Travel

[nairi]

Definitely about museums and canals, and want to visit a jazz cafe. Actually visiting an Armenian church wouldn't be a bad idea, although not religious I do like the architecture of old churches or cathedral. I'll never forget Alhambra.

 

Okay, don't expect an Alhambra!

 

I have been to Bruges, but long ago. Don't remember it well. I'm also not very familiar with Germany. Brussels is alright, but gets kind of boring very quickly, especially if all you visit is the Grand Place.

 

Jazz is not exactly very popular in Holland, unless you come here during the North Sea Jazz Festival (which is in The Hague). But you won't find (m)any authentic jazz players of Dutch descent. As a New Yorker, you'll probably find much more in NY than in Holland. But if you go to Amsterdam in the summer (and if you're a bit lucky with the weather), you'll find lots of terraces and small cafés, especially along the canals.

 

Haarlem?? Same as most other small cities in Holland. I've actually only been there once, to a concert in Patronaat (which they have turned into a commercial nightclub in the last two years).

[Yervant1]

Did you dine there?

Ani Jan this was almost thirty years ago, yes I did have dinner but I can't remember what I ate or how it tasted. All I remember the restaurant was across the Queens palace, with glass roof and decorated with beautiful plants hanging from top to bottom.

[yerevanforeigner6]

I think Italy would be nice but Australia is also a nice idea!

Have a nice journey

[gamavor]

Be careful with drugs in Amsterdam, though, if you are planning to visit a coffeeshop. First of all, they'll rip you off. Secondly, they'll sell you crap. Thirdly, you might accidentally smoke too much (just because they roll joints with tobacco does not mean that the effect is weak -- a mistake many American tourists make).

 

We visited a bar that had a warning "NO HARD DRUGS" and it was perfectly legal. I just had cup of coffee and ended up with severe headache. In Amsterdam be aware of taxi drivers. They are no different from anywhere else (not all of them), but once they sense that you are foreigner they may try to rip you off.

[nairi]

I'm surprised no one mentioned Armenia..

 

Gams: grass = soft drugs.

 

Arpa: Holland is bigger than Armenia. By an inch, but still.

 

Eve: you didn't mention San Lazzaro in your review of Venice.

[Stormig]

Eve, actually, a week in Croatia would be superb. I had planned one (though it was 10 days - but it can easily be worked into a week), only couldn't make it happen. Here's the skeleton for your research:

 

Arrive in Sarajevo

1. Sarajevo - Mostar

2. Mostar - Medjugorje - Dubrovnik

3. Dubrovnik - Korcula - Vela Luka - Split

4. Split - Trogir - Zadar

5. Zadar - Rijeka

6. Rijeka - Zagreb

 

I had put in the Bosnia bit because Zagreb it seemed better than having to go back to Zagreb after going down the coast, or having to go down to Dubrovnik in one drive and then back up day by day.

[Anileve]

I'm surprised no one mentioned Armenia..

 

Gams: grass = soft drugs.

 

Arpa: Holland is bigger than Armenia. By an inch, but still.

 

Eve: you didn't mention San Lazzaro in your review of Venice.

One day when I was finishing my breakfast at our hotel in Murano, a waiter came up to me and asked me where I was from I told him that I am Armenian. He became so excited, he started throwing his arms in the air and exclaiming how he likes Armenian food and the people. He said that I must go to that island and have some food there and that the people were so friendly. We did so much during our trip that we just couldn't squeeze in another venture. In fact we went to visit some friends in Padova, which happened in the evening so we didn't get to see much of the city which is supposed to be very charming.

[Anileve]

Eve, actually, a week in Croatia would be superb. I had planned one (though it was 10 days - but it can easily be worked into a week), only couldn't make it happen. Here's the skeleton for your research:

 

Arrive in Sarajevo

1. Sarajevo - Mostar

2. Mostar - Medjugorje - Dubrovnik

3. Dubrovnik - Korcula - Vela Luka - Split

4. Split - Trogir - Zadar

5. Zadar - Rijeka

6. Rijeka - Zagreb

 

I had put in the Bosnia bit because Zagreb it seemed better than having to go back to Zagreb after going down the coast, or having to go down to Dubrovnik in one drive and then back up day by day.

Wow, very thoural itinerary. A few things about Croatia I've read... It's beautiful but the streets and the beaches are a little on a dirty side, when I say dirty I mean garbage. The language barrier, people are not as forthcoming.

 

And how do you expect to visit all of the places mentioned without dropping dead at the end of your trip? I even heard that some parts of Slovenia are beautiful. In fact, one of our friends we visited in Venice was studying in Slovenia, so he suggested that we take the train to a certain stop and just cross over to Slovenia. We were tempted but we stuck to our plan.

 

How affordable is Croatia?

[Anileve]

Eve, actually, a week in Croatia would be superb. I had planned one (though it was 10 days - but it can easily be worked into a week), only couldn't make it happen. Here's the skeleton for your research:

 

Arrive in Sarajevo

1. Sarajevo - Mostar

2. Mostar - Medjugorje - Dubrovnik

3. Dubrovnik - Korcula - Vela Luka - Split

4. Split - Trogir - Zadar

5. Zadar - Rijeka

6. Rijeka - Zagreb

 

I had put in the Bosnia bit because Zagreb it seemed better than having to go back to Zagreb after going down the coast, or having to go down to Dubrovnik in one drive and then back up day by day.

Wow, very detailed itinerary. A few things about Croatia I've read... It's beautiful but the streets and the beaches are a little on a dirty side, when I say dirty I mean garbage. The language barrier, people are not as forthcoming.

 

And how do you expect to visit all of the places mentioned without dropping dead at the end of your trip? I even heard that some parts of Slovenia are beautiful. In fact, one of our friends we visited in Venice was studying in Slovenia, so he suggested that we take the train to a certain stop and just cross over to Slovenia. We were tempted but we stuck to our plan.

 

How affordable is Croatia?

 

[gamavor]

Dubrovnik and the surroundings are on the pricy side. Never been there but friend of mine just came back. Everything is overpriced for good reason. The pictures that he took were superb. Language is not a barrier because it is close to Russian, and these days everybody speaks English.

 

Belgrade is very beutiful too. Lots of places to visit and Armenians these days are most welcomed there:))

[Stormig]

Wow, very detailed itinerary. A few things about Croatia I've read... It's beautiful but the streets and the beaches are a little on a dirty side, when I say dirty I mean garbage. The language barrier, people are not as forthcoming.

 

And how do you expect to visit all of the places mentioned without dropping dead at the end of your trip? I even heard that some parts of Slovenia are beautiful. In fact, one of our friends we visited in Venice was studying in Slovenia, so he suggested that we take the train to a certain stop and just cross over to Slovenia. We were tempted but we stuck to our plan.

 

How affordable is Croatia?

Affordability, I must say I haven't a clue - I did some research on the itinerary and particulars to each place and that was that! But then I can rough it. And this was meant to be for ten days - you can always drive through a place or two, and/or cut off the Bosnia bit. And don't let the number of places intimidate you. The distances aren't that big a deal, though of course there's still the condition of the roads to take into account.

I'm sure Ljubljana is charming.

[Armenak]

Stormig, isn't there also a city in Croatia that is supposed to be sacred? It's a famous place for Catholics but I can't remember the name. That might be worth seeing as well.

[Aubépine]

Didn't they have a movie about that a few years ago? I can't recall the name right now.

 

I should be the first one to go to Bosnia and Croatia. Afterall my grandparents are from Bosnia, from a place very near to the Croatian border and not too far from Dubrovnik. Preferably with them before they get too old and immobile.

[Armenak]

Aubepiné, are they Bosniaks or Balkan Turks?

[Aubépine]

Aubepiné, are they Bosniaks or Balkan Turks?

 

They are Balkan Turks. But they were made to leave after World War II.

[Stormig]

Stormig, isn't there also a city in Croatia that is supposed to be sacred? It's a famous place for Catholics but I can't remember the name. That might be worth seeing as well.

Medjugorje.

[Azat]

Arpa jan, you are correct Holland is not and Expansive nor is it that expensive.

 

Evul jan, allow me to add few more comments.

Holland is a great place to visit. Amsterdam is a total blast. It is a city where you can party all day and night and it is also a place where you can find incredible art and culture. Also if you visit make sure to visit some small cities outside of Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a different world compare to the rest of the country.

 

Germany: I personally LOVE Germany. However I know each time I mention that to some people I get 2 extreme reactions. Either they completely agree or they just hated it. I do have to say that I have never been on vacation that I have not come back happy. I always find incredibly positive things about everywhere I go so dont just pay attention to what I say. With that said Germany has everything to offer in my opening. The museums of Berlin, Munich can compete with all world class museums of the world. The Rhine valley are incredible. If you get a chance visit Trier. It was one of the 3 capitals of the Roman empire the other two being Rome and Constantinople. Dusseldorf is the fashion capital of Germany, has many boutique stores and high end lounges and such. Bremen is a great small city and you can go see the Bremen musicians and remember your childhood(Mremski musikanti) Berlin is just incredible. Its an awesome city to visit. Munich is great. Leipzig is a true university city. If you love ice cream and classical music you have to go to Leipzig.

 

Unfortunately I have not Croatia or to much of eastern Europe to comment much on it but I would say that you should NEVER let the language barrier be a reason not to visit a place. Some of my best memories are of struggling to communicate with locals and somehow finding a solution to my question/concern. 1st class travel is fun but once again the hotels I remember to this day are not the plush places I stayed at(dont get me wrong I love to stay in great places) but the dirt cheap places I stayed at. You can look at it this way, it will force you to go out and see much more of the country.

 

I am planning a 5 day trip to Armenia and 3 days in Moscow this year and on the way back we are planning to do Scotland for 5 days. If you have not been to Scotland I highly recommend it. Edinburgh and Glasgow are a blast in the summer and travel from Heathrow is dirt cheap if you go with Rayn Air or one of the cheap European carriers

 

Anywho... Go and have a blast.

[Anileve]

Thanks to everyone for your informative suggestions, always very interesting to read everyone's impressions of travel destinations.

 

After, what seems like decades, of contemplation over which destination we want for our limited vacation time we have decided to go to Riviera Maya in Mexico. Essentially we just want to relax, eat a lot of yummy food and enjoy the tranquility of the beautiful beaches and the long anticipated warmth of the sun. I am pretty excited about seeing the Mayan Ruins and playing tennis! And don't get me started on all you can eat free food!

 

Sorry Nairi jan, Holland will have to wait. Does anyone have any plans for travel?

 

Storms and Azat thanks for all of your suggestions, I love your detailed descriptions!

[nairi]

Have a nice trip!

[great]

I've seen some photos from Croatia and I have to say that I'm in love with that plave. I my next vacation I certainly want to go there. I hope I will.

[shiner]

I'm going to Thailand next month. Has anyone been?

[Balaclava]

Ijavel

[Armen]

I'm going to Thailand next month. Has anyone been?

 

Room Service - Tenjewberrymuds

 

The following is a telephone exchange between a hotel guest and room-service at a hotel in Asia. It was recorded and published in the Far East Economic Review:

 

To get the full effect it should be read aloud. [You will understand what 'tenjewberrymuds' means by the end of the conversation.]

 

Room Service (RmSv): Morrin. Roon sirbees.

Guest: Sorry, I thought I dialled room-service.

 

RmSv: Rye...Roon sirbees...morrin! Jewish to oddor sunteen?

Guest: Uh..yes..I'd like some bacon and eggs.

 

RmSv: Ow July den?

Guest: What??

 

RmSv: Ow July den?...pryed, boyud, poochd?

Guest: Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry, scrambled please.

 

RmSv: Ow July dee baykem? Crease?

Guest: Crisp will be fine.

 

RmSv: Hokay. An Sahn toes?

Guest: What?

 

RmSv: An toes. July Sahn toes?

Guest: I don't think so.

 

RmSv: No? Judo wan sahn toes??

Guest: I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what 'judo wan sahn toes' means.

 

RmSv: Toes! toes!... Why jew don juan toes? Ow bow Anglish moppin we bodder?

Guest: English muffin!! I've got it! You were saying 'Toast.' Fine. Yes, an English muffin will be fine.

 

RmSv: We bodder?

Guest: No...just put the bodder on the side.

 

RmSv: Wad?

Guest: I mean butter... just put it on the side.

 

RmSv: Copy?

 

Guest: Excuse me?

RmSv: Copy...tea...meel?

 

Guest: Yes. Coffee, please, and that's all.

RmSv: One Minnie. Scramah egg, crease baykem, Anglish moppin we bodder on sigh and copy...rye?

 

Guest: Whatever you say.

RmSv: Tenjewberrymuds.

 

Guest: You're very welcome.

 

---------------------------------------------------------

 

Very nice country and the friendliest people on earth. Just remember one thing, if you're on the beach and you suddenly notice the water retreating, don't go after it, RUN in the opposite direction!!!