Looking for a hotel anywhere in the world? Try the recently revamped Hotel Search feature at NewYork.com! If you ask someone about their recent travels, most people will talk about where they stayed. Accommodations, good or bad, play a big part in how much you ultimately enjoy your trip away from home. Finding and booking the right accommodations in the most-visited city in the U.S. can be particularly daunting. The cost, quality and locale of New York hotels vary widely. The good news is, whatever your style there’s certainly plenty to choose from, with NYC lodging ranging from hostels to high-end hotels. Remember to sign up for the NewYork.com newsletter which contains special discounts on New York Hotels!

To help you find comfort on the road, NewYork.com just revamped our Hotel Search with lots of new search features. In addition to the standard selections by date, location, price and quality, the added capabilities let you target your search to find lodging tailored to your lifestyle. With NewYork.com advanced Hotel Search options you can specify amenities that are important to you. View photos, virtual tours and maps, and read a quick description about the hotel and its policies.

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More World Hotel Reviews Articles

On the search to your budget hotel, the first thing to consider is that the star ratings for a Hotel given to a hotel are not an international standard and are often based on facilities and not overall quality. The stars could have been awarded by the local government or hotel review organization or maybe even the hotel itself! So checking out some online reviews for a hotel is just as important as its star rating.

Online travel bookers such as expedia and ebookers have greatly increased the possibilities when looking for a hotel. They will have many of the latest special offers and late deals that your local travel agent may not know about. However it is also worthwhile checking out all of the online booking services as they do not all have the same deals, some may have exclusive contracts with resorts which allow them to get better offers.

It is worth taking note when booking in a foreign country if they apply room tax to the overall price as this may not be included when you book. Many people have turned up at their hotel only to find they have to pay an extra 10% for their stay.

A unique idea currently gaining a lot of popularity in the United States is room biding. The idea is quite simple. You go to s a site like Price line and select the grade of hotel that you want. You then bid on a room not knowing what hotel the room is for and agree to take it if you win. Hotels use this service to sell unsold rooms and there are great deals available all year round. It is a risk but many people have found some luxury hotels rooms at incredible rates. If you smart though it is possible to work out what hotel the room you’re bidding on is for. ie if you paste the description of the hotel in to google you may find it has been copied from the original hotel website! You can also try to work out which hotel it is by comparing the distance of the hotel from the city centre to hotels on google maps.

It is advisable to avoid on-request bookings when making a decision on a hotel. These offers often appear when the comparison site doesn’t have direct access to the hotel and has to check if the room is available. This has led to many people passing on cheaper offers as they think they already have a reservation, only to find that they don’t have a booking at all!

Many hotels when first opening offer special rates to their first customers. Some people have found discounts of up to 50% in the first opening weeks of a new hotel. Sites like Hotel news resource offer news on latest hotel openings from all over the world; it’s also worth checking out some of the big news sites like google news for new hotel openings.

Give yourself the vacation you deserve with all the comforts you will want when you are away from home. A luxury hotel will help you do just that. With the best in ratings, the best in perks, and the amenities offered that mean a lot to you as you relax and enjoy yourself, a luxury hotel will make your time away even better than it would have been

For more information on What is budget hotel? you can visit http://www.orangetreeresidency.com/

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Star Hotel, Franklin WV (3)


Image by D.Clow – Maryland
Destination relaxation.

Friday
Entry One

Flew out of work, the fleet flight of Friday before a holiday weekend. Everyone cracks a smile upon stepping out of the concrete and glass coffin of the corporate work week. The motorcycle is quickly gassed and loaded, I leave Washington DC at three-thirty, vowing not to check the time for the rest of the adventure. Adventure, the American adventure of the open road is what I seek. The road, my cameras, and escape.

Right turn off of 15th St. NW and I’m motoring past the Washington Monument and the White House. Harleys and clones are already lining the Mall for the annual Memorial remembrance that is Rolling Thunder. I’m soon over the bridge and on I-66 west. I plan on avoiding major highways when at all possible. Preferring scenic byways to drab highways. 66 is a necessary evil to flee the DC metro area as quickly as possible. At the start, 66 is a good quick run, for awhile anyway. Loads of Rolling Thunder riders are heading in 66 eastbound.

I keep the ubiquitous two fingers down to the side salute to fellow bikers out for extended stretches of time. In my experience, HD guys return the acknowledgement about 30-40% of the time. No big deal, some animosity exist though between different bike cultures. Motor-ism two-wheel stereotypes. However with the Rolling Thunder guys there is a noticeable increase in response, perhaps due to no longer just one biker acknowledging another, but a patriotic sharing of support and remembrance for those left behind, POW-MIA.

Traffic worsens further out 66 and I come up on a full HD dresser. Screaming Eagle back patch worked in with POW-MIA covers his vest and is topped by a “Run for the Wall” patch. I keep back a pace and we adopt the natural offset positioning of multiple riders.

After some 66 backup, stop-and-go, we strike up a staccato conversation in the pauses of the traffic flow. Where you been, where you going, see the rain coming? I tell him I’m headed out to the mountains, Skyline Drive and West Virginia. He says he’s just in from there recently, was in DC for Rolling Thunder for the day and will be coming back in on Sunday again. His license plate is obscured by luggage, so I’m unsure of his port of origin.

Later on we part ways and my thoughts turn. Of my parents friends only my step-dad was drafted for Vietnam. Luckily, for us, he only went as far as Ft. Hood, TX, and came back with some good stories about army life and venturing into Mexico (at least the ones he’s shared with me). I think about all the life he’s lived since then, all his experiences and joys. Thinking about what all those who didn’t return gave up, lost, when they didn’t come home. The loss felt by those who loved them, families that have a name on the Wall.

Rain is sprinkling before Manassas. Enough to cool you off but not enough to get you worried yet, at least for a bit. Whooooo. Then come the big drops. I head off the ramp to gear up with the rain paraphernalia under the gas station pavilion. Finally get it all on and get strapped back up and out pops the sun and the rain stops. Too funny. Now I have wet clothes on under the raingear. Rain gear now keeping the wind out that would dry me. I motor on as more rain is promised on the horizon.

This brings up a point about rain. People always ask, “What do you do when it rains and your on the motorcycle”. I reply simply, “I get wet”. Duh. Rain riding has never bothered me. On the straight highways it’s no big deal. Just give more cushion to the cars in front of you. Drive like grandma on the exit ramps.

My turning point is finally reached. Off of 66 west and onto 647, Crest Hill Rd. at The Plains, VA. Crest Hill Road is my first slice of motorcycle heaven to be had this weekend. I’m delighted to find that the squiggly line I traced out on the map when planning this trip has translated so well in reality. The road is still wet from the passing rain clouds, and I give a small rabbit and then a chipmunk a near death experience. My first of many animal crossings this weekend. The road is fantastic. A mixture of hilltop road and tree lined canopies that create forest tunnels. Speed limit is 45mph, 55-60 feels comfortable on most parts. Keeping an eye out for a hilltop barn to photograph that I’ve seen in my minds eye, lit by the sun breaking through the clouds and backed by the mountain vista. No luck on any of the barns actual placement to fit the mental picture I have framed.

Crest Hill Road and Fodderstack Rd is a long stretch. I take shots of a church and other buildings along Zachary Taylor Highway. Fodderstack gives more of the same as Crest Hill, just a narrower road. The asphalt is of my favorite variety, freshly laid. Washington, VA is a tiny town of historic bed and breakfasts. Local wineries appear to be an attraction here too. Right after Washington the rain returns while I’m in route to Sperryville. Then it really starts to come down, a full on summer thunderstorm. Visibility is down. Road and parking lots soon resemble rivers. Rain drops of the monster variety explode on the pavement, and you know it hurts when they hit you.

I quick soaking circuit of Sperryville confirms there are no local hotels. I duck into a barn shaped restaurant to wait it out. My drenched gear takes on bar stool and I occupy another. There’s a few flying pigs about. The bartender get me a hefeweizen, and recommends the angus burger. Locally raised and grass fed, we exchange jokes about my passing the burgers relatives on the way in.

Don’t freak about the beer. I have a one only rule when riding. It was followed by a meal (best burger of the weekend!), several coffees, and this bar top journal entry.

Somewhere along Crest Hill road I decided to keep the cell off for the weekend. In addition no tv, newspapers, internet, or e-mail sound like a good idea. Of course I now am studiously avoid eye contact with the two beautiful plasma’s above the bar.

Entry Two

Hazel River Inn, Culpepper, VA, has the coolest street side seating in town.

The downpour let up at the Shady Farms bar in Sperryville and due to the deficiency in local lodging I quiz the bartender for options. Over the other side of the mountain, the opposite side of Skyline Dr via 211 is Luray with lots of motels, but I want to save the mountain for the morning. The waitress suggest Culpepper, there being a Holiday Inn etc.

Stepping outside the sun has broke through the clouds again. Enough for some shots of Shady Farms Restaurant and a bridge. Heading down 522, the Sperryville Pike, I keep an eye out for photo ops to catch the next morning as I’ll be rerouting back through. Following the mantra of Dale Borgeson about tour riding in the US, I aim to avoid large chain establishments, whether they are restaurants or hotels, and explore the mom-and-pop local variety businesses. I have a dive-ish roadside motel in mind, Culpepper comes through with the Sleepy Hollow Hotel.

Before check in I ride through downtown historic Culpepper. It’s a cool place. The Shady Farm bartender had recommended the Culpepper Thai restaurant. I see it but don’t visit, still full from the meal earlier. Cameron Street Coffee looks like a great place, located in an old warehouse. Unfortunately their closed for the night.

Shower and changed, room 102 at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel. I hop back on the bike, refreshed and dry and ride through the warm night air back downtown. The coffee at the Hazel River Inn comes with a sweet fudge confection on the side. The peach and blackberry cobbler with vanilla sauce is divine.

The reconfigured plan for this getaway is to shed. Shed worries about the job, career, housing, and relationships. My motorcycle is therapeutic. It’s 600cc’s of Zoloft on two wheels. The road lifts my spirits. This wasn’t supposed to be a solo run, and there are stretches of road where I feel the emptiness behind me.

The cobbler is finished and I can hear the sound of a band doing their sound check. The banging of the drum requires investigation.

Entry Three

I found Brown Bag Special in the cellar pub of the same restaurant I was in. On my way to the door the noise of the sound check floated up the stairs and directed my feet downward. Brown Bag Special opened the set, appropriately enough, with “I drink alone”. The ol’ man, Big Money, would have loved it. Drink alone started off a Big Money Blues trifecta to include “The Breeze” and “Mustang Sally”. Then they made the mistake a lot of bands make that have a great lead guitar player. They let him sing. The lead guitarist karaoke sucked his way through a Tom Petty hit. He was so off key in his singing it made you appreciate the guitar solo’s all the more for the relief they provided. Thankfully the regular singer soon resumed his duties and the night went on. More good stuff from the band.

Freebird
Folsom Prison Blues
Cheap Sun Glasses

“can’t you see, can’t you see, what that woman, what she’s done to me”

Off to bed now at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel with the ghost and shades of dead hookers and overdoses past.

150 miles today.

Saturday

Entry Four

Morning breaks on the Sleepy Hollow Hotel, a hot shower and I’m back on the bike. A quick stop downtown to shoot the Hazel Inn, then it’s back on the Sperryville Pike. More stops to capture some sights seen yesterday. Mr. & Mrs. Pump. The open mouth caricatures are an accurate representation of the current gas cost and the pumps eating your wallet.

I keep telling my daughter that her first car, college car, will be a hybrid. She thinks they are ugly. The bike isn’t so bad, averaging around 40mpg. At about 180 miles on the tripometer I start to look for a refill, although I’ve pushed it to 211 miles before.

A quick left in Sperryville on 211 and up into the mountain, Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline Drive. Heading up the mountain I get the first bite of the twisties I’ve been craving. The fee at the gate to Skyline Drive is well worth the price. Great scenery and fantastic views. The only drawback is the 35mph speed limit that is well enforced by the park rangers.

I shoot some self-portraits at Pollock Knob overlook. They’re funny in that with all the scrambling and hurrying to be the camera timer, then trying to effect a relaxed pose. I’ve also broke out my old friend this trip, the Lubitel 166, a medium format, 120mm film, twin lens camera. I’m like Jay-Z with this camera, I have to get it in one take. There is no digital review after the click for instant gratification. As a fellow photographer it’s “Point, Push, and Pray”. I’ll be interested to see the results. Not that I’ve left digital behind. Carrying both cameras, I’m an analog/digital double threat.

After the self-portraits and some dead tree shots I’m about to pack back on the bike and leave when I meet the preacher and his wife. He offers to shoot me with my camera and I return the favor with theirs. Conversation flows and in a ‘small world’ moment it turns out that he works for same Hazel family that owns the restaurant I was at last night for his Monday thru Friday job. I get a friendly “God bless” and I’m heading south on Skyline Drive. I make several more stops and break out the cameras again at Big Meadow.

There is a gnarly dead tree in the middle of the meadow. It has burn damage at the base, either the result of some wild fire or perhaps a controlled burn done to maintain the field. I spot and shoot a few deer, they probably won’t turn out as they’re to far away for my lens on the D100. I shoot a bunch of shots of the tree with the D100 and then totally switch processes with the Lubitel. The picture setup with the Lubitel takes about a minute-and-a-half. Manual zoom, i.e., walking back and forth to get the framing I want. Light meter reading. Then dealing with the reversed optics of the look-down box camera. It is fun though, to switch it up, change the pace and the dynamics. Just one click though, hope I caught it.

It’s a long but enjoyable ride to the south end of Skyline Drive. Unless you really like slow cruising I would suggest picking which third of Skyline Drive you’d like include in your trip and leave the rest. I drop off the mountain and into Waynesboro. Finding Mad Anthony’s coffee shop for a late breakfast. I overhear that it’s around noon. The Italian Roast coffee is good, in fact, it would prove to be the best coffee of the trip.

One of the pleasures of traveling by motorcycle is that it’s an easy conversation starter. People ask you where your coming from, where you’re heading, ask about your bike, tell you’re about their bike or the one they wish they had. One of the peculiarities of these conversations is that if the person even remotely knows of anyone that has died on a motorcycle, they will be sure to share this fact along with details. These stories usually involve a deer, a car pulling out, or someone taking a corner to fast. The conversation goes something like this:

Stranger“nice bike”
You“thanks”
Stranger“my cousin Bob had a friend that hit a deer and died on his bike”

Short silence.

You“yeah, deer are dangerous, got to be careful”

I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve held variations on this conversation many times. Luckily this isn’t the conversation I have with the owner of Mad Anthony’s. He’s a former sailboat instructor who now finds the same release and head clearing on his motorcycle that he used to get from his sailboat.

This brings to mind the same wave – don’t way dynamic that occurs between sail boaters and power boaters, very similar to the sportbike & HD crowd.

The proprietor is a coffee guru, we discuss roasting (my Italian roast was just roasted Wednesday this week). We talk about the good and the evil of Starbucks. We’re both in agreement that they over roast their regular coffee, but I think their foo foo drinks are tasty. He has in his shop both the Bodum press and the Bodum vacuum coffee pot that I got my mom for x-mas. A shameless plug here, the Bodum vacuum coffee pot makes the best home coffee ever. It’s also an entertaining crowd pleaser, no joke.

Leaving Waynesboro the plan was 340 northward to 33, then into Harrisonburg, VA (home of the Valley Mall and JMU). 340 proved to be boring so I jumped on 256, Port Republic Road, for a better ride to Harrisonburg. I don’t know if the coffee wore off or if I was just worn out. I pull over at Westover Park, pick out a spot of grass, and take a good nap in the sun.

I had my motorcycle bug handed down to me by my step-dad. My kindergarten year of school we moved right at the end of the school year. Rather than switch schools at this inopportune time my Dad stuck me on the back of his Honda and rode me to school and back again for the last month or two. Even earlier than that I have a great photo of me in 1973-4 sitting on his chopper with him. Me in a diaper and him with his long hippy hair. The wild side of the Reverend indeed.

Refreshed from my nap it’s back on 33 westbound. Heading out of the Shenandoah Valley and Rockingham County is more glorious twisty roads and the George Washington National Forest. GW is a beautiful tree canopy lined road with a river off to one side. Franklin, WV is the destination, a return to the Star Hotel.

I stayed at the Star a few years prior when they first re-opened the historic Star Hotel. The owner, Steve Miller, is a great guy, friendly and conversational. I told him I’d be back again, but it’s been a few more years than I thought. Late lunch at the Star is pesto grilled chicken on ciabatta bread with roasted red peppers. Not the type of fare one might associate with West Virginia, but people have misperceptions about everywhere. Steve promises a prime rib later at dinner tonight to die for.

So that there is no misunderstanding, in as much as the Sleepy Hollow Hotel was a dive, the Star Hotel is a dream.

Dump the gear in the room back on the bike for some roaming around. I head back to explore a river road I passed on the way in, Rock Gap. It’s a gravel affair and I follow it back a little ways. Photo some river shots. Down further there is a large cliff face with some college aged kids de-gearing after a day of climbing. I’ll try to stop back in tomorrow and shoot some climbing action, as well as some fly fishing.

I pick up a bottle of Barefoot Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, and drop it off with Steve at the Star to keep for later. I’ll enjoy that bottle later tonight from the 3rd floor front porch. South out of town I head, into some very secondary roads. I shoot an old decrepit cabin that would be right up Bobby Sargent’s alley. I put it in the metal folder for a possible future model shoot location, along with the river spots I’ve seen.

There are a couple more stops on this little ride. Once for what appears to be a feral chicken, and then for middle of the road stare down with a young doe. She’s camera shy though and is off before I can get a shot. Sportbike probably isn’t the best conveyance for nature photography. The pavement stops and gravel begins, I motor on. Rick & I once spent a full day just about on gravel roads, crisscrossing the back country around Cumberland, MD. So I’m comfortable with the less than ideal riding surface. A few miles on the road dead ends at a pair of chicken houses (source of the feral chicken’s ancestors perhaps?) and I turn around and survey the valley I’ve just ridden through. I have to stop the bike and soak in the scene. A picturesque farm is nestled in the corner of the valley, up against the hills. I meet some inquisitive cows, along with the farmer and his wife.

It seems that when you are in WV and you pass a sign that says “snow removal ends here” that the already suspect road conditions are going to quickly deteriorate and will soon resemble somewhat more of a logging road. I motor on through some back country, no houses, no farms, just mountains, steep roadside cliffs, and wicked gravel switchback curves. The part that gives you the willies are the downhill corners where the road grade is slanted to the outside of the curve and to the drop below. Yikes!

I creep along where a four wheeler would be much more functional. Although I still hit it a bit in the straights. Pavement arrives again and I’m unsure of my exact location. I follow the chicken farmers directions and soon discover myself back in Brandywine, intersecting the same stretch of 33 I rode on my way into Franklin.

Back at the Star Hotel it’s a shower and fresh clothes before heading down for dinner. Downstairs I find the prime rib to be as good as promised.

Entry Five

How beautifully staged is this. Barefoot on the 3rd floor patio, wine to ease the back and the ache in the knee.

205 miles today, the last 30 after check in, just to explore.

Sunday

Entry Six

Out early in the morning. I find no climbers at Rock Gap, unsure of the hours they keep. Out of Franklin on 33 west, looking for another squiggly line I had seen on a map. Bland Hill Road name is a misnomer. A single lane country road winding through German Valley. I got a few shots of German Valley from the 33 overlook before turning on Bland Hill. Now I find myself in the same location I had shot from above.

The road cuts through some open pasture land and I meet some cows standing in the road after rounding one bend. They’re pleasant enough, if in no particular hurry to cross, and don’t mind posing for a shot or two before meandering on. People talk about the danger of hitting a deer, a cow would really ruin your day! Off of Bland Hill and on down into the valley. I come up on the rock formation I had seen from the overlook previously. It’s not Seneca Rocks, but a formation of the same ilk. I get some more photos, then onto German Valley Road. I’m still staying at the Star, there is no real destination today. It’s relaxing to stop as much as I like.

German Valley Road puts me back on 33 west and not long after I’m ordering breakfast at the Valley View Restaurant. Dale Borgeson warns of places that advertise home cooking, but that’s about all you see in these parts. There are a fair number of cars here and that’s usually a good since the food will be alright. Hell, even the Army could make a good breakfast. It all works out and it’s a hell of a deal, for toast, two eggs, hash browns, bacon, and coffee.

From 33 I hit 28 and turn off on Smoke Hole Road, just because it’s there and looks interesting. Boy, what a find it is. Combining the curvy one lane country road with nice wide smooth pavement (gravel free in the corners). It’s great. Smoke Hole Road turns out to run from 28 across the Seneca Rocks National Forest to 220 on the other side. Going west-to-east it starts out all curves and hills, then ends by winding along the south branch of the Potomac. There are lots of fly fishermen here enjoying the catch-and-release section of the river.

Up 220 to Petersburg, I run into some Ducati guys at the gas station. We swap riding info and I’m soon on 42 north towards Mayville. Hanging a left when I see a sign for Dolly Sods. I’m back on secondary roads and I soon pass another prophetic ‘no snow removal’ signs. It’s gravel the rest of the way up the mountain til it breaks out on top at Dolly Sod.

I’m real happy with today’s roads, as both Smoke Hole Road and Dolly Sods were unplanned ‘discovered adventures’. I do some rock scrabbling at Dolly Sod and enjoy the cliff top views. A fellow tourist snaps a shot for me an I hike out well past the distance that the casual tourist and families go. Shot some more shots of the rock formations with both the digital and film camera. Do some more self-portraits. I then sit down to relax in the sun with the cliff side breeze steadily blowing and update this journal.

Entry Seven

Well, fellow traveler, if you’ve made it this far I am duly impressed. I thank you for your perseverance. The rest of the day was spent riding without incident. Just more fantastic roads. You don’t have to be an explore on par with Lewis & Clark to find great rides in West Virginia. Just be curious in nature and unafraid to leave the beaten path. Drop off the numbered roads and take the route less traveled. Soon you’ll be in your own undiscovered country. Blah blah blah.

Out of Dolly Sod and I find myself on 32. Rough calculations put the dirt road travel around 25 miles for the day. While we are on stats, here’s today’s animal road count:

1 rooster
1 dead fox
2 cows
8 chipmunks
7 alive
1 dead
3 dead possums
1 squirrel
1 dead blob (undistinguishable)
No fearsome deer
1 dog

I guided myself today by a rather non-descript map put out by mountainhighlands.com

Leaving Dolly Sod on 32 puts me in Dry Fork and back on familiar 33 west to Elkins. I cruise around Elkins on the off chance I’ll run into a guy I know named Dallas. Now all you need to know about Dallas is the following:

I don’t know his last name
I once gave him a hair cut with dog grooming clippers
I know he works at a bike shop making choppers

You figure the odds of me finding him, near zero.

If your curious it wasn’t the first time I cut hair, albeit the first time using dog shears. In Korea I cut in the latrine for a cut or for a 6 pack. Everything was barter in the Army. We had a cook that would make you a great custom birthday cake for a case of beer or feed you food out of the back of the chow hall at 3am when you staggered in drunk from the ville for the promise of a future round to be bought. Korea stories could fill another journal.

Anyway, out of Elkins and south to Beverly. Scott, if your reading this you were on my mind as I went through town, never forgive, never forget.

So far I’ve only tried to write about the positive food experiences of the trip without throwing anyplace under the bus. C&J in Beverly however, served only barely functional burgers and the vanilla shake was of the worst chemical prefab variety. There are some things that I am stuck on, good vanilla ice cream is one. The others that I’m picky about are beer, whiskey, steak, cheese-steak, and coffee. It’s just so disappointing when something you usually enjoy turns out to be sub par.

After C&J it’s 250 east to 28, which heads back towards Seneca Rocks and Franklin. It’s a good haul through the Monongahela National Forest. A road of the scenic variety, with good twisties up the mountain and through the scenery. These type road have become quite a common occurrence here in WV. Back in Seneca Rocks and 33 east into Franklin. I never shoot Seneca Rocks, the light is never right, number one can tell you how I get about my light.

The Star’s restaurant is closed on Sunday, dagger, so I shower and head into Franklin by foot. About Franklin, WV. It’s a nice little town, quiet and sleepy. No bars other than the VFW that I could see. Everybody I’ve met and spoken too has be pleasant, friendly and conversational, both here in Franklin and elsewhere in WV. I’m sure there are a variety of characters much as anywhere, this is just my observation from the tourist level.

Following last night precedent I grab another vino from the Shell station. The Star being closed is a dilemma; I’m in need of a cork screw (having borrowed the restaurants the night before). I wander back down to the hotel, wine in hand, and past the hotel just a bit til I meet an old man sitting out front. I explain my situation, wine without access, and he says he’ll sell me a corkscrew. He goes in the house, shortly to return with the necessary implement in hand. I figure I have it for -4 or maybe rent it for a one time use for . That proves unnecessary however, he says just to take it, and keep it for any future need.

The sole booking for the hotel tonight, I’m like a wraith as I glide through the halls. On the front porch with my bottle of vino in hand. I have some cheap cigars I also picked up and there’s nothing to do but kick back and watch the sunset.

It’s been a great trip. Somewhat lonesome at times. The lack of someone to talk to surely let to the length of this journal. It was a trip to getaway, to reflect. There was no great revelation or anything, just time to get to know yourself. The road gives you time to think. I know who I am and I like being me. I know what’s missing.

I’m resolved to take more bike trips in the future. It’s definitely my preferred way to travel and vacation. Motorcycling is the way to go.

Tomorrow I have my route generally planned out, more scenic byways for a winding route home.

Miles today, 240.

Monday

Entry Seven

Just a short postscript. 20 miles east of Washington DC, on 66, the chain popped off the bike. It’s never easy.

Europe luxury hotels are riddled all across the continent.  Paris, the city of romance, happens to have some of the world’s finest hotels.  They are often blessed with fine architecture and interior design, mesmerizing most travelers.  So if you plan to go to France, you should shop for the sweetest Paris hotels deals, which ensures quite a memorable vacation.  Remember, finding good accommodations is the top priority for any trip.

Paris hotels deals are a dime a dozen.  Some of them are good and some of them are ideal.  Just check on the internet or with your travel agency and you’ll find more than a few.  Before selecting any of the luxury hotels Paris France, better check your budget for the trip.  You can’t afford to go for the most lavish accommodations if you don’t allocate enough cash for pocket money.  Determine your budget for your vacation.  From there, you can adjudge the budget for your lodging.  Don’t worry if you’re working with a rather tight budget.  The best hotels aren’t necessarily the most expensive.

Once you have allocated your budget, the next step is to select a hotel.  You can check out the flocks of hotel review websites on the internet.  Each site gives you a clear view of the hotels in Paris.  You’ll find reviews, ratings, hotel rates and features, and comments from people who have stayed at the luxury hotels Paris France.  Just by browsing through each of the reviews and comments, you can choose the best place for you to stay.  The review sites often post links to the Europe luxury hotels they feature, so you’ll get to see your prospects up close with just a few mouse clicks.  If you want more information about the best Paris hotels deals, you can also check out travel magazines, your travel agency, and the recommendations of your peers.

When you have selected a hotel, there are several options for you to book a reservation. Some luxury hotels Paris France have websites which offer online booking.  You can simply use the feature and find yourself a room for your vacation.  If your preferred hotel does not have online booking, you can shoot an email regarding your reservation or call them up for inquiries.  Also, if you have a travel agent, he or she can do the booking for you as well as provide recommendations on the best places to stay.  You shouldn’t have much trouble, as far as booking is concerned, as long as all of the best hotels aren’t fully booked.

Securing plane tickets is your next concern, after making reservations.  Check the internet or with your travel agent regarding the airliners that have flights going to Paris.  Upon choosing an airliner, give the company a call then inquire if there are still vacant slots for the Paris flights.  Reserve a ticket.  Proceed to a branch of the airline company then purchase the ticket.  If your flight schedule does not match with the reservation date on your hotel, contact the hotel, so they can make the necessary adjustments.

With everything arranged, your only job is to enjoy and savor the romantic vibe of Paris.  Such a vacation will surely be stored in your little box of memories.

The ARMANI / DUBAI CAFFE @ The Dubai Mall, United Arab Emirates : WORLD : SENSE : EAT & STYLE! Enjoy every bite and sip!


Image by UggBoy♥UggGirl [ PHOTO : WORLD : SENSE ]
THE ARMANI / DUBAI CAFFE:

-Ansel Adams, The Camera

The Internet is a viable tool for traveling. Along with reliable travel guidebooks, the Internet provides extensive information about your travel destination that will help contribute to a safe and fun trip. If you are going to Orlando Florida for a vacation with your family, you can use the internet to find the best Orlando hotel.

Just type in Orlando Fl hotels and you will get millions of results. To help make things easier for you, here are practical tips worth doing. Directory Listings First, you can check out the different hotel options in Orlando. You can browse through different online directory listings to find hotels located in this part of Florida.

Make a list of all the hotels you are eyeing for and check each out further to get to know more about them. Official Website of Hotels Browse through the official websites of the hotels. Get important details such as accommodation types, price range, contact information, and so on. You can gauge a hotel’s background through its website. Hotel websites should be professional, clean, and customer-friendly.

Travel Guides and Tips: You can also read a wide array of web articles about hotels in Orlando so you will have an idea of what are the top hotels in this city. You can encode in the search engine the phrase, “Top 10 (or 20) hotels in Orlando.”

Online Hotel Reviews: If you want to learn about the hotels from the perspective of the customers, you can also read online hotel reviews from reputable travel review sites like Tripadvisor.com or Virtualtourist.com. These websites provide reviews from actual travelers who have stayed in different hotels in different places.

Travel Blogs: A travel blog is another great way to get to know about a hotel from the perspective of a past customer. Be sure to stay away from hotels that have been plagued with complaints and negative feedback. Look for blogs that have photos of the hotel so you can see if the blog writer actually went to the hotel. Online Travel Agencies Avail packages from travel agencies.

If you want to save money on your hotel accommodation, you can take advantage of the online travel agencies that provide great discounts on vacation packages. Vacation packages are not only inexpensive way to travel but they also provide comfort and convenience to travelers.

Travel Websites: You can use top travel websites like Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, Smartertravel.com, Travelocity.com, and Kayak.com in comparing rates for hotel accommodations. This way, you can find out the lowest possible rate for the hotel that you are eyeing for.

Google Map: Use Google map to locate the Orlando hotels of your choice in reference to the attractions that you intend to visit. For example, if you plan to go to Disney World and Universal Studios for your vacation, you can use Google map to find hotels located within the vicinity of these theme parks.

This way, you don’t spend half of your day figuring out how to get to these tourist spots.

The ARMANI / DUBAI CAFFE @ The Dubai Mall, United Arab Emirates : WORLD : SENSE : EAT & STYLE! Enjoy every bite and sip!


Image by UggBoy♥UggGirl [ PHOTO : WORLD : SENSE ]
THE ARMANI / DUBAI CAFFE:

-Ansel Adams, The Camera

The sixth largest country in the world, Australia attracts millions of business travelers, holidaymakers and backpackers. The magnificent Great Barrier Reef, unending beaches, vast deserts, verdant forests, rich wildlife exist alongside cosmopolitan cities, impressive business centers, swanky restaurants and slick pubs. Business guests and tourists coming to this beautiful island nation seek for the best accommodation options in Australia. With luxury and cheap discount hotels sprouting across the country, guests have every reason to smile. The opening of the online space has highly benefited people all over the world. Hotels can now be booked with just a few clicks. The time-consuming accommodation booking procedures are now a thing of the past. Avail of discount hotel booking in Australia and reserve your hotel room in no time.

Discount and cheap Australia hotels offer comfortable accommodation at discount prices. The tariff rate of the discount and cheap hotels is far less than the other hotels in Australia. The discount hotels are ideally situated in the principal cities of Australia including Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Cairns, Gold Coast and others. Several tourists and travelers visiting Australia have benefited highly from the online discount booking services in Australia.

Online hotel booking services or discount hotel booking offer discounts on hotel amenities and services. Once you book online, you will get jaw dropping discounts on hotels in Australia and other places around the world. Avail of discount hotel booking in Australia and get discounts on your accommodation. Apart from lodging, discounts are also offered on dining and some other facilities. You just need to cross-check with the hotel about the discount rates mentioned on the site and the actual discount rates offered by the hotel.

You can avail of discount hotel booking in Australia from anywhere around the world. You just need to go to any of the popular websites, make a few clicks and reserve your hotel in no time. You can choose from the vast array of hotels in front of you. Browse through the popular hotel reviews about the hotel you are about to book. Hotel reviews online give you a clear idea about the accommodation you are about to book, the condition of the rooms, facilities available and the discount rates they offer. Popular travel reviews will provide you with a clear idea about the exact discount rates of the hotel. There are more reasons than one, why discount hotel booking has earned so much popularity amongst travelers around the world.

Discounts are offered on luxury and cheap Australia hotels. Whether you are a business traveler or a leisure seeker, discount hotel booking in Australia will meet your maximum requirements. If you want a blend of modern comforts and conveniences, discount hotels in Australia will offer you the same and that too at reasonable rates. Discount hotel booking also serves as a cost cutting measure on your accommodation anywhere in the world. You can save a lot on your expenditure with online discount hotel booking services. Now, you no longer have to visit your destination and engage yourself in the tedious task of booking your hotel. You can do it from anywhere around the world, in the comfort of your home or office. Reserve your hotel now through discount hotel booking in Australia and grab the best deal online.

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San Diego has been a favorite traveling spot for most tourists. This is due to the number of activities and sights one can find in the area. A trip to this magnificent destination will never bore you and will fill your time with a number of things to do and see. Due to the influx of visitors in the area, accommodation in the area will never been an issue. Whether it is a discount hotel or a luxury hotel you are looking for, the wide range of accommodation in the area will give you enough choices on where to stay in. Come and enjoy your vacation in San Diego.

Hotels near Mission Bay

The area of the Mission Bay is an interesting spot for beach lovers due to the number of beaches surrounding the area. The hotels fronting the beach will allow you quick access to the water within minutes. You do not have to worry about swimming out late since your hotel room is just steps away. Have a relaxing time wading around, playing water sport games, or surfing. This is a great area to enjoy with your family. The Belmont Park can also provide you with lots of entertainment. The roller-coaster rides in this park are what made this location popular around the world.

Hotels in Downtown

If you want to be in the center of it all, consider staying at the Downtown district. Most of the attractions are in this area. The shopping malls, entertainment centers, dining locations, and historical landmarks are found in this area. Luxury and discount hotel are abundant here, since a number of visitors choose to settle in this location. The SeaWorld Adventure Park, San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park are some of the locations flocked by travelers. The activities found in this area will make your scheduled filled with things to do.

Hotels in other parts of the city

Old Town is another part of the city filled with a number of hotels. This town has been established more than 225 years ago by Father Sierra. You will be able to experience a lot of things in visiting this location. As of today, 37 entertainment locations and restaurants are in this town. Not only that, the Old Town has a number of dancers, galleries, mariachis, and theaters under its wing. In this area of San Diego not only will your time be filled with excitement, it will also be a learning experience for you.

With the number of locations found in the city, it is best to do some research before visiting the area. Identify the attractions and sights you will visit, and find a luxury or discount hotel within that vicinity and within you budget.

bookit.com Located just 4 blocks from the French Quarter, adjacent to Harrah’s Casino, and right across the street to the New Orleans Convention Center. The PERFECT New Orleans location !!! The Ambassador is The BEST VALUE for Downtown and the Arts District! Near Convention Center and adjacent to Harrah`s Casino! Welcome to the Gateway to the Arts District of New Orleans! The Ambassador Hotel is the fun place to be! Located adjacent to Harrah’s Casino, across the street to the Convention Center and just 3 short blocks from the world famous French Quarter. They are seconds from the new Odgen Museum of Southern Art, the D-Day Museum and Louisiana Children’s Museum. Three 19th-century warehouses were renovated to create this beautiful property – a blend of the old and the new, convenience & comfort. Ambassador Hotel New Orleans offers meticulously appointed rooms featuring the uniqueness, character, charm, and history of old New Orleans, with all of today’s modern conveniences. Many guest rooms offer a view of the Historic Riverfront Arts District and downtown New Orleans. The Ambassador Hotel is a conversion of a former Coffee Warehouse that has been noted for its adaptive reuse design and renovation. Also, located in the lobby, is the new Extreme Sports Bar Centrally located, the hotel is just steps from the finest art galleries & restaurants that the Crescent City has to offer. Adjacent from Harrah’s Casino & the Riverwalk, and just steps from the Aquarium of the Americas …

Paris is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings-consider printing them all. Paris, the cosmopolitan capital of France, is – with 2.2 million people living in zone 1 (Central Paris) and another 9.9 million people in the suburbs (la banlieue) – one of the largest cities in Europe. Located in the north of the country on the river Seine, Paris has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed the City of Light, it is the most popular tourist destination in the world.

Paris is the capital of France and the country’s largest city. It is situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region (also known as the “Paris Region”). The city of Paris, within its limits largely unchanged since 1860, has an estimated population of 2,167,994 (January 2006), but the Paris aire urbane (or metropolitan area) has a population of over 11 million, and is the most populated metropolitan area in the Euro zone.

Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with 45 million tourists every year in the Paris Region, 60% of who are foreign visitors. There are numerous iconic landmarks among its many attractions, along with world-famous institutions and popular parks.

A trip to Paris can be a very expensive venture, but it doesn’t have to if you follow this advice.

What time you choose to go to Paris is very important. The cheapest time to go is during the off-season which runs from Mid-September to Mid-April. During this time, airfare and hotel costs are almost at their half. The City of Lights is also less crowded and comfortable. With hundred of hotels in Paris it’s like challenge to spot out where to lodge and board, especially when we are travelling with family.

Before selecting the best suitable hotel as per your budget, there are a few things which must be kept in mind. For instance, as i already mentioned you must choose the right time of the year to visit Paris as it would directly impact on your accommodation and travel cost. Paris travel and accommodation costs are at a peak during the spring season as most of the tourists visit Paris during that time. Thus if an incredible yet affordable Holiday Paris is what you are looking for then you must choose best hotels in Paris any time of the year besides the spring season.

It very important to do a little home work on the various hotels before leaving for your venture so that you can easily get good offers, deals and good bargain with the best hotels in Paris. For this purpose, you must check out the various online hotel comparison and booking portals to compare and watch Paris hotel reviews, visiting the website can help you a lot in many ways, like it can help you get the reviews of various customers who have stayed in the hotels. You must also make sure that your accommodation charges cover for the breakfast and that the breakfast is good enough lest you should be spending extra for the breakfast and not eating it too.

Hotel Name: Hard Rock Hotel, Location: Resorts World Sentosa Island, Singapore Website: www.rwsentosa.com Target Market: Business People / Conferences / Families. My Rating: 4 out of 5 Family Rating: 5 out of 5 Cost for My Room (As shown in Vid): 0 per night. Room Type: Standard Twin Room Distance from Airport: 40 minutes Cost of Taxi: AUD Would I Stay Here Again? Yes Best thing about the hotel? The sound system in the rooms and the pool/beach area. I cant wait to take the kids to this hotel! The hotel is in a great location set amongst resorts, fun parks (Universal studios) and bars/eating as well as a Casino coming together to form Resorts World Sentosa. The rooms are spacious and accommodating, great facilities with the focus being on the pool area which is an awesome area. Don’t stay here if you are expecting to see guitars and memorabilia hanging off the walls as I didn’t see any on my stay here but did have Jimi Hendrix pics hanging above the bed. I have always thought of Singapore as a halfway or stop over on the way to Phuket, Penang etc and missing resort styled hotels but now with the resort worlds precinct in Sentosa you really don’t need to fly on anywhere and stay in Singapore. My only real negative with the hotel overall is I think it needs one more bigger bar. The Hard Rock Cafe is inside the Casino complex so is detached from the hotel itself. The pool bar (was not open when I was there) looks great though and could be a reason in itself for me to go …

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Are you planning for a good holiday where you can enjoy both natural beauty and cultural heritage? Then Shanghai is the perfect holiday destination for you. Shanghai is combination of Chinese culture and natural beauty along with the night life; the shopping, the food, the events and the freedom which will surely give you the feeling of being in heaven. So in these holidays, fly up to Shanghai and make your holidays perfect for yourself, your partner and your family.

Shanghai is the largest city of china and is economically developed. It is located next to the sea and is divided in two parts (new and old) Shanghai is well known for its culture and cultural events. Tourists from various parts of the world visit Shanghai to enjoy the beauty and heritage of Shanghai. With the perfect climate, Shanghai attracts tourists to visit this beautiful city for the whole year.  Various modes of transport like buses, trains, taxis, rented cars, rented bikes and many more are available.

So if you are planning to go to Shanghai for the holidays, make sure that you book the shanghai hotel of your choice in advance.

There is a large number of China Shanghai Hotels in Shanghai which offer you comfortable and luxurious holidays in Shanghai. However, arrangements have to be made before hand.

If you are planning holidays in shanghai, various types of accommodations are available. Both luxurious and cheap hotels are available in shanghai. So after a long day of sightseeing, fun and enjoyment, you can rejuvenate and relax in your hotel and make yourself ready to go back home to your daily routine. China Shanghai hotels are perfect to help you make the most of your holidays.

You can get an advance booking done through the internet, telephone or a good travel agent. The phone numbers and email ids are mentioned in the hotel websites.

Some of the famous shanghai hotels are City Hotel Shanghai , Shangri-la Salvo Hotel Shanghai, The Westin Bund Center Shanghai, The shanghai hotel Ramada Plaza Gateway Shanghai and many more.

Make the best of your holiday and enjoy the freedom, the various cultural and non cultural events, the sightseeing and the Chinese food!

bookit.com Recently renovated and one of the only LUXURY French Quarter hotels on Bourbon Street at the corner of Orleans directly behind Jackson Square, the Bourbon Orleans – offers a glimpse of 18th century French Country House decor & sanctuary. One of the most unique and historic New Orleans hotels directly on Bourbon St in the HEART of the French Quarter. Discover a place where old world charm meets new world luxury. Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, the Bourbon Orleans New Orleans Hotel features a rich history and opulent French styling reminiscent of the early 1800`s. Its central New Orleans location, just steps away from the famed St. Louis Cathedral, means you’re never far from the best the city has to offer-from upscale shopping on Royal Street, to the local artists and performers of Jackson Square, to all of the restaurants, galleries and nightlife in between. A European-style establishment, the Bourbon Orleans New Orleans Hotel offers all of the amenities sought by modern travelers. From the spacious suites, private balconies look out onto beautiful cathedral gardens, the legendary French Quarter at Bourbon Street or a gorgeous view of the Crescent City. Enjoy the timeless elegance of tranquil New Orleans courtyards or find yourself in a bygone era as you pass through the grand lobby set in the French tradition with Chippendale and Queen Anne furnishings. And if the outside world needs your attention, high-speed Internet access makes work fast and easy.
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www.foodnut.com – Jinjiang Palace Chinese Restaurant Review – Jinjiang Palace Chinese Restaurant Taiyuan, China – Menu

There are many Monterey hotels to choose from if you are looking to stay in the beautiful central coast. The central coast of California is a great tourist spot and Monterey is a popular town. There is plenty of art, cafes and things to see in the town. You can also spend the day at the beach or play some golf at the famous Pebble beach golf course. The famous five mile drive is also in Monterey.

Monterey Plaza hotel & Spa is a beautiful spa that is right on the water. This hotel is on Cannery row and overlooks Monterey Bay. This hotel is the only four star rated hotel in the area and it has plenty of Mediterranean ambiance. At the hotel there is the Vista Blue spa, the caf? La Strada, Suck Club Grill and the Schooners Bistro on the Bay.

The Hyatt Regency hotel is a great spot for golfers as it is right next to the world famous Pebble Beach golf course. Besides golf the hotel has the TusCa Ristorante, a sports bar and several lounge areas. There is a spa that has a full service salon. Besides golf there are several swimming pools, a health club and a camp that can keep your children active and occupied all day long.

Right by the aquarium on Cannery Row is the Portola Hotel & Spa. The hotel overlooks the bay and is within walking distance of the aquarium and downtown Monterey. There are many spacious guest rooms and luxury suites to stay. The hotel offers high speed internet, entertainment systems and in room coffee service. They offer special aquarium packages.

One of the best luxury hotels in Monterey is the Hotel Pacific. This hotel is located close to the Monterey convention center and is near many other attractions in Monterey. When you stay at the Hotel Pacific you can enjoy complimentary breakfast, feather beds, fireplaces and afternoon refreshments. The hotel offers several package deals throughout the year.

New Monterey Hotels by InterContinental hotel group is the Clement Monterey. This hotel has several different rooms available and each room has a patio or balcony that overlooks the ocean. There are meeting spaces both indoors and outdoors and this hotel is popular for conferences and special events like weddings. Other activities at the hotel include a spa, oceanfront patio, health club, whirlpool, kids club, restaurant, pool and bar.

Marriott has a hotel in Monterey that contains a spa and conference space. You are just a short walk from the downtown areas as well as the Del Monte beach. The hotel also has its own outdoor swimming pool and there are many different activities in the area including surfing, kayaking, horseback riding, scuba diving, sailing, tennis, snorkeling, hiking and many bike trails.

The Hotel Pacific was built in the older adobe architecture style of old Monterey. The suites contain a terrace or balcony, wet bar, fireplace and feather beds. Outside the courtyard has beautiful garden and fountains. Each day you can enjoy continental breakfast and afternoon tea. You are just walking distance from Cannery row, the beach and downtown Monterey.

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Brown Paper Packages Tied up with String


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I’m always game to save money in any way I can. Gift wrapping can be very expensive, even if you buy it on sale after the holidays. One inexpensive way to wrap gifts is by using brown kraft paper. You can buy it in big rolls very inexpensively at home improvement stores, but I find that if I keep the stuff that comes in packaging throughout the year, I never have to buy any, in fact I always have a pretty good sized stash.

www.chiotsrun.com

Cheap Air Tickets and Hotel Booking

When it comes to vacation everyone is excited to make most out of it. Everyone tries to save money wherever it is possible instead of spending more on air tickets people prefer to go by trains. But why to sacrifice precious time travelling in trains especially when one can getThere are several online travel sites that offer low-cost air tickets for your place of destination. One such onlineprovider in India is Arzoo.com. Arzoo.com offers travel booking site in India offering information about best cheap airlines and their schedule in India as well as abroad. In addition to cheap airfares in India, Arzoo.com also offers  holiday tour packages in India, car hire service in India, visa processing service, and lots more.

Indian Holiday Package Tours

India is a place of beauty and rich culture and heritage, which attracts visitors from all over the world. The tourism industry in India is fast growing because of many international tourists coming in from all over the globe. Planning a trip to India has now become easy due to internet. The popularity of Indian tourism has led many airlines in India to offer . Someone who is fascinated to visit India and its beautiful attractions can contact Arzoo.com is best travel agent company which offers . Local and foreign tourist can now enjoy Mumbai tour package,, the fabulous Rajasthan tour package, Goa tour package, Kerala tour package,  nature tour package in India, wildlife holiday tour package in India, romantic tour package in India etc. with Arzoo.com. Arzoo.com provides all kind of services like hotel booking, air tickets, car rental, visa services which make your tour experience more memorable without any hassle.

International Holiday Package Tours

Travelling abroad for and discovering foreign destinations is full of excitement. But international traveling on own may not be a wise idea as it is not that easy without any guidance or support. Arzoo.com is one such travel company who offers bestto experience the new and exciting foreign lands. Arzoo offers online booking of cheap international packages tours, these packages are customized based on various factors such as probable cost, holiday period and regional weather. Our wide range of  includes Roads Less Travelled tour for trips to Krabi and Bali, to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Island tour covers beautiful Mauritius and exotic Maldives. Arzoo specially offers , in which one can visit different attractive places from Rome to London, exciting holiday packages for Austria, Italy, Scandinavia, Paris and Switzerland etc.

Arzoo.com, Your Travel Partner

Arzoo is one of the best service providers who provide spectrum of travel options which includes  Indian holiday package tours, international holiday package tours, car rental, visas, travel insurance and foreign exchange. Arzoo provide exciting domestic and international travel portfolio which includes  package tour to Middle East, package tour to Australia, package tours to Europe, package tours to Africa, package tours to Goa,etc For any kind of requirement on air tickets, hotel booking, visas, travel insurance, package tours, Arzoo will offer you best services at cheaper rates.

Blue Land Tour Packages are now the South India’s leading specialists in tailor-made holidays to the state. We assure you trouble free and memorable holidays in Kerala, India. Kerala is a land hand picked by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the 10 paradises in the world. Kerala…
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Disney – The Wonderful World of Color – In Black & White – Wishes (Explored)


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See where this picture was taken. [?]

Pictured:
Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
November, 2008

Thanks for stopping by!

Disney World is probably the most popular theme park in the world, attractions, rides, characters, the works, there is no doubt that nobody goes to Disney World to get headaches.

To prevent unnecessary muscle and head pain, it is best to be prepared.

Proper Season

It is best to go to Disney World during off season, which is roughly around early January to mid February, or after Labor Day through mid December.

Aurora Lillo Editor of the “Best Hotel Deals” website — http://www.BestHotelDeals.biz — pointed out;

“…During off season, there are less people, less congestion and less headaches. What’s more, it rarely gets cold in Florida, even during winter season, and it gets swelteringly hot and humid during summer, so winter, really is the time to go…”

The Proper Lodgings

Although it is cheaper to stay in hotels outside of Disney World, the extra cash you’ll have to cough up if you stay inside is more than made up for by the comfort and convenience of an inside stay.

Imagine traveling from your room, then going through the 47 square mile area that is Disney World, then traveling back to your hotel… exhausting isn’t it?

The Proper Schedule

Where to actually go once you get there is determined by your choice of companions, kids, teenagers or adults.

Kids

Go through Cinderella’s Castle and Visit Fantasy Land or Mickey’s Toon Town, the little tots will surely love all the characters roaming around that area. The rides in these parts are built for 6 year olds and below, but mommy or daddy can still squeeze themselves in if they want.

Adults or Teens

A trip to the Magic Kingdom may be in order if you’re with big kids. You can go to Splash Mountain to get wet or to Space Mountain to get some indoor rollercoaster, and fun for the bumpy person, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad should be enough to satisfy their taste for adventure.

Rides for Everyone

If you want something that everyone can enjoy, a ride in the Walt Disney World Railroad, can rest those tired feet and at the same time give you an enjoyable view of Magic Kingdom.

Haunted Mansion, although not really for very young kids, can be a thrill for toddlers, it’s a ride not a walk through so there’s no tripping or running involved.

For relaxing walks, try the Tiki Room Show or the Swiss family Tree House.

The Proper Dining Experience

For cute snacks, try the Aloha Isle inside Adventureland, they conjure up creative drinks and snacks, a good place to try something cute and different.

“…Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe provides a cool indoor dining area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland where you can enjoy your food to your hearts content…” added H. Milla.

Further information about the cheapest rates on hotels all around the world by visiting; http://www.BestHotelRates.me

Turn your holiday in Mauritius into a dream vacation and a great success with mauritiusattractions.com – The leading Attractions, Tours and Excursions provider in Mauritius. Enjoy Diving, Submarine trip, Underwater Scooter adventure and many more, all organized for you by Mauritius Attractions.

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Star Hotel, Franklin WV (4)


Image by D.Clow – Maryland
I’ve stayed here three times now. Great little hotel, great owners.

Friday
Entry One

Flew out of work, the fleet flight of Friday before a holiday weekend. Everyone cracks a smile upon stepping out of the concrete and glass coffin of the corporate work week. The motorcycle is quickly gassed and loaded, I leave Washington DC at three-thirty, vowing not to check the time for the rest of the adventure. Adventure, the American adventure of the open road is what I seek. The road, my cameras, and escape.

Right turn off of 15th St. NW and I’m motoring past the Washington Monument and the White House. Harleys and clones are already lining the Mall for the annual Memorial remembrance that is Rolling Thunder. I’m soon over the bridge and on I-66 west. I plan on avoiding major highways when at all possible. Preferring scenic byways to drab highways. 66 is a necessary evil to flee the DC metro area as quickly as possible. At the start, 66 is a good quick run, for awhile anyway. Loads of Rolling Thunder riders are heading in 66 eastbound.

I keep the ubiquitous two fingers down to the side salute to fellow bikers out for extended stretches of time. In my experience, HD guys return the acknowledgement about 30-40% of the time. No big deal, some animosity exist though between different bike cultures. Motor-ism two-wheel stereotypes. However with the Rolling Thunder guys there is a noticeable increase in response, perhaps due to no longer just one biker acknowledging another, but a patriotic sharing of support and remembrance for those left behind, POW-MIA.

Traffic worsens further out 66 and I come up on a full HD dresser. Screaming Eagle back patch worked in with POW-MIA covers his vest and is topped by a “Run for the Wall” patch. I keep back a pace and we adopt the natural offset positioning of multiple riders.

After some 66 backup, stop-and-go, we strike up a staccato conversation in the pauses of the traffic flow. Where you been, where you going, see the rain coming? I tell him I’m headed out to the mountains, Skyline Drive and West Virginia. He says he’s just in from there recently, was in DC for Rolling Thunder for the day and will be coming back in on Sunday again. His license plate is obscured by luggage, so I’m unsure of his port of origin.

Later on we part ways and my thoughts turn. Of my parents friends only my step-dad was drafted for Vietnam. Luckily, for us, he only went as far as Ft. Hood, TX, and came back with some good stories about army life and venturing into Mexico (at least the ones he’s shared with me). I think about all the life he’s lived since then, all his experiences and joys. Thinking about what all those who didn’t return gave up, lost, when they didn’t come home. The loss felt by those who loved them, families that have a name on the Wall.

Rain is sprinkling before Manassas. Enough to cool you off but not enough to get you worried yet, at least for a bit. Whooooo. Then come the big drops. I head off the ramp to gear up with the rain paraphernalia under the gas station pavilion. Finally get it all on and get strapped back up and out pops the sun and the rain stops. Too funny. Now I have wet clothes on under the raingear. Rain gear now keeping the wind out that would dry me. I motor on as more rain is promised on the horizon.

This brings up a point about rain. People always ask, “What do you do when it rains and your on the motorcycle”. I reply simply, “I get wet”. Duh. Rain riding has never bothered me. On the straight highways it’s no big deal. Just give more cushion to the cars in front of you. Drive like grandma on the exit ramps.

My turning point is finally reached. Off of 66 west and onto 647, Crest Hill Rd. at The Plains, VA. Crest Hill Road is my first slice of motorcycle heaven to be had this weekend. I’m delighted to find that the squiggly line I traced out on the map when planning this trip has translated so well in reality. The road is still wet from the passing rain clouds, and I give a small rabbit and then a chipmunk a near death experience. My first of many animal crossings this weekend. The road is fantastic. A mixture of hilltop road and tree lined canopies that create forest tunnels. Speed limit is 45mph, 55-60 feels comfortable on most parts. Keeping an eye out for a hilltop barn to photograph that I’ve seen in my minds eye, lit by the sun breaking through the clouds and backed by the mountain vista. No luck on any of the barns actual placement to fit the mental picture I have framed.

Crest Hill Road and Fodderstack Rd is a long stretch. I take shots of a church and other buildings along Zachary Taylor Highway. Fodderstack gives more of the same as Crest Hill, just a narrower road. The asphalt is of my favorite variety, freshly laid. Washington, VA is a tiny town of historic bed and breakfasts. Local wineries appear to be an attraction here too. Right after Washington the rain returns while I’m in route to Sperryville. Then it really starts to come down, a full on summer thunderstorm. Visibility is down. Road and parking lots soon resemble rivers. Rain drops of the monster variety explode on the pavement, and you know it hurts when they hit you.

I quick soaking circuit of Sperryville confirms there are no local hotels. I duck into a barn shaped restaurant to wait it out. My drenched gear takes on bar stool and I occupy another. There’s a few flying pigs about. The bartender get me a hefeweizen, and recommends the angus burger. Locally raised and grass fed, we exchange jokes about my passing the burgers relatives on the way in.

Don’t freak about the beer. I have a one only rule when riding. It was followed by a meal (best burger of the weekend!), several coffees, and this bar top journal entry.

Somewhere along Crest Hill road I decided to keep the cell off for the weekend. In addition no tv, newspapers, internet, or e-mail sound like a good idea. Of course I now am studiously avoid eye contact with the two beautiful plasma’s above the bar.

Entry Two

Hazel River Inn, Culpepper, VA, has the coolest street side seating in town.

The downpour let up at the Shady Farms bar in Sperryville and due to the deficiency in local lodging I quiz the bartender for options. Over the other side of the mountain, the opposite side of Skyline Dr via 211 is Luray with lots of motels, but I want to save the mountain for the morning. The waitress suggest Culpepper, there being a Holiday Inn etc.

Stepping outside the sun has broke through the clouds again. Enough for some shots of Shady Farms Restaurant and a bridge. Heading down 522, the Sperryville Pike, I keep an eye out for photo ops to catch the next morning as I’ll be rerouting back through. Following the mantra of Dale Borgeson about tour riding in the US, I aim to avoid large chain establishments, whether they are restaurants or hotels, and explore the mom-and-pop local variety businesses. I have a dive-ish roadside motel in mind, Culpepper comes through with the Sleepy Hollow Hotel.

Before check in I ride through downtown historic Culpepper. It’s a cool place. The Shady Farm bartender had recommended the Culpepper Thai restaurant. I see it but don’t visit, still full from the meal earlier. Cameron Street Coffee looks like a great place, located in an old warehouse. Unfortunately their closed for the night.

Shower and changed, room 102 at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel. I hop back on the bike, refreshed and dry and ride through the warm night air back downtown. The coffee at the Hazel River Inn comes with a sweet fudge confection on the side. The peach and blackberry cobbler with vanilla sauce is divine.

The reconfigured plan for this getaway is to shed. Shed worries about the job, career, housing, and relationships. My motorcycle is therapeutic. It’s 600cc’s of Zoloft on two wheels. The road lifts my spirits. This wasn’t supposed to be a solo run, and there are stretches of road where I feel the emptiness behind me.

The cobbler is finished and I can hear the sound of a band doing their sound check. The banging of the drum requires investigation.

Entry Three

I found Brown Bag Special in the cellar pub of the same restaurant I was in. On my way to the door the noise of the sound check floated up the stairs and directed my feet downward. Brown Bag Special opened the set, appropriately enough, with “I drink alone”. The ol’ man, Big Money, would have loved it. Drink alone started off a Big Money Blues trifecta to include “The Breeze” and “Mustang Sally”. Then they made the mistake a lot of bands make that have a great lead guitar player. They let him sing. The lead guitarist karaoke sucked his way through a Tom Petty hit. He was so off key in his singing it made you appreciate the guitar solo’s all the more for the relief they provided. Thankfully the regular singer soon resumed his duties and the night went on. More good stuff from the band.

Freebird
Folsom Prison Blues
Cheap Sun Glasses

“can’t you see, can’t you see, what that woman, what she’s done to me”

Off to bed now at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel with the ghost and shades of dead hookers and overdoses past.

150 miles today.

Saturday

Entry Four

Morning breaks on the Sleepy Hollow Hotel, a hot shower and I’m back on the bike. A quick stop downtown to shoot the Hazel Inn, then it’s back on the Sperryville Pike. More stops to capture some sights seen yesterday. Mr. & Mrs. Pump. The open mouth caricatures are an accurate representation of the current gas cost and the pumps eating your wallet.

I keep telling my daughter that her first car, college car, will be a hybrid. She thinks they are ugly. The bike isn’t so bad, averaging around 40mpg. At about 180 miles on the tripometer I start to look for a refill, although I’ve pushed it to 211 miles before.

A quick left in Sperryville on 211 and up into the mountain, Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline Drive. Heading up the mountain I get the first bite of the twisties I’ve been craving. The fee at the gate to Skyline Drive is well worth the price. Great scenery and fantastic views. The only drawback is the 35mph speed limit that is well enforced by the park rangers.

I shoot some self-portraits at Pollock Knob overlook. They’re funny in that with all the scrambling and hurrying to be the camera timer, then trying to effect a relaxed pose. I’ve also broke out my old friend this trip, the Lubitel 166, a medium format, 120mm film, twin lens camera. I’m like Jay-Z with this camera, I have to get it in one take. There is no digital review after the click for instant gratification. As a fellow photographer it’s “Point, Push, and Pray”. I’ll be interested to see the results. Not that I’ve left digital behind. Carrying both cameras, I’m an analog/digital double threat.

After the self-portraits and some dead tree shots I’m about to pack back on the bike and leave when I meet the preacher and his wife. He offers to shoot me with my camera and I return the favor with theirs. Conversation flows and in a ‘small world’ moment it turns out that he works for same Hazel family that owns the restaurant I was at last night for his Monday thru Friday job. I get a friendly “God bless” and I’m heading south on Skyline Drive. I make several more stops and break out the cameras again at Big Meadow.

There is a gnarly dead tree in the middle of the meadow. It has burn damage at the base, either the result of some wild fire or perhaps a controlled burn done to maintain the field. I spot and shoot a few deer, they probably won’t turn out as they’re to far away for my lens on the D100. I shoot a bunch of shots of the tree with the D100 and then totally switch processes with the Lubitel. The picture setup with the Lubitel takes about a minute-and-a-half. Manual zoom, i.e., walking back and forth to get the framing I want. Light meter reading. Then dealing with the reversed optics of the look-down box camera. It is fun though, to switch it up, change the pace and the dynamics. Just one click though, hope I caught it.

It’s a long but enjoyable ride to the south end of Skyline Drive. Unless you really like slow cruising I would suggest picking which third of Skyline Drive you’d like include in your trip and leave the rest. I drop off the mountain and into Waynesboro. Finding Mad Anthony’s coffee shop for a late breakfast. I overhear that it’s around noon. The Italian Roast coffee is good, in fact, it would prove to be the best coffee of the trip.

One of the pleasures of traveling by motorcycle is that it’s an easy conversation starter. People ask you where your coming from, where you’re heading, ask about your bike, tell you’re about their bike or the one they wish they had. One of the peculiarities of these conversations is that if the person even remotely knows of anyone that has died on a motorcycle, they will be sure to share this fact along with details. These stories usually involve a deer, a car pulling out, or someone taking a corner to fast. The conversation goes something like this:

Stranger“nice bike”
You“thanks”
Stranger“my cousin Bob had a friend that hit a deer and died on his bike”

Short silence.

You“yeah, deer are dangerous, got to be careful”

I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve held variations on this conversation many times. Luckily this isn’t the conversation I have with the owner of Mad Anthony’s. He’s a former sailboat instructor who now finds the same release and head clearing on his motorcycle that he used to get from his sailboat.

This brings to mind the same wave – don’t way dynamic that occurs between sail boaters and power boaters, very similar to the sportbike & HD crowd.

The proprietor is a coffee guru, we discuss roasting (my Italian roast was just roasted Wednesday this week). We talk about the good and the evil of Starbucks. We’re both in agreement that they over roast their regular coffee, but I think their foo foo drinks are tasty. He has in his shop both the Bodum press and the Bodum vacuum coffee pot that I got my mom for x-mas. A shameless plug here, the Bodum vacuum coffee pot makes the best home coffee ever. It’s also an entertaining crowd pleaser, no joke.

Leaving Waynesboro the plan was 340 northward to 33, then into Harrisonburg, VA (home of the Valley Mall and JMU). 340 proved to be boring so I jumped on 256, Port Republic Road, for a better ride to Harrisonburg. I don’t know if the coffee wore off or if I was just worn out. I pull over at Westover Park, pick out a spot of grass, and take a good nap in the sun.

I had my motorcycle bug handed down to me by my step-dad. My kindergarten year of school we moved right at the end of the school year. Rather than switch schools at this inopportune time my Dad stuck me on the back of his Honda and rode me to school and back again for the last month or two. Even earlier than that I have a great photo of me in 1973-4 sitting on his chopper with him. Me in a diaper and him with his long hippy hair. The wild side of the Reverend indeed.

Refreshed from my nap it’s back on 33 westbound. Heading out of the Shenandoah Valley and Rockingham County is more glorious twisty roads and the George Washington National Forest. GW is a beautiful tree canopy lined road with a river off to one side. Franklin, WV is the destination, a return to the Star Hotel.

I stayed at the Star a few years prior when they first re-opened the historic Star Hotel. The owner, Steve Miller, is a great guy, friendly and conversational. I told him I’d be back again, but it’s been a few more years than I thought. Late lunch at the Star is pesto grilled chicken on ciabatta bread with roasted red peppers. Not the type of fare one might associate with West Virginia, but people have misperceptions about everywhere. Steve promises a prime rib later at dinner tonight to die for.

So that there is no misunderstanding, in as much as the Sleepy Hollow Hotel was a dive, the Star Hotel is a dream.

Dump the gear in the room back on the bike for some roaming around. I head back to explore a river road I passed on the way in, Rock Gap. It’s a gravel affair and I follow it back a little ways. Photo some river shots. Down further there is a large cliff face with some college aged kids de-gearing after a day of climbing. I’ll try to stop back in tomorrow and shoot some climbing action, as well as some fly fishing.

I pick up a bottle of Barefoot Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, and drop it off with Steve at the Star to keep for later. I’ll enjoy that bottle later tonight from the 3rd floor front porch. South out of town I head, into some very secondary roads. I shoot an old decrepit cabin that would be right up Bobby Sargent’s alley. I put it in the metal folder for a possible future model shoot location, along with the river spots I’ve seen.

There are a couple more stops on this little ride. Once for what appears to be a feral chicken, and then for middle of the road stare down with a young doe. She’s camera shy though and is off before I can get a shot. Sportbike probably isn’t the best conveyance for nature photography. The pavement stops and gravel begins, I motor on. Rick & I once spent a full day just about on gravel roads, crisscrossing the back country around Cumberland, MD. So I’m comfortable with the less than ideal riding surface. A few miles on the road dead ends at a pair of chicken houses (source of the feral chicken’s ancestors perhaps?) and I turn around and survey the valley I’ve just ridden through. I have to stop the bike and soak in the scene. A picturesque farm is nestled in the corner of the valley, up against the hills. I meet some inquisitive cows, along with the farmer and his wife.

It seems that when you are in WV and you pass a sign that says “snow removal ends here” that the already suspect road conditions are going to quickly deteriorate and will soon resemble somewhat more of a logging road. I motor on through some back country, no houses, no farms, just mountains, steep roadside cliffs, and wicked gravel switchback curves. The part that gives you the willies are the downhill corners where the road grade is slanted to the outside of the curve and to the drop below. Yikes!

I creep along where a four wheeler would be much more functional. Although I still hit it a bit in the straights. Pavement arrives again and I’m unsure of my exact location. I follow the chicken farmers directions and soon discover myself back in Brandywine, intersecting the same stretch of 33 I rode on my way into Franklin.

Back at the Star Hotel it’s a shower and fresh clothes before heading down for dinner. Downstairs I find the prime rib to be as good as promised.

Entry Five

How beautifully staged is this. Barefoot on the 3rd floor patio, wine to ease the back and the ache in the knee.

205 miles today, the last 30 after check in, just to explore.

Sunday

Entry Six

Out early in the morning. I find no climbers at Rock Gap, unsure of the hours they keep. Out of Franklin on 33 west, looking for another squiggly line I had seen on a map. Bland Hill Road name is a misnomer. A single lane country road winding through German Valley. I got a few shots of German Valley from the 33 overlook before turning on Bland Hill. Now I find myself in the same location I had shot from above.

The road cuts through some open pasture land and I meet some cows standing in the road after rounding one bend. They’re pleasant enough, if in no particular hurry to cross, and don’t mind posing for a shot or two before meandering on. People talk about the danger of hitting a deer, a cow would really ruin your day! Off of Bland Hill and on down into the valley. I come up on the rock formation I had seen from the overlook previously. It’s not Seneca Rocks, but a formation of the same ilk. I get some more photos, then onto German Valley Road. I’m still staying at the Star, there is no real destination today. It’s relaxing to stop as much as I like.

German Valley Road puts me back on 33 west and not long after I’m ordering breakfast at the Valley View Restaurant. Dale Borgeson warns of places that advertise home cooking, but that’s about all you see in these parts. There are a fair number of cars here and that’s usually a good since the food will be alright. Hell, even the Army could make a good breakfast. It all works out and it’s a hell of a deal, for toast, two eggs, hash browns, bacon, and coffee.

From 33 I hit 28 and turn off on Smoke Hole Road, just because it’s there and looks interesting. Boy, what a find it is. Combining the curvy one lane country road with nice wide smooth pavement (gravel free in the corners). It’s great. Smoke Hole Road turns out to run from 28 across the Seneca Rocks National Forest to 220 on the other side. Going west-to-east it starts out all curves and hills, then ends by winding along the south branch of the Potomac. There are lots of fly fishermen here enjoying the catch-and-release section of the river.

Up 220 to Petersburg, I run into some Ducati guys at the gas station. We swap riding info and I’m soon on 42 north towards Mayville. Hanging a left when I see a sign for Dolly Sods. I’m back on secondary roads and I soon pass another prophetic ‘no snow removal’ signs. It’s gravel the rest of the way up the mountain til it breaks out on top at Dolly Sod.

I’m real happy with today’s roads, as both Smoke Hole Road and Dolly Sods were unplanned ‘discovered adventures’. I do some rock scrabbling at Dolly Sod and enjoy the cliff top views. A fellow tourist snaps a shot for me an I hike out well past the distance that the casual tourist and families go. Shot some more shots of the rock formations with both the digital and film camera. Do some more self-portraits. I then sit down to relax in the sun with the cliff side breeze steadily blowing and update this journal.

Entry Seven

Well, fellow traveler, if you’ve made it this far I am duly impressed. I thank you for your perseverance. The rest of the day was spent riding without incident. Just more fantastic roads. You don’t have to be an explore on par with Lewis & Clark to find great rides in West Virginia. Just be curious in nature and unafraid to leave the beaten path. Drop off the numbered roads and take the route less traveled. Soon you’ll be in your own undiscovered country. Blah blah blah.

Out of Dolly Sod and I find myself on 32. Rough calculations put the dirt road travel around 25 miles for the day. While we are on stats, here’s today’s animal road count:

1 rooster
1 dead fox
2 cows
8 chipmunks
7 alive
1 dead
3 dead possums
1 squirrel
1 dead blob (undistinguishable)
No fearsome deer
1 dog

I guided myself today by a rather non-descript map put out by mountainhighlands.com

Leaving Dolly Sod on 32 puts me in Dry Fork and back on familiar 33 west to Elkins. I cruise around Elkins on the off chance I’ll run into a guy I know named Dallas. Now all you need to know about Dallas is the following:

I don’t know his last name
I once gave him a hair cut with dog grooming clippers
I know he works at a bike shop making choppers

You figure the odds of me finding him, near zero.

If your curious it wasn’t the first time I cut hair, albeit the first time using dog shears. In Korea I cut in the latrine for a cut or for a 6 pack. Everything was barter in the Army. We had a cook that would make you a great custom birthday cake for a case of beer or feed you food out of the back of the chow hall at 3am when you staggered in drunk from the ville for the promise of a future round to be bought. Korea stories could fill another journal.

Anyway, out of Elkins and south to Beverly. Scott, if your reading this you were on my mind as I went through town, never forgive, never forget.

So far I’ve only tried to write about the positive food experiences of the trip without throwing anyplace under the bus. C&J in Beverly however, served only barely functional burgers and the vanilla shake was of the worst chemical prefab variety. There are some things that I am stuck on, good vanilla ice cream is one. The others that I’m picky about are beer, whiskey, steak, cheese-steak, and coffee. It’s just so disappointing when something you usually enjoy turns out to be sub par.

After C&J it’s 250 east to 28, which heads back towards Seneca Rocks and Franklin. It’s a good haul through the Monongahela National Forest. A road of the scenic variety, with good twisties up the mountain and through the scenery. These type road have become quite a common occurrence here in WV. Back in Seneca Rocks and 33 east into Franklin. I never shoot Seneca Rocks, the light is never right, number one can tell you how I get about my light.

The Star’s restaurant is closed on Sunday, dagger, so I shower and head into Franklin by foot. About Franklin, WV. It’s a nice little town, quiet and sleepy. No bars other than the VFW that I could see. Everybody I’ve met and spoken too has be pleasant, friendly and conversational, both here in Franklin and elsewhere in WV. I’m sure there are a variety of characters much as anywhere, this is just my observation from the tourist level.

Following last night precedent I grab another vino from the Shell station. The Star being closed is a dilemma; I’m in need of a cork screw (having borrowed the restaurants the night before). I wander back down to the hotel, wine in hand, and past the hotel just a bit til I meet an old man sitting out front. I explain my situation, wine without access, and he says he’ll sell me a corkscrew. He goes in the house, shortly to return with the necessary implement in hand. I figure I have it for -4 or maybe rent it for a one time use for . That proves unnecessary however, he says just to take it, and keep it for any future need.

The sole booking for the hotel tonight, I’m like a wraith as I glide through the halls. On the front porch with my bottle of vino in hand. I have some cheap cigars I also picked up and there’s nothing to do but kick back and watch the sunset.

It’s been a great trip. Somewhat lonesome at times. The lack of someone to talk to surely let to the length of this journal. It was a trip to getaway, to reflect. There was no great revelation or anything, just time to get to know yourself. The road gives you time to think. I know who I am and I like being me. I know what’s missing.

I’m resolved to take more bike trips in the future. It’s definitely my preferred way to travel and vacation. Motorcycling is the way to go.

Tomorrow I have my route generally planned out, more scenic byways for a winding route home.

Miles today, 240.

Monday

Entry Seven

Just a short postscript. 20 miles east of Washington DC, on 66, the chain popped off the bike. It’s never easy.

Cancun Hotel Reviews

Cancun is a coastal area with white sand beaches and popularly known as the Mayan Gold Coast. Cancun is a Mexican city located in the state of Quintana Roo. Encircled by Caribbean Sea, Isla Mujeras and the Bojorquez lagoons, the city carries the reputation of the famous tourist destination and modern beachfront hotels. Climate in Cancun is warm throughout the year but with some strange and startling facts were you can see the sunshine on one side and rainfall on other side. You can experience showers and rainbow throughout the year.

The city progressed rapidly with many investors taking interest in hotel industry. The hotels in Cancun are the result of the investment of international companies. Nightlife in Cancun is simply marvelous with a number of nightclubs. We still find Cuban and salsa type restaurants and bars, which present the breathtaking dance performances keeping you glued to such places and enliven the energy in you and provoke you to tap your feet with their dance numbers. People throng discos for partying, people enjoying sunbath on the stupendous white sand beaches of the city. There are many water sports that you can enjoy with your entire family on the beaches. You can find water racing attractive or surfing more adventurous or underwater diving with your kids more interesting or paragliding intoxicating. Do whatever, the options of having fun are unlimited here in Cancun.

This city is young, as are most of its permanent and temporary inhabitants. Way back Cancun was just a small sand barrier when the plan began to develop it into the vacation haven of all times. Today, Cancun stands as a medium-sized coastal city and a long, thin island connected to the mainland through bridges at its north and south ends. It is a home to world-class resorts, hotels, clubs, and malls. With the changing nature of this place it offers something for everyone, from an all-day fun party beach to an isolated, tranquil island. Whatever your mood and liking is you find suitable places of solitude here in Cancun.

With around four million visitors every year Cancun has gone through many changes. One of the major change is evident in the 140 hotels which stand tall in this once small city. Hotels are a major business in Cancun and find many big investors and players participating in this venture. The hotels in Cancun are located in the Hotel Zone which is shaped like a backwards 7 with bridges on each end connecting to the mainland. This hotel zone offers a broad range of accommodation facilities, ranging from relatively inexpensive motel-style facilities in the older section closest to the mainland, to high-priced luxury hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton in the popular areas. Many of the hotels are time-share condominiums with kitchen facilities. Some all inclusive hotels where all meals, drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic, hotel activities, entertainment, non motorized water sports, tips and taxes are included in the price of the hotel rooms. With these cheap accommodations you can also find upscale private residences and lavish condominiums for rent that cater to the rich and famous. It is seen that the restaurants, bars and shops in the hotel zone tend to be rather expensive compared with the downtown area and other Mexican resorts. Here travelers will find many recognized theme restaurants and clubs.

Related World Hotel Reviews Articles

The ARMANI / DUBAI CAFFE @ The Dubai Mall, United Arab Emirates : WORLD : SENSE : EAT & STYLE! Enjoy every bite and sip!


Image by UggBoy♥UggGirl [ PHOTO : WORLD : SENSE ]
THE ARMANI / DUBAI CAFFE:

-Ansel Adams, The Camera

TripAdvisor and Yatra.com have formed an alliance which will allow Yatra.com customers to get access to the unbiased hotel reviews posted by travellers on TripAdvisor, including those posted on its India website, www.tripadvisor.in. This will enable them to make the best possible choice of hotels based on their needs.

Sharat Dhall, Managing Director, TripAdvisor India said, “Online hotel bookings are growing rapidly in India and featuring TripAdvisor hotel reviews will help reduce the uncertainty around booking even the lesser known hotels in hundreds of tourist destinations across India. Online travel agents around the world and in India as well, have featured TripAdvisor hotel reviews and reported increased conversion in hotel bookings.”

Dhall added, “This association is a strong testimony to the unparalleled depth of TripAdvisor reviews on Indian hotels. In a short span of time, TripAdvisor has not only grown to become one of the leading travel websites in the country, with more than two million monthly unique Indian visitors, but also has the largest pool of real traveller reviews on Indian hotels. With this partnership, Indian travellers can read about fellow traveller experiences with the hotel and then go straight ahead and book the perfect stay.”

Dhruv Shringi, CEO and Co-founder, Yatra.com said, “Yatra.com has always been at the forefront of innovation in the online travel market, and we are delighted to feature TripAdvisor hotel reviews, which will improve the overall user experience and enable the travellers to make the right choice of hotels based on the experiences of the fellow travelers.”

Shringi added, “Since inception, Yatra.com has been focusing on the changing tastes, preferences, behaviour and needs of the travellers.  An indicator of our intent can be gauged from the fact that in the last two years we have introduced several new services, such as partial payment facility for domestic hotels and international flights, 51 per cent cash back on companion’s travel, an exclusive Yatra Barclaycard Platinum Credit Card, Compensation for flight delays, Best Fare Challenge and Cash Back on International tickets for Net Banking customers. This new feature will further contribute in enriching the entire Yatra.com Experience.”

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View More : Cape Panwa Hotel Review : Phuket Hotel, Thailand

Cape Panwa Phuket, the resort is famous for its excellent tranquil location in Cape Panwa of Phuket Island. The resort excellent service, modern rooms and private beach are mixed with a natural beauty of Andaman Sea and exotic tropical forest – one of the most Thailand’s popular destinations.

The resort is catered of classily decorated, sea facing, high quality and luxury designed rooms. All rooms are classified in a low rise one to four storey buildings and are all bounded by a scenic coconut grove and lush tropical gardens. Make your vacation escape from the busy world in a peaceful corner of southeast Phuket, combination excellently Thai hospitality with the natural beauty of the vicinity.

Cape Panwa Phuket, Naturally The Best!

The Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa embodies tropical luxury in one of the world’s most desirable destinations. Tucked away in a quiet corner of southeast Phuket, the hotel is renowned for its excellent service, stylish rooms and exclusive beach.

Blending superbly with the natural beauty of the area, the hotel is comprised of tastefully decorated, sea facing superior, triple and family rooms as well as our brand new Jacuzzi suites and sea-view pool villas.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Blending superbly  with the natural beauty of the area, the hotel is comprised of tastefully decorated, sea facing superior, triple and family rooms as well as Jacuzzi suites and pool villas. Our rooms are contained in a selection of low rise one to four storey buildings and are all surrounded by a picturesque coconut grove and verdant tropical gardens.

Superior Room

Elegant and comfortable rooms (twin or double beds), all with spacious balconies complete with double sun beds. Non-smoking and connecting rooms are available.

Superior Family

Rooms to suite all your family needs!!! This is a real triple room with 3 beds and a convertible sofa-bed (or a double and a single bed with a convertible soda-bed), perfect for a family up to 2 adults and 2 children.

Cpae Suite

The Cape Suite strike the perfect balance between modern resort living, complete with LAN internet access, i-Pod docking station and large flat-screen TVs and comfortable and  sophisticated holidaying Features include large sea-facing balconies overlooking a lush coconut grove and the ocean beyond, an outdoor whirlpool and daybed for two, large and modern bathrooms and tastefully decorated living and sleep spaces.

Customer Review

Accommodation and facilities:
Cape Panwa hotel provided an absolute top of the notch service, we had a great time staying there, it was our perfect holiday so far. We will definitely go back to the hotel in the future. Although the hotel is secluded and not in Patong area, it was what we wanted total privacy with private beach, shuttle bus, great food, efficient staff, fantastic spa and killer view.

Reservation service:
Efficient and fuss free service. My husband & I were happy to have found sawadee.com, that provided pleasant service until the day we arrived at Cape Panwa Hotel. We got the room we wanted with perfect view, absolute privacy and outstanding service from the hotel staff.

Customer Review

Accommodation and facilities:
We have returned many times to this hotel. Peaceful location and wonderful private beach. You can snorkel over the mini reef and see lots of fish. No noisy jet skis and hawkers. Staff are delightful, good choice of restaurants and rooms very comfortable.Bit far from Patong, but that s part of the attraction for us! Good shuttle service to various parts of the Island. Some good local restaurants also. Lovely views from the rooms also. Beach is best thing…palm trees for shade and still plenty of lovely tree cover around the backdrop to the hotel.We love it!

Visit Site : http://www.thailandhotelchoice.com

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WHAT CLASSIC JAPANESE WOMEN LOOK LIKE WHEN THEY TAKE OFF THEIR KIMONOS


Image by Okinawa Soba
There are some purists here on Flickr who prefer to see Japanese women tied up and bound in that world-famous cultural straitjacket called a "Kimono". That’s perfectly fine with me, too.

www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/2347140752/

On the other hand, I feel obligated to show you what most Japanese women look like between the ages of 18 and 58…with very little change during those years. (However, after they hit 59…)

*

Hey, wait a minute. Am I saying, JAPANESE WOMEN DON’T GET OLD OR FAT ???

Nope. Not me. Somebody ELSE already wrote that book !

"……Japanese women have the #1 lowest obesity rate in the developed world – - 3%, vs. 11% for French women, 23% for English women, and 34% for American women. (International Obesity Task Force)….."

",,,,,,Japanese women have the #1 longest life expectancy on Earth – - 85 years. (World Health Organization World Health Report, 2005)……"

Quoted from the straightforward diet book : JAPANESE WOMEN DON’T GET OLD OR FAT

www.japanesewomendontgetoldorfat.com/

While the American media has been decrying the bloated fattening of American men and women during the past decades, to the point where the majority of Americans are now considered obese, the Japanese — and especially their women — have generally maintained their health and figures, pretty much as you see them above, in a photo that was taken almost 50 years ago.

THEY ARE PROBABLY NOT ON FACE BOOK

Do we know the names of these bright and funny Japanese gals ? Yup !

On the left — waiting for the gun to go off — is Miss TOMI SUZUKI.

And on the right, making her move with a loaded weapon is Miss KYOKO TANINOGUCHI.

The year is 1961, and they are visiting Las Vegas, Nevada with a new edition of the HOLIDAY IN JAPAN variety show.

KYOKO AND LUCY ?

Later, the gun-slinging Kyoko would dance as a Geisha beside Lucille Ball (also dressed as a Geisha) in "The Ricardos Go To Japan" episode which aired on American Television’s "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour" in 1962. While most folks might say, "I LOVE LUCY", I know a few guys who would rather go with KYOKO !

Speaking of which, here are three American guys who have already noticed Miss Kyoko’s six-shooter, and are arguing over who’s going to be the first one to ask her out on a date :

www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/2347346792/

Speaking of Japanese girls with nothing on by a holster and a six-shooter……

www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/3436025085/in/set-7215…

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Photo taken at the DUNES Hotel by an unknown photographer, and distributed by Unipix and United Press international, who failed to secure or attach copyright to this original wire-photo now sitting in a box on my desk. Their loss, your gain.

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RANDOM SOBA : www.flickriver.com/photos/24443965@N08/random/

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