Winter #hungary #travel #jjforum #fotoklub #mik #ikozosseg #instagramers, a photo by zsoolt on Flickr.
Chilly morning in Gödöllő, Hungary
We travelled to Indonesia via Singapore and Malaysia. Apart from huge skyscrapers and huge fines for throwing garbage on the streets, Singapore is known for it's shopping walhallas and great infrastructure. Here's some pics from that fascinating city.
December 22, 2012
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December 20, 2012
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To what extent can you blend in with Africa? Do you have the idea that would help young children exit poverty?
Get to mingle with the community, expose yourself to the day to day
life of the locals and come up with creative ideas to make life
changing impacts. The African Test is open to all!!! Come back to the
earth where you belong to and take on the challenges that will reveal
the real African in You!
The Test comprises three main parts that will stimulate your
'Africanism'. The Lifestyle, The Chase, and The Payback. For more
information, please click here
December 02, 2012
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First and foremost, I didn't like the gates after you purchase the ticket.
The ticketing is accepting only coins, it was troublesome to get money change into smaller denominations to fit into the ticketing machine.
With the baby buggy, it is not allowed to have the baby sitting or sleeping in it. You got to hold your baby and close the baby buggy! :( This is annoying cos it is a system that is not delivering convenience. The problem with Budapest metro is it is with steps going underground at most stations. So it means you got to lift the baby buggy together with the baby in the buggy and walk up or walk down the steps. If you baby is 8.8kg, it means you will have to lift 8.8+6.1kg, total 14.9kg
It is almost the same noise level - NOISY.
The doors do not open by itself automatically.
You got to pull to the side, to open the door manually!
December 01, 2012
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Zsolt said that Germany is a very big country, I was expecting a higher level of efficiency on the super highways at some point. The roads to Germany was infact wet as it was raining along the entire way. Crossing Austria, we made our way to Cologne before Helmond in the Netherlands and finally Amsterdam.
About the traffic jams which are kilometres and hours of wait. I couldn't help but to mention and prepare anyone of you who are planning to use their super highways.
Their motor ways has literally 'NO speed limit' when the leftmost lane allows vehicles to 'fly' at 180 km/h or more!! Not exaggerating at all. Some cars are even speeding at 200 km/h, ask me how does it feel? Well, it was pretty exciting!
Quite a surprise is the quality of the roads. Lana was sharing with us her road trip stories. Surprisingly not Germany is having the best roads. The only good about driving across Germany is the maturity of the drivers who gradually slows down altogether seeing the need to observe the speed limitation. That makes you feel good in a way.
It is also pretty interesting to observe the things other drivers transport with them across the highways.
You name it: from private motor vehicles
to private boats
to splashy motor vehicles
to Caravan Trailers
to manufactured automobiles
to agricultural vehicles
Quite funny to see these different things in the day. In a way they are good signs of the vibrancy of the economy. At night, there is almost a pitch black with lights of the other approaching vehicles in the opposite direction. In the day, I found the trees rather unique. In Rome, there are trees with shapes of the leaves on its top and a long stem following that. In Germany, their trees looks like this:
Rather tall, thin and lean. These colours passing you by at the speed of averagely 160km/h. A lot of them are these trees. They also have the christmas fir trees. Those are more beautiful and near the settles.
Our ride was supposed to be about 12.5 hours from Amsterdam back to Budapest. However, due to the traffic jams, we arrived only in 20 hours!!! The tip we learned is to not plan the arrival on a Friday. Somehow the traffic is heavier than normal.
It was good to start in the early hours like 2am. In the early morning, you can see the beautiful sunrise at 5:30am in Austria and have a breakfast while taking a little stretching break.
To drive in Germany, first you need to get a Low Emission Zone emissions-control windscren sticker from the TUV or from a TÜV partner establishment.
The way to arrange for it can be easier by ordering it online. It costs 5 Euros, but if you arrange for it to be delivered to you via postal services, it will be about 12 Euros. It is a regulatory offence if you drive in a low emission zone without the sticker and it shall costs 40 Euros. If you possess a German driving licence you will additionally incur 1 point, which will be registered at the Federal Office of Motor Transport. So, you choose :)
Here is about the preparation of a road trip from Budapest to Cologne.
November 25, 2012
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Mestre or Venice: Where to Stay?
Getting there by the rail from Budapest, it was just a few minutes walk from the railway station. This part of Mestre is very scenic despite it has a different mood being more modern than Venice itself.
If you are planning a trip to Venice, we really do not recommend you to stay in Mestre. Mestre accommodations are much cheaper than Venice and this might be a consideration point for some of you. However, it is not Venice. It is where people who wants to escape from the high water and rising damp.
''May-Stray'' as it is pronounced, is connected via a lagoon bridge called 'Ponte della Liberta' and crossing it by the rail leads you to Piazzale Roma. When you get there, request for a free map of the vaporetto routes.
Buy a tourist ticket which are electronic cards which allow unlimited travel on ACTV water and land buses for 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours or 7 days, you can choose any of these that is appropriate for your stay in Venice.
Remember to validate your ticket before you travel. You just hold the card close to the iMob electronic cardreader at the entrance to the vaporetto platform until you hear a beep.
Overall, it is a very tourist friendly place. You can easily catch a vaporetto (the water taxi) or the cheaper alternative vaporetti (the waterbuses).
November 22, 2012
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My very first impression on Singapore was that it is a living garden city. Maybe due to the humid weather but everything is green around you with a lot of colors.
But it's not only green Singapore is an extremelly clean city. They have very strict rules to make people being aware of their environment.
Its a bit too strict to me but the result is obvious.
But it's not only green Singapore is an extremelly clean city. They have very strict rules to make people being aware of their environment.
Its a bit too strict to me but the result is obvious.
November 22, 2012
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November 20, 2012
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Most travelers check out hotel
discounts offered by expedia, Travelocity, hotwire, hotels.com and so on and so
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highlight. For example, at one stop, there are more than two thousand private
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offline discounts, also at Brick and Mortar Locations. All these are available at
more than 141 countries. Perks and special vacations are also for members only.
Not forgetting car rental, restaurants, theme parks, resorts, hotels, golf
course, movie theatres and attractions discounts. If you like cruises and dinner
show, there are also savings and offers making your travel dreams come true.
To
register, just click on to travelclub.hotelsetc.com now. Just in two steps,
first click on become a member. The deep discounts offered will be absolutely
interesting if you watch closely.
November 04, 2012
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There is something you need to know about guided tours. One point would be, if you are guided by someone with experience in Environmental Marine Science degree, you could expect to be marvel at the entire experience. Key West tours guided by Captain Victoria, in particular Key West Dolphin Tours, can be a life-changing experience. Besides healing, it is also a revitalizing treat. It helps you to break away from your everyday routine. However, if you are a thrill seeker, then this is not for you. This is rather like joining the dolphins yet giving them back the deserved respect they have for Mother nature. You are the one joining their natural habitat to get this uplifting experience. Nurturing your intuition while taking the time to awaken your inner wisdom. What you will enjoy together with Captain Victoria is limitless. On a company or group level, you can also explore the multi-dimensional experience in the form of a retreat. Your company staff can gain a spiritual attunement that is unique. Who says company retreat has to be boring? Other ideas would be going underwater and feel water on your skin. This is great for beginners as well since Captain Victoria takes you through from the start. There are seven distinct habitats and different tropical fish to explore.
November 02, 2012
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Researchers have used a replica moai to show how the giant statues may have been "walked" to where they are displayed. Read more: http://www.nature.com/news/1.11613
November 01, 2012
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Unusual destinations are always seek after by many people. In particular frequent traveler who wants a no nonsense website to guide them in the selection. FreakAdvisor.com is such a great site with features such as "Unusual destinations to escape" to and "Alternative Music Festivals". If I remember well, we have always received many people from all around Europe and internationally to the Sziget Festival in Budapest. You can imagine how important information and reviews given by 'not ordinary people' play in the decision making process. FreakAdvisor.com also features top reviews of the places with a simple rating system at a glance.
In case you are also hunting down the top amazing spots on the planet, or even the not ordinary spaces. This site really has a great source at one stop. Not forgetting the meals and here it is the "Naked & Tasteful Lunch". This exciting heading brings you what to eat, and where you can find it. And last but not least the "Sexiest Countries". If you are into gaming and the fantasy world, there is also the Virtual Destinations to complete that side of 'your travel'. If you consider yourself the almost 'new hyppie', you can now find out the unusual destination from someone who has travel there and providing you the honest review. One traveler to other traveler - it is even better than exclusive.
October 13, 2012
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It is very frustrating to be in a country where you have no idea about the language and even can't read and understand the basic signs. I had this feeling when I was in China facing signs like this.
Even worse when it comes to communication with local people. There are countries where even a single hello is a challenge and unless you are someone who prefer to stay in the hotel and on the sightseeing bus you have to make efforts to get closer to local people and to their culture.
Travel Beyond Expectations is an initiative that helps you bring on the smiles and to feel the warmth of the local people with just a couple of words and phrases in the local language. Mastering Chinese, Japanese or Korean is not easy for Europeans or for Americans. Travel Beyond Expectations offers online courses to learn travel phrases in three language. You can go for basic Chinese phrases, also can learn basic Japanese phrases or there is an opportunity to learn basic Korean phrases.
The concept is very simple. Instead of memorizing difficult grammar rules you just pick up the basic conversation phrases in a new language using the extremely short nanolearning technique.
This approach fits the schedule even of the most busy businessmen as they keep the lessons no longer than one minute. Through nanolearning, you can easily learn no matter how busy you are. The site targets people with very limited free time. The structure of the website and the lessons fit the most busy schedules, too.
Perfect place to start with the basics, to impress your friends or business partners and to have enough motivation for a further step.
Perfect place to start with the basics, to impress your friends or business partners and to have enough motivation for a further step.
October 10, 2012
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LiveTravelWire.com is a travel newswire dedicated to covering breaking news in the travel industry while capturing leads via an embedded lead generation form that is present within each release.
LiveTravelWire.com is part of the Bull Wire network, a top 500 web property that supercharges regular press releases by putting them "on steroids", see audited traffic analytics from Quantcast: https://www.quantcast.com/p-ke-QuW-EyEgxN
LiveTravelWire.com accommodates any type of media, whether text, audio or video.
October 05, 2012
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Bein Harim Services limited is a leading israeli government licensed travel service that is specialized in planning, organizing and conducting guided tours to Israel.
We will highlight here their special tour to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Massada and Dead Sea.
The two days tour starts in Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives along the Gethsemane Garden and the old city walls. The Armenian quarter, the Western Wall, the Bazaar, the Christian Quarter and walk the 1700 years old main street are all included into the rich programme.
The tour is continued in Bethlehem through Nativity Circle visiting the Milk Grotto where Mary fed her son. Bethlehem is one of the holy places of the world. The birthplace of King David and of Jesus Christ.
On the second day the tour will lead you to the Judean Desert through the inn of the Good Samaritan. By cable car you can go up the the 2000 years old fort of King Herod. The are of Dead Sea is a very special place. It is 400 meter below sea level, the lowest place on this planet being rich in mineral water where you can take the famous mud-bath enjoying the therapeutic quality of it.
The tour goes back to Jerusalem at the end of the day with an overview of Jericho and Roman Road.
Sounds very exciting! Hats, proper (modest) dresses and bathing suits are recommended
September 07, 2012
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Holyland Pilgrimages offers unforgetable Christian Pilgrimages to the holy land. Their tours are very well organized, professional events.
When it comes to the holy land we can't miss Jerusalem. The tour starts with a panoramic overview from the Mt. Olives and leads you along the valley of Kidron to the garden of Gethsemane. Armenian quarter, the Western Wall as one of the most characteristic spot in Jerusalem and Stations of the Cross in the Christian Quarter are also included into the programme.
Another very interesting tour with Holyland Pilgrimages leads you to Bethlehem - King David's place of birth and also the place were people think Jesus was born. The tour drives you through the Nativity Circle, continued to Milk Grotto and to Catholic and Greek churches. Many spiritual places.
We highly recommend Holyland Pilgrimages to explore the holy land and its spritual places.
September 07, 2012
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France is a country that do need to be introduced. I don't think that there are anyone on this planet who has never heard of France. Not only the wonderful landscapes but also the rich history and culture, and of course the unique French cuisine makes this country unforgetable.
The beautiful Loire Valley
A La Carte France Tours offers private luxury tours across France. Exploring a country with a small group of people having your private driver and minivan is much more comfortable than seeing everything through the window of a large bus. With A La Carte France Tours you will have a tailored vacation in France chosing your preferred locations according to your exact specifications.
Paris
Tours are offered in the 7 large regions of France or you can go for their 17 days Best of France tours. The 7 regions are:
Paris
North-East
North-West
Burgundy
Jura-Alps
South-East
South-West
Historic hotels and fine cuisine restaurant meals are included into the tours making sure that you do not miss any important sights and views. France is a country where every single corner is worth to check.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is great for a mixed of city and landscapes sightseeing while the Jura Mountains provide mountainous landscapes making the little wine towns and medieval villages a wonderful experience.
September 02, 2012
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Vktour provides inbound tours and travel, air ticket deal and hotel reservation, car coach rental, visa arrangement and tour guide service in Vietnam.
The region now known as Vietnam has been inhabited since Paleolithic times. Archaeologists have linked the beginnings of Vietnamese civilization to the Bronze Age Phung Nguyen culture. By about 1200 BC, the development of wet-rice cultivation and bronze casting in the Ma River and Red River floodplains led to the development of the Dong Son culture.
The legendary Hồng Bàng Dynasty of the Hùng kings is considered the first Vietnamese state, known in Vietnamese as Văn Lang. The Vietnamese dynasties reached their zenith in the Lê Dynasty of the 15th century, especially during the reign of Emperor Lê Thánh Tông. The country has a very rich history and culture, the history of a nation that fought for its independence for centuries.
After so many wars, recently Vietnam is experiencing a fast development and became a prefered destination for millions of tourists.This is a country of many influences. Indian and Hindu culture had a lasting influence in the Cham temples and spicy regional cuisine. In the North, Chinese connections are far more apparent. Between these two competing cultures, you’ll find the real Vietnam in the central provinces: the historic old port of Hoi An, and the royal tombs, pagodas and imperial cuisine of Hue.
There is a lot to explore in Vietnam. Vktour helps you to discover this wonderful country by offering different packages for both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers.
Their Grand Vietnam package tour lasts for 18 days while you can explore the country's three main regions.
The Northern Vietnam express tour leads you to the colourful hill tribes, and to the giant limestone karsts.
There is a wide selection of things to do in Vietnam and Vktour is the perfect partner for you to explore this wonderful country.
August 20, 2012
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Jerusalem is one of the oldest city in the world. It is the capital of Israel but also a holy city for muslims and christians. Centuries ago, Jerusalem was considered to be the center of the entire world.
This is definitely the city where every single stone has a story. And a history. Jerusalem has been destroyed twice, attacked 52 times, captured and recaptured 44 times. Not a boring city, let's say.
Bein Harim Tours offers you the Jerusalem Old and New Tour in the city for a very reasonable price. The tour starts early morning from the Mount Olives where you can have an overview of the Old City. Driving along the Kidron Valley you can see the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. In the program, you will find the Mt. Zion, passing the Armenaian quarter to the Byzantine Cardo.
The tour takes you to the Jewish Quarter where you can visit the two thousand years old Western Wall. Along the Via Dolorosa you can join the many pilgrims following the Stations of the Cross. The tour ends in the Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum.
Very rich and promising program.
August 06, 2012
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Transylvania #erdely #romania #ikozosseg #instacool #instagood #instadaily #instagramers #mik #travel #jjforum #fotoklub, a photo by zsoolt on Flickr.
Transylvania, Romania. This place might be the second Switzerland of Europe.
August 01, 2012
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France
July 29, 2012
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We are always hunting for blogs that are showing their places from a local perspective. I remember like 15-20 years ago when we wanted to go somewhere for a vacation we had to rely on travel agency's brochures, exaggerated commercials, manipulated photos and unrealistic videos.
The age of internet and especially blogging brought new fresh style into the travel industry. Lately, when we plan a trip somewhere, we explore the places on the internet.
This time our target is Spain, a vacation in Javea. Javea or in Valencian Xábia is a coastal town located in the province of Alicante, by the Mediterranean Sea. It is a popular location for a holiday. To explore the place prior to our travel, we were looking for local information and we have found this great site www.javeavacation.com.
The site is available since 2009 and has provided us with all the necessary information about Javea. Beside showing all the local spots that might be interesting for tourists, we can find very practical information about food or cultural events, or even about malls and supermarkets. Their latest post is about moving to Spain, introducing us the latest legislative changes for EU citizens.
The blog is easy to read with a very simple structure. The tone is not commercial as I can sense in many posts, some self-criticisms that made the writers even more authentic in my eyes. We know that running a site like this is very time consuming. We do the same about Budapest and Singapore and I respect a lot when local people make efforts to introduce their area.
Javea Vacation - Holidays in Spain
July 18, 2012
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This is the wedding party we met earlier in the day at the Eiffel Tower - they didn't act as newly weds and assume that they were models for some advertising campaign.
The Musée du Louvre - in English, the Louvre Museum or simply the Louvre—is one of the world's largest museums, the most visited art museum in the world and a historic monument.
For the full story, Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C3%A9e_du_Louvre
I was very lucky to be able to take my grand-daughter Tegan on a trip to Europe over her recent half term.
We spent a few days in Germany, staying in the beautiful old village of Neumagen-Dhrone on the Mosel Valley, then a couple of days in Reims and a final few days in Paris. We had an excellent time :-)
Free photo retouching for wedding photographers
July 12, 2012
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First light over the city. Edinburgh castle and Arthurs seat centre right
July 02, 2012
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