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Friday, June 11, 2021
Punta Arenas Chile Travel
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Antarctica Cruise Costs and Tips
In January 2020 I went on a Expedition Cruise to King George Island in Antarctica. In my 20 plus years of travelling off and on, had already been to other 6 continents and this was a trip of a life time.
Planning - Started planning for my Antarctica trip in 2018, looked at several different companies, there are few good one, I went with Adventure Life, its based out the USA, there are several tour operators offering tours to Antarctica in Europe and Australia, I just didn't want to deal with a company overseas in case of any issues. There are other Tour operators in the USA, the price Adventure Life had to offer was within my budget and I had enough time to save and pay for it.
Dealing with an overseas tour operator I have not had issues with day tours or train tickets, though twice buying Air Plane tickets turned out to be a bad experience.
Costs - I flew from Texas to Buenos Aires, Argentina depending on where you are flying from you Airfare is your first cost, My flight was delayed 24 hours due to bad weather, I had given myself 2 days in Buenos Aires before taking a flight to Ushuaia and had I rushed it, that would not been good for me, so add to the flight costs 2 night hotel, food and Taxi costs in Buenos Aires and 1 night in Ushuaia.
Ushuaia Argentina is where most ships to Antarctica will leave from, you will also need to get Health Insurance coverage, the company I used for my Health Insurance was World Nomads.
The Expedition Cruise cost was around Five thousand USD, that included a flight back from King George Island to Punta Arenas Chile and a night hotel stay in Punta Arenas Chile.
From Punta Arenas Chile I had to pay for my way home to Texas, of course since I was already in South America I spent another 10 days in Chile and Bolivia before returning home.
When all said and done, my cost was eight thousand plus U$D.
One can also find tourist agencies selling last minute tours to Antarctica in Ushuaia's San Martin Avenue which is the main street, now Ushuaia is not a cheap destination so basically my suggestion is to plan ahead.
Tips - Most Ships will provide you with rubber boots for zodiac excursions, some tour companies will even provide a Water Proof Parks, check with your tour operator
You will need water proof Pants or coverings as you will get wet when going on the zodiac boats, the ones I took with me were Frogg Toggs that I bought on Amazon
Antarctica has no dock ports you will need to take boats to go ashore, be the first one to get on the boats and spend more time on land
Motion Sickness Pills, take some with you.
Informative Website
Happy Travels!
Sunday, November 8, 2020
Santiago Chile Travel
Visited Santiago in January 2020
I left after 2 days
Airport to city takes about 30 minutes, have your hotel arrange for transportation to avoid any taxi scams.
Civil protests were taking place Chile in response to a raise in the Santiago Metro's subway fare, increased cost of living, and inequality in the country.
In Santiago the city streets one could see graffiti every where also burnt buildings and shops.
Protest were still going on, there were protestors trying to break into shops for looting and armored police trucks were spray tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Fish Market Lake Victoria Kampala Uganda
Was the only tourist at the market. Below are few photos, did ask for permission before taking photos.
Lake Victoria |
Fish being auctioned of at the Market
|
You can Pick the fish you want |
They'll fry it in front of you |
Fishing boats |
Dinner is served |
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Sikh Gurdwara Kampala Uganda
During my visit, visited the Sikh place of worship, its in city center right by the Hindu Temple.
I spoke with the Gurdwara care taker, visitors are allowed to stay at the gurdwara for 2 or 3 nights for free, they have arrangements in place for visitors. Below are some Pictures
Nishan Sahib Sikh Flag
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Singapore Places to Eat
Sultan Mosque Singapore |
For Indian food, my place to go is Komala Vilas: A well-known spot for authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine. Also Khansama Tandoori Restaurant: Offers a range of North Indian dishes, including delicious tandoori options.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Sikh Gurdwara Yangon Myanmar
On my way back from Dala village in Yangon, I took a cab at the ferry terminal to take me to the national museum, stumbled upon the Gurdwara building, had the cab drop me off, it was a weekday and only the Priest was there, I spent about an hour there, here are a few photos I took.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Lunch in Murthal India
The first place I went to was Amrik Sukhdev, the restaurant was packed and wait was hours.
Then I went to Haveli, Vegetarian Punjabi food
Was able to dine-in, I ordered a Amritsari thali, delicious and oily. They use ghee.
After lunch I headed back to Delhi, Murthal is more of a local Indian eating destination.
The drive back is scenic with mustard Green growing on farms along the highway.
Brick making factory along the freeway, picture above
Friday, January 13, 2017
Things to do in Austin Texas
Things to Do, See and Places to Eat in Austin Texas
Things to do if you don't have a car
South Congress Storefront Austin |
Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk |
State Capitol of Texas |
4. HOPE Gallery on Castle Hill (Graffiti Park) Awesome street art
1100 Baylor Street, Austin, TX 78703
5. Explore East 4th, 5th ,6th and Cesar Chavez Streets. Fun street art everywhere.
6. Barton Springs (Swimming)
2201 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78746
Lifeguards are narcs about any food or alcohol, so don’t bring any unless you’re super discreet. $3.00 entry fee for locals. Explore the Bars, restaurants, Coffee Shops and Food Trucks on and near Barton Springs Rd.
If you have a car
1. Cathedral of Junk
Call first to ask if they are open: (512) 299-7413. It is run by a hippie named Vince and it is in his backyard. It is hard to find from the street.
2. 360 Overlook (Pennybacker Bridge) 5300 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin. Great view from top once you hike up there. an easy hike.
Austin 360 Bridge |
3. Mount Bonnell
Very nice views of Lake Austin at sunset. Wear hiking shoes or sneakers Highest point in Austin. Less than 10 minutes drive from 360 Overlook
3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX
FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD
(Need to have a Car to get to some of these Locations)
900 E 11th St Austin, TX 78702
Voted best BBQ in the world. Get the brisket. Get there early. There’s a 2+ hour wait.
Paco’s Tacos
1304 E 51st St Austin, TX 78723
Great carnitas. Try the taco or the rice bowl with carnitas.
Baby Acapulco
5 Austin area locations, Best tortilla soup in Austin. Good queso compuesto and margaritas
El Chilito
2219 Manor Rd Austin, TX 78722
Delicious barbacoa soup and barbacoa taco. If you’re sick, the soup will help!
Chuy’s
5 Austin area locations, cool décor, good margaritas and excellent chicken flautas. Also, ASK YOUR WAITER FOR A SIDE OF THE JALAPENO RANCH.
Torchy’s (My Favorite) President Obama made a stop here during his Austin Visit.
9 Austin area locations
Tyson’s Tacos
4905 Airport Blvd Austin, TX 78751
Try the chicken fajita nachos with the works. SO GOOD.
Chago’s
7301 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78752
Caribbean food. SOOO GOOD! The Mofongo and the Puerto Rican Paella are SUPERB!
Rosita’s Al Pastor
1911 E Riverside Dr Austin, TX 78741
Some of the best tacos in town. Get the al pastor, of course with onion and cilantro.
Austin has a lot of food trucks and all kinds of Food, From Tex-Mex to BBQ, or if international Cuisine is something you are in the mood for, there are close to 1000 food trucks in Austin.
Asian/Asian Fusion
East Side King
4 Austin area locations
OMG. THIS FOOD TRUCK RUINED ME. I’m obsessed. The beet homefries are INSANE. Also, the fried brussel sprouts are the shiznit. Most items on the menu are gluten free. Check out the location by “The Hole in The Wall” on Lamar Street. Everything is good.
888
2400 E Oltorf St Austin, TX 78741
THE BEST ASIAN FOOD IN AUSTIN. Get the yellow chicken curry and TOM KA GAI soup.
Din Ho Chinese BBQ
8557 Research Blvd #116 Austin, TX 78758
Best Chinese BBQ in Austin. Try the BBQ pork and be sure to get a side of the ginger onion sauce to put on your rice. IT IS THE BOMB. The orange beef is also delicious, as is the asparagus crab soup, and eggplant with shredded pork in garlic sauce.
Misung 888
911 W Anderson Ln #114 Austin, TX 78757
Really delicious authentic Korean food & humble ambiance. Get the Spicy squid with noodles. The beef bulgogi is great too if you’re not into squid. It is difficult to find because the sign has some Korean writing and the number “888”. The address is 911 West Anderson.
Michi Ramen
6519 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78752
Best traditional ramen in Austin. Try the pickled mustard greens in your ramen. Also, get a side order of the burnt ends. They are delicious and plentiful. You can share them with a group, or make a meal out of them yourself.
DK Sushi
6400 S 1st St Austin, TX 78745
The sushi is great, especially the torched escolar.
American/Burgers/Pizza
Nau’s Enfield Drug
1115 W Lynn St Austin, TX 78703
Super kitschy old fashioned & historic soda fountain.
Whataburger
Several Austin area locations… just look around!
The Green Chili Double is available seasonally and it is AWESOME if your stomach can handle fast food.
Republic of Sandwich
2320 Hancock Dr Austin, TX 78756
The REUBEN. MmMmMMMMm
Casino el Camino
517 E 6th St Austin, TX 78701
Best burgers in Austin
Lebowski's Grill
8909 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78757
Best burgers (served at a bowling alley themed after The Big Lebowski)
East Side Pies
3 Austin area locations, Delicious pizza. A bit expensive, but the gluten free pizza is the best gluten free pizza I’ve found in Austin.
Desserts/Sweets
Ken’s Donuts
2820 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
MMmmmmMmMMMM Donutssssssss.
Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery
4909 Airport Blvd Austin, TX 78751
The blueberry cake donuts are awesome.
Lick
2032 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78704
Great ice cream. Vegan and dairy free options.
BARS
FESTIVALS
ACL (Austin City Limits)
Two weekends, every October in Zilker Park.
Blues on the Green
July and August
FREE. BYOB (no glass). Free music in Zilker Park during the summer.
East & West Austin Studio Tours
Website http://bigmedium.org/
East is in November, West is in Spring
Art studios all over Austin open to the public. Many with free drinks, food, and opportunities to participate in artistic installations.
Eeyore’s Birthday Party
April last Saturday
It doesn't get much more Austin weird than Eeyore's Birthday Party. The annual Pease Park festival known for outrageous costumes, nudity, and booming drum circles.
SXSW (South by Southwest)
March, You don’t need a ticket to enjoy all of the free parties, free music, free drinks, free food, & swag. Every venue in Austin hosts bands during SXSW & many of the events are free to the public.
Trail of Lights
2 weeks in December
Every Holiday season, Zilker Park is transformed into a fantasy world of lights. Make sure to spin under the moon tower Christmas tree!
Zilker Kite Festival
March, Bring your kite and tailgate chair!
Want More ...
Paramount Theater
713 Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701
historic Austin theater downtown
Alamo Drafthouse
6 Austin area locations, one right on the famous 6th Street aks dirty 6th
Movie theater with bar/restaurant
Whole Foods on Lamar
525 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78703
This is Whole Foods Headquarters
Central Market
4001 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78756
Local Texas Grocery Chain HEB’s version of Whole Foods. Good music venue outside. You can buy food, beer or wine & drink it there while watching live music outside. Check online for schedule of shows. https://www.heb.com/
Hamilton Pool (summer time)
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd Dripping Springs, TX 78620
30.7 miles west, 42 mins driving
Congress Bridge Austin |
If you think one of the destinations didn’t make up to the list, then comment below on your favorite destination, food, sport or idea of fun or travel that you experienced while at Austin Texas.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Street Food Yangon
Why Street food? Its the experience in a foreign country, its delicious and its cheap.
Street food is everywhere in Yangon, you can take a train or bus somewhere and there will be food vendors. I usually only eat cooked food, fresh off the grill or skillet in front of me.
So after watching the sunset over Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon, headed to the famous street food Market in China town Yangon. Picture to the right is a Hindu Kali Temple, its located right near where China Town Yangon Starts.
Best Place for some grilled fish in China town Yangon, 19th street Area. ts not a typical China Town, the area is filled with street food vendors. They start selling food later in the evening towards dinner time. China Town Yangon can be very crowded in the evenings.
Now This is street food so don't expect a table with white table cloth. There are several BBQ places, food cooked over charcoal fire, in that heat no bacteria is going to survive. So I gave seafood a try, I quit eating meat a while back, fish I eat sometimes.
4 dollars US for the fish and around 2 dollars for a 750 ml of beer bottle. Delicious. I took my time eating, watching the hustle and bustle and enjoying my evening.
I bought a pack of the citrus fruit from that lady on 2 different days, November was hot and fruits will hydrate you. It was only about 3 USD for a peeled pack.
Above This was another fruit I bought from a street fruit vendor near Scott market, the person selling me said it was very healthy fruit to eat, I took their word for it. Don/t know what its called, if someone knows do leave me a comment below.