Hello from
Journeywoman.comLET'S START WITH A JUICY JOURNEYWOMAN STORY -- A few years ago Editor, Evelyn Hannon posted a tip about a guide named Jimmy living and working in Cuba. From that article many of our readers contacted this man when they travelled to his part of the world. Then, one of those JourneyWomen -- Lorraine in Dubai -- did something wonderful for Jimmy. In an email to our office she writes 'I met Jimmy through your website three years ago and used him as my guide during two weeks in Cuba. He was such a nice guy and so desperate to get out of Cuba that I helped him come to live in Dubai and get a job. This was a very difficult task and I nearly gave up a few times. But Jimmy and I persisted. I'm happy to report that Jimmy is now a fully legal landed immigrant here in Dubai and for the last eighteen months he has been working for the Emirates Airline (which is government owned) in their tour section. He now lives a free life with many friends in Dubai'.
When we received this email from Lorraine we wrote to Jimmy asking if we might post this success story. Here is Jimmy's very pleasant reply. 'Hi Evelyn, You have my permission to tell the story, it is proof that there are still wonderful people in this world like Lorraine, Thanks a lot and many Success, Regards, Jimmy'
EDITOR'S NOTE: This tale proves that when we put our minds to it JourneyWomen can move mountains AND people. Hurrah for everybody concerned!
TEN WINNERS OF 'IF I WERE THE JW EDITOR' CONTEST -- In October we issued a challenge to our readers. Please finish this thought: 'If I were the editor of Journeywoman.com I would.....' As usual, your responses were fantastic. We received kudos, criticisms and lots of wonderful suggestions from around the world. There were rants and there were love letters -- each one helping us to understand how you feel or what you'd like to see changed. Journeywoman looks forward to incorporating these new ideas into our 2008 agenda. Thanks so much, everybody.
P.S. For a list of the ten winners of Journeywoman three-pack luggage tags plus some of the many suggestions we received, please click here.
DOWN WITH PICKPOCKETS AND THIEVES -- Too often we receive notes from readers who've had their journey ruined because they've lost their money, credit cards and important documents to thugs and thieves. With so many of us planning journeys for the holiday season, we've posted the article, 'An Expert's Safety Tips for Female Travellers.' It contains lots of easy, effective advice like (1) why you need to pack a vitamin pill bottle on every trip you take and (2) details about a great new security purse that you will love. Curious? See: http://journeywoman.com/travel101/default.html
PRAGUE FROM A JOURNEYWOMAN'S POINT OF VIEW -- Last month we asked readers to send their best women-centered tips about The Czech Republic to our office. Oh my goodness -- we were so impressed with the responses we received. Females in our JW Network who've travelled to Prague were for the most part enchanted by their experiences -- several even included helpful words of caution (which, of course, were very much appreciated). We've prepared and posted the first twenty bits of advice at the Journeywoman website. Huge thanks to everybody who participated. See: http://journeywoman.com/gfc/gfc.html
DO YOU HAVE ADVICE TO SHARE ABOUT BUDAPEST, HUNGARY -- We'd love advice from JourneyWomen living in Budapest and those who've travelled to the city about restaurants, hotels, B&B's, things to do, shopping, museums, etc. -- the kind of advice you'd give a girlfriend if she was heading there. All tips to editor@journeywoman.com will be accepted with open arms. Put 'Best of Budapest' in the subject line. We'll organize all these independent bits of advice and transform them into one big article for all in our JW Network to share. C'mon everybody: we're counting on you and you and you!
MAKE A TRAVEL BUDDY AT YOUR DESTINATION -- HERmail.net is part of the Journeywoman Network, an online directory of members willing to mentor other women when they travel to their part of the world. You never have to meet each other if you choose not to but you can be so helpful to each other supplying travel tips about your city, town or country via email. Joining is absolutely free; already women travellers from over 100 countries have signed on and are communicating with each other. Website: www.hermail.net
MY HERMAIL SUCCESS STORY -- writes Lorraine in UAE -- I found a lovely new friend in Buenos Aires courtesy of HERmail.net. I met her through the site and asked her lots of questions about Argentina. We met up when I was there, had a brilliant day wandering around in Buenos Aires and just clicked with being friends. So there you go, not only is HERmail good for travel advice, but great to meet lovely people round the world too, Thank you, Journeywoman!!!'
EDITOR'S NOTE: And, I just heard from two HERmail.net members in Prague who promise to meet me when I'm there.
HURRAH FOR THIS JW ADVERTISER -- writes Ulla from Stockholm, Sweden -- Thanks to your website I found the organisation WalkingWomen and as an autumn break I attended their Gentle Photography Walking Tour in the Lake District in England. It was one of the best vacations I have had, really great and well organized. The guide was excellent and took such good care of us. Together we were 12 women and even more cameras, we walked and played with our cameras during the day and had dinner together in the evenings and looked at the pictures we took. I will definately use them again. Even the weather behaved!
EDITOR'S NOTE: For anybody else who might be interested, this is the company that inspired Ulla to send us her note:
WALKINGWOMEN -- The UK's largest women's tour company offers a wide choice of beautiful hiking destinations in England, Scotland, Ireland, many parts of Europe, S. Africa & Nepal….. Whether you prefer gentle walks or adventure, creature comforts or economy, there's variety here for most tastes and levels of fitness. Come on your own, come with a friend, all women are welcome! Website: http://www.walkingwomen.com Email: queries@walkingwomen.com Tel: +44 1926 313321
AND NOW ITS TIME TO DREAM ABOUT OTHER FAR AWAY PLACES -- This month members of our JW Network of classified advertisers have submitted selections that are deliciously tempting. Click, browse, ask tour operators and product managers questions. They enjoy answering and it ensures that you find the woman-friendly holiday and products that are perfect for you. This is Step #1 to making your travel dreams a sweet reality. Ah-h-h-h-h...
TUSCANY WRITERS RETREAT IN LUCCA -- Escape to the Italian countryside this summer (June 7-14). Live like the locals and write like the masters in the land of the Renaissance. Featuring a balance of writing workshops, inspiring chats, international authors and agents, and famous Tuscan wine and delicacies designed to jumpstart the creative process for beginners and seasoned authors. For more information, visit www.TuscanyWritersConference.com or email us at ciao@tuscanywritersconference.com
DREAM OF VENICE – Experience a more authentic Venice in your own sunny apartment, away from the chaotic tourist track but just a short walk to St. Mark’s. It features one double bedroom, one twin, an open kitchen/living area, and a small loft office. “Besides being wonderfully comfortable and having everything I could have wished for, the location is just perfect,” says one satisfied Journeywoman. Call Linda at (415) 550-8215 Email: info@dreamofvenice.com or visit www.dreamofvenice.com
KNIT SILK PAJAMAS GREAT FOR TRAVELING! -- Kim Allan Silk 70% Knit Silk / 30% Cotton Lounge Pajamas are the perfect traveling companion. Full range of colours, sizes and styles. A favourite of Journeywomen for the past four years! Please put Journeywoman in the comment box for special pricing $49 for pants regular $70. Order at www.kimallansilk.com or Toll free: 1-800-709-5366
RIO CALIENTE HOT SPRINGS SPA -- near Guadalajara, Mexico. REST & REVITALIZE in warm mineral waters. RELAX & RECHARGE with yoga, hiking, pool exercise & healthy vegetarian cuisine. ENJOY SPA SERVICES: mudwraps, massage, beauty treatments and more. AFFORDABLE PACKAGES for 5, 7, and 10 nights from $735 - $1400 (double) include all of above. Website: www.riocaliente.com Tel: 1-800-200-2027. Email: riocal@aol.com
ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA -- Nothing surpasses St. Petersburg during the White Nights, when a short twilight is followed by a new morning. Join Sights and Soul Travels’ tour leader in her native city and experience the magnificent tsarist palaces, onion domed Orthodox cathedrals and world class art. See ballet at Kirov, tour the Hermitage Museum, enjoy a caviar and vodka reception, be a dinner guest at a private home and cruise the canals at twilight. Other destinations available at http://www.sightsandsoul.com Tel: 1-866-737-9602
TAKE OFF WITH GUTSY WOMEN TRAVEL IN 2008 -- Give yourself the gift of travel this holiday season and take a fabulous Gutsy Women Travel getaway to Sicily, Argentina, Morocco, or Costa Rica in 2008. Departures are all in the first quarter of the year and if you book by December 31, 2007 save $200 (use promo code: GWTJRW200). Visit www.gutsywomentravel.com for more info or e-mail info@gutsywomentravel.com.
VOLUNTEER ABROAD -- It's the experience of a lifetime. As a Cross-Cultural Solutions international volunteer, you're making a meaningful contribution, working side-by-side with local people and sharing in the goals of a community that warmly welcomes you. Choose from 12 countries, start dates year-round and programs from 1-12 weeks long. CCS offers programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand. Website: http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org Email: info@crossculturalsolutions.org
BAGGY PANTS PERFECT FOR TRAVEL -- Baggy Pants for kids and adults are fun, quality leisure daywear, comfortable enough to be addictive. Available in fabrics that are both unique and shockingly pleasant to wear, these pants are ideal for the beach, cruising, long car trips and under ski clothes. Cozy flannels and cool cottons are shaped into pants with an elastic waist and drawstring. Seersucker capris are wash, hang, and dry perfect. The kick? They come with their own matching bag. Website: www.baggypants.ca Email: info@baggypants.ca Makes a great Christmas present.
TRAVELING ALONE AGAIN? -- Try our unique travel matching service! JustUsGirlsTravel.com is a travel matching service for savvy women 40+! In-depth questionnaire identifies personality traits and travel preferences. On-line profiles allow matches to become acquainted with one another. Enjoy the confidentiality and convenience of our secure email system. Share your adventures on our Travel Bulleting Boards. For a limited time JW readers receive a 6 month FREE membership! Match by design, not by chance! Contact us at info@justusgirlstravel.com.
EXPATCLIC.COM -- This website offers interesting articles on life overseas, fascinating discussions in several languages, lots of practical and up-dated information about everyday life in many countries, and non-stop free online assistance to expatriate women. Managed by 20 expatriate women and one expatman who work together from 14 different countries!!!! Come and visit. Website: www.expatclic.com
READY FOR THIS MONTH'S TOP TWELVE JOURNEYWOMAN TRAVEL TIPS? -- As usual, your many female-friendly bits of advice continue to inform, inspire and amuse. This time, from travelling women in the U.S. and Canada to those in France, Australia and Vietnam what follows are this issue's top twelve travelling tips. Enjoy, everybody!
INTELLIGENT, WELL SPOKEN GUIDE IN CHANG MAI, THAILAND -- writes Sheila in Camarillo, California, USA -- If a Journeywoman needs a guide to Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, she should definitely call upon Tui (full name Kanlaya Muangmoon). Tui recently showed me her city, with its Buddhist temples, including the famous mountain top temple, Wat Doi Suthep. We visited markets, handicraft villages and spent the day in the jungle at an elephant camp where we watched the mahouts bathe the animals in the river. Tui seemed more like a good friend and I learned more than history; I learned a bit about what life is like for a professional woman in Thailand. Intelligent, well spoken and pleasant to be with, Tui will help you to make the most of your holiday in Chiang Mai. You can email Tui at petploy_1999@hotmail.com. I hope you have as much fun with her as I had.
WOMEN IN SEOUL GETTING THEIR OWN SUBWAY CARS -- writes Evelyn in Toronto, Canada -- I read this female-friendly news item in the Toronto Star, our city's local newspaper. 'Seoul subway trains will feature women-only cars next year to reduce the number of groping incidents in crowded confines. Nearly half the crimes reported on the city's eight subway lines are sexual in nature, with many taking place on two lines that serve university and office districts. The Seoul subway network moves 6.1 million people a day and, like Tokyo, employs uniformed attendants at rush hour to push passengers into packed carriages. Tokyo subways are already running women-only subway cars to prevent groping'.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Here's an added JW subway tip. And, when using the subway in developing countries and male-dominated societies, make every effort to behave modestly. Wear a fake wedding ring to deter unwanted advances and (where appropriate) sport sunglasses to hide your eyes. In some cultures, simply meeting a man’s gaze means that you welcome both his attention and his company.
APARTMENT LIVING IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND -- writes Elva in Gimli, Manitoba -- We just returned from a trip to Scotland during which we spent several days in Edinburgh. A friend recommended an apartment stay which, when compared to hotel room prices, turned out to be a real bargain. She pointed us to an excellent site http://www.scottishapartment.com/ where we found a good selection of options. We got a clean, comfortable, well furnished two bedroom apartment right on the Royal Mile - the main tourist destination in the city. We were less than a ten minute walk to Edinburgh Castle as well as being near all the major high spots of one of the most gorgeous cities I have ever visited. Look into this, ladies!
VINTAGE EYEGLASS FRAMES IN NEW YORK CITY -- writes Debra in Toronto, Canada -- I'd like to tell other JourneyWomen about a very unique shop I visited recently in New York City. I wear prescription sunglasses and love to buy vintage frames because they're so unique. But I lost the sunglasses I travelled from Toronto with on the subway halfway through my trip. I decided to try a shop I'd read about but never visited before: Fabulous Fanny's, 335 East 9th St., near First Ave. If, like me, you love retro eyewear, this is the place to go. This tiny shop is just crammed with racks and old wooden drawers full of every imaginable type of vintage frame: cat's eye, rhinestone, tortoiseshell, more than I can list here. Prices start at about $45 and up. Plus, if you want to wear your new glasses right away like I did, they'll refer you to a reasonable, efficient optical store in Greenwich Village.
MEET EXPATS IN PRAGUE -- writes Yvonne in Paris, France -- Here's a message for all JourneyWomen interested in travelling to Prague. I don't know if you know this but there is a huge expat community of Americans, Brits and Canadians in Prague. A fun place to meet them is JJ Murphy's, a great Irish pub, in Mala Strana (Lesser Town) on Trizste street, near St. Nicholas Church. There are always English speakers there plus good food and beer as well.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This would probably be a good place for solo women travellers to try. Who knows? You might even find a sightseeing buddy who is interested in the same walking tours as you are.
A BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA -- writes Nicole in Jersey City, USA -- I traveled to Cape Town this past June for a solo adventure. I was a little nervous about going there alone so I sought out a smaller, private hotel where I thought I would be safer. Turns out, I picked the right place. A small, lovely, boutique hotel called the Cape Heritage Hotel on Bree Street. It is in a great location if you don't want to be stuck in the touristy V&A Waterfront. The staff was fun and happy to accommodate. The rooms are beautiful and each uniquely decorated. There are fantastic restaurants in the
same block, a wine bar and a courtyard to enjoy. And it is in a great location for exploring all the main sections of Cape Town that you'd want to explore. It is also very reasonably priced. Highly recommended! Website: http://www.capeheritage.co.za/
RUBIN MUSEUM IN NEW YORK CITY -- writes Liz in Manhattan, NYC-- A really nice place to visit for a casual lunch, tea, museum tour and bathroom break is the Rubin Museum in New York City (150 W 17th Street and Seventh Avenue). It houses wonderful Himalayan art - Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, etc. It has a very appealing gift shop and there is free live music on Saturdays in the lobby. The Rubin is centrally located - around the corner from Loehmann's (famous for discount clothing) and several great thrift shops (designer stuff very frequently) on 17th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue. If you keep walking downtown along 6th Avenue you are in the West Village. What could be better! There is a website if you wish to check further: www.rmanyc.org/
VOLUNTEER FEMALE GUIDE IN BUENOS AIRES -- writes Charna in Montreal, Quebec -- My husband and I just returned from a fabulous two weeks in gorgeous Argentina, a country of marvellous contrasts from north to south. In Buenos Aires we decided to see the highlights of the city through a Cicerone (volunteer greeter). We were fortunate in having their president, Joaquin Brenman who can be reached at www.cicerones.org.ar lead us. Joaquin also met us at our hotel and then accompanied us through an architectural and heritage tour of the Buenos Aires central sights. As there is no charge for a Cicerone, a donation is expected.
EDITOR'S NOTE: At their website Cicerones states as their mandate, 'We are a non-profit organization whose goal is to improve the image of Buenos Aires allowing its better knowledge to national and foreign visitors. We offer the opportunity to volunteers, those familiar with the city, to give a warm demonstration of the most typical and pleasant places of Buenos Aires which make all "poteños" (Citizen of Buenos Aires) proud'.
VOLUNTEER GUIDES IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA -- writes Erica in Melbourne, Australia -- Here is our latest press release about The Melbourne Greeter Service. We thought your readers would enjoy hearing about us. Discover from a local what locals love about Melbourne. This Greeter service is a free half day orientation of the city for visitors and tourists. It offers an insight to our city from a local’s perspective. You get the opportunity to explore Melbourne City by tram or on foot (without getting lost). We operate daily except Good Friday and Christmas Day. Reservations are essential and booking must be made at least two days in advance. For more information, contact the Melbourne Greeter Service coordinator on greeter@melbourne.vic.gov.au
EDITOR'S NOTE: Check our Best Guides article. We have one full page devoted to volunteer greeters in six different cities. Anybody want to add another city? Please write editor@journeywoman.com and tell us about it. We'd love that.
A CHARMING B&B IN MONTREAL -- writes Victoria in Montreal, Canada -- I would like to recommend a charming, spacious Montreal B&B, run by a spunky Swedish woman, herself a world traveller. It is located in “Priest’s Farm,” a beautiful residential neighbourhood on the edge of downtown Montreal, just a half block from major bus and subway lines, and easy walking distance to museums, shopping and a charming outdoor market. The décor is lovely and the owner provides truly gourmet breakfasts. $70 Canadian single, and $95 double. Lena, the Swedish woman who runs the B&B on her own, is a “good acquaintance”. Her daughters went to school with my daughters. I send all my visitors there and they love it. I have dined there myself on two occasions, and can vouch first hand for Lena’s cooking. Also for the charming décor and excellent location. Website: http://www.bbcanada.com/694.html
DRESS WARMLY FOR CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN EUROPE -- writes Penny in Baltimore, USA -- I visited the Christmas Markets in Prague, Vienna and Budapest last December and loved being in the Old World atmosphere at Christmas time. But, be warned! It can be bitter cold – the web said it would be 40 degrees F, and since it was in the upper 40’s when I left Baltimore, I thought I packed well. But their 40 is not the same as our 40!!! It was damp, with a chill that goes through you (but not damp enough to thwart this Journeywoman's Christmas shopping spree). Keep in mind you could be outdoors for hours on end; make sure you have thermal or silk undies, a heavy coat, and hat and gloves to keep the light mist rain off and you’ll be fine. I didn’t really need the raincoat I took – rather it should have been a wool coat. Have fun, everybody. P.S. Keep your eyes open in Prague. You might be lucky enough to see the lamplighter making his rounds in the Town Square at dusk.
HAVE CLOTHING MADE IN HANOI, VIETNAM -- writes Rhona in Hanoi, Vietnam -- There are a zillion good tailors in this city. I have used one at the end of Le Quoc Su at the junction of Hang Gai street. I can’t remember the name off the top of my head, but you can’t miss it! They tailor made an Ao xai (Vietnamese traditional dress) for me to wear at my brother’s wedding. The poshest tailor in Hanoi is the Khai Silk shop (also on Hang Gai street). It's quite pricey though. Hang Gai is definitely the street to trawl up and down. JourneyWomen visiting my city should check out Tan My for amazing cotton embroidered sheets and duvets, kids stuff and cushion covers as well as place mats, napkins etc. It's brilliant and very cheap compared to the UK.
EDITOR'S NOTE: These tailors are so fast. They sometimes sew things to order in two to three days. Here's a few of my tried and true tips. Pack a shirt or jacket from home that you love. Pick your fabric in one of these tailoring shops, leave your garment with them and they will copy it exactly. Be sure to try it on as soon as you can so any problems can be fixed before you leave the city P.S. I always ask the tailors to make the back of the garment an inch wider than the original. My experience has been that some shopkeepers tend to skimp on material that 'you've' paid for and make the garment just a bit smaller. By adding width I've ended up with the size I really want. Remember the old Journeywoman rule -- an inch too big is far better than an inch too small.
FINALLY, IF YOU ENJOYED THIS NEWSLETTER -- Why not contribute to the December issue Best Travel Tips section? It's so easy -- just share some advice about your hometown or a city you've visited and loved. Perhaps you can offer your own special packing tips, safety tips or money-saving advice. Five minutes of your time to write about a favorite restaurant in New York or a great hotel deal in Paris will be a huge gift to another woman visiting that city. Give it a try. Address your emails to: editor@journeywoman.com and put the words 'December Travel Goodies' in the subject line. 61,500 females in 100 countries who receive this newsletter will love you for it. We will too!
UNTIL OUR NEXT ISSUE -- I wish you fun reading, lots of laughter and safe, wonderful, exciting journeys. You definitely deserve it!
--
Evelyn Hannon, Editor
Website:
http://www.journeywoman.com Tel: 416.929.7654
