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The Traveling Professor



Last Updated: 4/8/2009

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Gender: Male
Status: Single
Age: 42
Sign: Taurus

State: Oregon
Country: US
Signup Date: 11/3/2006

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Thursday, May 01, 2008 

Category: Travel and Places

Jeju Island Information!

 

I. Jeju Services With An English Flare

Motor Scooter Rentals: Mr Lee's at: 011-699-8562.  He speaks English and is a very nice guy.  I have heard that he will rent a nice 100 cc scooter for 20,000 Won a day.

II. Restaurants & Cafes

Pejing Chinese Restaurant: Located near the KAL Hotel (Jeju).  Turn left at the intersection before reaching the KAL Hotel if you are going down towards the waterfront.  It is the first restaurant (second building) on the right.  The owner's son (Ken Yang, he cooks) speaks very good English. Phone: 064-722-4256 / 724-9300, Ken's Cell: 010-699-1668.

Cafe 1263: Located near Gim-yeong Beach right off Hwy 12.  The best ocean view on Jeju Island.  Mr Sung speaks english very well.  He is open Mon-Sun from 11am-6pm.  His coffee shop is a beautiful little house with a nice woodstove and a putting green to practice your puts.  Give it a try! Phone: (064) 784-2263........

 

Jeju Island has some interesting weather patterns.

January -February........Cold To Cool winter weather.

March - June................A gradual increase in sunny weather ranging from 15 to 25 degrees with little humidity.

July - August.................There will be one to three weeks of Hot, Humid And Rainny weather during these months!  25-32 degrees.

September - October.....Beautiful weather with little to no humidity! 20 to 26 degrees.

November - December.....Cool To Cold Winter Weather.

I. JEJU CITY GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Gwandeokjeong, Old Administration Building

2. Folklore & Natural History Museum (064-722-2465 / www.museum.jeju.go.kr)

Located near the KAL Hotel, the museum supports a large collection of crafts, tools and equipment as well as plants, animals and minerals native to Jeju Island.

3. Samsunghyeol Shrine

4. Youngduam Rock / Dragon Head Rock

Looking out over the sea, the rock looks like the head of the mythical dragons of old. 

5. Confucian School

 A hyanggyo was an official government school teaching the Confucian classics.  The Jeju Tyanggyo was first established in 1394 during the reign of Kin T' Aejo.  The main buildings include 1. The Taesongchon Hall, 2. The Myongryun-Tang, 3. The Chonsa-ch' ong, and 4. The Kyesong-sa Shrine where official ceremonies are held.

6. National Jeju Museum

Here you will find more then 1,300 old antiques and relics showing the unique history and culture of Jeju Island.  The museum's architecture is modeled after a Jeju private home that you will find throughout the island. (064-782-8000)

7. Sarabong Hill & Jeju lighthouse

A small peak just East of Jeju City, visitors can go to the top and enjoy the view of the ocean, Hall Mt., and a small children's park.  Plus, on the Southern slope you will find Moch' ungsa, a memorial compound honoring the memory of the great Jeju islanders.

8. Oiljang Tradional Market

9. Moksukwon

10. Mysterious Road / Dokkaebidoro Road

As you drive down this stretch of road, you think you are going up a hill.  But, if you stop and put your car in neutral, the car will begin to roll what appears to be up hill. 

11. Jeju Loveland / The Sex Museum

Come enjoy a place where you will discover the history of "Making Love".  With it's unique sculptures, exhibits, and souvenirs, jewelry, perfumes, and books that you can purchase to spice up your love life, visitors can become fully equipped at "Making Love".

12. Jeju (Halla) Arboretum (064-746-4423)

A refreshing place for visitors to relax while enjoying the many different greenhouses, gardens, birds and flowers located throughout this wonderful creation of plant life.

13. Iho Beach

With hotels and restaurants to the North, South and East, visitors can enjoy a couple of nice days at the beach.  The beach area supports fishing tackle shops for those who wish to fish off the levy, wind surfing, underwater snorkeling, or you can just sit on the beach and watch the sun go down over the water.  Bathrooms are available for visitors to use (064-750-7618)

14. Samyang Beach

Known for its hot sand bath than swimming, Samyany Beach is located in the Northeastern part of Jeju City.  Visitors will be able to get wet and stay covered in the warm black sand.  It is said to be effective for rheumatism, but consult your doctor.  You should only stay covered for about 30 minutes and then wash off.  The Jeju Folk Museum is also close for you to visit.  Bathrooms and showers are available for visitors to use (064-755-4686).

15. Tapdon Plaza / Shopping District

16. Five Day Market

This conventional market of Jeju City gives you a glimpse of the day to day lives of the Jeju Island people.  A variety of merchandise is available at affordable prices.  The market opens every five days, starting on the 2nd, and then on the 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd, and 27th. 

II. EASTERN PART OF JEJU:

1. Hamduk Beach

One of Jeju Island's most popular beaches because of the large white sand beach area, near by restaurants, hotels, a carnival, and other Jeju Island attractions for visitors to enjoy.  The beach is broke up into two sections with a nice camping area in the middle.  Korean visitors visit the Western beach area and local Westerners (English Teachers) frequent the Eastern part of the Hamduk Beach area on a regular basis.  Bathrooms, showers, and a campground area are available for visitors to use (064-783-8119).

2. Sangumburi Crater (064-783-9900)

One of the three major craters on Jeju Island, the other two being Baengnokdam Lake at the top of Halla Mountain and Sunrise Peak at Seongsanpo.  Sangumburi Crater is home to some 420 different species of subtropical, temperate, and alpine flowering plants.  The crater is best viewed in the spring, summer, and fall.

3. Manjanggul Cave

Visitors can walk through one of the largest lava tubes in the world.  At 13.4km (8.4 miles) in length and 5-10 meters in height, you will be able to walk 1 km of this amazing natural creation.  However, you might want to bring a jacket.  The average temperature inside the cave is 16-17 degrees.

4. Kimnyoung Maze Park

The Jeju / Kimnyoung Maze is an expression of one man's appreciation for his adopted home.

Created by Dr. Fred H. Dustin and his wife Mrs. Dustin, the Kimnyoung Maze is one of Jeju Island's most popular and beloved places for tourists to visit.  Featured in many TV commercials, visitors will see an authentic English style walk through maze made out of 2,232 Leyland Cypress trees. (064-782-9266; www.jejumaze.com; e-mail: mazef@chol.com)

5. Sun Rise Peak / Seongsan Ilchulbong

This unique natural attraction is one of the 360+ parasitic volcanoes called Oreums that are scattered throughout the island.  Visitors can walk up to the top in about 15-20 minutes and see a grand view of Udo Island's Western Shore Line, Jeju Island's Eastern Shore Line, Mt. Halla, and the Early Morning Sunrise.

6. Udo Island / Wudo Island

Popular for its Eight Scenic Spots of Udo:

?     Jugan-myeongwol: A moon seen inside a cave in daylight.

?     Yahang-eoboem: Fishing Boats at night.

?     Cheonjin-gwansan: The view of Mt. Halla from the East.

?     Jiju-cheongsa: The blue sands at Jidu.

?     Jeonpo-mangdo: The ocean view seen from the island.<

Saturday, May 19, 2007 

Category: Travel and Places

I. Busan Hotels / Motels

A. Haeundae Beach Area

        Name                            Phone                                        Website

1. Universe Motel            (051) 742-7797 / 017-851-2923  www.universemotel.co.kr

2. Aqua Beach Motel       (051) 743-2805                               www.aquatel.org

3. Queen Hotel                (051)731-0057

4. Free Hotel (not free)     (051) 731-2001

B. Gwangalli Beach Area (Overlooks the Gwangan Bridge that looks like the "Golden Gate" bridge in San Francisco.  It's beautiful!)

1. Charment Motel           (051)758-6960 / 758-6962

2. Merit Motel                  (051) 756-2215

3. Motel Bridge                ((051) 755-0573 / 755-0583     www.bridgetel.co.kr

4. Hotel Homers               (051) 750-8000

Note: Be careful about the water quality at Haeundae and Gwangalli Beaches.  I received these from a professor who lived in Busan and is a avid snorkler!! 

Thursday, April 12, 2007 

ALL OF THESE VENDORS were exhibitors at the 2007 American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) International Conference on Jeju Island. 

Aju Incentive Tours- Seoul (Republic of South Korea)

Tel: 82-2-786-0028   Fax: 82-2-774-0028
One of the professionals handling inbound tourism market famed as the specialist for foreigners to Korea. Open from FIT, group package, incentive & convention, cruise, shore excursions, etc.

Alderson Travel - Florence, AZ (USA)

Tel: 480-226-5646     Fax: 253-447-4248     E-mail: JHAPDA@AOL.COM

We are a travel consultant business ready to provide information on your next Asian travel adventure.


Amar Tours & Travels - Gurgaon, Haryana (India)

Tel: 91-124-4016902     Fax: 91-124-4016905
www.amartour.com
AMAR TOURS & TRAVELS, an inbound tour operator based in New Delhi, specialize in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Sri Lanka in every type of tours such as adventure tours to special interest tours, and all other travel related services.


The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)-Alexandria, VA (USA)

Tel: 703-739-2782     Fax: 703-684-8319
www.astanet.com
The American Society of Travel Agents is the world' s largest, most prestigious association of travel professionals. The mission of ASTA, and its affiliated organizations, is to enhance the professionalism and profitability of members worldwide.


Asia Pacific Travel, Ltd.- Kenilworth, IL (USA

Tel: 847-251-6400     Fax: 847-256-5601
www.asia1on1.com
Asia Pacific Travel is a wholesale tour operator specializing in custom, upscale individual and small group travel to Asia since 1978.


Atoll Paradise Pvt Ltd - Medhufalhu, Buruzu Magu 8th FL Male, 2126 Maldives

Tel: 960-334-4880     Fax: 960-334-4990
www.atollparadise.com
Atoll Paradise is a leading luxury resort specialist with over 30 resorts and retreats in our colleciton.


Balihai Resort and Spa - Tuban, Bali (Indonesia)

Tel: 62-361-753035     Fax: 62-361-754702
www.balihai-resort.com
South Kuta Beach, 5 minutes from Kuta Center, offering an amazing range of shopping centers & lovely sunset shores. 10 minutes from Ngurah Rai Int'l Airport, all rooms feature modern conveniences & decorated in tropical fashion with Balinese accent.

Bosuk Tours LTD - Seoul (South Korea)

Tel: 82-2-595-2900     Fax: 82-2-595-2905
Established in 1991 July. We are doing MICE programs, hotel reservation, Free & Easy, regular package tours, cultural tour etc.


Bridge Travel Co., LTD - Seoul (South Korea)

Tel: 82-2-754-2252     Fax: 82-2-779-8142
We offer full travel services, special interest tours, incentive groups, individuals, luxury programs around Korea. Tour with our professional and experienced bilingual experts.


Busan Convention & Visitors Bureau - Busan (South Korea)

Busan Office: 82-51-740-3633     Seoul Office: 82-2-6000-6648               Fax: 82-51-740-3640     Website: www.busancvb.org
Busan CVB offers a comprehensive, professional support service for conference organizers from venue selection, familiarization visits, site inspection, conference bidding to financial support for international standard size conferences.


C & Hangangland Co., LTD - Seoul (South Korea)

Tel: 82-2-3271-6992     Fax: 82-23271-6998
Every day is happy on The Han River Pleasure boat!


Celebrity Cruises - Miami, FL (USA)

Tel: 305-982-2604     Fax: 305-539-6447
Celebrity Cruises offers a comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experience with highly personalized service, authentic five-star dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Visit www.cruisingpower.com for details.

Chang's Travel Service CO.,LTD - Seoul (South Korea)

Tel: 82-2-3143-1688     Fax: 82-2-3143-1488

 

China International Travel Service - Nanjing (China)

Tel: 86-25-8347-6999     Fax: 86-25-8353-8637
www.citsnjview.com
China International Travel Service, Nanjing is the largest and earliest founded tourism enterprise in China's most populated and prosperous area,Jiangsu Province. CITS provides inbound travel, outbound travel and flight booking.


China National Tourist Office New York - New York, NY (USA)

Tel: 212-760-8218     Fax: 212-760-8809
www.cnto.org
As a non-profit government organization, CNTO aims to promote all aspects of tourism to China within the US by educating both the public and the industry.


China Odyssey Tours
www.chinaodysseytours.com
China Odyssey Tours – An Experienced and Professional China Tour Operator since 1987 providing travel products all over China at very competitive price.


China Regal Cruises
www.chinaregalcruises.com
The 5 - star River Cruise Ship company China Regal Cruises offers you the classic Yangtze River route between Wuhan and Chongqing on it's three sister ships.


Chongdong Theater
Chongdong Theater will continue to lead efforts to introduce excellent Korean performance.


Czech Republic - Czech Tourism
www.czechtourism.com
Czech Tourism is a state non profit organization which will help you promote and market the Czech Republic as the ideal tourist destination.

ETurbo News, Inc.
www.eturbonews.com
Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure

Global Tour LTD
Since its foundation in Nov. 18th 1960, GLOBAL TOUR has grown continously and became one of the largest tour operators in the country.

Guam Visitors Bureau
www.visitguam.org
Beautiful Guam, where America's day begins, is the westernmost edge of the USA and only hours away from most major destinations in Asia and Micronesia.


Hanatour International Inc.
www.hanatour.com
Hanatour is Korea's largest travel wholesaler as well as a comprehensive supplier of travel products.


Hanjin Travel Service Co., Ltd.
Hanjin Travel is well known for its intergrity and professionalism in travel services as a key member of Hanjin Conglomerate which has ownership of Korean Air.


Holiday Planners Co. Ltd.
Hotel Lotte
www.hotel.lotte.co.kr

InterContinental Hotels Group
www.ichotelsgroup.com
InterContinental Hotels Group represented by InterContinental Hotels Central Europe - Prague, Berlin, Berchtesgaden, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Koeln & Warsaw.


Itinerary Planner
www.dewynters.com
Pick and choose individual elements for your clients vacation. From accommodation to dining and galleries to theatre. Once chosen, you can book direct or through your usual wholesaler.


Jane Tour and Travel

Japan National Tourist Organization
www.japantravelinfo.com


Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
www.provin.jeju.kr
The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province was established to promote the welfare and public interest of its citizens through independent means of revenue generation.


Kenya
www.magicalkenya.com
Khushi Tours and Travels (P) Ltd
Package Tours, Handemade Products


Kim's Travel Service
Kim's Travel Service Co. Ltd. - specializing in "DESTINATION MANAGEMENT" (which can be seen as group/FIT tours, incentive tours)including "Inbound Tour" and "Convention Management" (in & out-bound local arrangement, meeting planning, etc).


Korea Association Of Travel Agents
KATA was established to develop Korea's budding tourism business into a sound industry capable of protecting the rights and representing the interests of its members and their customers, the travelers.


Korea Business Travel LTD
Korea Business Travel Ltd specializes in the incentive trips and international conventions to Korea.


Korea Tourism Association
www.koreatravel.or.kr
Association of the entire Korean tourism industry including tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, airlines, restaurants, casino and more.


Korea Tourism Organization
www.tour2korea.com
The Korea Tourism Organization strives to create a better tourism environment through tourism research, development, education, marketing, etc.


LC Travel Co., Ltd
www.lhctravel.com
LC Travel organizes Inbound, Outbound, domestic & MICE package tours. We would like to offer our best services.


Marriott International
www.marriott.com
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE-MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 2,700 properties in the Unites States and 65 other countries and territories.


Narantours
www.narantours.mn
We offer competatively priced packaged tours along with a diverse range of programs, and can adapt to meet the needs of any client.


PATA Korea Chapter
PATA Korea Chapter was founded in 1968 to express the voice and rights of Korean members in PATA(Pacific Asia Travel Assoc.). For the last 39 years it has created productive business and networking opportunities for the 130 PATA Korea Chapter members.


Peter Express - Romania
www.peterexpress.ro
Peter Express - tours & travel. Bucharest, Romania. Member of: IATA, ASTA, JATA & UFTAA. Receptive tour operator, hotel bookings, conventions & events organizer, trips to all Balkan countries.


Philippine Department of Tourism
www.tourism.gov.ph


Plaza 21 Travel Service Inc.
www.koreatourplaza.com
Plaza 21 Travel is a professional tour planner committed to providing quality services to suit your needs. In 2005, we were designated as the Best Inbound Travel Serivce by Ministry of Culture and Tourism.


PMC Networks
Nanta, a non-verbal performance, is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Korean productions that have successfully debuted on Broadway in New York in the United States.


Rye Tour Co. Ltd.
www.ryetour.com
Rye Tour Co. Ltd. is a travel agency in Seoul, Korea and working for inbound European, American and Canadian FIT & Group.


Seoul Business Agency
The Seoul Business Agency is a non-profit subsidiary agency of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and was established to provide comprehensive support for small and medium-sized companies in Seoul.


Seoul Convention & Visitors Bureau
Seoul CVB is an organization that represents Seoul as a home for int'l conventions. Seoul CVB with related agencies, associations, & the government provide support in efforts for your successful meeting & promote harmony in international community.


Seoul Metropolitan Government
Seoul, city with 600 years of history, now becomes the soul of Asia.


Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries.


Tourism Authority of Thailand
www.tourismthailand.org
Thailand offers visitors an amazing Thailand, whichever part of the kingdom they visit. The friendliness of Thailand's people, the stunning culture, and many more will create an amazing holiday.


Tourism Malaysia
www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board promotes Malaysia as an exotic tourist destination with more value for your money. This year is "Visit Malaysia Year, 2007"!


TUI China Travel Co Ltd
www.tui.cn
With expert international management, TUI China is the first foreign-controlled joint venture in China's tourism industry, delivering innovative, luxurious inbound and MICE business products.


US Tour & Travel Co., Ltd
www.ustravel.co.kr
US Tour & Travel Co., Ltd. is a worldwide wholesaler with branches in NYC, CHI and LAX, operating pre-& post-Seoul City Tour for ASTA and English-speaking regular tour programs covering major parts of Korea as well as China and S. Eastern Asia.


Zhejiang International Business Travel Co. Ltd
www.absolutechinatour.com

Wednesday, March 14, 2007 

Category: Travel and Places

South Korea's International Phone Code is: 82

I. INCHON AIRPORT HOTELS

Name                              Telephone                     Price Range             Shuttle Service

HubHub                        032-752-1991                  70k-80k won               Yes

Sevila Sky                     032-752-1101                  60k-70k won               Yes

Back Packer House     011-291-6012(Eng)         Single 35k won          Yes

II. GIMPO AIRPORT HOTELS

Name                              Telephone                Price Range        Shuttle Service

A. First Class Hotels

Airport Hotel                  02-2662-1113           100k-130k won          Yes

Green World Hotel         02-2653-1999           ? - ?                             Yes

New Regent Hotel          02-2605-2525           80k-? won                   Yes

B. Middle Class Hotels and Motels

Sky Grand                        02-2692-8928           40k-80k won                Yes

Mashimo Hotel               02-2065-9800           40K-80k won               Yes

Hangju Washinton        02-745-5110              80k-130k won              Yes

Grand Park                       02-2698-9589            35k-80k won                 Yes

Grand Motel                    02-2690-8596             35k-80k won                 Yes

III. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Ken Massey
Unique Travel Inc.
Room#402, Deukheung (KEB) Bldg.,
172-2, Itaewon-Dong,
Yongsan-Gu, Seoul Korea
Tel: 82-2-792-0606 Fax: 82-792-0764
Website: www.uniquetravel. co.kr
Email: uniquetravel@ korea.com

 

 

Wednesday, March 07, 2007 

Category: Travel and Places

1. Were there any Visa requirements?

No, none for people from the USA...

2. What places did you go to?

I went all over the North Island.  I started in NAPIER which i the wine capital of NZ and is also the "Art Deco" capital of the world and I have lived in Miami, FL so I can honestly say that as a complete community, they could be.  The building are very nice and themed throughout the community.  Even the houses

Next I went up to Taupo Lake which is a very large fresh water lake and is surrounded by "Hot Springs".  They were great and clean.

Then I went to Tauranga City (100K pop.) located in the Bay of Plenty.  I the beaches were big and ran for miles.  The Mount Maunganui tourist area was very nice and had some great beaches. 

Then is was off to Auckland for some city fun.  The city has some great sailing, restaurants, coffe shops, but BEWARE!!!  EVERYTHING IN NEW ZEALAND SHUTS DOWN AT 5:00PM except most of the coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and supermarkets.  However, the coffee shops will close at 7:00pm (even Starbucks), but most acually shut down at 5:00pm.  GO FIGURE?

Next, I went up to the BAY OF ISLANDS.  This place was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!  It was a paradise. 

Then, I went back South to Whangarei (i.e. fang-garee).  This harbor area was beautiful. 

 3. What Airline did you fly and how did you find it (you can share as mush information as you like about price, etc...)?

Air New Zealand.  The service was great!  However, make sure your luggage isn't over weight.  They charge you $35 a kilo.  Highway robbery!  I didn't have to pay, I was lucky.

4. What was the cost of the plane ticket?

$1,300 from South Korea to New Zealand

 5. Where did you depart from and arrive at?

South Korea to Tokyo and Tokyo to Auckland, NZ

6. How where the airports and were there any hidden 3rd world fees...?

Yes, NZ has some third world leaving fees.  I didn't pay it though.  They had some trouble with my luggage and I think they waved it for me, but it is $25.00.

 7. What was the most exciting thing you did and why?

I was there.  The whole trip was a great experience.  I met people from all over, mainly Europe and had some great conversations with them. 

 8. Did you feel safe in this country?

Yes I felt safe, but you should be careful not to go to some of the Maori neighborhoods.  They can be quite dangerous.

 9. How was the transportation services and what was the best way to travel around?

This is funny.  I bought a car that was on-line at "trademe.co.nz".  All I needed was a US licience.  You have to make sure the car has a WOF (Warrent of Fitness).  This is a inspection sticker that any of the local mechanics can do ($35).  If the car has any rust on it you have to fix it or anything else that cause the car to be disfuctional.  You can also buy insurance for about $125 for one month, but you don't have to have insurance.  It isn't law, but you would be dumb to not to. 

However, if buying a car isn't for you.  The country has some great bus plans for under $300 that give you flexability to go all over the islands.  For example, you can get off the buss and stay in an area and then catch the next buss comming through.  There's also a train system that gives you the same option.

Finally, you can always rent a car for a month ($1000, doesn't include gas)

10. What did you eat and drink and do you have any health tips to share?

No concerns, but remember you are on a island.  This would be New Zealands only negative.  There serves at there restaurants was not that good.  It was kind of surprising.  They are almost so laid back, that is seems like they are LAZY?  Sad, but true....  Good food though...

 11. What were the health conditions like?

They were great.  EVERYTHING is clean.  PLUS!!!  If you get hurt in New Zealand (i.e. accident).  You can go see a doctor and you are covered by their National Health Plan.  This actually happened to me.  I picked up a big piece of driftwood on the beach and torked my back.  I went to a Chiropractor and paid a much smaller bill because it was a "Accident"....  Cool Aah!

12. How did the local people treat you, and are there any cultural things that you can share to help travelors treat the local people with respect?

The people were very friendly.  However, once they found out that I was from the USA they usually expressed their opinion of how we should tell the world that we are sorry for all the things that we have done.  Of course I would asked them what were these things and they would never have an answer for me.  So, whatever.  Most of them were very helpful, nice, and friendly...

13. Was it hard to communicate?

No, they speak 95% English.  Their accents were hard to hear sometimes and there slang was different, but once they heard you speak they wouldn't use the KIWI slang...

14. What was the high point(s) and low point(s) of your trip?

High Point: Meeting the people.

Low Point: Torking my back.

15. What would you recommend other people do when they go to this country?

1. Go to the local Travel / Tourism office where you can get all the information you need for New Zealand.  These places are the best I have ever seen.  They can also book everything you want to do right there.  I mean anything throughout the country.

2 Stay in the GREAT HOLIDAY PARKS.  Don't stay in hotels.  These camp grounds all have some kind of cabin service that are a lot cheaper and nice.  They range around $40.  I just paid for an overnight camp space that was usually only $12.  They had great showers, Kitchens with clean stuff to use, and talking to all of the people who were traveling was great.  You can really find out a lot of information from other people who have been traveling the islands as well.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 

Category: Travel and Places

15 Answered Questions From "Just Me"...(Barbara)

Name Please: Barbara
Where do you Live: Suji, South Korea

1. Where did you go? 

An: Bangkok, Phuket


2. Were there any Visa requirements?

An: no....but there is a departure tax of 500 baht ($15)

3. What Airline did you fly and how did you find it (you can share as much information as you like, etc...)?

An: I flew with Asiana airlines.....I used a travel agent.

4. What was the cost of the plane ticket?

An: $700

5. Where did you depart from and arrive at?

An: I departed from Incheon and arrived in Bangkok

6. How where the airports and were there any hidden 3rd world fees...?

An: The airports were fine, and like a said, departure tax when leaving Bangkok.

7. What was the most exciting thing you did and why?

An: The most exciting thing I did was bungy jump.....don't think that needs much explanation.

8. Did you feel safe in this country?

An: I felt very safe. But I was always sure to have my money and passport with me, or in a safe in the hotel/hostel

9. How was the transportation services and what was the best way to travel around?

An: the transportation was easy and very cheap. the best way is to use a tuk-tuk. It's a scooter/motorcycle with a carriage type thing on the back.......but be sure to be firm on where u want to go as they'll often take u to factories b/c they get paid by the owners if they take ppl there.

10. What did you eat and drink and do you have any health tips to share?

An: I ate pretty much everything. I drank lots of water....bottled water!! very important! I ate in very slum areas but the food was great...no health problems.

11. What were the health conditions like?

An: Bangkok is pretty dirty, and unless u get a fancy hotel, you're probably going to see some cockroaches. Phuket is clean, same goes for accomadations.

12. How did he local people treat you, and are there any cultural things that you can share to help travelors treat the local people with respect?

An: The people are fantastic. They try their best to speak English and accomodate you any way they can. When saying hello, they put their hands together and bow. This is a sign of respect. "sawasdee ka" is hello in Thai.

13. Was it hard to communicate?

An: communication was no problem.

14. What was the high point(s) and low point(s) of your trip?

An: I can't really say there were any low points.....maybe leaving.....High points would be elephant trekking and snorkelling.

15. What would you recommend other people do when they go to this country?

An: When in Bangkok, I recommend the Grand Palace. To get through it would take a couple hours....it's beautiful. For a drinking and foreign scene, Khaosan road in Bangkok is perfect for that. I also attended a muay thai fight, for those interested. The ticket was about $60 for a bunch of fights. When on the beach, snorkelling is amazing. the water is crystal clear and there is so much to see. The boat/snorkelling tours are well worth the money. I went on 2 different tours....one went to Phi Phi island where the movie "the beach" was filmed. And we went canoeing to different caves.....one is where a "james bond" movie was filmed.....

 

Thank you "Just Me" (Barbara)!

For taking the time to fill out this little questionare.  I hope it helps everyone who wants to travel to Thailand!

Sincerely,

The Traveling Professor