Made Moon Blog

In Paris you’ll find most of France’s regional dishes - Breton crpes, Provenal ratatouille, bouillabaisse - all are reproduced in Paris restaurants. But most with a bow to the demands of nouvelle cuisine with lighter sauces and smaller portions. Fortunately there are exceptions.

In the Left Bank, directly across the Boulevard St Germain from the Café de Flore sits the Lipp, arguably the most famous brasserie in Paris. On any given day at lunchtime, the Brasserie Lipp hosts politicians, actors and other French notables.

The Lipp is gloriously fin de sicle, with Belle poque chandeliers, elaborate wall mosaics and authentic hand-lettered signs, like the one asking patrons to kindly smoke cigarettes instead of pipes. (Another requests that patrons refrain from using mobile phones at the table; it lacks the 19th century patina of the others.)

Seating at the Lipp follows a rigid hierarchy, regulars and VIPs in the first room, mere French mortals in the second, slightly smaller room in the back and tourists upstairs. Who you are matters, as does how you are dressed. If you want to dine at the Brasserie Lipp, you’ll enjoy it most at a prime table, not exiled upstairs with the tourists. To do this, follow this advice from a regular patron: “You must either speak perfect French or go with someone who does.or ask the concierge at a luxury hotel to make a reservation for you, specifying a table downstairs”. You’ll definitely have more success if you look the part as well. The French dress up for dining out at a place like the Lipp; to blend in, so should you.

It sounds like a lot of effort, but if you get past the door, you’ll never forget the experience. Comfortable tables covered in crisp white tablecloths, sparkling glassware, heavy silverware. The menu almost exclusively features “la cuisine de Grandmre”, definitely not the current nouvelle cuisine but as it may have been circa 1905. Count on 25-50 euros ($30-60) per person for lunch, depending on the demands of your palate.

The Brasserie Lipp is the antithesis of a tourist trap–it’s more like a step back in time. This is Paris as it used to be.the way, for a fortunate few, it still is.

In Paris Alsatian choucroute garnie is another exception to the lighter cuisine. Sauerkraut served with sausages is a favorite dish from France’s easternmost, German-influenced region-and another winter dish to enjoy before the arrival of spring. It’s also the mainstay of many a Parisian brasserie that counts choucroute garnie as its specialty; preferably have it with some Riesling wine or light beer. A few will substitute the familiar German wurst with seafood, but this is for the non-traditionalists.

One Parisian brasserie that counts choucroute garnie as its specialty. La Brasserie Bofinger, just off of Place de la Bastille, has a special winter menu with various dishes involving sauerkraut. Bofinger is owned by the group Brasseries Flo, which owns La Coupole and other Parisian dining landmarks appreciated by natives and tourists alike. (A secret: If you reserve online for lunch or dinner, 72 hours in advance, you will receive a coupon for a 15% discount on your full meal. No other place in Paris has a deal like this one, valid at all Brasserie Flo restaurants.)

Another find in Paris for the traditionalist is Le Pavé, at the southwest corner of rue de la Verrerie and rue St Martin, you can sample traditional French fare on a red-checkered tablecloth. For 15 euros ($20), choose an appetizer, main course and dessert from a list of favorites like onion soup, grilled steak and braised lamb, followed by chocolate mousse or crme brlée. Or try your luck with the day’s special, listed on the slate in chalk, it’s always top-notch.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Europe Vacation

Often referred to as the Garden Isle, the Hawaiian island of Kauai is known for lovely scenery, an abundance of outdoor activities, and a strong connection to history. As its nickname implies, this northernmost island is rich with color and vegetation but is quite diverse as well. Within its 550 square miles, one can discover vast beaches, rocky deserts, and cool mountain breezes.

In Kauai, you’ll find traditional Hawaiian sights and sounds like luaus, hula dancers, and consistently pleasant weather, but there are many other unconventional experiences awaiting if you are willing to venture off the beaten path. From the popular South Shore, which attracts most of the tourists, to the more rugged and secluded North Shore, Kauai will convince you that it is not your typical resort-laden island.

For example, though starry-eyed couples may choose to have sunset weddings on the beach or romantic getaways to celebrate an anniversary, Kauai is actually very family-friendly. Oceanside activities like surfing lessons and sand sculpture contests make for an enjoyable day at the beach, and no one should miss the Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum in Kapaa. Kids and adults will be educated and entertained as they learn about the island’s earliest inhabitants, and a Starlight Planetarium Program will explain how exactly they arrived.

The cliffs found in the interior of Kauai make this destination a hiker and biker’s dream. Waimea Canyon, on the West side of the island in Kokee State Park, is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Along with Waimea Canyon Road, which is perfect for adventurers looking for some exercise, it is an excellent place to spend some time. While you’re here, visit the free Kokee museum for a lesson in the area flora and fauna.

An important thing to note about Kauai is that, while the beaches are gorgeous and open to the public, they are host to some of Hawaii’s largest waves. Even seasoned swimmers should practice extra caution, and it would be a good idea to stick to areas overseen by lifeguards. These include Hanalei Beach Park, Anahola, Wailua, and Kekeha.

For an aerial view of the island, helicopter rides are available. If you’re more comfortable on the water, you can go sailing, snorkeling, or whale watching. Golfers will find a number of unique and challenging courses that have been shaped by nature, which will surely provide for a one-of-a kind experience.

As for the plant life that gives Kauai its reputation, be prepared to catch sight of more than a few examples that are like nothing you’ve ever known. The mokihana vine and berry is found only on this island, and flower lovers will delight in the abundance of orchid, plumeria, and hibiscus.

For the most spectacular views, head to the North Shore. The cliffs of the Na Pali coast rise to an exhilarating 4,000 feet, and Lumahai Beach might look familiar, as it was featured in the movie South Pacific.

Lodging can be found on all parts of Kauai, so whether you seek a beachfront condo or a quiet mountain retreat, you’ll surely be satisfied. Renting a vacation home might be a good idea, especially if your goal is to escape the influence of the outside and world and establish your own schedule. A villa with plenty of bedrooms, showers, and its own kitchen means you can avoid contact with the outside world as much as you want.

Many properties are within walking distance of beaches and waterfalls and, for stocking the kitchen or enjoying a night out, grocery stores and restaurants are not too far away either.

A trip to Kauai is bound to be sun-kissed and infinitely relaxing. The planning that is required before you depart is worth it when you catch the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, so don’t delay in starting your search for the perfect accommodations.

B&B Calisto6 is a bed and breakfast in Rome, located in Piazza San Calisto 6

Our Bed and Breakfast is located in a prestigious flat on the first floor of a historic building of the XV century, in the heart of District Trastevere, Rome’s historic centre, and suffers from all the magic that this place evokes.
The family environment and welcoming ensures a quiet living room, full of fun thanks to its proximity to the locations of all kinds. Since the b & b does not have a reception, requires that customers notify the first hour of arrival to be accepted.
Breakfast is included in the price.

The rooms are spacious and bright, decorated in style with simplicity and taste, and equipped with heating and TV. You can use two bathrooms shared present for the plan. It is expected the daily cleaning of rooms and environments in common and the exchange of towels and linen every 2 days stay.
The B & B Calisto6 is located in Piazza San Calisto 6 and easily reachable from the Termini station (for those who came by train or from Ciampino airport) with the "H" (10 minutes) or from the station Trastevere (who came from ‘Fiumicino airport) with the tram "8" (5 minutes).

Thanks to its strategic position, from bed and breakfast is easy walk to every historic archaeological wonders of the Eternal City: San Pietro, the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Campo de ‘Fiori, Trevi Fountain and many others…
… And in the evening, exiting from the B & B, you have the unique feeling of entering the past history of the city girovagando for the alleys of Trastevere, the most Roman neighbourhoods, famous for the many characteristics and Roman trattorias where you can enjoy culinary delights, a true delight the palate.

Quality at a cheap price in Rome? Book online and save your money: browse our list of Rome cheap hotels, or compare price for cheap Rome hotels, or make a reservation for a tour in Rome by Bike

Budapest, with its perfect blend of eastern and western cultures, is the best locale for a stag weekend. Referred to as the “Paris of the East”, this stag weekend venue will provide you with all that you can ask for - beautiful landscapes and undulating hills on one side, and shops, restaurants, markets and exciting nightlife on the other. The Pilis Mountains provide an ideal location for all sorts of adventure sports and rally driving stag activities. If you feel fatigued after some hectic stag weekend activities, you can definitely visit one of the numerous outdoor thermal spas to relax yourself. Filled with bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and open-air dance clubs, Budapest is the best place for spending your stag weekend.

Stag Do in Budapest - Bet it up at the Traditional Tracks

From quad biking, paintball, horse racing, five a side football matches to thermal baths and bacchanalian spa, Budapest is filled with stag weekend activities. One of the most exciting stag weekend activities in Budapest is the thrill of Horse Racing at the traditional Hungarian racetracks. More attractive than the actual horse racing is the price at which you can buy a can of beer - this stag venue is the best place for extremely cheap beer and liquor.

This is one of those stag weekend activities where you get a chance to place your bet. Bet it up at the traditional racetracks of Hungary. Sit at the gallery and watch the fun as the horses perform carriage and gallop racing for you. Remember to keep your fingers crossed; you may even win the bet!

Don’t worry about your stomach. There is constant supply of food available to purchase on-site, and it makes sure that this stag weekend of yours turns up to be the best stag weekend you ever had.

The Benefits of a Stag Do in Budapest

Live, eat and breathe as you wish in these stag dos thus making your stag weekend in Budapest a perfect one. The horse racing in Budapest is one of the best stag weekend activities; as it absorbs you completely in the game, and makes you feel one with the game. Apart from enjoying a steady supply of beer and entertainment, this type of stag weekend activities relieve your mind and cheer you up from the core of your heart.

http://chillisauce.co.uk/stag-weekends/budapest/
http://chillisauce.co.uk/stag-weekends/budapest/horse-racing/

The Montaas del Fuego (Fire Mountains), to give them there proper name were created in the 1730’s when more than 100 volcanos in what is now the National Park, rose up to devastate the southern part of the island. Eruptions lasted for six years and several villages were completely destroyed. The last eruption on the island was in 1824.

Because Lanzarote has such low rainfall (and therefore a lack of erosion) the area appears much as it did at the time and in 1968 the area was declared a national park “Parque Nacional de Timanfaya”.

We decided to make a full day of this trip and we firmly believe that this a must see for any visitor to the island, because of its unique ‘martian’ landscape and rare plant species. On entry to the national park (entrance was around 8 euros per person, as I recall, and the small children were free as is usual at many of the islands attractions), the first thing to catch our eye were camels and of course we had to stop because the children wanted a ride !

An hour or so later, we arrived at the Car park of the Islote de Hilario, where we saw a crowd of people standing around a hole. This was to be the first of two quite stunning demonstrations of just how hot the area is just below the ground. We were told that temperatures a few metres below ground are a staggering 400C to 600C.

Dry bushes were thrown into a hole and in less than a minute, it caught fire !

Water was then poured into a bore hole and seconds later the water erupted back into the air as steam and we all got a warm shower because we were standing on the wrong side.

Next up was the ‘El Diablo’ restaurant, another creation of the famous artist (Cesar Manrique), whose influence is everywhere on the island. Here we find traditional Canarian food cooked using geothermal heat (A cast-iron grill placed over a large hole in the ground). Where else in the world can you get your food cooked on a volcano !

We then went on a coach trip of the National Park (part of the entrance fee). If your feeling a little queasy or don’t like heights don’t sit by the window as it can be quite scary (but very safe and the children absolutely loved it). The coach stops at several strategic points in order that you can get some amazing pictures and film (so don’t forget to take the camera/video with you). During the trip we listened to recorded narration based on words captured by the priest of Yaiza at the time of the eruptions.

Another great day and another great attraction.

John Plumb (Administrator of the Lanzarote Villa Owners Club)
http://www.lanzvillaowners.com
Owner of Villa Rochelle
http://www.villa-rochelle.co.uk

Transfers to Chamonix provide reliable, guaranteed and custom Geneva ski transfer from Geneva airport smoothly to your luxury chalet in Les Trois Vallees, Isola 2000, the Chamonix valley and the neighbouring Mont Blanc area.

Our ski transfer service includes airport transfers to Plateau de Beille, Montgenevre, Isola 2000, Val-d’sere, Superbagneres, Bessans and including Espace Killy and Gourette and organise one off airport transfers to various alpine destinations as arranged.

With our latest air-conditioned nine person fleet of buses and Scania, GMC, Smart, or Abarth cars we can happily chauffeur as many as nineteen, or twenty plus if you and your group need this. Furthermore the chauffeurs are very handy in difficult winter conditions for you and your groups piece of mind. Naturally the vehicles are comprehensively indemnified and well trained.

We specialise in mountain bike transfers during Jan - Oct and take clients to French ski resorts such as the most visited: Brevent, Flegere, Luz Ardiden, Avoriaz, Les Arcs, Meribel, Chamonix, Chatel, La Plagne, Risoul, Val Thorens, Grand Massif.

Getting to Chamoix town, Le Tour or Super Besse from your plane has never been easier. For private ski transfers Geneva from the airport to you and your groups luxury ski chalet in Chamonix ring Geneva Chamonix Transfers immediately, afterwards chill out and revel in your skiing trip.

Almost every description of the Seychelles appears to be a bit over the top. Is it only the easily impressed who get to visit and write about the Seychelles? The magic of these islands is however real. Impressions gained of this dream island paradise will be your refuge when you return to those long working hours. Just like everybody imagines paradise, the Seychelles islands are far away, peaceful and stunningly beautiful.

It is the peace and quiet that attracted the writer Somerset Maugham when he sought to work on a novel without interruption. Most visitors do not however come here to work. The main draw of the islands has always been the beaches, snorkeling and diving. The attractions of the natural world particularly the birdlife, tropical fish and the unique physical environment are a bonus.

After your Seychelles holiday you may want to impress your friends by these two facts. The islands are the only mid ocean island group in the world with a granite rock formation. And that Aldabra, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is the largest coral atoll in the world. Some will of course not understand what you are talking about but the point will be clear that you have traveled to a place of distinction.

Jacques Costeau whose part of the documentary, The Silent World was shot in the Seychelles said that he had never been anywhere else with such clarity of water or diversity of reef life.

The islands are also a good place to get married and to enjoy the tropical honeymoon of your life. Few other destinations can beat the combination of beauty and romance. For this and other reasons I cannot go through here, It is my firmly held position that visitors who get married here go on to a happy married life and are sooner joined by cute little ones!

The Seychelles is a year round destination. But if you must undertake a specific activity, then you need to pick the most suitable season. Windsurfing and sailing are best at the start and end of the trade winds - May and October. Diving enthusiasts should go for dates between March and May or September to November, although conditions are excellent year round.

Those keen on the birdlife should note that April marks the beginning of the breeding season. Bird Island, in particular is overrun by sea birds between May and September. Due to drier conditions, the period May to September has best conditions for hiking and walking.

The other factor you may want to consider is cost. The Seychelles is considered to be a top-drawer destination. In general, the peak falls between mid December-early January and mid July-end August when most Seychelles hotels and resorts trade in the currency known as top-dollar. The off-season periods vary with each establishment much more widely than most other destinations.

The discount in designated off-season periods relative to the peak season falls between 20-60%. Some of the smaller premises however charge a uniform rate year round. If you have a flexible schedule, good planning can result in considerable savings.

Copyright © Africa Point

About the Author

Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of AfricaPoint.com- the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view more info on Seychelles tours and vacations at the website

Though there may be several designs and flavors of motorhomes, they are technically classified as type A, type B, type C or bus conversions. All the types are motorised homes but each has different features and capacity to suit different purposes and budgets. A motohome can measure 21 to 45 feet.

The type A is the largest of all and comes loaded with facilities and high end equipment for long trips and can be used as permanet abode by any person. It is built on special chassis and may cost $57,000 to $1.4 m.

It has a gallery, living area, sleeping quarters, permanent sanitary facilities. There is power, back up batteries, water holding tanks and an onboard generator.

The class A is highly spacious and that allows it to have extra comforts like a refrigerator, washer-dryer, large-screen TV, computerized leveling system, satellite navigation system, satellite dish, slideout room extension and large storage bays.

One major disadvantage of the class a type is that it is not manoeverable due to its length and bulkiness. Again, it is too low and therefore unsuitable for rugged environments.

The type B is like a converted van and can be said to be the smallest in the range of self contained motorhomes. It is basically a truck which had been modified to have sleeping, living and dining rooms. The price range for this class is between $42,000 to $73,000 and measures 16 to 34 feet.

The class B is easy to drive and therefore manoeverable. If you need to do a lot of turning and visiting small communities on the trip, this is the ideal one as it can driven around any corner and also manage sharp turns. It is suitable for short stay camping and smaller groups of say 3.

The limitation is that you have less space, and a low ceiling which means you cannot transport objects that stand tall. You also have a small gas tank which will require refueling a lot.

Type C is a small motorhome mounted on the chassis of a van. It also offers a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Though they can offer all the comforts of class A motorhome, they look crammed. The type C cannot have full size beds but come with bunker types. They are easy to manoevre and can manage sharp turns or narrow roads.

It cost about $48,000 to $139,000 and measure 20 to 35 feet.

The bus conversions are full size buses converted to a motorhome. This type is most suitable for large group camping. Their large size enables them to have luxury sofas and most of the bulky comforts of a home.

They scost between $100,000 to $1m and measure 35 to 45 feet.

The choice of a motorhome will depend on so many factors including budget, your needs assessment and whether or not you ned manoeverability or not.

For more more information about types of motorhomes please visit http://www.motor-home-tips.com

Traveling by train, in itself, is fun. The continuous jostling of the compartments, screeching of train brakes and the loud horns make train traveling a real fun. However you need to take care of certain things while traveling, so that the journey remains hassle-free and fine.

Rail travel is a lengthy journey, so you should try to relax as much as possible. Relaxation does not mean that you simply sleep as board the train or remain quite throughout your journey. It means that you should spend your time comfortably. For this purpose you can bring along a disk man or walk man to listen to your favorite music and enjoy the views via window pane.

If you are traveling alone, you can seek advice from the rail crew. If you are not able to get something or you are not able to understand something, you can definitely ask the well-trained and friendly crew members.

To prevent yourself from getting bored throughout the journey, try interacting with the people around. Try to strike a conversation with them. This way, you can explore them and share your opinion and rail experiences with them. You can even make the other travelers as your friends. Interaction is always good to explore the dimensions of rail travel.

Always carry light luggage, while traveling via railways. You should only carry useful stuff along with you. You can carry a good book, a light blanket, a pillow, bathing items, grooming items, clothes, sunglasses, mineral water, some fruits and snacks.

You should pack comfortable and light clothes, avoid carrying heavy jewelry, but you should carry enough cash to meet all the needs of the trip. Carrying a first aid kit is a must. You should include all the important medicines which you might need during the trip.

You should never leave your luggage on the train or station unguarded. Always keep an eye on your luggage and keep it close to you. If the rail journey is lengthy, you should keep your baggage to the rack securely and put on a small bicycle lock to prevent any possibility of theft or stealing. As far as possible, try to keep your money concealed, don’t flaunt it on the train.

Do your packing in advance. Ideally you should pack your bags one day before your travel. This would give you ample time to think about all the necessary items you need to carry along. So packing should be done ideally a day before you leave. If you plan to pack your bags at the last moment, you would probably end up missing things.

Before you leave your home, always confirm that you have all the necessary things required. You should check the railway ticket, your wallet and other things. You should always check that all your bags and attach© are locked. Double check them and place their keys with you. Always have duplicate keys. The duplicate keys are great relief, incase you lose your original keys.

Following these tips can surely make your rail travel hassle free and comfortable.

Matt Garrett, www.AllArticles.org www.Pop5.net

Over 1000km long and trapped between the Pacific and the Andes this harsh and arid land is one of the most inhospitable places on earth. The days can be burning hot and the nights freezing; precipitation levels are so low that no rain fall has ever been recorded in some areas. It might not sound like a tempting place to visit, but a land of such extremes can’t fail to impress.

The absence of life and the wind-sculpted rocks give many of the landscapes an eerie Martian or lunar appearance. NASA have even used the area to test their autonomous vehicles designed for the exploration of other planets.

It is also the unlikely setting for a wealth of human history and culture. The museum in San Pedro has a fine collection of artefacts and extraordinarily well preserved mummies from indigenous cultures. Recent studies have discovered that the ancient peoples of this region were using sophisticated techniques to mummify their dead long before the Egyptians.

The Incas also left their mark on the Atacama Desert, and even climbed some of the 6000m peaks, where sacrificial burial sites have been found. In the nineteenth century the British, in their quest for sodium nitrate, built mining towns throughout the region. When the need for these nitrates disappeared overnight the towns were abandoned and became ghost towns that still stand very much as they did then.

The list of amazing places in the Atacama goes on - there are emerald green lakes, geysers, live volcanoes, geoglyphs on hillsides, a salt desert populated by flamingos, oases, hot springs and more.

Andrew Chaundler worked and travelled in South America for many years before setting up Optimundo, a travel company that specialises in Chile Holidays and Argentina Holidays that have been designed with expert knowledge of the region. The company also provides an efficient and friendly tailor-made service, so that you can specify the elements that you want in your perfect trip to Chile and Argentina.