Also in 2004 (got ticket in the summer; left end of Sept), I got a One World
ticket, with about 30 flights.  Asia, India, Europe, Africa, and S. America
(incl Easter Island).  I used my American Airlines frequent flier miles, and at
that time, it "cost" 120,000 miles to get this series of flights.

Typical for these types of RTW fares, I had to use the first leg (LA to HK) on
the scheduled date.  But after that; no charge at all to change any flight dates
for any number of flights.  If I had wanted to change the flight *destinations*
then it would have been very expensive ($100-200 for each change, as I recall).

I've been looking to do this again (with far fewer legs, since--as a more
experienced traveller--I much prefer to get to a main destination, and do the
local flights on a less-structured basis.  As of this month, Am. Air now charges
140,000 miles for the same trip.  However, it's only 180,000 miles to do it
business class.  Since I have the miles to spare, I think it will be well worth
it.  Even though I've rarely flown anything other than coach, the extra weight
allowance will be a nice bonus, and will mean not having to dump all my heavy
stuff into my carry-on bags.  :-)

Wade; when you (or others) quote prices on RTW flights, it might make sense to
always state in which country you are getting the price quote.  Back in '04,
there was a *huge* difference in price for those who were leaving from Britain
or NZ or HK or USA.  At that time, leaving from the US was almost twice as
expensive as for those whose first flight was out of London.  Fair?  Probably
not, but it was a fact of life.  No idea if that discrepancy still exists.

Ok

my advicce would be to let people know this in your introfuction.  Email
groups get loads of scammers trying to peddle al sorts of things so
especially given the length of the questionaire  i think many  people wil as
I did  give up after 5 minutes and think well this has  gotnothing to do
with travel websites.

Wade

2009/12/9 Wade Allsopp <wade.allsopp@...>

>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Laura C Welsh <welsh@...>
> Date: 2009/12/9
> Subject: Re: Re: [RTWers] Survey to Improve Travel Websites – Earn US$5
> Gift Card
> To: Wade Allsopp <wade.allsopp@...>
>
>
> The survey asks many questions first about one's personality, culture, and
> general confidence in using computers.
>
>
> Questions 111-186 directly relate to travel and travel websites (airline
> reservation and destination-specific tourism websites in particular).
>
>
> I am trying to find the effects of individual differences in personality,
> culture, and travel preferences on the use of each of these types of
> websites, and to see if these effects differ by type of website.  The goal
> is to improve travel websites by changing content or design based on the
> effects of these differences.
>
>
> Since I will likely get many respondent drop-outs, I decided to put all of
> the questions about the individual up-front before all of the travel website
> questions for those that stick it out and intend to complete the survey.
>
>
> The survey is admittedly rather long, but since I am using existing
> validated questions from prior literature, I cannot drop any.
>
>
> I assure you, this survey is entirely for the purpose of researching travel
> websites in the aim to improve them based on the effect of individual
> differences.
>
>
> Thank you for your time and interest in my survey.
>
>
> Aloha,
> Laura Welsh
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Wade Allsopp <wade.allsopp@...>
> Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 3:01 pm
> Subject: Re: [RTWers] Survey to Improve Travel Websites – Earn US$5 Gift
> Card
> To: welsh@...
>
> > I cant see that this survey ha anything to  do with travel
> >
> >
> > 2009/12/8 vanillaferret <welsh@...>
>
>>  >
>>
>>
>> > I am asking for your help in completing a travel website survey. The
>> purpose of this research project is to learn what influences the use of
>> websites for travel planning. Survey questions will focus on your thoughts
>> about travel websites and about yourself.
>> > If you're willing to take about 15 minutes, you can take the survey at:
>> >
>> >
http://www.tinyurl.com/travelwebsitesurvey<http://www.tinyurl.com/travelwebsites\
urvey>
>> >
>> > The results from this project will increase understanding about the use
>> of travel websites for travel planning and be used to make travel websites
>> better.
>> > As compensation for time spent participating in the research project,
>> you will receive US$5 via an electronic gift card to Amazon.com (or another
>> electronic gift card to a store approved by the researcher). At the
>> completion of the survey, you will get instructions on how to obtain the
>> electronic gift card.
>> > I am a doctoral student at the University of Hawaii. If you have any
>> questions regarding this research project, please contact the researcher by
>> email at welsh@.... You may also request a copy of the survey
>> results.
>> > Thank you for helping me complete my dissertation.
>> >
>>  >
> >
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Laura C Welsh <welsh@...>
Date: 2009/12/9
Subject: Re: Re: [RTWers] Survey to Improve Travel Websites – Earn US$5 Gift
Card
To: Wade Allsopp <wade.allsopp@...>


The survey asks many questions first about one's personality, culture, and
general confidence in using computers.


Questions 111-186 directly relate to travel and travel websites (airline
reservation and destination-specific tourism websites in particular).


I am trying to find the effects of individual differences in personality,
culture, and travel preferences on the use of each of these types of
websites, and to see if these effects differ by type of website.  The goal
is to improve travel websites by changing content or design based on the
effects of these differences.


Since I will likely get many respondent drop-outs, I decided to put all of
the questions about the individual up-front before all of the travel website
questions for those that stick it out and intend to complete the survey.


The survey is admittedly rather long, but since I am using existing
validated questions from prior literature, I cannot drop any.


I assure you, this survey is entirely for the purpose of researching travel
websites in the aim to improve them based on the effect of individual
differences.


Thank you for your time and interest in my survey.


Aloha,
Laura Welsh


----- Original Message -----
From: Wade Allsopp <wade.allsopp@...>
Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 3:01 pm
Subject: Re: [RTWers] Survey to Improve Travel Websites – Earn US$5 Gift
Card
To: welsh@...

> I cant see that this survey ha anything to  do with travel
>
>
> 2009/12/8 vanillaferret <welsh@...>

>  >
>
>
> > I am asking for your help in completing a travel website survey. The
> purpose of this research project is to learn what influences the use of
> websites for travel planning. Survey questions will focus on your thoughts
> about travel websites and about yourself.
> > If you're willing to take about 15 minutes, you can take the survey at:
> >
> >
http://www.tinyurl.com/travelwebsitesurvey<http://www.tinyurl.com/travelwebsites\
urvey>
> >
> > The results from this project will increase understanding about the use
> of travel websites for travel planning and be used to make travel websites
> better.
> > As compensation for time spent participating in the research project,
> you will receive US$5 via an electronic gift card to Amazon.com (or another
> electronic gift card to a store approved by the researcher). At the
> completion of the survey, you will get instructions on how to obtain the
> electronic gift card.
> > I am a doctoral student at the University of Hawaii. If you have any
> questions regarding this research project, please contact the researcher by
> email at welsh@.... You may also request a copy of the survey
> results.
> > Thank you for helping me complete my dissertation.
> >
>  >
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

i'm not  sure whether this is a legitimate post or not as the survey doesnt
seem to have much to do with travel and the email bounces to a pantagon
email.  i recommend not bothering with the survey unless and until thoe
poster clarifies what is going on and who she/he really is.

Wade

2009/12/8 vanillaferret <welsh@...>

>
>
> I am asking for your help in completing a travel website survey. The
> purpose of this research project is to learn what influences the use of
> websites for travel planning. Survey questions will focus on your thoughts
> about travel websites and about yourself.
> If you're willing to take about 15 minutes, you can take the survey at:
>
> http://www.tinyurl.com/travelwebsitesurvey
>
> The results from this project will increase understanding about the use of
> travel websites for travel planning and be used to make travel websites
> better.
> As compensation for time spent participating in the research project, you
> will receive US$5 via an electronic gift card to Amazon.com (or another
> electronic gift card to a store approved by the researcher). At the
> completion of the survey, you will get instructions on how to obtain the
> electronic gift card.
> I am a doctoral student at the University of Hawaii. If you have any
> questions regarding this research project, please contact the researcher by
> email at welsh@... <welsh%40hawaii.edu>. You may also request a
> copy of the survey results.
> Thank you for helping me complete my dissertation.
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I am asking for your help in completing a travel website survey.  The purpose of
this research project is to learn what influences the use of websites for travel
planning. Survey questions will focus on your thoughts about travel websites and
about yourself.
If you're willing to take about 15 minutes, you can take the survey at:

http://www.tinyurl.com/travelwebsitesurvey

The results from this project will increase understanding about the use of
travel websites for travel planning and be used to make travel websites better.
As compensation for time spent participating in the research project, you will
receive US$5 via an electronic gift card to Amazon.com (or another electronic
gift card to a store approved by the researcher). At the completion of the
survey, you will get instructions on how to obtain the electronic gift card.
  I am a doctoral student at the University of Hawaii.  If you have any questions
regarding this research project, please contact the researcher by email at
welsh@.... You may also request a copy of the survey results.
Thank you for helping me complete my dissertation.

Back in spring 2004, I was quoted around 1350 pounds (plus tax) for a One World
4 continents (4 flights per continent) RTW ticket, which at the time was a
better option than the milage-based (and rather confusing) Star Alliance system.

Also, I've noticed that the typical RTW one-year insurance has gone up in price.
I paid around 400 euros for a very comprehensive insurance, whereas now they're
in the 650 euros mark.


Hector



On Dec 8, 2009, at 2:00 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:

> I was just checking the carious RTW flight options.
>
> How things have changed since I started this group 7 years ago. The cost of
> a typical RTW has increased from about GBP1500+taxes to around
> GBP2300+taxes. The other major change is the airline lineup.
>
> Star Alliance in particualr has recruited alot of interesting airlines
>
> Air Canada, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Asiana Airlines,
> Austrian, BMI, China Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Egyptair, LOT Polish
> Airlines, Lufthansa,
> Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), Shanghai Airlines,Singapore Airlines,
> South African Airways, Spanair, Swiss International Airlines,TAP Air
> Portugal,
> Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I was just checking the carious RTW flight options.

How things have changed since I started this group 7 years ago.  The cost of
a typical RTW has increased from about GBP1500+taxes to around
GBP2300+taxes.  The other major change is the airline lineup.

Star Alliance in particualr has recruited alot of interesting airlines

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Asiana Airlines,
Austrian, BMI, China Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Egyptair,  LOT Polish
Airlines, Lufthansa,
Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), Shanghai Airlines,Singapore Airlines,
South African Airways, Spanair, Swiss International Airlines,TAP Air
Portugal,
  Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

i've used gotomypc and found it really useful and easy to operate.
the only potential downside (which i believe is true for all the
remote access products) is that the home machine has to be on and
online.  if something happened at home that knocked out the net
connection and no one was there to reset the routers, etc, you would
be unable to access the computer.

while i was on my RTW, i also used iDisk (travelled with a Mac).
anything that i thought i would want to access from anywhere (address
books, certain files), i just uploaded to the iDisk and it lived on
Apple's fairly bulletproof servers so i could get to it from both
good connections in big cities and less reliable ones in dirt floored
huts in the rainforest.

patricia
in exotic baltimore

I got in the Netbook I referenced to a few emails ago and have had a chance to
play around with it.  It came with the standard 1gb memory and has Windows 7
starter installed on it.  It's sufficient for now, but I think 2gb would be much
better.  The screen resolution seems fine, I watched a video on youtube and it
looks good enough.  However, when I played the video in full screen mode, there
was some clipping of the image at the top of the screen.  I think that's another
reason to upgrade to 2gb memory.  I think I'm going to end up keeping this one
as it suits my purposes (for emails, web surfing, photo importing, etc).  The 11
inch models with additional resolution are tempting though... but I feel going
any higher than this and I should just consider bringing my 15" MBP.

---- Michael Heenan <heenan1@...> wrote:
> I do have big hands unfortunately... it's tough to text on my iphone.  I did
buy this acer on amazon during a sale, and amazon has a good return policy, so I
will test it out for a while to see how it goes.  My first trip isn't until
february, so I still have time to decide.
>
> On Nov 29, 2009, at 2:14 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:
>
> > I think this is a fine netbook and  you would be happy with it.  Its a big
> > improvement over the earlier D150 model.
> > Compared with the alternatives currently available the Acer hasn't got the
> > best keyboard.  The HP  Mininote  probably wins on this, so if you have big
> > hands this may be an issue.  There may aslo be minor niggles eg on my Acer
> > eePC 100HE  one can tilt the screen back to open about 170degreess wheereas
> > I think the acer just  goes to about 130degrees.
> >
> > The main rational for holding on - unless you  need it urgently is to see
> > whether decent models with a ful screen resolution come out.  So far we have
> > had the (expensive 10in Sony W Hector mentioned. ) and Acer's underpowered
> > 11.6 inch I mentioned.  The next step with these things must be to geta full
> > resolution withn a decent processor/graphics at the current sort orf price.
> > The extra sceen resultion makes  reading  stuff without  scrolling quite a
> > bit  easier.  So it all depends on how  urgently you need it. Im not aware
> > of  what products are in the pipeline, it's just  obvious this  is the
> > direction they  need to go in.
> >
> >
> > 2009/11/29 Michael Heenan <heenan1@...>
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> Thanks for the info... this is the model I was looking at on Amazon: Acer
> >> AOD250-1633. What features do the new models have that are coming out soon?
> >>
> >>
> >> On Nov 28, 2009, at 5:22 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:
> >>
> >>> 1 I think for anyone going on a long trip a netbook is an excellent
> >>> investment and well worth getting.
> >>>
> >>> 2 If you already have a laptop and just looking to get one for travel I
> >>> would wait until shortly before you travel as there are some interesting
> >> new
> >>> models in the pipeline.
> >>>
> >>> The main downside with the 10.1 inch models is the csreen resolution
> >>> 1024x600 means you have to do a fair amount of scroling to see the whole
> >>> page. I believe the ideal size of a netbook will prove to me 11.6in with
> >> a
> >>> screen resolution of 1,366 x 768.
> >>>
> >>> which wil give u more of less ful size sreen real estate. Right now the
> >>> only real netbook Ive seen at this size is the Acer One 751 but this is a
> >>> lemon as it is underpowered with a poor processor z510 and poor graphics.
> >>> There are 11.6 inch netbooks with the faster Intel's 1.4GHz ULV SU3500
> >>> processors but these tend to be more expensive. I think Intel will soon
> >>> update its atom processor and if you can find a dual core updated atom
> >>> processor with 11.6in form factor and 1366x768 that could be the one to
> >> go
> >>> for.
> >>>
> >>> If you want to buy now I realy like me Acer Eee PC 1000 HE. I have put in
> >>> a 500GB hard drive (pretty cheap nowadays ) and installed Windows 7 and
> >>> Linux Ubuntu as a dual boot.
> >>>
> >>> Win Vista wont runon most of these machinese. Xp is of course 7 years
> >>> out of date. Win & and Ubuntu 9.10 arre both great Op Systems. Its easy
> >>> to download Win7 Ultimate 32 bit fom Pirate Bay, load it onto a bootable
> >>> USB withn unetbootin and off you go.
> >>>
> >>> The Samsung NC 10 are aloso very well regarded. Im nor sure which 10.inch
> >>> Acer model you are considering but the Acer Ones are a bit uninspiring
> >>> compared to my Acer 1000HHE and the Samsungs.
> >>>
> >>> Wade
> >>>
> >>> 2009/11/28 Michael Heenan <heenan1@... <heenan1%40cox.net>>
> >>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Now that the holiday season is here, there's some good deals to be had
> >> on
> >>>> netbooks. I'm going to be doing some extensive traveling next year, and
> >>>> while it's not really that necessary to bring one along, it'd be nice to
> >>>> have a computer, and a netbook seems to be a better option because of
> >> size
> >>>> and weight. I wont be needing it for work, just something to surf the
> >> web,
> >>>> download my photos and video, things like that. I'm looking at an Acer
> >> model
> >>>> that has a 10.1" screen with 250gb drive and 1.66 processor. Anyone own
> >> a
> >>>> netbook and have pros/cons on them?
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> ------------------------------------
> >>>
> >>> Yahoo! Groups Links
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

I've used Crossloop (www.crossloop.com) with great success to fix problems
with the folks' computer on the other side of the world.  Really like it.
I'm think you need a "human" on the other end to "accept" the session though
- I don't think you can just link up to your home computer and use it.

When using these kinds of programs, obviously the more bandwidth the
better... try using it in a Filipino internet cafe and you may struggle :D
You can dial down a lot of the settings (colour, graphics etc) to speed it
up, but there's only so much you can do...

cheers
Steve
----------
Trans Siberian Railway <http://www.transsiberianrailway.org>





2009/12/6 Wade Allsopp <wade.allsopp@...>

> I've recently been experimenting with logmein.com RAC software.  (Software
> which allows you to see and control any PC which you have registered via
> the
> internet on any other computer.
>
> I was amazed how  quickly and painlessly it installs - just takes 2
> minutes.  If you have a PC at home or a parent's PC  for example that it
> may
> be useful to be able to access, it seems quite a useful trick whilst one is
> travelling.
>
> Has anyone used this software or alternatives and found it useful or
> problematic?
>
> Wade
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've recently been experimenting with logmein.com RAC software.  (Software
which allows you to see and control any PC which you have registered via the
internet on any other computer.

I was amazed how  quickly and painlessly it installs - just takes 2
minutes.  If you have a PC at home or a parent's PC  for example that it may
be useful to be able to access, it seems quite a useful trick whilst one is
travelling.

Has anyone used this software or alternatives and found it useful or
problematic?

Wade


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I am looking to buy a UMID mbook (http://www.dynamism.com/#Product=umid), which
is almost as powerful as a netbook but half the size and weight. It's perfect
for urban portable computing.


Hector




On Nov 29, 2009, at 11:42 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:

> See how it goes, you may well love it.  My guess is that the better screen
> resolutions and ION graphics won't become common on netbooks until mid 2010
> in any case.
>
> Wade
>
> 2009/11/29 Michael Heenan <heenan1@...>
>
>>
>>
>> I do have big hands unfortunately... it's tough to text on my iphone. I did
>> buy this acer on amazon during a sale, and amazon has a good return policy,
>> so I will test it out for a while to see how it goes. My first trip isn't
>> until february, so I still have time to decide.
>>
>>
>> On Nov 29, 2009, at 2:14 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:
>>
>>> I think this is a fine netbook and you would be happy with it. Its a big
>>> improvement over the earlier D150 model.
>>> Compared with the alternatives currently available the Acer hasn't got
>> the
>>> best keyboard. The HP Mininote probably wins on this, so if you have big
>>> hands this may be an issue. There may aslo be minor niggles eg on my Acer
>>> eePC 100HE one can tilt the screen back to open about 170degreess
>> wheereas
>>> I think the acer just goes to about 130degrees.
>>>
>>> The main rational for holding on - unless you need it urgently is to see
>>> whether decent models with a ful screen resolution come out. So far we
>> have
>>> had the (expensive 10in Sony W Hector mentioned. ) and Acer's
>> underpowered
>>> 11.6 inch I mentioned. The next step with these things must be to geta
>> full
>>> resolution withn a decent processor/graphics at the current sort orf
>> price.
>>> The extra sceen resultion makes reading stuff without scrolling quite a
>>> bit easier. So it all depends on how urgently you need it. Im not aware
>>> of what products are in the pipeline, it's just obvious this is the
>>> direction they need to go in.
>>>
>>>
>>> 2009/11/29 Michael Heenan <heenan1@... <heenan1%40cox.net>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for the info... this is the model I was looking at on Amazon:
>> Acer
>>>> AOD250-1633. What features do the new models have that are coming out
>> soon?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Nov 28, 2009, at 5:22 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> 1 I think for anyone going on a long trip a netbook is an excellent
>>>>> investment and well worth getting.
>>>>>
>>>>> 2 If you already have a laptop and just looking to get one for travel I
>>>>> would wait until shortly before you travel as there are some
>> interesting
>>>> new
>>>>> models in the pipeline.
>>>>>
>>>>> The main downside with the 10.1 inch models is the csreen resolution
>>>>> 1024x600 means you have to do a fair amount of scroling to see the
>> whole
>>>>> page. I believe the ideal size of a netbook will prove to me 11.6in
>> with
>>>> a
>>>>> screen resolution of 1,366 x 768.
>>>>>
>>>>> which wil give u more of less ful size sreen real estate. Right now the
>>>>> only real netbook Ive seen at this size is the Acer One 751 but this is
>> a
>>>>> lemon as it is underpowered with a poor processor z510 and poor
>> graphics.
>>>>> There are 11.6 inch netbooks with the faster Intel's 1.4GHz ULV SU3500
>>>>> processors but these tend to be more expensive. I think Intel will soon
>>>>> update its atom processor and if you can find a dual core updated atom
>>>>> processor with 11.6in form factor and 1366x768 that could be the one to
>>>> go
>>>>> for.
>>>>>
>>>>> If you want to buy now I realy like me Acer Eee PC 1000 HE. I have put
>> in
>>>>> a 500GB hard drive (pretty cheap nowadays ) and installed Windows 7 and
>>>>> Linux Ubuntu as a dual boot.
>>>>>
>>>>> Win Vista wont runon most of these machinese. Xp is of course 7 years
>>>>> out of date. Win & and Ubuntu 9.10 arre both great Op Systems. Its easy
>>>>> to download Win7 Ultimate 32 bit fom Pirate Bay, load it onto a
>> bootable
>>>>> USB withn unetbootin and off you go.
>>>>>
>>>>> The Samsung NC 10 are aloso very well regarded. Im nor sure which
>> 10.inch
>>>>> Acer model you are considering but the Acer Ones are a bit uninspiring
>>>>> compared to my Acer 1000HHE and the Samsungs.
>>>>>
>>>>> Wade
>>>>>
>>>>> 2009/11/28 Michael Heenan <heenan1@... <heenan1%40cox.net><heenan1%
>> 40cox.net>>
>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Now that the holiday season is here, there's some good deals to be had
>>>> on
>>>>>> netbooks. I'm going to be doing some extensive traveling next year,
>> and
>>>>>> while it's not really that necessary to bring one along, it'd be nice
>> to
>>>>>> have a computer, and a netbook seems to be a better option because of
>>>> size
>>>>>> and weight. I wont be needing it for work, just something to surf the
>>>> web,
>>>>>> download my photos and video, things like that. I'm looking at an Acer
>>>> model
>>>>>> that has a 10.1" screen with 250gb drive and 1.66 processor. Anyone
>> own
>>>> a
>>>>>> netbook and have pros/cons on them?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ------------------------------------
>>>>>
>>>>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------------------
>>>
>>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

See how it goes, you may well love it.  My guess is that the better screen
resolutions and ION graphics won't become common on netbooks until mid 2010
in any case.

Wade

2009/11/29 Michael Heenan <heenan1@...>

>
>
> I do have big hands unfortunately... it's tough to text on my iphone. I did
> buy this acer on amazon during a sale, and amazon has a good return policy,
> so I will test it out for a while to see how it goes. My first trip isn't
> until february, so I still have time to decide.
>
>
> On Nov 29, 2009, at 2:14 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:
>
> > I think this is a fine netbook and you would be happy with it. Its a big
> > improvement over the earlier D150 model.
> > Compared with the alternatives currently available the Acer hasn't got
> the
> > best keyboard. The HP Mininote probably wins on this, so if you have big
> > hands this may be an issue. There may aslo be minor niggles eg on my Acer
> > eePC 100HE one can tilt the screen back to open about 170degreess
> wheereas
> > I think the acer just goes to about 130degrees.
> >
> > The main rational for holding on - unless you need it urgently is to see
> > whether decent models with a ful screen resolution come out. So far we
> have
> > had the (expensive 10in Sony W Hector mentioned. ) and Acer's
> underpowered
> > 11.6 inch I mentioned. The next step with these things must be to geta
> full
> > resolution withn a decent processor/graphics at the current sort orf
> price.
> > The extra sceen resultion makes reading stuff without scrolling quite a
> > bit easier. So it all depends on how urgently you need it. Im not aware
> > of what products are in the pipeline, it's just obvious this is the
> > direction they need to go in.
> >
> >
> > 2009/11/29 Michael Heenan <heenan1@... <heenan1%40cox.net>>
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> Thanks for the info... this is the model I was looking at on Amazon:
> Acer
> >> AOD250-1633. What features do the new models have that are coming out
> soon?
> >>
> >>
> >> On Nov 28, 2009, at 5:22 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:
> >>
> >>> 1 I think for anyone going on a long trip a netbook is an excellent
> >>> investment and well worth getting.
> >>>
> >>> 2 If you already have a laptop and just looking to get one for travel I
> >>> would wait until shortly before you travel as there are some
> interesting
> >> new
> >>> models in the pipeline.
> >>>
> >>> The main downside with the 10.1 inch models is the csreen resolution
> >>> 1024x600 means you have to do a fair amount of scroling to see the
> whole
> >>> page. I believe the ideal size of a netbook will prove to me 11.6in
> with
> >> a
> >>> screen resolution of 1,366 x 768.
> >>>
> >>> which wil give u more of less ful size sreen real estate. Right now the
> >>> only real netbook Ive seen at this size is the Acer One 751 but this is
> a
> >>> lemon as it is underpowered with a poor processor z510 and poor
> graphics.
> >>> There are 11.6 inch netbooks with the faster Intel's 1.4GHz ULV SU3500
> >>> processors but these tend to be more expensive. I think Intel will soon
> >>> update its atom processor and if you can find a dual core updated atom
> >>> processor with 11.6in form factor and 1366x768 that could be the one to
> >> go
> >>> for.
> >>>
> >>> If you want to buy now I realy like me Acer Eee PC 1000 HE. I have put
> in
> >>> a 500GB hard drive (pretty cheap nowadays ) and installed Windows 7 and
> >>> Linux Ubuntu as a dual boot.
> >>>
> >>> Win Vista wont runon most of these machinese. Xp is of course 7 years
> >>> out of date. Win & and Ubuntu 9.10 arre both great Op Systems. Its easy
> >>> to download Win7 Ultimate 32 bit fom Pirate Bay, load it onto a
> bootable
> >>> USB withn unetbootin and off you go.
> >>>
> >>> The Samsung NC 10 are aloso very well regarded. Im nor sure which
> 10.inch
> >>> Acer model you are considering but the Acer Ones are a bit uninspiring
> >>> compared to my Acer 1000HHE and the Samsungs.
> >>>
> >>> Wade
> >>>
> >>> 2009/11/28 Michael Heenan <heenan1@... <heenan1%40cox.net><heenan1%
> 40cox.net>>
>
> >>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Now that the holiday season is here, there's some good deals to be had
> >> on
> >>>> netbooks. I'm going to be doing some extensive traveling next year,
> and
> >>>> while it's not really that necessary to bring one along, it'd be nice
> to
> >>>> have a computer, and a netbook seems to be a better option because of
> >> size
> >>>> and weight. I wont be needing it for work, just something to surf the
> >> web,
> >>>> download my photos and video, things like that. I'm looking at an Acer
> >> model
> >>>> that has a 10.1" screen with 250gb drive and 1.66 processor. Anyone
> own
> >> a
> >>>> netbook and have pros/cons on them?
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> ------------------------------------
> >>>
> >>> Yahoo! Groups Links
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I do have big hands unfortunately... it's tough to text on my iphone.  I did buy
this acer on amazon during a sale, and amazon has a good return policy, so I
will test it out for a while to see how it goes.  My first trip isn't until
february, so I still have time to decide.

On Nov 29, 2009, at 2:14 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:

> I think this is a fine netbook and  you would be happy with it.  Its a big
> improvement over the earlier D150 model.
> Compared with the alternatives currently available the Acer hasn't got the
> best keyboard.  The HP  Mininote  probably wins on this, so if you have big
> hands this may be an issue.  There may aslo be minor niggles eg on my Acer
> eePC 100HE  one can tilt the screen back to open about 170degreess wheereas
> I think the acer just  goes to about 130degrees.
>
> The main rational for holding on - unless you  need it urgently is to see
> whether decent models with a ful screen resolution come out.  So far we have
> had the (expensive 10in Sony W Hector mentioned. ) and Acer's underpowered
> 11.6 inch I mentioned.  The next step with these things must be to geta full
> resolution withn a decent processor/graphics at the current sort orf price.
> The extra sceen resultion makes  reading  stuff without  scrolling quite a
> bit  easier.  So it all depends on how  urgently you need it. Im not aware
> of  what products are in the pipeline, it's just  obvious this  is the
> direction they  need to go in.
>
>
> 2009/11/29 Michael Heenan <heenan1@...>
>
>>
>>
>> Thanks for the info... this is the model I was looking at on Amazon: Acer
>> AOD250-1633. What features do the new models have that are coming out soon?
>>
>>
>> On Nov 28, 2009, at 5:22 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:
>>
>>> 1 I think for anyone going on a long trip a netbook is an excellent
>>> investment and well worth getting.
>>>
>>> 2 If you already have a laptop and just looking to get one for travel I
>>> would wait until shortly before you travel as there are some interesting
>> new
>>> models in the pipeline.
>>>
>>> The main downside with the 10.1 inch models is the csreen resolution
>>> 1024x600 means you have to do a fair amount of scroling to see the whole
>>> page. I believe the ideal size of a netbook will prove to me 11.6in with
>> a
>>> screen resolution of 1,366 x 768.
>>>
>>> which wil give u more of less ful size sreen real estate. Right now the
>>> only real netbook Ive seen at this size is the Acer One 751 but this is a
>>> lemon as it is underpowered with a poor processor z510 and poor graphics.
>>> There are 11.6 inch netbooks with the faster Intel's 1.4GHz ULV SU3500
>>> processors but these tend to be more expensive. I think Intel will soon
>>> update its atom processor and if you can find a dual core updated atom
>>> processor with 11.6in form factor and 1366x768 that could be the one to
>> go
>>> for.
>>>
>>> If you want to buy now I realy like me Acer Eee PC 1000 HE. I have put in
>>> a 500GB hard drive (pretty cheap nowadays ) and installed Windows 7 and
>>> Linux Ubuntu as a dual boot.
>>>
>>> Win Vista wont runon most of these machinese. Xp is of course 7 years
>>> out of date. Win & and Ubuntu 9.10 arre both great Op Systems. Its easy
>>> to download Win7 Ultimate 32 bit fom Pirate Bay, load it onto a bootable
>>> USB withn unetbootin and off you go.
>>>
>>> The Samsung NC 10 are aloso very well regarded. Im nor sure which 10.inch
>>> Acer model you are considering but the Acer Ones are a bit uninspiring
>>> compared to my Acer 1000HHE and the Samsungs.
>>>
>>> Wade
>>>
>>> 2009/11/28 Michael Heenan <heenan1@... <heenan1%40cox.net>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Now that the holiday season is here, there's some good deals to be had
>> on
>>>> netbooks. I'm going to be doing some extensive traveling next year, and
>>>> while it's not really that necessary to bring one along, it'd be nice to
>>>> have a computer, and a netbook seems to be a better option because of
>> size
>>>> and weight. I wont be needing it for work, just something to surf the
>> web,
>>>> download my photos and video, things like that. I'm looking at an Acer
>> model
>>>> that has a 10.1" screen with 250gb drive and 1.66 processor. Anyone own
>> a
>>>> netbook and have pros/cons on them?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------------------
>>>
>>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

I think this is a fine netbook and  you would be happy with it.  Its a big
improvement over the earlier D150 model.
Compared with the alternatives currently available the Acer hasn't got the
best keyboard.  The HP  Mininote  probably wins on this, so if you have big
hands this may be an issue.  There may aslo be minor niggles eg on my Acer
eePC 100HE  one can tilt the screen back to open about 170degreess wheereas
I think the acer just  goes to about 130degrees.

The main rational for holding on - unless you  need it urgently is to see
whether decent models with a ful screen resolution come out.  So far we have
had the (expensive 10in Sony W Hector mentioned. ) and Acer's underpowered
11.6 inch I mentioned.  The next step with these things must be to geta full
resolution withn a decent processor/graphics at the current sort orf price.
The extra sceen resultion makes  reading  stuff without  scrolling quite a
bit  easier.  So it all depends on how  urgently you need it. Im not aware
of  what products are in the pipeline, it's just  obvious this  is the
direction they  need to go in.


2009/11/29 Michael Heenan <heenan1@...>

>
>
> Thanks for the info... this is the model I was looking at on Amazon: Acer
> AOD250-1633. What features do the new models have that are coming out soon?
>
>
> On Nov 28, 2009, at 5:22 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:
>
> > 1 I think for anyone going on a long trip a netbook is an excellent
> > investment and well worth getting.
> >
> > 2 If you already have a laptop and just looking to get one for travel I
> > would wait until shortly before you travel as there are some interesting
> new
> > models in the pipeline.
> >
> > The main downside with the 10.1 inch models is the csreen resolution
> > 1024x600 means you have to do a fair amount of scroling to see the whole
> > page. I believe the ideal size of a netbook will prove to me 11.6in with
> a
> > screen resolution of 1,366 x 768.
> >
> > which wil give u more of less ful size sreen real estate. Right now the
> > only real netbook Ive seen at this size is the Acer One 751 but this is a
> > lemon as it is underpowered with a poor processor z510 and poor graphics.
> > There are 11.6 inch netbooks with the faster Intel's 1.4GHz ULV SU3500
> > processors but these tend to be more expensive. I think Intel will soon
> > update its atom processor and if you can find a dual core updated atom
> > processor with 11.6in form factor and 1366x768 that could be the one to
> go
> > for.
> >
> > If you want to buy now I realy like me Acer Eee PC 1000 HE. I have put in
> > a 500GB hard drive (pretty cheap nowadays ) and installed Windows 7 and
> > Linux Ubuntu as a dual boot.
> >
> > Win Vista wont runon most of these machinese. Xp is of course 7 years
> > out of date. Win & and Ubuntu 9.10 arre both great Op Systems. Its easy
> > to download Win7 Ultimate 32 bit fom Pirate Bay, load it onto a bootable
> > USB withn unetbootin and off you go.
> >
> > The Samsung NC 10 are aloso very well regarded. Im nor sure which 10.inch
> > Acer model you are considering but the Acer Ones are a bit uninspiring
> > compared to my Acer 1000HHE and the Samsungs.
> >
> > Wade
> >
> > 2009/11/28 Michael Heenan <heenan1@... <heenan1%40cox.net>>
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> Now that the holiday season is here, there's some good deals to be had
> on
> >> netbooks. I'm going to be doing some extensive traveling next year, and
> >> while it's not really that necessary to bring one along, it'd be nice to
> >> have a computer, and a netbook seems to be a better option because of
> size
> >> and weight. I wont be needing it for work, just something to surf the
> web,
> >> download my photos and video, things like that. I'm looking at an Acer
> model
> >> that has a 10.1" screen with 250gb drive and 1.66 processor. Anyone own
> a
> >> netbook and have pros/cons on them?
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks for the info... this is the model I was looking at on Amazon:  Acer
AOD250-1633.  What features do the new models have that are coming out soon?

On Nov 28, 2009, at 5:22 PM, Wade Allsopp wrote:

> 1  I think for anyone going on a long trip a netbook is an excellent
> investment and well worth getting.
>
> 2  If  you already have a laptop and just looking to get one for travel I
> would wait until shortly before you travel as there are some interesting new
> models in the pipeline.
>
> The main downside with the 10.1 inch models is the csreen resolution
> 1024x600 means you have to do a fair amount of scroling to see the whole
> page.  I believe the ideal size of a netbook will prove to me 11.6in with a
> screen resolution of 1,366 x 768.
>
> which wil give  u more of less ful size sreen real estate.  Right now the
> only real netbook Ive seen at this size is the Acer One 751  but this is a
> lemon as it is  underpowered with a poor processor z510 and poor graphics.
> There are 11.6 inch netbooks with the faster Intel's 1.4GHz ULV SU3500
> processors  but these tend to be more expensive.  I think Intel will soon
> update its  atom processor and if you can find a dual core updated atom
> processor with 11.6in form factor and 1366x768  that  could be the one to go
> for.
>
> If  you want to buy now I realy like me Acer Eee PC 1000 HE.  I have put in
> a 500GB hard drive (pretty cheap nowadays ) and installed Windows 7 and
> Linux Ubuntu as a dual boot.
>
> Win Vista  wont runon most of these machinese.  Xp is  of  course 7 years
> out of date.  Win & and Ubuntu 9.10 arre both great Op Systems.  Its  easy
> to download Win7 Ultimate 32 bit fom Pirate Bay, load  it onto a bootable
> USB withn unetbootin and off you go.
>
> The Samsung NC 10 are aloso very well regarded.  Im nor sure  which 10.inch
> Acer model  you are considering but the Acer Ones are a bit uninspiring
> compared to my Acer 1000HHE and the Samsungs.
>
> Wade
>
> 2009/11/28 Michael Heenan <heenan1@...>
>
>>
>>
>> Now that the holiday season is here, there's some good deals to be had on
>> netbooks. I'm going to be doing some extensive traveling next year, and
>> while it's not really that necessary to bring one along, it'd be nice to
>> have a computer, and a netbook seems to be a better option because of size
>> and weight. I wont be needing it for work, just something to surf the web,
>> download my photos and video, things like that. I'm looking at an Acer model
>> that has a 10.1" screen with 250gb drive and 1.66 processor. Anyone own a
>> netbook and have pros/cons on them?
>>
>>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

The new Sony VAIO 10" netbook (W series) is the only 10 incher with a 1366x768
resolution. Plus it's the best looking one too :) It's the ideal travel-friendly
netbook in my opinion.



On Nov 29, 2009, at 1:22 AM, Wade Allsopp wrote:

> 1  I think for anyone going on a long trip a netbook is an excellent
> investment and well worth getting.
>
> 2  If  you already have a laptop and just looking to get one for travel I
> would wait until shortly before you travel as there are some interesting new
> models in the pipeline.
>
> The main downside with the 10.1 inch models is the csreen resolution
> 1024x600 means you have to do a fair amount of scroling to see the whole
> page.  I believe the ideal size of a netbook will prove to me 11.6in with a
> screen resolution of 1,366 x 768.
>
> which wil give  u more of less ful size sreen real estate.  Right now the
> only real netbook Ive seen at this size is the Acer One 751  but this is a
> lemon as it is  underpowered with a poor processor z510 and poor graphics.
> There are 11.6 inch netbooks with the faster Intel's 1.4GHz ULV SU3500
> processors  but these tend to be more expensive.  I think Intel will soon
> update its  atom processor and if you can find a dual core updated atom
> processor with 11.6in form factor and 1366x768  that  could be the one to go
> for.
>
> If  you want to buy now I realy like me Acer Eee PC 1000 HE.  I have put in
> a 500GB hard drive (pretty cheap nowadays ) and installed Windows 7 and
> Linux Ubuntu as a dual boot.
>
> Win Vista  wont runon most of these machinese.  Xp is  of  course 7 years
> out of date.  Win & and Ubuntu 9.10 arre both great Op Systems.  Its  easy
> to download Win7 Ultimate 32 bit fom Pirate Bay, load  it onto a bootable
> USB withn unetbootin and off you go.
>
> The Samsung NC 10 are aloso very well regarded.  Im nor sure  which 10.inch
> Acer model  you are considering but the Acer Ones are a bit uninspiring
> compared to my Acer 1000HHE and the Samsungs.
>
> Wade
>
> 2009/11/28 Michael Heenan <heenan1@...>
>
>>
>>
>> Now that the holiday season is here, there's some good deals to be had on
>> netbooks. I'm going to be doing some extensive traveling next year, and
>> while it's not really that necessary to bring one along, it'd be nice to
>> have a computer, and a netbook seems to be a better option because of size
>> and weight. I wont be needing it for work, just something to surf the web,
>> download my photos and video, things like that. I'm looking at an Acer model
>> that has a 10.1" screen with 250gb drive and 1.66 processor. Anyone own a
>> netbook and have pros/cons on them?
>>
>>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

1  I think for anyone going on a long trip a netbook is an excellent
investment and well worth getting.

2  If  you already have a laptop and just looking to get one for travel I
would wait until shortly before you travel as there are some interesting new
models in the pipeline.

The main downside with the 10.1 inch models is the csreen resolution
1024x600 means you have to do a fair amount of scroling to see the whole
page.  I believe the ideal size of a netbook will prove to me 11.6in with a
screen resolution of 1,366 x 768.

which wil give  u more of less ful size sreen real estate.  Right now the
only real netbook Ive seen at this size is the Acer One 751  but this is a
lemon as it is  underpowered with a poor processor z510 and poor graphics.
There are 11.6 inch netbooks with the faster Intel's 1.4GHz ULV SU3500
processors  but these tend to be more expensive.  I think Intel will soon
update its  atom processor and if you can find a dual core updated atom
processor with 11.6in form factor and 1366x768  that  could be the one to go
for.

If  you want to buy now I realy like me Acer Eee PC 1000 HE.  I have put in
a 500GB hard drive (pretty cheap nowadays ) and installed Windows 7 and
Linux Ubuntu as a dual boot.

Win Vista  wont runon most of these machinese.  Xp is  of  course 7 years
out of date.  Win & and Ubuntu 9.10 arre both great Op Systems.  Its  easy
to download Win7 Ultimate 32 bit fom Pirate Bay, load  it onto a bootable
USB withn unetbootin and off you go.

The Samsung NC 10 are aloso very well regarded.  Im nor sure  which 10.inch
Acer model  you are considering but the Acer Ones are a bit uninspiring
compared to my Acer 1000HHE and the Samsungs.

Wade

2009/11/28 Michael Heenan <heenan1@...>

>
>
> Now that the holiday season is here, there's some good deals to be had on
> netbooks. I'm going to be doing some extensive traveling next year, and
> while it's not really that necessary to bring one along, it'd be nice to
> have a computer, and a netbook seems to be a better option because of size
> and weight. I wont be needing it for work, just something to surf the web,
> download my photos and video, things like that. I'm looking at an Acer model
> that has a 10.1" screen with 250gb drive and 1.66 processor. Anyone own a
> netbook and have pros/cons on them?
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Now that the holiday season is here, there's some good deals to be had on
netbooks. I'm going to be doing some extensive traveling next year, and while
it's not really that necessary to bring one along, it'd be nice to have a
computer, and a netbook seems to be a better option because of size and weight. 
I wont be needing it for work, just something to surf the web, download my
photos and video, things like that.  I'm looking at an Acer model that has a
10.1" screen with 250gb drive and 1.66 processor.  Anyone own a netbook and have
pros/cons on them?

Yes I met  some Americans when I was in Kenya wthen you  can ho  had  gone
  south from Spain to  Moroccos Western Sahara  etc  then down through west
Africa and accross through  Niger BF  etc  to  Ethiopia then you  can go
down eastg  africa  to South Africa  pretty easily

2009/11/28 Tina Rowland <tmrontheroad@...>

> Wade,
>
> The only problem with this is I will be gone more than a year. I'm trying
> to
> look into Circle Africa passes but digging up the info is hard to find. If
> there was a way to do this totally overland (south to north) I would love
> to
> do that but from what I've read the entire center of the continent is no-go
> in terms of safety.
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, Nov 27, 2009 at 1:09 PM, Wade Allsopp <wade.allsopp@...
> >wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > have you thought about arranging a RTW fare with The World Journey This
> > team includes South African Airways and Air Kenya so allows you to go to
> > most places within Africa I paid about $2500 for my whole 10 flight RTW
> so
> > if the alternative is $1200 on one section it may make sense.
> >
> > 2009/11/27 Tina Rowland <tmrontheroad@... <tmrontheroad%
> 40gmail.com>>
> >
> >
> >
> > > All,
> > >
> > > Thank you for the info! And especially for the book titles. I was
> hoping
> > to
> > > find some.
> > >
> > > Ghana should be on that list and I don't know how I missed it when I
> was
> > > typing.
> > >
> > > I'm just trying to figure out how to get from SA to Benin without have
> to
> > > sell a major body part. I am not finding reasonable fares at all. They
> > seem
> > > to be running over $1200US, so I'm not sure how to work this out cost
> > wise
> > > since overland really is not an option.
> > >
> > > Thanks again for the help!
> > > Tina
> > >
> > > On Thu, Nov 26, 2009 at 10:03 PM, forbus28 <forbus28@...
> <forbus28%40hotmail.com>>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > hi Tina,
> > > >
> > > > i'm jealous!! this trip sounds wonderful. i have only been to Ghana,
> > and
> > > i
> > > > was puzzled that you didn't include it (maybe you've been before? or
> > > weren't
> > > > interested?) as it's a very easy jot down from burkino faso and then
> > > before
> > > > togo and benin. from what i've heard (and i did a fair amount of
> > research
> > > as
> > > > i was originally supposed to go to burkino faso and mali also, long
> > > story),
> > > > ghana is the easiest place in west africa to travel in as far as
> > > logistics -
> > > > so it might be a nice break for you in the midst of your trip.
> there's
> > a
> > > lot
> > > > of expats in some of the cities (tamale, kumasi, fewer than you'd
> > expect
> > > in
> > > > accra) so you can find some of the things you crave (and yes, on a
> long
> > > > trip, come on, we all have those random things we badly want). more
> > > > importantly, it was a wonderful country to visit! people were warm
> and
> > > open,
> > > > i was a female traveling solo and had zero problems (and i don't
> think
> > > > you'll have any in the other countries either, but not speaking from
> > > > experience, just hunch). if you are interested, check out Bolgatanga
> in
> > > the
> > > > north (really close to border of burkino faso), and although i
> thought
> > > some
> > > > of the fort towns along the southern coast were a little overrated
> > > (though
> > > > it's worth going to one), the Turtle Lodge in Akwiidah is really
> really
> > > > worth it. (eco-lodge that's supported by the village. really
> reasonable
> > > > backpacker rates, and you actually really do interact with the
> > villagers,
> > > as
> > > > much or as little as you want to).
> > > >
> > > > anyway, even if you don't hit up ghana your trip will be fantastic.
> > > > reading-wise i'd recommend _Someone's Heart Is Burning_ by i think
> > Tanya
> > > > Shaffer (might be wrong on author name) and _Nine Hills to
> Nambonkaha_.
> > > >
> > > > cheers, Shira
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In RTWers@yahoogroups.com <RTWers%40yahoogroups.com> <RTWers%
> > 40yahoogroups.com>, Yumi Masuoka
> >
> > > > <ymasuoka@...> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > hi there,
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > have just gotten back yesterday from 3 wks in cameroon and since it
> > was
> > > > my first time there, i did the main touristy route...
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > travelled alone -- though my friends here in the US have introduced
> > me
> > > to
> > > > some family/friends who live there whom i've met and stayed with
> > > > >
> > > > > but in general the people there are so friendly and helpful, so
> being
> > a
> > > > solo woman traveller wasn't that difficult :)
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > good luck!
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > regards,
> > > > >
> > > > > yumi
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > To: RTWers@yahoogroups.com <RTWers%40yahoogroups.com> <RTWers%
> > 40yahoogroups.com>
> >
> > > > > From: politically.incorrect.webzine@...
> > > >
> > > > > Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:42:29 -0500
> > > > > Subject: Re: [RTWers] Africa in a RTW
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Hi Tina-
> > > > >
> > > > > I haven't been to Western Africa but I was in Southern Africa this
> > > > > past summer (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia,
> > > > > Lesotho) and travel around there was fine- the only particularly
> > > > > difficult one was Zimbabwe where you have to be sure to bring any
> and
> > > > > all currency you want to spend into the country with you, either in
> > > > > USD or South African Rand. Probably always a good idea to have a
> > > > > stash of USD with you in Africa where you go, as lots of things
> such
> > > > > as border fees are only payable in USD or have a much better
> exchange
> > > > > rate than local currencies. And for the record I didn't feel unsafe
> > > > > traveling around Africa as a 23-year-old female, though with the
> > > > > exception of South Africa/Lesotho I was traveling with my sister 2
> > > > > years older.
> > > > >
> > > > > Looking at your list, your trip reminds me of a book I picked up in
> > > > > South Africa, "A Single Swallow" by Horatio Clare- dunno if you can
> > > > > get it in the US but you could probably buy it off of Amazon.co.uk
> <http://amazon.co.uk/>
> > <
> > > http://amazon.co.uk/>
> >
> > > > .
> > > > > It's a pretty crazy travelogue of a guy who decides to follow the
> > > > > swallow migration from Cape Town to his home in Wales, taking in
> some
> > > > > of the more random countries along the way like Republic of Congo,
> > > > > Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger... pretty amazing really, at parts the guy
> > > > > treks through the jungle for 20 miles because there's just no road
> to
> > > > > get to the border and stuff like that. Probably worth picking up if
> > > > > you're interested in the situation in a lot of those countries.
> > > > >
> > > > > Hope this helps, and good luck.
> > > > >
> > > > > Cheers
> > > > > -Yvette
> > > > >
> > > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2009 at 7:30 PM, Tina Rowland <tmrontheroad@...>
> > > wrote:
> > > > > > After pushing back a leave date multiple times, I will finally be
> > > able
> > > > to
> > > > > > take off for my RTW in about 15 months. I've kept myself from
> going
> > > > crazy
> > > > > > with a few big trips, but the time has come to start some
> > > quasi-serious
> > > > > > planning. After much debate I have chosen to go to Africa and
> save
> > > > South
> > > > > > America for a later trip since it is very easy from the States.
> > That
> > > > leaves
> > > > > > me with some questions.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > As a lone female, I realize I will need to pay extra attention to
> > > > safety
> > > > > > issues. My hope is to head into Western Africa from Morocco down
> to
> > > > South
> > > > > > Africa then make my way to Tanzania, where I will most likely
> then
> > > fly
> > > > to
> > > > > > Cairo to hit the Middle East before heading over to Asia.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > How much overland can I expect to accomplish as I move south? Are
> > > there
> > > > > > points where I will have to fly given safety/security situations?
> > (I
> > > > realize
> > > > > > this can sometimes change on a day to day basis, but I am trying
> to
> > > > look at
> > > > > > generalities.) Can someone suggest a general route through
> Western
> > > > Africa
> > > > > > and at what point geographically I should consider a flight? I
> > would
> > > be
> > > > > > willing to fly into Namibia or SA depending on budget and flight
> > > > costs...
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I was currently considering the following route: Morocco-Western
> > > > > > Sahara-Mauritania-Mali-Guinea-Burkina Faso-Togo-Benin. I was
> > thinking
> > > > this
> > > > > > would be the best place for a flight south.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Are any of the places on this list a no go for a solo female that
> > > will
> > > > be 41
> > > > > > at the time? Am I missing any place important? I left places off
> > this
> > > > list
> > > > > > that have had regular turmoil for any length of time. Is there
> any
> > > > place I
> > > > > > need to add? Also, if overland is just too risk, would a circle
> > > Africa
> > > > > > airpass be a wise idea?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks for any help.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Tina
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > ------------------------------------
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > Yes, I have a life. It's quite different from yours.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > __________________________________________________________
> > > > > Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
http://www.bing.com/search?q=restaurants&form=MFESRP&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MFES\
RP_Local_MapsMenu_Resturants_1x1
> > > > >
> > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Wade,

The only problem with this is I will be gone more than a year. I'm trying to
look into Circle Africa passes but digging up the info is hard to find. If
there was a way to do this totally overland (south to north) I would love to
do that but from what I've read the entire center of the continent is no-go
in terms of safety.




On Fri, Nov 27, 2009 at 1:09 PM, Wade Allsopp <wade.allsopp@...>wrote:

>
>
> have you thought about arranging a RTW fare with The World Journey This
> team includes South African Airways and Air Kenya so allows you to go to
> most places within Africa I paid about $2500 for my whole 10 flight RTW so
> if the alternative is $1200 on one section it may make sense.
>
> 2009/11/27 Tina Rowland <tmrontheroad@... <tmrontheroad%40gmail.com>>
>
>
>
> > All,
> >
> > Thank you for the info! And especially for the book titles. I was hoping
> to
> > find some.
> >
> > Ghana should be on that list and I don't know how I missed it when I was
> > typing.
> >
> > I'm just trying to figure out how to get from SA to Benin without have to
> > sell a major body part. I am not finding reasonable fares at all. They
> seem
> > to be running over $1200US, so I'm not sure how to work this out cost
> wise
> > since overland really is not an option.
> >
> > Thanks again for the help!
> > Tina
> >
> > On Thu, Nov 26, 2009 at 10:03 PM, forbus28
<forbus28@...<forbus28%40hotmail.com>>
> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > hi Tina,
> > >
> > > i'm jealous!! this trip sounds wonderful. i have only been to Ghana,
> and
> > i
> > > was puzzled that you didn't include it (maybe you've been before? or
> > weren't
> > > interested?) as it's a very easy jot down from burkino faso and then
> > before
> > > togo and benin. from what i've heard (and i did a fair amount of
> research
> > as
> > > i was originally supposed to go to burkino faso and mali also, long
> > story),
> > > ghana is the easiest place in west africa to travel in as far as
> > logistics -
> > > so it might be a nice break for you in the midst of your trip. there's
> a
> > lot
> > > of expats in some of the cities (tamale, kumasi, fewer than you'd
> expect
> > in
> > > accra) so you can find some of the things you crave (and yes, on a long
> > > trip, come on, we all have those random things we badly want). more
> > > importantly, it was a wonderful country to visit! people were warm and
> > open,
> > > i was a female traveling solo and had zero problems (and i don't think
> > > you'll have any in the other countries either, but not speaking from
> > > experience, just hunch). if you are interested, check out Bolgatanga in
> > the
> > > north (really close to border of burkino faso), and although i thought
> > some
> > > of the fort towns along the southern coast were a little overrated
> > (though
> > > it's worth going to one), the Turtle Lodge in Akwiidah is really really
> > > worth it. (eco-lodge that's supported by the village. really reasonable
> > > backpacker rates, and you actually really do interact with the
> villagers,
> > as
> > > much or as little as you want to).
> > >
> > > anyway, even if you don't hit up ghana your trip will be fantastic.
> > > reading-wise i'd recommend _Someone's Heart Is Burning_ by i think
> Tanya
> > > Shaffer (might be wrong on author name) and _Nine Hills to Nambonkaha_.
> > >
> > > cheers, Shira
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In RTWers@yahoogroups.com <RTWers%40yahoogroups.com> <RTWers%
> 40yahoogroups.com>, Yumi Masuoka
>
> > > <ymasuoka@...> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > hi there,
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > have just gotten back yesterday from 3 wks in cameroon and since it
> was
> > > my first time there, i did the main touristy route...
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > travelled alone -- though my friends here in the US have introduced
> me
> > to
> > > some family/friends who live there whom i've met and stayed with
> > > >
> > > > but in general the people there are so friendly and helpful, so being
> a
> > > solo woman traveller wasn't that difficult :)
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > good luck!
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > regards,
> > > >
> > > > yumi
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > To: RTWers@yahoogroups.com <RTWers%40yahoogroups.com> <RTWers%
> 40yahoogroups.com>
>
> > > > From: politically.incorrect.webzine@...
> > >
> > > > Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:42:29 -0500
> > > > Subject: Re: [RTWers] Africa in a RTW
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Hi Tina-
> > > >
> > > > I haven't been to Western Africa but I was in Southern Africa this
> > > > past summer (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia,
> > > > Lesotho) and travel around there was fine- the only particularly
> > > > difficult one was Zimbabwe where you have to be sure to bring any and
> > > > all currency you want to spend into the country with you, either in
> > > > USD or South African Rand. Probably always a good idea to have a
> > > > stash of USD with you in Africa where you go, as lots of things such
> > > > as border fees are only payable in USD or have a much better exchange
> > > > rate than local currencies. And for the record I didn't feel unsafe
> > > > traveling around Africa as a 23-year-old female, though with the
> > > > exception of South Africa/Lesotho I was traveling with my sister 2
> > > > years older.
> > > >
> > > > Looking at your list, your trip reminds me of a book I picked up in
> > > > South Africa, "A Single Swallow" by Horatio Clare- dunno if you can
> > > > get it in the US but you could probably buy it off of
Amazon.co.uk<http://amazon.co.uk/>
> <
> > http://amazon.co.uk/>
>
> > > .
> > > > It's a pretty crazy travelogue of a guy who decides to follow the
> > > > swallow migration from Cape Town to his home in Wales, taking in some
> > > > of the more random countries along the way like Republic of Congo,
> > > > Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger... pretty amazing really, at parts the guy
> > > > treks through the jungle for 20 miles because there's just no road to
> > > > get to the border and stuff like that. Probably worth picking up if
> > > > you're interested in the situation in a lot of those countries.
> > > >
> > > > Hope this helps, and good luck.
> > > >
> > > > Cheers
> > > > -Yvette
> > > >
> > > > On Sun, Nov 22, 2009 at 7:30 PM, Tina Rowland <tmrontheroad@...>
> > wrote:
> > > > > After pushing back a leave date multiple times, I will finally be
> > able
> > > to
> > > > > take off for my RTW in about 15 months. I've kept myself from going
> > > crazy
> > > > > with a few big trips, but the time has come to start some
> > quasi-serious
> > > > > planning. After much debate I have chosen to go to Africa and save
> > > South
> > > > > America for a later trip since it is very easy from the States.
> That
> > > leaves
> > > > > me with some questions.
> > > > >
> > > > > As a lone female, I realize I will need to pay extra attention to
> > > safety
> > > > > issues. My hope is to head into Western Africa from Morocco down to
> > > South
> > > > > Africa then make my way to Tanzania, where I will most likely then
> > fly
> > > to
> > > > > Cairo to hit the Middle East before heading over to Asia.
> > > > >
> > > > > How much overland can I expect to accomplish as I move south? Are
> > there
> > > > > points where I will have to fly given safety/security situations?
> (I
> > > realize
> > > > > this can sometimes change on a day to day basis, but I am trying to
> > > look at
> > > > > generalities.) Can someone suggest a general route through Western
> > > Africa
> > > > > and at what point geographically I should consider a flight? I
> would
> > be
> > > > > willing to fly into Namibia or SA depending on budget and flight
> > > costs...
> > > > >
> > > > > I was currently considering the following route: Morocco-Western
> > > > > Sahara-Mauritania-Mali-Guinea-Burkina Faso-Togo-Benin. I was
> thinking
> > > this
> > > > > would be the best place for a flight south.
> > > > >
> > > > > Are any of the places on this list a no go for a solo female that
> > will
> > > be 41
> > > > > at the time? Am I missing any place important? I left places off
> this
> > > list
> > > > > that have had regular turmoil for any length of time. Is there any
> > > place I
> > > > > need to add? Also, if overland is just too risk, would a circle
> > Africa
> > > > > airpass be a wise idea?
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks for any help.
> > > > >
> > > > > Tina
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > ------------------------------------
> > > > >
> > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Yes, I have a life. It's quite different from yours.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > __________________________________________________________
> > > > Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
http://www.bing.com/search?q=restaurants&form=MFESRP&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MFES\
RP_Local_MapsMenu_Resturants_1x1
> > > >
> > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

have you thought about arranging a RTW fare with The World Journey  This
team includes South African Airways and Air Kenya so allows you to  go to
most places within Africa I paid about $2500 for my whole 10 flight RTW so
if the  alternative is $1200 on one section it  may make sense.

2009/11/27 Tina Rowland <tmrontheroad@...>

> All,
>
> Thank you for the info! And especially for the book titles. I was hoping to
> find some.
>
> Ghana should be on that list and I don't know how I missed it when I was
> typing.
>
> I'm just trying to figure out how to get from SA to Benin without have to
> sell a major body part. I am not finding reasonable fares at all. They seem
> to be running over $1200US, so I'm not sure how to work this out cost wise
> since overland really is not an option.
>
> Thanks again for the help!
> Tina
>
> On Thu, Nov 26, 2009 at 10:03 PM, forbus28 <forbus28@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > hi Tina,
> >
> > i'm jealous!! this trip sounds wonderful. i have only been to Ghana, and
> i
> > was puzzled that you didn't include it (maybe you've been before? or
> weren't
> > interested?) as it's a very easy jot down from burkino faso and then
> before
> > togo and benin. from what i've heard (and i did a fair amount of research
> as
> > i was originally supposed to go to burkino faso and mali also, long
> story),
> > ghana is the easiest place in west africa to travel in as far as
> logistics -
> > so it might be a nice break for you in the midst of your trip. there's a
> lot
> > of expats in some of the cities (tamale, kumasi, fewer than you'd expect
> in
> > accra) so you can find some of the things you crave (and yes, on a long
> > trip, come on, we all have those random things we badly want). more
> > importantly, it was a wonderful country to visit! people were warm and
> open,
> > i was a female traveling solo and had zero problems (and i don't think
> > you'll have any in the other countries either, but not speaking from
> > experience, just hunch). if you are interested, check out Bolgatanga in
> the
> > north (really close to border of burkino faso), and although i thought
> some
> > of the fort towns along the southern coast were a little overrated
> (though
> > it's worth going to one), the Turtle Lodge in Akwiidah is really really
> > worth it. (eco-lodge that's supported by the village. really reasonable
> > backpacker rates, and you actually really do interact with the villagers,
> as
> > much or as little as you want to).
> >
> > anyway, even if you don't hit up ghana your trip will be fantastic.
> > reading-wise i'd recommend _Someone's Heart Is Burning_ by i think Tanya
> > Shaffer (might be wrong on author name) and _Nine Hills to Nambonkaha_.
> >
> > cheers, Shira
> >
> >
> > --- In RTWers@yahoogroups.com <RTWers%40yahoogroups.com>, Yumi Masuoka
> > <ymasuoka@...> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > hi there,
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > have just gotten back yesterday from 3 wks in cameroon and since it was
> > my first time there, i did the main touristy route...
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > travelled alone -- though my friends here in the US have introduced me
> to
> > some family/friends who live there whom i've met and stayed with
> > >
> > > but in general the people there are so friendly and helpful, so being a
> > solo woman traveller wasn't that difficult :)
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > good luck!
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > regards,
> > >
> > > yumi
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > To: RTWers@yahoogroups.com <RTWers%40yahoogroups.com>
> > > From: politically.incorrect.webzine@...
> >
> > > Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:42:29 -0500
> > > Subject: Re: [RTWers] Africa in a RTW
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi Tina-
> > >
> > > I haven't been to Western Africa but I was in Southern Africa this
> > > past summer (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia,
> > > Lesotho) and travel around there was fine- the only particularly
> > > difficult one was Zimbabwe where you have to be sure to bring any and
> > > all currency you want to spend into the country with you, either in
> > > USD or South African Rand. Probably always a good idea to have a
> > > stash of USD with you in Africa where you go, as lots of things such
> > > as border fees are only payable in USD or have a much better exchange
> > > rate than local currencies. And for the record I didn't feel unsafe
> > > traveling around Africa as a 23-year-old female, though with the
> > > exception of South Africa/Lesotho I was traveling with my sister 2
> > > years older.
> > >
> > > Looking at your list, your trip reminds me of a book I picked up in
> > > South Africa, "A Single Swallow" by Horatio Clare- dunno if you can
> > > get it in the US but you could probably buy it off of Amazon.co.uk<
> http://amazon.co.uk/>
> > .
> > > It's a pretty crazy travelogue of a guy who decides to follow the
> > > swallow migration from Cape Town to his home in Wales, taking in some
> > > of the more random countries along the way like Republic of Congo,
> > > Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger... pretty amazing really, at parts the guy
> > > treks through the jungle for 20 miles because there's just no road to
> > > get to the border and stuff like that. Probably worth picking up if
> > > you're interested in the situation in a lot of those countries.
> > >
> > > Hope this helps, and good luck.
> > >
> > > Cheers
> > > -Yvette
> > >
> >  > On Sun, Nov 22, 2009 at 7:30 PM, Tina Rowland <tmrontheroad@...>
> wrote:
> > > > After pushing back a leave date multiple times, I will finally be
> able
> > to
> > > > take off for my RTW in about 15 months. I've kept myself from going
> > crazy
> > > > with a few big trips, but the time has come to start some
> quasi-serious
> > > > planning. After much debate I have chosen to go to Africa and save
> > South
> > > > America for a later trip since it is very easy from the States. That
> > leaves
> > > > me with some questions.
> > > >
> > > > As a lone female, I realize I will need to pay extra attention to
> > safety
> > > > issues. My hope is to head into Western Africa from Morocco down to
> > South
> > > > Africa then make my way to Tanzania, where I will most likely then
> fly
> > to
> > > > Cairo to hit the Middle East before heading over to Asia.
> > > >
> > > > How much overland can I expect to accomplish as I move south? Are
> there
> > > > points where I will have to fly given safety/security situations? (I
> > realize
> > > > this can sometimes change on a day to day basis, but I am trying to
> > look at
> > > > generalities.) Can someone suggest a general route through Western
> > Africa
> > > > and at what point geographically I should consider a flight? I would
> be
> > > > willing to fly into Namibia or SA depending on budget and flight
> > costs...
> > > >
> > > > I was currently considering the following route: Morocco-Western
> > > > Sahara-Mauritania-Mali-Guinea-Burkina Faso-Togo-Benin. I was thinking
> > this
> > > > would be the best place for a flight south.
> > > >
> > > > Are any of the places on this list a no go for a solo female that
> will
> > be 41
> > > > at the time? Am I missing any place important? I left places off this
> > list
> > > > that have had regular turmoil for any length of time. Is there any
> > place I
> > > > need to add? Also, if overland is just too risk, would a circle
> Africa
> > > > airpass be a wise idea?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for any help.
> > > >
> > > > Tina
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Yes, I have a life. It's quite different from yours.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________________
> > > Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place.
> > >
> >
>
http://www.bing.com/search?q=restaurants&form=MFESRP&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MFES\
RP_Local_MapsMenu_Resturants_1x1
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

All,

Thank you for the info! And especially for the book titles. I was hoping to
find some.

Ghana should be on that list and I don't know how I missed it when I was
typing.

I'm just trying to figure out how to get from SA to Benin without have to
sell a major body part. I am not finding reasonable fares at all. They seem
to be running over $1200US, so I'm not sure how to work this out cost wise
since overland really is not an option.

Thanks again for the help!
Tina

On Thu, Nov 26, 2009 at 10:03 PM, forbus28 <forbus28@...> wrote:

>
>
> hi Tina,
>
> i'm jealous!! this trip sounds wonderful. i have only been to Ghana, and i
> was puzzled that you didn't include it (maybe you've been before? or weren't
> interested?) as it's a very easy jot down from burkino faso and then before
> togo and benin. from what i've heard (and i did a fair amount of research as
> i was originally supposed to go to burkino faso and mali also, long story),
> ghana is the easiest place in west africa to travel in as far as logistics -
> so it might be a nice break for you in the midst of your trip. there's a lot
> of expats in some of the cities (tamale, kumasi, fewer than you'd expect in
> accra) so you can find some of the things you crave (and yes, on a long
> trip, come on, we all have those random things we badly want). more
> importantly, it was a wonderful country to visit! people were warm and open,
> i was a female traveling solo and had zero problems (and i don't think
> you'll have any in the other countries either, but not speaking from
> experience, just hunch). if you are interested, check out Bolgatanga in the
> north (really close to border of burkino faso), and although i thought some
> of the fort towns along the southern coast were a little overrated (though
> it's worth going to one), the Turtle Lodge in Akwiidah is really really
> worth it. (eco-lodge that's supported by the village. really reasonable
> backpacker rates, and you actually really do interact with the villagers, as
> much or as little as you want to).
>
> anyway, even if you don't hit up ghana your trip will be fantastic.
> reading-wise i'd recommend _Someone's Heart Is Burning_ by i think Tanya
> Shaffer (might be wrong on author name) and _Nine Hills to Nambonkaha_.
>
> cheers, Shira
>
>
> --- In RTWers@yahoogroups.com <RTWers%40yahoogroups.com>, Yumi Masuoka
> <ymasuoka@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > hi there,
> >
> >
> >
> > have just gotten back yesterday from 3 wks in cameroon and since it was
> my first time there, i did the main touristy route...
> >
> >
> >
> > travelled alone -- though my friends here in the US have introduced me to
> some family/friends who live there whom i've met and stayed with
> >
> > but in general the people there are so friendly and helpful, so being a
> solo woman traveller wasn't that difficult :)
> >
> >
> >
> > good luck!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > regards,
> >
> > yumi
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > To: RTWers@yahoogroups.com <RTWers%40yahoogroups.com>
> > From: politically.incorrect.webzine@...
>
> > Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:42:29 -0500
> > Subject: Re: [RTWers] Africa in a RTW
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi Tina-
> >
> > I haven't been to Western Africa but I was in Southern Africa this
> > past summer (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia,
> > Lesotho) and travel around there was fine- the only particularly
> > difficult one was Zimbabwe where you have to be sure to bring any and
> > all currency you want to spend into the country with you, either in
> > USD or South African Rand. Probably always a good idea to have a
> > stash of USD with you in Africa where you go, as lots of things such
> > as border fees are only payable in USD or have a much better exchange
> > rate than local currencies. And for the record I didn't feel unsafe
> > traveling around Africa as a 23-year-old female, though with the
> > exception of South Africa/Lesotho I was traveling with my sister 2
> > years older.
> >
> > Looking at your list, your trip reminds me of a book I picked up in
> > South Africa, "A Single Swallow" by Horatio Clare- dunno if you can
> > get it in the US but you could probably buy it off of
Amazon.co.uk<http://amazon.co.uk/>
> .
> > It's a pretty crazy travelogue of a guy who decides to follow the
> > swallow migration from Cape Town to his home in Wales, taking in some
> > of the more random countries along the way like Republic of Congo,
> > Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger... pretty amazing really, at parts the guy
> > treks through the jungle for 20 miles because there's just no road to
> > get to the border and stuff like that. Probably worth picking up if
> > you're interested in the situation in a lot of those countries.
> >
> > Hope this helps, and good luck.
> >
> > Cheers
> > -Yvette
> >
>  > On Sun, Nov 22, 2009 at 7:30 PM, Tina Rowland <tmrontheroad@...> wrote:
> > > After pushing back a leave date multiple times, I will finally be able
> to
> > > take off for my RTW in about 15 months. I've kept myself from going
> crazy
> > > with a few big trips, but the time has come to start some quasi-serious
> > > planning. After much debate I have chosen to go to Africa and save
> South
> > > America for a later trip since it is very easy from the States. That
> leaves
> > > me with some questions.
> > >
> > > As a lone female, I realize I will need to pay extra attention to
> safety
> > > issues. My hope is to head into Western Africa from Morocco down to
> South
> > > Africa then make my way to Tanzania, where I will most likely then fly
> to
> > > Cairo to hit the Middle East before heading over to Asia.
> > >
> > > How much overland can I expect to accomplish as I move south? Are there
> > > points where I will have to fly given safety/security situations? (I
> realize
> > > this can sometimes change on a day to day basis, but I am trying to
> look at
> > > generalities.) Can someone suggest a general route through Western
> Africa
> > > and at what point geographically I should consider a flight? I would be
> > > willing to fly into Namibia or SA depending on budget and flight
> costs...
> > >
> > > I was currently considering the following route: Morocco-Western
> > > Sahara-Mauritania-Mali-Guinea-Burkina Faso-Togo-Benin. I was thinking
> this
> > > would be the best place for a flight south.
> > >
> > > Are any of the places on this list a no go for a solo female that will
> be 41
> > > at the time? Am I missing any place important? I left places off this
> list
> > > that have had regular turmoil for any length of time. Is there any
> place I
> > > need to add? Also, if overland is just too risk, would a circle Africa
> > > airpass be a wise idea?
> > >
> > > Thanks for any help.
> > >
> > > Tina
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> > --
> > Yes, I have a life. It's quite different from yours.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > __________________________________________________________
> > Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place.
> >
>
http://www.bing.com/search?q=restaurants&form=MFESRP&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MFES\
RP_Local_MapsMenu_Resturants_1x1
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

hi Tina,

i'm jealous!! this trip sounds wonderful. i have only been to Ghana, and i was
puzzled that you didn't include it (maybe you've been before? or weren't
interested?) as it's a very easy jot down from burkino faso and then before togo
and benin. from what i've heard (and i did a fair amount of research as i was
originally supposed to go to burkino faso and mali also, long story), ghana is
the easiest place in west africa to travel in as far as logistics - so it might
be a nice break for you in the midst of your trip. there's a lot of expats in
some of the cities (tamale, kumasi, fewer than you'd expect in accra) so you can
find some of the things you crave (and yes, on a long trip, come on, we all have
those random things we badly want). more importantly, it was a wonderful country
to visit! people were warm and open, i was a female traveling solo and had zero
problems (and i don't think you'll have any in the other countries either, but
not speaking from experience, just hunch). if you are interested, check out
Bolgatanga in the north (really close to border of burkino faso), and although i
thought some of the fort towns along the southern coast were a little overrated
(though it's worth going to one), the Turtle Lodge in Akwiidah is really really
worth it. (eco-lodge that's supported by the village. really reasonable
backpacker rates, and you actually really do interact with the villagers, as
much or as little as you want to).

anyway, even if you don't hit up ghana your trip will be fantastic. reading-wise
i'd recommend _Someone's Heart Is Burning_ by i think Tanya Shaffer (might be
wrong on author name) and _Nine Hills to Nambonkaha_.

cheers, Shira


--- In RTWers@yahoogroups.com, Yumi Masuoka <ymasuoka@...> wrote:
>
>
> hi there,
>
>
>
> have just gotten back yesterday from 3 wks in cameroon and since it was my
first time there, i did the main touristy route...
>
>
>
> travelled alone -- though my friends here in the US have introduced me to some
family/friends  who live there whom i've met and stayed with
>
> but in general the people there are so friendly and helpful, so being a solo
woman traveller wasn't that difficult :)
>
>
>
> good luck!
>
>
>
>
>
> regards,
>
> yumi
>
>
>
>
>
> To: RTWers@yahoogroups.com
> From: politically.incorrect.webzine@...
> Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:42:29 -0500
> Subject: Re: [RTWers] Africa in a RTW
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Tina-
>
> I haven't been to Western Africa but I was in Southern Africa this
> past summer (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia,
> Lesotho) and travel around there was fine- the only particularly
> difficult one was Zimbabwe where you have to be sure to bring any and
> all currency you want to spend into the country with you, either in
> USD or South African Rand. Probably always a good idea to have a
> stash of USD with you in Africa where you go, as lots of things such
> as border fees are only payable in USD or have a much better exchange
> rate than local currencies. And for the record I didn't feel unsafe
> traveling around Africa as a 23-year-old female, though with the
> exception of South Africa/Lesotho I was traveling with my sister 2
> years older.
>
> Looking at your list, your trip reminds me of a book I picked up in
> South Africa, "A Single Swallow" by Horatio Clare- dunno if you can
> get it in the US but you could probably buy it off of Amazon.co.uk.
> It's a pretty crazy travelogue of a guy who decides to follow the
> swallow migration from Cape Town to his home in Wales, taking in some
> of the more random countries along the way like Republic of Congo,
> Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger... pretty amazing really, at parts the guy
> treks through the jungle for 20 miles because there's just no road to
> get to the border and stuff like that. Probably worth picking up if
> you're interested in the situation in a lot of those countries.
>
> Hope this helps, and good luck.
>
> Cheers
> -Yvette
>
> On Sun, Nov 22, 2009 at 7:30 PM, Tina Rowland <tmrontheroad@...> wrote:
> > After pushing back a leave date multiple times, I will finally be able to
> > take off for my RTW in about 15 months. I've kept myself from going crazy
> > with a few big trips, but the time has come to start some quasi-serious
> > planning. After much debate I have chosen to go to Africa and save South
> > America for a later trip since it is very easy from the States. That leaves
> > me with some questions.
> >
> > As a lone female, I realize I will need to pay extra attention to safety
> > issues. My hope is to head into Western Africa from Morocco down to South
> > Africa then make my way to Tanzania, where I will most likely then fly to
> > Cairo to hit the Middle East before heading over to Asia.
> >
> > How much overland can I expect to accomplish as I move south? Are there
> > points where I will have to fly given safety/security situations? (I realize
> > this can sometimes change on a day to day basis, but I am trying to look at
> > generalities.) Can someone suggest a general route through Western Africa
> > and at what point geographically I should consider a flight? I would be
> > willing to fly into Namibia or SA depending on budget and flight costs...
> >
> > I was currently considering the following route: Morocco-Western
> > Sahara-Mauritania-Mali-Guinea-Burkina Faso-Togo-Benin. I was thinking this
> > would be the best place for a flight south.
> >
> > Are any of the places on this list a no go for a solo female that will be 41
> > at the time? Am I missing any place important? I left places off this list
> > that have had regular turmoil for any length of time. Is there any place I
> > need to add? Also, if overland is just too risk, would a circle Africa
> > airpass be a wise idea?
> >
> > Thanks for any help.
> >
> > Tina
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> --
> Yes, I have a life. It's quite different from yours.
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place.
>
http://www.bing.com/search?q=restaurants&form=MFESRP&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MFES\
RP_Local_MapsMenu_Resturants_1x1
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

hi there,



have just gotten back yesterday from 3 wks in cameroon and since it was my first
time there, i did the main touristy route...



travelled alone -- though my friends here in the US have introduced me to some
family/friends  who live there whom i've met and stayed with

but in general the people there are so friendly and helpful, so being a solo
woman traveller wasn't that difficult :)



good luck!





regards,

yumi





To: RTWers@yahoogroups.com
From: politically.incorrect.webzine@...
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:42:29 -0500
Subject: Re: [RTWers] Africa in a RTW





Hi Tina-

I haven't been to Western Africa but I was in Southern Africa this
past summer (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia,
Lesotho) and travel around there was fine- the only particularly
difficult one was Zimbabwe where you have to be sure to bring any and
all currency you want to spend into the country with you, either in
USD or South African Rand. Probably always a good idea to have a
stash of USD with you in Africa where you go, as lots of things such
as border fees are only payable in USD or have a much better exchange
rate than local currencies. And for the record I didn't feel unsafe
traveling around Africa as a 23-year-old female, though with the
exception of South Africa/Lesotho I was traveling with my sister 2
years older.

Looking at your list, your trip reminds me of a book I picked up in
South Africa, "A Single Swallow" by Horatio Clare- dunno if you can
get it in the US but you could probably buy it off of Amazon.co.uk.
It's a pretty crazy travelogue of a guy who decides to follow the
swallow migration from Cape Town to his home in Wales, taking in some
of the more random countries along the way like Republic of Congo,
Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger... pretty amazing really, at parts the guy
treks through the jungle for 20 miles because there's just no road to
get to the border and stuff like that. Probably worth picking up if
you're interested in the situation in a lot of those countries.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

Cheers
-Yvette

On Sun, Nov 22, 2009 at 7:30 PM, Tina Rowland <tmrontheroad@...> wrote:
> After pushing back a leave date multiple times, I will finally be able to
> take off for my RTW in about 15 months. I've kept myself from going crazy
> with a few big trips, but the time has come to start some quasi-serious
> planning. After much debate I have chosen to go to Africa and save South
> America for a later trip since it is very easy from the States. That leaves
> me with some questions.
>
> As a lone female, I realize I will need to pay extra attention to safety
> issues. My hope is to head into Western Africa from Morocco down to South
> Africa then make my way to Tanzania, where I will most likely then fly to
> Cairo to hit the Middle East before heading over to Asia.
>
> How much overland can I expect to accomplish as I move south? Are there
> points where I will have to fly given safety/security situations? (I realize
> this can sometimes change on a day to day basis, but I am trying to look at
> generalities.) Can someone suggest a general route through Western Africa
> and at what point geographically I should consider a flight? I would be
> willing to fly into Namibia or SA depending on budget and flight costs...
>
> I was currently considering the following route: Morocco-Western
> Sahara-Mauritania-Mali-Guinea-Burkina Faso-Togo-Benin. I was thinking this
> would be the best place for a flight south.
>
> Are any of the places on this list a no go for a solo female that will be 41
> at the time? Am I missing any place important? I left places off this list
> that have had regular turmoil for any length of time. Is there any place I
> need to add? Also, if overland is just too risk, would a circle Africa
> airpass be a wise idea?
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Tina
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

--
Yes, I have a life. It's quite different from yours.




_________________________________________________________________
Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place.
http://www.bing.com/search?q=restaurants&form=MFESRP&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MFES\
RP_Local_MapsMenu_Resturants_1x1

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Tina-

I haven't been to Western Africa but I was in Southern Africa this
past summer (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia,
Lesotho) and travel around there was fine- the only particularly
difficult one was Zimbabwe where you have to be sure to bring any and
all currency you want to spend into the country with you, either in
USD or South African Rand.  Probably always a good idea to have a
stash of USD with you in Africa where you go, as lots of things such
as border fees are only payable in USD or have a much better exchange
rate than local currencies.  And for the record I didn't feel unsafe
traveling around Africa as a 23-year-old female, though with the
exception of South Africa/Lesotho I was traveling with my sister 2
years older.

Looking at your list, your trip reminds me of a book I picked up in
South Africa, "A Single Swallow" by Horatio Clare- dunno if you can
get it in the US but you could probably buy it off of Amazon.co.uk.
It's a pretty crazy travelogue of a guy who decides to follow the
swallow migration from Cape Town to his home in Wales, taking in some
of the more random countries along the way like Republic of Congo,
Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger... pretty amazing really, at parts the guy
treks through the jungle for 20 miles because there's just no road to
get to the border and stuff like that.  Probably worth picking up if
you're interested in the situation in a lot of those countries.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

Cheers
-Yvette


On Sun, Nov 22, 2009 at 7:30 PM, Tina Rowland <tmrontheroad@...> wrote:
> After pushing back a leave date multiple times, I will finally be able to
> take off for my RTW in about 15 months. I've kept myself from going crazy
> with a few big trips, but the time has come to start some quasi-serious
> planning. After much debate I have chosen to go to Africa and save South
> America for a later trip since it is very easy from the States. That leaves
> me with some questions.
>
> As a lone female, I realize I will need to pay extra attention to safety
> issues. My hope is to head into Western Africa from Morocco down to South
> Africa then make my way to Tanzania, where I will most likely then fly to
> Cairo to hit the Middle East before heading over to Asia.
>
> How much overland can I expect to accomplish as I move south? Are there
> points where I will have to fly given safety/security situations? (I realize
> this can sometimes change on a day to day basis, but I am trying to look at
> generalities.) Can someone suggest a general route through Western Africa
> and at what point geographically I should consider a flight? I would be
> willing to fly into Namibia or SA depending on budget and flight costs...
>
> I was currently considering the following route: Morocco-Western
> Sahara-Mauritania-Mali-Guinea-Burkina Faso-Togo-Benin. I was thinking this
> would be the best place for a flight south.
>
> Are any of the places on this list a no go for a solo female that will be 41
> at the time? Am I missing any place important? I left places off this list
> that have had regular turmoil for any length of time. Is there any place I
> need to add? Also, if overland is just too risk, would a circle Africa
> airpass be a wise idea?
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Tina
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>



--
Yes, I have a life.  It's quite different from yours.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/11/pushkar_mela.html

Those of you not able to travel at the moment may be interested to check

The Boston Globe's Big Picture site.

The idea of the site is to highlight various activities/news events around
the world in the form of pictures.

As an example the above links to the Pushkar Camel Fair.

It really brings back my couple of days at that fair.  Sadly my own photos
were not quite of this standard.

I only just discovered the site through "Boxee" the rather impressive Web
2.0 oriented Home theatre application.

I think it's a site worthy of a look now and then because so much of our
news flow comes from (a) the local/ national stuff
that gives us  fasle impression of the uniformity of the world and (b) war /
disaster / famine coverage which inadvertently builds the impression
that the "rest of the world" is just a place where bad things  happen.  The
Camel fair and similar photo stories are a useful reminder that there are so
may colorful and
interesting things going on out there.  Also you may pick up some
inspiration for shooting better travel shots.


For those of you tech minded:  Boxee looks to me a very interesting
program.  It's now available for Windows as well as Linux and Mac users.
It's basically a  home media player prgram designed to allow you to play
your media on your TV through a remote control.  The user interface is
pretty slick, though i think they need to do some more work on a few things
such as playlist management, but the integration with most of the web 2.0
social networking sites is perhaps what sets it apart.  Nettop Pcs such as
Acer the Acer Revo are now selling for around $250 even for Dual Core atom
processors so adding PC functionality to a HD TV is now very affordable.
It's all relatively ueser freindly though I think at the moment you have to
be someone interested and relatively knowledgeable with IT stuff to properly
put this stuff together.

Wade


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

After pushing back a leave date multiple times, I will finally be able to
take off for my RTW in about 15 months. I've kept myself from going crazy
with a few big trips, but the time has come to start some quasi-serious
planning. After much debate I have chosen to go to Africa and save South
America for a later trip since it is very easy from the States. That leaves
me with some questions.

As a lone female, I realize I will need to pay extra attention to safety
issues. My hope is to head into Western Africa from Morocco down to South
Africa then make my way to Tanzania, where I will most likely then fly to
Cairo to hit the Middle East before heading over to Asia.

How much overland can I expect to accomplish as I move south? Are there
points where I will have to fly given safety/security situations? (I realize
this can sometimes change on a day to day basis, but I am trying to look at
generalities.) Can someone suggest a general route through Western Africa
and at what point geographically I should consider a flight? I would be
willing to fly into Namibia or SA depending on budget and flight costs...

I was currently considering the following route: Morocco-Western
Sahara-Mauritania-Mali-Guinea-Burkina Faso-Togo-Benin. I was thinking this
would be the best place for a flight south.

Are any of the places on this list a no go for a solo female that will be 41
at the time? Am I missing any place important? I left places off this list
that have had regular turmoil for any length of time. Is there any place I
need to add? Also, if overland is just too risk, would a circle Africa
airpass be a wise idea?

Thanks for any help.

Tina


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Wow, I never thought someone will appreciate my country like the two of you do.
Thank you so much. Yes Jakarta is a really really mad place, that’s why I
really want to escape from it sometimes, haha. I never had been to Sulawesi
though (later maybe, I really want to explore my own country before go abroad).
In my country, it’s kinda rare for a woman, especially a young one, to travel
around by herself (I mean out of town not because of work thing or with families
along). The East culture won’t allow things like that (but there are some
women doing it and I think it’s great!). Islam is not that extreme, it’s
just some people use its name for wrong things. By the way, may I know in what
country you both live Ziv and Wade? And where to both of you had been going?
Maybe I can use it for guidance later. Thank you.

--- In RTWers@yahoogroups.com, "Ziv" <zivbnd@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Inke,
>   Like Wade, I think you live in a beautiful country! I spent several months
in Indonesia in '98, worked my way down from Medan to Lake Toba, then to Jalan
Jaksa in Jakarta, then hopped another Pelni to Bali, but it was a bit crowded so
I hopped over to Lombok, the Gili's and took a boat down to Flores and rode
buses along the Trans-Flores highway. Great people, beautiful views, outstanding
travel experience. You truly live in paradise! Hard to say what was my favorite
spot in Indo, Lake Toba was sleepy but unbelievably impressive. Jakarta was a
madhouse. Bali was great, the further you got from Kuta and Ubud, the better
tho. Candidasa nearly made me cry, what an environmental catastrophe, but a
great lesson. Lombok was so close to Bali and so different, very cool. The
Gili's may be crowded but they are a very welcoming set of islands. Sumbawa was
magical, but seeing hundreds of thousands of fruitbats take off from Satonda and
fly over our boat on their way to Sumbawa was one of the highlights of the trip!
It was like the flight of the monkeys in The Wizard of Oz, but they were real
and there were more of them! The other highlight would have to be watching the
dolphins play off the prow of the fishing boat early one morning, just off
Komodo. Komodo and Red Beach have to be seen to be believed, it is simply
phenomenal. Kanawa, well having an island to yourself and 4 or 5 other couples,
very cool. Flores was like 4 islands, Labuhan Bajo was all cafes and boats
reloading, Ruteng completely unlike Bajawa, and Maumere was great for diving,
but Larantuka seemed like it was on the edge of the frontier.
> Please forgive my rambling response, but I wanted to let you know that
travelers to Indonesia do treasure the time they spend there.
>
> --- In RTWers@yahoogroups.com, "InkZ" <inke.r.amanda@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello everyone. I'm Inke from Jakarta, Indonesia. I'm a newcomer here. This
is my first post so let me tell you a little about myself and my country. I'm 23
years old n have passion to do travel around the world one day. Right now I only
travel around my own country since it's consist 33 provinces and lots of
islands, some of it are Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Bali, Nusa Tenggara,
Sulawesi, Papua, Maluku, etc. If anyone wants to travel to my country, I am open
to any questions about it (hope I can answer it well & be helpful ^^).
> >
> > I don't know what else to write so I think that's all is my introductory.
Hope with joining this groups I can gain and give lots of info about traveling
with backpacking way. Cheers. ^^)
> >
>

Hello Inke,
   Like Wade, I think you live in a beautiful country! I spent several months in
Indonesia in '98, worked my way down from Medan to Lake Toba, then to Jalan
Jaksa in Jakarta, then hopped another Pelni to Bali, but it was a bit crowded so
I hopped over to Lombok, the Gili's and took a boat down to Flores and rode
buses along the Trans-Flores highway. Great people, beautiful views, outstanding
travel experience. You truly live in paradise! Hard to say what was my favorite
spot in Indo, Lake Toba was sleepy but unbelievably impressive. Jakarta was a
madhouse. Bali was great, the further you got from Kuta and Ubud, the better
tho. Candidasa nearly made me cry, what an environmental catastrophe, but a
great lesson. Lombok was so close to Bali and so different, very cool. The
Gili's may be crowded but they are a very welcoming set of islands. Sumbawa was
magical, but seeing hundreds of thousands of fruitbats take off from Satonda and
fly over our boat on their way to Sumbawa was one of the highlights of the trip!
It was like the flight of the monkeys in The Wizard of Oz, but they were real
and there were more of them! The other highlight would have to be watching the
dolphins play off the prow of the fishing boat early one morning, just off
Komodo. Komodo and Red Beach have to be seen to be believed, it is simply
phenomenal. Kanawa, well having an island to yourself and 4 or 5 other couples,
very cool. Flores was like 4 islands, Labuhan Bajo was all cafes and boats
reloading, Ruteng completely unlike Bajawa, and Maumere was great for diving,
but Larantuka seemed like it was on the edge of the frontier.
Please forgive my rambling response, but I wanted to let you know that travelers
to Indonesia do treasure the time they spend there.

--- In RTWers@yahoogroups.com, "InkZ" <inke.r.amanda@...> wrote:
>
> Hello everyone. I'm Inke from Jakarta, Indonesia. I'm a newcomer here. This is
my first post so let me tell you a little about myself and my country. I'm 23
years old n have passion to do travel around the world one day. Right now I only
travel around my own country since it's consist 33 provinces and lots of
islands, some of it are Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Bali, Nusa Tenggara,
Sulawesi, Papua, Maluku, etc. If anyone wants to travel to my country, I am open
to any questions about it (hope I can answer it well & be helpful ^^).
>
> I don't know what else to write so I think that's all is my introductory. Hope
with joining this groups I can gain and give lots of info about traveling with
backpacking way. Cheers. ^^)
>