding card means you get to board first and a chance at those covetted emergency exit seats with the extra leg room. However, be fully prepared to queue to check in, and then queue even longer to get through security. Even when they have every scanner operating (and there are a lot), it can take over an hour to get through security. It can then take up to 15-20 minutes to get to your gate, depending upon how far away it is. On several occasions I have arrived at the airport 2 hours before departure, to find myself running to the gate to make the boarding time. It's something you need to be prepared for because if you're not it can be quite stressful. Don't assume that because you have a 7am flight that the airport will be quiet! Stansted is most definitely not an airport where you can simply arrive 40 minutes before your flight.

On the plus side, there is a 24 hour cafe before security, so if you do arrive before you can check in, or if you're facing a long queue, you can send a member of your party off for caffeine and munchies to sustain you. It's hidden on the far left hand corner of the airport as you enter, near the domestic flight arrivals gate. The other shops before security are at the far right hand side as you enter, near the arrivals for international flights.

After security there are several cafes that are usually open by the time you get through the security checks and the usual shops. The layout of the airport is quite simple - for some gates you need to use a monorail to get to.

I have never had a flight delayed out of Stansted. In fact, because it's all low cost airlines, my theory is it runs more efficiently beccause everyone's profit margins depend upon quick turn around times. Contrast Heathrow - the last time I flew out of Heathrow the plane was delayed for an hour and a half because all 4 de-icers were empty, because no one had filled them the night before.

Arrivals
If, like me, you are unfortunate enough not to have an EU passport, be prepared to queue for a long time at immigration control. I now keep a stack of arrivals cards with my passport (as the budget airlines often don't have any) which I fill out on the plane to save a few minutes. One benefit of Stansted is that most of the flights are arriving from Europe, so you are unlikely to arrive between long-haul flights where there is a greater chance of refugees and people without papers etc.

Luggage - I usually only have carry on luggage, however on my last flight I had checked in luggage. No one's luggage from any flight arriving at that time (there were at least 6 flights) was being processed. It took over an hour before the luggage started hitting the carousels. I don't know if this is a regular thing or not. I wasn't at all impressed with the service - they continually apologised for the delay but did not once explain why there was a delay, nor how long it was likely to last, which is incredibly infuriating, particularly at 12.30am!

Stansted can get a bad rap - but you have to keep in mind that 5 star service comes with 5 star prices. I'm more than happy with the level of service given the cost of flights.

Travelling on the Coach from Burgess Hill , UK

2006-04-27T00:13:00.000+10:00

Check the FUNFARES that you can get with National Express! With fares to London from Brighton as low as ONE POUND!

From Burgess Hill using National Express Coaches :

National Express services stop at Hickstead on the A23 near Burgess Hill or you may prefer to travel by rail to Gatwick or Brighton and pick up your coach there. Further information is available by telephoning the National Express customer contact centre on 08705 808080."

HotelCarmo - Madeira, Portugal

2006-04-25T23:32:00.000+10:00

HotelCarmo***

this is the Hotel that my mum and me are going to for a short holiday from May 8 to May 12th. I will be spending my 41st birthday there... Hope we all have fun and perfect everything..
or at least better than my 40th birthday !

We off to Madeira.. an island off Portugal..

Check the photos others had taken at Madeira, and it seems very pretty and green and full of nature and hills and stuff..
Hope i get some good pics too!!

Burgess HiLL ~ home during teen years...

2006-03-14T01:39:00.000+11:00

Burgess HiLL ~ home during teen years..., originally uploaded by WebGrrL.

i will be back there.. 18 March 2006 :)

Burgess Hill - where i grew up - visiting memories

2006-03-13T23:01:00.000+11:00

Get to know Burgess Hill

Whatever you want to find around Burgess Hill; shops, businesses, hotels, pubs, restaurants, clubs, cinemas, theatres, etc. our directory, classified system and events guide will help you to find out what's on in Burgess Hill and where to find things in and around Burgess Hill.

This is the place i grew up from teen's onwards .. well for a few years anyways. I went to the local highschool there - Oakmeeds - and left Burgess Hill my friends, and all not long after my 15th birthday. Its been over 25 years since ive been back HoMe. How funny it was to find out from mum, that my old room is now the Computer room -- hehe!!

more info on Burgess Hill : Burgess Hill Information Online - guide and directory for Burgess Hill,West Sussex,UK with tourist information

Travel Safety : Carrying your Money

2006-03-13T21:41:00.000+11:00

Why does it have to happen to me!” you curse while madly scrummaging through what’s left of your belongings. Even the most experienced of travellers can be caught out.

How many times have you heard backpacker tales about a stolen daypack, slashed bumbag or picked pocket. True, the experience adds to the ‘must tell’ checklist, but in reality it is one of those experiences we could all do without.

Theft is a common problem when travelling and unfortunately the unwary backpacker gawking at the flying buttresses within St Paul’s Cathedral is easy prey to a greedy thief looking for a bit of extra cash. Though you must remain cautious, paranoia will serve no purpose. Wherever you are travelling, always consider the comfort factor; for the more comfortable you are in your surroundings the less unwelcome attention you will attract.

more info : YHA Backpacker Essentials

Travelling : Money & Foreign Exchanges : TiPs

2006-03-13T21:28:00.000+11:00

One of the most agonised over part of any trip is how much money to take and how to take it: Louise Southerden outlines some do’s and don’ts.

Whether you’re off around the world or just around the corner, whether you’re cruising on the QM2 or backpacking on a budget, there’s one item every traveller needs to pack: spending money. The problem is, sometimes doubts and worries – about how much money to take, how to take it and what to do if it’s lost or stolen – go along for the ride.

So it pays to know the secret to successful travel: spread the load. That is, take your travel money in different forms: cash (for daily expenses), travellers cheques or pre-paid travel cards (for the bulk of your funds) and cards (for unexpected or larger expenditures).

And remember the travellers’ adage: spending money – don’t leave home without it!

more at: YHA Backpacker Essentials:

Antalya Airport - Arrival Hall

2006-03-12T03:15:00.000+11:00

Antalya Airport - Arrival Hall, originally uploaded by Krobatshov.

for those who want to have a peek - what to expect when they land in Antalya

antalya

2006-03-12T03:14:00.000+11:00

102_jpg, originally uploaded by sixxi.

Handy foreign cash straight from ATM

2006-03-12T01:33:00.000+11:00

Handy foreign cash straight from ATM

Collin Hiss likes to save time when he travels by making all his bookings online and using his credit card for ATM withdrawals and purchases.

'I go overseas every eight weeks to the US, China or Europe. Most of the time I use my Visa card to get cash from ATMs,' he says. 'As soon as I am at the airport I get some local currency. While there are some small charges in doing it this way, it is very convenient.'

Hiss, 52, chief executive of Eagle Compact, which manufactures and sells electric golf walking carts to carry your clubs while you stroll the fairways, has no time for travellers' cheques.

'The problem with travellers' cheques is that you have to make a special trip to get the cheques. With my card, I don't have to go to the bank, just straight to the airport. I like cutting out the middle person if I can to save time. That's why I do all my bookings online so I don't have to deal with too many people.'

Hiss relies on his credit cards for all his travel expenses, which give him the added benefit of frequent flyer points. He uses cash for taxis and tips.

When at Heathrow Airport, he buys his euros at the Travelex bureau in the shared British Airways/Qantas Club. 'Whatever you have left over, the Travelex office takes back at no charge and gives you the equivalent in your local currency,' he says.

more info/sourced : How to save on costs for cash on the move - Money - smh.com.au

How to save on costs for cash on the move - Money - Debit Card VS Credit Card

2006-03-12T01:00:00.000+11:00

DEBIT CARD Vs Credit Cards

When Wright travels, he uses a debit card from his credit union. 'The credit union uses the same conversion rate as credit cards and Visa negotiates some great rates for foreign currency buying.

'Another plus with the debit card is you are using your own money. Withdrawals come straight from your account, so there is no interest charged. Of course, you could prepay your Wizard card or another credit card too to get the same benefits.

'Otherwise, if you make a withdrawal with a credit card on the first day of your holiday and you don't get back for another 30 days, you will pay 30 days' worth of interest.

more info/sourced : smh.com.au

How to save on costs for cash on the move - PrePaid Cash Cards

2006-03-12T00:55:00.000+11:00

PREPAID CASH CARDS

Prepaid cash cards, such as Travelex's Cash Passport and EMerchants' CashCow card are gaining in popularity. The key advantage: you can set a spending limit before you leave.

Travelex charges 1 per cent to load the card and $3.75 for ATM withdrawals, while EMerchants' CashCow card is 25 cents to load and $2 for ATMs.

Travelex Australasia director of business services Nigel Adams says you can put money in Australian dollars, British pounds, euros and American dollars on to your Cash Passport. You can also buy the card in advance when the exchange rate is favourable. His company sells six cards to every one travellers' cheque.

'You can buy a card which is euro-based, then simply find a Visa ATM to dispense your cash,' he says. 'You can also take multiple cards. If you are going to Asia first you could take an Australian-dollar-based card and another in pounds for Britain.'

You can reload the card via your bank, the internet or BPay, using the card number as your reference number. The minimum load is $250, the maximum $25,000. There is no signature panel on the card so if you lose it no one can access your cash unless they have your PIN.

'When we did our research, foremost in people's minds is that the product is convenient to use and secure,' Adams says. 'What people tend to do is use a credit card backed up by a Cash Passport or they put their holiday money onto the Cash Passport.

What are the downsides to prepaid cards?

You have to find the required ATM to withdraw cash. If you are travelling to destinations such as Cambodia, where ATMs are scarce, you may be better off using a combination of travellers' cheques, credit cards and US dollars cash.

Cash is king in many places in the Caribbean, Africa, South America and at Asian markets, Wright says.

How else can you trim costs?

You can make savings by restricting the number of ATM transactions as this form of withdrawal is usually the most expensive.

more info/sourced : smh.com.au

Alanya / Antalya - Turkiye

2006-03-11T21:45:00.000+11:00

Alanya, originally uploaded by Krobatshov.

Great price air tix for Australia > Europe - Good for Soulclipsers!!

2006-03-10T22:52:00.000+11:00

Great Price from Syd & Melb to Europe!

If you are still considering goin to the Soulclipse festival, starting @ 27th March 2006 in Turkey (Antalya) - and still havent got your flights -- here's a deal that is greatly priced, - provided you return back to Australia by 31st May 2006 (festival ends 2nd April - so plenty of time for extra sightseeing too)

@ $1149 price + (plus tax, charges - id approx that at about $400 AUD id say.. but check to be sure) - you will be able to pickup a reasonably cheap flight from either vienna or london or frankfurt with the many budget airlines in europe (eg : ryanair, air berlin, bmi, easyjet, etc ) -- and get the flight deal $2000 AUD all up..

So as i said, if you are still CONSIDERING going to experience the total eclipse festival ---- This is a deal to Jump on :)

go to Best Flights to get the full details :

Economy Class Specials

Austrian Airlines Sensational New Deals to 5 Fabulous cities from The East Coast... Mar-May 06!
Price: From $1149 Return plus taxes

Description:
HOT OFF THE PRESS!! We're happy to bring you these brand new fares from Austrian Airlines to 5 UK/European cities.

With departures from the East Coast through to May, these prices are RED HOT!!

You will fly with Austrian Airlines from Australia to Vienna and then onto any of the following cities...

London-Frankfurt-Paris-Prague-Vienna.

Stopovers are allowed in Vienna in each direction.

Maximum stay away is 6 months and all travel must be completed by the 31st of May."

riiingmobile - mobile phone while travelling

2006-03-08T13:24:00.000+11:00

riiingmobile, originally uploaded by WebGrrL.

for Australians wanting to deal locally visit site : http://www.riiing.com.au

for other countries : http://www.united-mobile.com

Mediterranean Sea From Antalya

2006-03-08T02:18:00.000+11:00

Mediterranean Sea From Antalya, originally uploaded by yaas.

how gorgeous is this?

Tauros Mountains ; Antalya

2006-03-08T02:13:00.000+11:00

Tauros Mountains, originally uploaded by brett harkey.

Reflection : Sunrise, Antalya, Turkey

2006-03-08T02:12:00.000+11:00

Reflection, originally uploaded by celialee.

Turkish Tea

2006-03-08T02:07:00.000+11:00

Turkish Tea, originally uploaded by Madeeha.