The Bayon Temple
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Author Archives: Natalee-Jewel
A Cambodian/Vietnamese Adventure
Combining Cambodia and Vietnam, this trip is a true cultural journey. An Indochina journey with a difference, combining Cambodia with Vietnam as a photographers odyssey. Starting in Siem Reap, a launching pad for an exploration of the magnificent Angkor Wat complex, we continue to the Cambodian capital – Phnom Penh. Our next country is Vietnam, where we cross the border near Chau Doc and explore the waterways of the bustling Mekong Delta, before completing our epic journey in exciting Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).
Our Suggested Itinerary:
Depart:
Thursday 2345 BNE International Terminal 1
Arrive:
Friday 0540 SIN (SQ246)
SINGAPORE
Day Tour.
Depart:
Friday 1645 Changi International Terminal 2 (Mi 618)
Arrive:
Friday 1745 Siem Reap
The airport is less than 15 minutes from the town centre by taxi ($7) or motodop ($4). If you have an advance booking in a hotel, ask the hotel for a free airport pickup (in one of their tuk-tuks).
CAMBODIA – click for general travel tips.
HOTEL: Angkor Village Hotel
Saturday:
Dinner:
Chez Sophie lies just outside Angkor Wat’s main entrance. It is a favourite amoung expatriates and by many rated as the best restaurant in Siem Reap. Food prices are a bit higher than the cheapest places, $8-15, but the standard is also much higher. Excellent place for lunch and or a coffee/wine break. Or for a romantic dinner. The owner Mathieu, a french UNESCO photographer who came to Cambodia in 98 is a charm, and the only foreigner living within the temple compound.
Sunday:
SIEM REAP
Monday:
SIEM REAP
Tuesday:
SIEM REAP
By boat
A more expensive and more time consuming option to Phnom Phen ($35, 6 hours) or Battambang ($20-$25, 5 hours) is to take a Soviet style Hydrofoil across the Tonle Sap Lake. These can be fantastic trips giving you the opportunity to view life on the lake, floating houses, working fishermen, and to get a sun-tan if you choose to sit on the roof of the boat. However, the trip can be ruined due to bad weather. Remember to use sunscreen and take a waterproof jacket. You will not be always able to access your luggage during the journey (sometimes the baggage is available, sometimes it is not). If you have the time, it is better to visit the floating villages as day trips from Siem Reap than to see them from the boat.
However, this year the weather has been unseasonally cold and dry. The lake is too low to carry passenger ferries to Phnom Penh so we opted for the express bus which was more like a minivan than a bus. We caught the 2pm express and arrived safely in Phnom Penh just before 7pm. There was a few road works along the way which slowed us down from the promised 4 hour trip but we certainly passed the larger tour buses along the way which generally take closer to 6hours.
The express cost $8USD per person.
Hotel: Frangipani Villa – 60s
Wednesday:
Explore Phnom Penh by Day.
Catch late Lunch ferry to Chau Doc the border crossing between Cambodia and Vietnam.
Catch bus from Chau Doc to Saigon.
Hotel:
ALTERNATE OPTION: Travel to WAT HANCHEY & KAMPONG CHAM
Thurday:
Explore Saigon.
VIETNAM – Click for general travel tips.
SIAGON
Friday:
SIAGON
Depart:
Friday 1945 Ho Chi Min City (SQ185)
Arrive:
Friday 2240 Changi
Depart:
Saturday 0010 Changi Terminal 3 (SQ255)
Arrive:
Saturday 0950 Brisbane International Terminal 1
WAT HANCHEY & KAMPONG CHAM
Cruise past the Mekong’s tranquil villages.
Visit Wat Nokor, a Wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple that holds a timeless story.
Continue to the Cheung Kok Eco Tourism Village supported by the French-Cambodian NGO AMICA and the Kampong Cham orphanage, supported by the Pandaw ProBono programme.
Visit the pre-Angkorian temple of WAT HANCHEY.
Dating from the 8th Century, these ancient structures do justice to the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of the mighty Angkor.
Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding rice paddy fields as well as a travelers blessing performed by local monks.
Siem Reap
DAY 1:
The name Siem Reap literally means “Siam Defeated”. However, the only rampaging hordes are the tourists heading to the fabled temples of Angkor Wat. Siem Reap is the perfect base for exploring the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.
Pick up the free Siem Reap Angkor Visitors Guide and the equally free and useful Siem Reap Pocket Guide from your hotel/guesthouse. It contains lots of info on Siem Reap and the Angkor Archeological sites.
Eco-sensitive tourists should check out “Stay Another Day: Cambodia,” a detailed guide with local spots that support the environment and community. Also visit the ConCERT tourist office, a local NGO committed to raising the standards of responsible tourism and ecotourism activities and providing information on the causes and effects of poverty in Cambodia, volunteering opportunities and ecotours.
Transfer to the Angkor Archeological Complex.
Located 5.5 km north of the modern town of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat temples are globally recognized for their historical and cultural significance and beauty.
The essence of the high classical style of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat has become a symbol of Cambodia.
Appearing on its national flag, the country’s prime attraction for international visitors, a visit to Cambodia is not complete without a visit to Angkor Wat.
ANGKOR WAT
Afternoon:
3- 4 pm The Terrace of Elephant & Terrace of the Leper King
Visit the magnificent 12th Century Angkor Thom
South Gate of Angkor Thom
4-5pm:
The Famous Bayon Temple
Watch the sunset from Phnom Bakheng Hill
DAY 2:
An early start to catch the sunrise!
Breakfast!
The fabulous Ta Prohm Temple:
A structure that’s no less magnificent than Angkor Wat, it is often attributed to Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm has been left in much the same condition in which it was found, which is the picturesque and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor’s most popular temples with visitors. The architecture is as complex as any other Angkorian landmarks, if not more so; the stones are placed at such precision and complex interlocking shaped that it is impossible to fit even a single piece of paper between them!
Embrace the roots of the encroaching Fig Trees and gigantic creepers. (Yes I am a tree hugging hippie at heart!)
Said to be built by more than 1000 men, the Angkor Thom remained the capital of a kingdom in decline until it was abandoned some time prior to 1609. An early western visitor wrote of an uninhabited city of Angkor Thom as fantastic as the Atlantis which some people thought to have been built by the Roman Emperor. During its time, the ancient city is believed to have sustained a population of about hundred twenty thousands of people.
Marvel at Angkor Thom’s elaborate stone carvings.
Ta Keo. An incomplete, largely undecorated temple built by Jayavarman V.
The stairs at the east side of the monument are least steep and the easiest way to reach the top level.
Afternoon:
Prasat Kravan: A little temple to end the little circuit.
Banteay Kdei: Sprawling monastic complex in the style of Ta Prohm. In poor shape, but slowly being restored.
Srah Srang: A terrace leading to a pond. Located right across the road from Banteay Kdei.
Watch the sunset over the reservoir of Sras Srang.
BIG CIRCUIT
In clockwise order, exiting Angkor Thom by the North Gate:
Preah Khan:Jayavarman VII’s first capital, before the completion of Angkor Wat. Large and atmospheric, yet somewhat overshadowed by Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, this temple is partly in disrepair with strangler figs crawling up the walls, but has some excellent carvings and less visitors, and is well worth a visit. The temple is some 3 kilometers north of Angkor Thom.
Neak Poan
Ta Som
East Mebon: Located on what was an island in the now dry East Baray, this is a large, three-story temple-mountain crowned by five towers, like a miniature Angkor Wat. Originally built by Rajendravarman II in the 10th century, many structures are in poor shape, but the temple is best known for its massive (restored) elephant statues.
Pre Rup: A temple-mountain close to and quite similar in style to East Mebon, and constructed only a decade later. A favorite spot for viewing the sun set into the jungles and rice paddies of the Cambodian countryside.
Day 3:
Travel to Boeung Melea – a sprawling jungle temple largely overrun by vegetation. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style, Boeung Melea preceded and many have served as a prototype of sorts for Angkor Wat.
Beng Mealea, 80 km east of Siem Reap. Along with Ta Phrom and others, this is a temple which has been left to nature, but unlike Ta Phrom only a few trees have been removed. The result is the visitor clambering over ruined walls (exactly the sort of thing you are asked not to do at other ruins!) and through windows to get access to areas where nature is running riot.
Lots of trees growing out of walls, and creepers hanging over ruined buildings, and consequently great for some atmospheric photos. Much of the standard walk is along wooden decking for those who don’t want to clamber.
This can be taken in as part of a trip to the Roluos Group, or a long day trip with Banteay Srey and Kbal Spean, though this will entail about 5 hours travelling in total on some very rough roads. There is a $5 entry fee to Beng Mealea. Though you may want to cast a wary eye toward custodians bearing Äspara Authority armbands and local kids following you in an attempt to extract guide fees, there are, in contrast to other temple sites, almost no vendors here.
The Rolous Group of temples include:
Bakong. A five-terraced pyramid in the mountain-temple style.
Lolei Temple. An island temple constructed in a baray, now dry.
Preah Ko. The first temple to be built here, dating from the 9th century.
The ruins here are from the ancient capital of Hariharalaya, dating from the late 9th century and thus predating Angkor itself.
Continue on to Koh Kher.
Angkor National Museum:
1,000 Buddhas. The museum also shows the history of the Angkor complex as well as Khmer culture and clothing using high tech displays and video screens. $12
Landmine Museum: (6 km south of Banteay Srey, 31 km from Siem Reap)
Set up by local deminer Aki Ra to educate locals and tourists about the dangers of land mines. Piles of defused mines and UXO lie around the site and the guides are mostly teenagers who were orphaned or injured by mines, many of whom live on-site. This is a very worthwhile attraction that brings home the scale of the problem and shows you a slice of the real Cambodia.
Entrance fee to Landmine Museum $2.00.
The museum moved in 2007, so make sure your motodop doesn’t try to take you to the old location in a village near Angkor Wat. If you have time combine the visit with a visit to Banteay Srey Butterfly Center which is a few kilometers south.
Banteay Srey, 37 km north of Angkor Wat. This red colored temple is well known for its intricate carvings, and is worth a half day trip on its own, since it is a bit further from Siem Reap than the main Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat areas. Car and motorcycle drivers will charge a bit extra ($10 USD) to take you to the temple.
Travel an extra 5km or so along a rough road, (expect to pay extra to drivers who take you this far) onto Kbal Spean.
After the man-made monuments of the temples, it can be nice to get back to nature for a while at Kbal Spean. Although it is the site of numerous carvings made into the rock of the river bed and surrounding areas, this lies at the end of a 1.5km (1 mile) walk through some Cambodian rain forest.
There is a small but attractive waterfall that drops to a picturesque pool, all surrounded by precariously perched boulders and creeping vines. Drier weather means less water and easier viewing of the carvings.
Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields (short distance outside of Siem Reap). There are some cheaters standing at the temple entrance or on the graves on the right side. Only give donations/tips directly to the school in the temple.
Day 4:
Take a Tuk Tuk into the local village and experience an ox-cart ride while enjoying interacting with the locals – visit a Buddhist Temple and cross rice paddies.
12 km southwest of Siem Reap, Phnom Krom is a hilltop temple that was built at the end of the 9th century, during the reign of King Yasovarman. The gloomy atmosphere of the temple and the view over the Tonle Sap lake make the climb to the hill worth while.
The Angkor passport is needed to enter the temple so do not forget to bring your passport along when heading to Tonle Sap.
Continue on to Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia and embark on a local boat cruise to see the communities of the floating villages.
The Tonle Sap narrows through leafy swathes of the South East Asian jungle and at 150kms in length it dominates Cambodia.
Travelling up or down the Tonle Sap allows you to truly experience Khmer life.
Visit Kampong Louang, one of the last silversmith villages or take an excursion through the wetlands to see the floating houses and fish arms in the region.
Make a stop at a Heritage Lin sponsored floating school to interact with the children.
Travel by Train to the next destination….
Chau Say Tevoda
Thommanon
NOTES:
TRANSPORT
Bicycle
Many guesthouses/hotels will lend you bicycles either for free or for a nominal charge ($1-3).
The White Bicycles is a local charity providing a bicycle service for visitors. Proceeds goes to educate youth and for a clean drinking water project in villages around Siem Reap. The bicycles can be rented at muliple outlets around town. Have a look at their website Bicycle Charity to find the location of available outlets. Price: $2 per day. The White Bicycles can upon request set up customized tours with or without guides.
Car
Cars with drivers can be hired for single or multiple days. While all drivers are familiar with the area and happy to suggest good routes, most speak little English and are not actual tour guides. For an actual licensed tour guide, the charge varies from US$45 per day to US$50 for a driver and English speaking guide. It is customary for the drivers to ask for US$5-US$10 extra for trips to further temples such as the those of the Big Circuit, Banteay Srey and more for remote sites like Beng Mealea.
The taxis ($7 fixed cost) from the airport to Siem Reap proper advertise a full day of touring for $30.
Tuk-Tuk
It is estimated that there are roughly 1000 tuk tuk drivers in Siam Reap. They often go for days without work between. They vary in nature from reliable to unreliable***.
Within Siem Reap, tuk-tuk rides should cost $1*, with prices doubling to $2 at night and during bad weather (If you don’t want to pay $2 just walk away and they most likely will call out to you and agree to a $1 fare).
*You must state your destination and $1 price up front or you may be charged up to $5 at the end of your journey.
Tuk-tuks are ubiquitous. If you plan to stay in Siem Reap for a few days, it can also be a good idea to build a relationship with one tuk-tuk driver as once they know you they will quite often take you to places off the regular tourist route and allow you to experience the “real” Siem Reap.
***Not all tuk tuk drivers are reliable. Until you know whether your tuk tuk driver is reliable, pay them for their services only after everything you have arranged is completed.
A wrod of advice: assume your tuk tuk driver is un-reliable, if you arrange for a later trip to the airport and pay them beforehand, chances are that they will not show up. Why would they? They have your fare and can be getting paid to drive some other paying customer at the same time.
Machu Picchu
Suggested Trip Details
I’d love to wind my way from lodge to lodge through the luxuriant forests and snow-capped peaks of Peru’s stunning Cordillera Vilcabamba. Trek among glaciers and alpine lakes, as well as to local villages and lesser known Inca sites tucked into the slopes. Take in views of dazzling 20,000-footers such as Salkantay, the highest summit in the range and one of the most sacred peaks in Inca mythology. Experience the diverse ecosystems of the Andes, from ice-clad, high-alpine slopes to lush cloud forests and tropical orchards. At the end of each day, settle into a picturesque mountain lodge to enjoy a soak in the hot tub, a cozy fire, and a delicious meal. Then venture deep into the mysteries of the Inca as we explore the breathtaking sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Itinerary – 10 Days
Day 1 — Lima, Peru/Cusco
Arrive in Lima in the early morning and connect to your flight to Cusco, where our trip leader will meet you for the transfer to our hotel. After lunch on your own, head out on a guided walk through this ancient city, once the capital of the vast Inca Empire. Venture into ornate cathedrals, stroll the central square where artisans display fine Quechuan handicrafts, and soak up the charm of hidden courtyards and cobbled streets. Later, meet up with your fellow hikers for a welcome dinner and listen to a lecture by archaeologist and National Geographic grantee Peter Frost (when available). Hotel Libertador (D)
Day 2 — Soraypampa
Rise early for the drive to our first lodge, stopping along the way to visit the ruins of Tarawasi, an Incan ceremonial center built from precisely carved blocks of granite. Continue to Marcoccasa and set out on an optional hike along the Camino Real, or Royal Path, pausing for a picnic lunch on the trail. This afternoon, arrive at Salkantay Lodge, nestled in the valley with a breathtaking view of the 20,574-foot Salkantay, the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba. After free time this afternoon, gather for an evening briefing followed by a hearty meal. (11 miles hiking, 4-6 hours) Salkantay Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Soraypampa
We’ll spend today acclimating to the altitude. You may opt to go on a half-day hike to a stunning glacial lake where—if you feel adventurous—you can jump in for a quick and refreshing swim. Or just relax in a cozy lounge or a hot tub at the lodge. We’ll meet this evening for a briefing on our trek. (4 miles hiking, 3-4 hours) Salkantay Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Huaraqmachay
Today we’ll rise early to set out on our four-day trek to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Follow the Río Blanco valley, hiking the girth of Humantay, a snowy peak across from Salkantay. We’ll reach the highest point of our trip at 15,213 feet, and pause a moment to admire a vista of snowcapped peaks. From here, descend to Wayra Lodge (12,812′) where showers and a hot tub await. (8 miles hiking, 5-7 hours) Wayra Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Collpapampa
Enjoy a leisurely morning at Wayra Lodge. Today’s hike takes us out of the stark high-alpine region and into increasingly lush vegetation, as we head down into the Collpapampa Valley. Our home for the night is perched on an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The surrounding cloud forest harbors wild orchids and butterflies as well as remarkable birdlife. Upon arrival, sit down to a pachamanca, a traditional underground stone barbecue. (6 miles hiking; 4 hours Collpa Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Lucmabamba
Continue downhill through the Santa Teresa River Valley, a verdant area that is home to local farms and villages. Hike past coffee plantations and tropical fruit orchards as well as dazzling wildflowers of all colors. Stop alongside the river for a picnic lunch. From here it is a short climb to Lucma Lodge, hidden away among avocado trees. We’ll arrive in time to explore the village and meet some of the locals. (9 miles hiking; 5-6 hours) Lucma Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Aguas Calientes
The final day of our trek kicks off early with a hearty breakfast. The trail winds uphill toward Llactapata Pass at 8,974 feet, where we’ll catch our first glimpse of Machu Picchu far in the distance. Explore the ruins of Llactapata, a sacred site for the Inca that has been recently restored. Like Machu Picchu, the ruins here were rediscovered by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. National Geographic funded his subsequent excavation. After lunch at an observation point overlooking Machu Picchu, follow the path down to the Urubamba River, hiking through thick bamboo stands, orchards, and coffee plantations. A short, scenic train ride brings us to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. (7 miles hiking; 5-6 hours) Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Machu Picchu
Stacked up a hillside in terraces amid soaring Andean peaks, the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We spend an entire day exploring its breathtaking labyrinth of temples, sanctuaries, and homes. Delve into the site with our guides, learning about the Inca’s sophisticated culture and technology, and discovering the secrets of this royal city lost to the wider world for some 500 years. Toast our Andean trek at a farewell dinner in a local restaurant tonight. Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Machu Picchu/Cusco
This morning, explore Machu Picchu on your own. After lunch we’ll take the train back to Cusco, where you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the city. Hotel Libertador (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Lima/U.S.
Fly to Lima this morning and check into dayrooms at our hotel. Take advantage of an unscheduled afternoon to see the sights of the city. This evening, transfer to the airport and depart on your homeward-bound flight. Dayroom at Casa Andina Private Collection (B)
QLD Floods – St. Lucia, Brisbane
The Queensland floods have devastated many communities. This one is particularly close to my heart. I could not access the all-too-familiar grounds of the UQ campus, where I attended university, as the water was yet to recede.
It was heart breaking to see St. Lucia in this state.
These streets look very different to how I remember. The stinking grey wash is in absolute contrast to the vibrant colours of the trees, homes and buildings that normally, represent so much hope for the future.
It was amazing to see just how high the water level had risen. The distinct line of grey mud along the trees and bushes was the best indicator. As so many of the residents had managed to get in and start the clean-up of their homes.
It was obvious that the Australian Defence Force had played an integral part in the quick response. Thank you guys, you are doing an awesome job!
Please give generously http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate
Many communities have been devastated. Some families have lost everything.
You can help make a difference by donating to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.
http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate
Brisbane Markets, Rocklea
Please give generously to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate or phone 1800 219 028
These images were photographed Friday afternoon 14 January 2011, after the flood waters had receded at the Brisbane Markets, Rocklea.
It was remarkable to see just how high the flood waters had risen.
Notice the height of the water level lines on sheds, cars and trucks.
The residue sludge is inches deep, like a blanket of brown snow, only it reeks of oil, mud and rotting food.
Many communities have been devastated. Some families have lost everything. You can help make a difference by donating to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.
http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate
Better World Books Even Better
From the beginning, Better World Books have had a goal to be the world’s best online bookstore. And they are well on their way! I have been happy to support such a worthy cause and never begrudgingly paid for my shipping, especially since the price of the books themselves have always been so affordable.
NOW, as they have grown, it has become possible for Better World Books to offer their worldwide customers the same privileged their USA customers enjoy: FREE SHIPPING!
HOW?
Co-founders of Better World Books Xavier and Kreece have decided to take the weight of the books into account when pricing them. This means that you will generally see paperback books being very affordable, hardcovers slightly more expensive, and some heavy textbooks more expensive, but still very affordable!
Overall, you will still save an average of over 50% off the original prices on the used books.
Every book I have ever ordered from Better World Books (and I have ordered quite a few), has been “second-hand” but has always arrived in mint condition! OK – so some didn’t stay that way – Paulo Coelho’s Best Selling ALCHEMIST was so riveting that I didn’t see the bubbles taking over the bath and beyond, engulfing the pages and consuming it whole!
Better World Books have also taken this opportunity to upgrade EVERY order to international PRIORITY shipping.
This will mean even faster and more reliable international shipping!
This is a big step, but it is just the beginning. Better World Books have plans to support more currencies, more payment methods and even better delivery service for certain markets.
Keep an eye on the site in 2011!
Learn more about Better World Books by clicking here.
Order great value books, help fund literacy and reduce landfill – NOW with FREE Global shipping by clicking here or any of the banner ads. Happy reading 🙂
Please write and let us know about your Better World Books experience! We love to hear from you!
Excusez Moi?
I was reading about a recent survey of British holidaymakers and their experiences with language gaffes, while traveling overseas.
The study revealed mistakes such as asking for a “head baked Al Furno” when trying to obtain a hairdryer; calling Greek locals “squid”, asking for a “condom” at the breakfast table, and declaring yourself “pregnant” to a French waiter.
It reminded me of my most embarrassing moment, EVER!
I had just finished High School and instead of finding myself face-down in someone else’s vomit at Schoolies Week on the Gold Coast – I decided I’d rather do an exchange to Japan and put my five grueling years of language study to the test.
Quintessentially Japanese, my host family were hospitable, considerate and generous. To celebrate my arrival, they decided to shout a very exclusive, VERY traditional dinner. Kimonos and all – the restaurant was beautiful and quiet. Sparingly populated by only the most fashionable and well-to-do, my host-family so very proud to show-off their Caucasian guest, paraded me to our place on the Tatami floor.
Patriotic and respectful, like the French, I find the Japanese are simply grateful that you are attempting to speak their language. When traveling through France, I always made an effort to speak French, no matter how poor my translation or pronunciation.
I never personally encountered the clichéd French language snob, I only observed (all too frequently) Americans talking louder and louder, believing the French to be deaf, rather than acknowledging their own linguistic deficiencies.
The French and Japanese are very conscious about “saving-face” and would rather say nothing and appear aloof than embarrass themselves by speaking poor English.
My host-father had ordered the finest Sake, and although I was not legally old enough to drink, they insisted that I enjoy the full Japanese dining experience.
He raised his glass and asked (in Japanese) “what do you say in English to toast to good health, etc.?”
I explained (in Japanese) that most Aussies respond with a “Cheers”, however, I had grown up in a little Italian community, and so with fervent enthusiasm, exclaimed… “Cin Cin”.
Suddenly, the still restaurant had somehow become even more stone silent and everyone was starring at the white-girl who had just yelled out “PENIS!”!
Pronounced CHIN~CHIN, I had inadvertently used the colloquial term for the taboo male genitalia, to announce my arrival in the country.
Thankfully, my host-family was too polite and good-humoured to make more of a scene and discretely explained what I had said.
I had never been so embarrassed and have since, always been cautious to check before I speak.
It was encouraging to learn from the survey, that other travelers are not discouraged from trying, with 95% of British participants attempting to speak the local language on holiday, particularly those traveling to Spain or France.
In Portugal and France, the word for “condom” is “preservativo” and “preservatif” and is sometimes mistakenly used when asking for jam. Your waiter may be confused if you then mispronounce “Je suis plein” which means, “I am full”, but often misspoken as “pleine”, which instead translates as “I am pregnant”.
Be careful not to offend Greek locals when greeting them with “good morning” – “kalimera” which bears an unfortunate resemblance to “calimari”.
If you are traveling and want to brush up on the local language Timothy Ferris has some excellent tips on how to fast-track your learning and language skills in his Best Selling Book, The 4 hour work week.
If you fear offending someone or ending up in the wrong place, maybe just stick to the basics. The most commonly used words and phrases while traveling are:
Hello
Please
Thank you
Goodnight
Where are the toilets?
How much?
and… “a bottle of house red, please”.
Have you just wanted to curl-up and cringe after realizing what you said in a foreign tounge?
We’d love to hear your Traveling “Opps” stories and language gaffes!
comment below or email Natalee.Jewel@gmail.com
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Why I love my Nikon D40
While they are a little harder to come by these days, it is worth hunting around for a Nikon D40. That’s because within its price range ($400-$600) there is NOTHING that compares.
The most noticeable feature (and it is definitely a feature) from when you first pick up your D40, is its weight – or rather, lack of! Compared with its big brothers (Nikon D2/200, etc.) and even its competitors, it is as light as a feather.
My husband, Andrew recently bought me a new 10-24mm Wide Angle lens for my birthday. When I attached it to my D40 body I was reminded just how lightweight it really is. It is so easy to carry; I never leave home without it.
The D40 comes with an outstanding 18-55mm lens and sometimes you can even get a starter-kit, which comes with a bonus 55-200mm VR lens, which is great for getting up-close and personal from a distance.
Capturing Fast Detail from the Sidelines
The 18-55mm lens is my favourite mid-range zoom. It has outstanding optical performance and I can easily and precisely manage the zoom with just one finger. With a super close focus and far-reaching zoom my D40 provides great versatility in one lens shooting minute macro detail to wide open spaces. And again, it weighs almost nothing, which allows me to carry my D40 EVERYWHERE.
The D40 has a built-in flash but if you are going to get serious about flash, grab the SB-400 flash which provides beautiful soft light, especially when used in bounce mode, and adds little weight to the D40.
Since August 2008 I would have taken over 18,000 photos and my D40 and it still works just as it did the day I bought it.
The battery life is phenomenal! I bought a spare battery when I bought the camera. I always keep it charged and ready to go, but I have only needed it once – at an all-day/all-night wedding where I took over 2500 shots. It would be safe to say I consistently get 1000 images per battery charge.
I also bought a tripod with the camera. But hardly ever use that either, as my D40 gets such great hand-held results. Even at slow speeds my D40 has incredibly low shutter and mirror vibration.
My D40 has a brilliant, and when I say brilliant I mean Brilliant – big, bright, sharp rear LCD screen. It is excellent for quickly displaying large vivid images and navigating the very user-friendly menu.
The menu is straightforward and simple but still has some advanced editing options. The menu comprehensively guides you through various options and settings and even comes in a choice of colours.
So what’s bad about my Nikon D40?
Really the only thing bad I could say about my D40 is its’ lens compatibility.
My D40 only auto-focuses with the latest AF-S lenses, as well as older professional, AF-I lenses as it does not have an in-body focus motor and so requires a lens with an integrated auto-focus motor.
With traditional AF lenses you have to focus manually. Which then excludes older lenses, with a few exceptions such as macros, fisheyes and some ultra-wide angle lenses that you can easily manually focus.
However, the included kit lens and modern lenses out-perform older lenses you may have wished to use with the D40 chassis.
But it is only 6 Megapixels you say?
Well only 6.1 to be exact! And that’s the way I like it! Don’t buy into the mass buyer psychology that you have to have 10 Million pixels to get a good shot. More pixels do not help, but holding your camera still certainly does. You can enlarge prints from the D40 without limit. Some of my images, even macro, have been blown up to 4meters long (click here to view) with no noticeable distortion.
I love my Nikon D40 because it gave me the confidence to explore my talents and take my hobby to the next level.
I will carry my D40 with me even when I upgrade to a D300s because it is such a great lightweight camera to quickly capture special moments.
If you can’t get your hands on a Nikon D40 the next best thing would be a Nikon D5000 ($600-700) before moving up to the big boys.
Happy snapping.
Natalee-Jewel
http://irem.com.au
Owner/Principal Photographer
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