*Enjoy our writing and images and please respect the intellectual property of the creator.*
©2010
All writing and photos by:
Kimberley, the 'Itinerant Introvert'
of Weal World Travel
_____________________________
Answer to newsletter quiz:
d) Toyota
Trivia
By law, weight allowances are in accordance with rules that protect baggage handlers. Bags should be at the maximum weight that a strong person can lift without injuring themselves.
"
The Camel Column
I'd rather ride 1000 camels than one donkey."
~Kimberley, WWT creator~
In honour of our camel experiences -the good, the bad and the ugly- we will now have a regular column featuring all things camel.
Camels in Ethiopia!Not as ubiquitous as the donkey camels nonetheless make an appearance in parts of Ethiopia. These ones were spotted near the ancient town of Axum in the north.
And no we didn't ride any of them!
BARGAINING TIPS WHILE TRAVELLING
'Tis the season of gift giving and the time when the prices for virtually everything are hiked.
When travelling certain regions of the world, though, you will find that prices are flexible.
Bargaining is a way of life in many places such as the Middle East and Asia.
If you are unaccustomed to this practice here a few tips to get you started:
- When a vendor states their price, reduce it to half and settle on a price somewhere between the original and your counter offer.
- Showing disinterest and walking away when a vendor states their price are likely to get you a better deal. Be prepared to feign apathy about the item you would like to buy and show disgust regarding its price.
- Shop around and try to avoid the vendors in the high tourist traffic areas.
- Know what to look for to make sure that you are getting decent quality for whatever price you end up paying.
- Be patient! Negotiating a price is an art and cannot be rushed.
- And remember, a vendor will not sell if they are not making a profit. The cost of living overseas is not the same as your home country so don't feel guilty if you think the price is too low.
24 Hours and $25 in Toronto
Toronto is Canada's largest city. It is located in the province of Ontario-the most populous of the country.
This multicultural city is vibrant with year-round festivals and also serves as the country's financial centre.
With so much to see and do it's hard for a tourist to get a sense of the city as a local would experience it. Here's just a taste of quintessential Toronto:
- Grab a double-double at Tim Horton's. This iconic coffee shop is everywhere and just about everyone has a Tim Horton's moment. For a sense of its popularity, go during the early morning and wait in line with the locals. Approximate cost: $1.50
- Stop by the NFB-National Film Board of Canada-on 150 John Street downtown where digital viewing stations are free. The NFB has an extensive collection of documentaries and films that speak to the diverse cultural landscape of Canada. *A great rainy day OR too 'hot-and-humid-to be-outside' day. Approximate cost: free
- Visit Kensington Market-also downtown and a 15 minute walk from the NFB. This multicultural marketplace is a microcosm of the many peoples who call Toronto home. Browse the awesome second-hand clothing shops, smell your way through the various pastry, coffee and chocolate shops and eat your way through the restaurants. This place was also the inspiration for a popular Canadian t.v. series in the late 1970's called King of Kensington. Approximate cost: $10 for a substantial snack, sandwich or bakery buy.
- Ride the rocket. The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) is how a significant number of Torontonians navigate the city without a car. For the full meal-deal experience, take the streetcar, transfer to the subway and then take a bus during rush hour! It doesn't matter where you go because you can always get back to where you started in a reasonable amount of time. Though locals may complain about the TTC it is quite efficient and reliable as far as big city mass transit goes. Approximate cost: $2.75
- Take pictures of the CN Tower-the building that distinguishes Toronto's skyline. Though there is a charge to actually go to the top of it ($25), you'll get the best view and photos of the Tower from the outside. Or simply buy a postcard of the Tower from the gift shop. Approximate cost: $3
- Hang out at Harbourfront. During the summer there are a number of events, workshops and shows-often free of charge! Buy some French fries from one of the many chip trucks on Front street, then have a seat by the water and watch the boats and tourists go by. Approximate cost:$3
The Survival Guide to
Squat Toilets
When travelling in certain regions of the world you are bound to come across the squat toilet. For those unaccustomed to such a sight this can be a challenge.
The advantage is that you don't have to sit on the toilet seat and your legs get a good workout. The downside...take your pick. There are many and it depends on the individual which ones are the worst-the smell, the non-flush aspect, the wet floor, no toilet paper, minimal lighting...
But when you've got to go you've got to go. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy naturally when using the squat toilet.
Survival Kit:
- Toilet paper (preferably biodegradable)
- for women, a skirt is ideal and capris will do nicely too.
- for men, trousers that aren't too long
- strong leg muscles
- (towel)
Tips:
- Breathe through your nose not your mouth.
- Do your business quickly and get out.
- Get all your accouterments ready before going in. If you can, leave your bag outside. There may be no place to hang it and you don't want it on the floor.
- Belts and too many buttons are cumbersome. An elastic waistband is ideal.
- Though some form of running water is provided to clean your hands you may wish to use hand sanitizer to make sure they are really clean. There are some really good natural ones with or without the addition of essential oils.
- Ways to dry your hands are limited at best so have a towel ready or air dry your hands.
CANADA vs. NEW ZEALAND
On October 1 2011 Canada meets New Zealand in the World Rugby Cup.
Here's how these 2 countries shape up the Weal World way:
In the red corner we have Canada
- Fitness: national sport: winter-hockey & summer-lacrosse
- Fragrance: spruce essential oil
- Food: maple syrup, fiddleheads
- Population: (approx.) 34.2 million
- Natural sights to see: mountains, beaches, icebergs, hoodoos, glaciers
In the green corner we have New Zealand
- Fitness: national sport-rugby
- Fragrance: manuka essential oil
- Food: kiwifruit, manuka honey
- Population: (approx.) 4.4 million
- Natural sights: mountains, fjords, mud pools, volcanoes, beaches, glaciers
Answer to September 2011 Newsletter
The mosquito. This flying death machine packs a punch in the many fatal diseases it can transmit with 1 bite.
You can see and therefore avoid a hippo, cobra and shark but you can't run or hide from a mosquito.
Therapeutic Music in Syria
Watch this space...
Holistic Therapy Profiles
Watch this space...
