Earth Discovered

Buying Cheap Domestic Flights in China Online

2009-02-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

I have been doing a fare amount of research towards my trip throughout Asia and Australia I which begins in a week. I needed a quick and efficient way to travel from Shanghai to Beijing and back but on a very limited budget. I found
Ctrip.com. I purchased a round trip electronic ticket from Shanghai to Beijing for under $150. The tickets are electronic. We shall see if everything goes well once I am in China. I will post my experience after the return.

New Zealand Photo Gallery

2008-09-02T23:25:00.001-07:00

Click on Thumbnail to enlarge.

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Transportation from Aeropuerto de Santiago, Chile (SCL)

2008-08-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

There 4 different grades of transportation from the Airport to central Santiago.

Taxi - Most expensive. About $20

Transvip - Approx. $8 - front door service - best if you have luggage. You can make reservations online. Not necessary when arriving but necessary on departure. Transvip

Centropuerto Bus - About $2. Blue with big yellow letters. Stops along Bernardo de Higgons Ave. Not good if you have luggage. Used mostly by locals. I use this bus. First stop is at Pajaritos Metro station. This bus is actually owned by the TurBus company but is not luxurious by any means.

Tur Bus - About $2. Dark green with Tur Bus written on the side. Nicer bus. Stops at Pajaritos Metro station then on to the TurBus Station near the Universidad de Santiago Metro Station. You can not go further than this into the city with this bus. You must then transfer to the subway/metro Santiago Metro or take the Micro (bus).

When considering time the taxi is the fastest, then the Transvip. But during rush hour a combination of the metro then bus may be the faster way. The metro is very fast but you must transfer to a bus at the Pajaritos Station on the Western part of the city.

You can find additional information about the airport at Aeropuerto de Santiago

Galleria Umberto - Naples, Italy

2008-07-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

Galleria Umberto is a public gallery in Naples, Italy designed by Emanuele Rocco. It was constructed between 1887-1891. At that time it was the cornerstone during a rebuilding period of Naples that lasted until World War I. The Galleria is named for Umberto I, King of Italy at the time of construction. Originally it was intended for multi-use, combining businesses, shops, cafes with apartments on the third floor.

Learning to Speak Spanish

2008-06-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

Visual Link Spanish will teach you Spanish FAST! Guaranteed!

For some of us learning to speak another language is a very challenging task. Having endured almost a decade of college studies I find it very difficult to crack open a text book. Even if I do find the motivation to sit down and begin to study my attention span is very short. I enrolled in a Spanish course but stopped attending after the first 3 weeks. I have tried various software packages and texts hoping to find that magical combination that would keep me interested and that is easy to learn.

After several fruitless attempts and years of telling myself I would learn Spanish I finally found a software package that worked for me. It is the "Visual Link" system. It is a very unique and intuitive way to learn to speak Spanish. Just spending a little time each day going through the lessons will go a long way towards learning basis Spanish.

I paid full price but you can save 30% by clicking on the link below:

Receive an INSTANT 30% discount on Visual Link Spanish

There are 13 Lessons:

Each lesson is subdivided into three sections:

Screenshot of the interactive "Learn" section:

Screenshot of "Vocab. Exercises" section:

Screenshot of the interactive "Review Game" section:

Screenshot of the interactive "Practice Quiz" section:

Screenshot of the interactive "Learn" section:

Pantheon - Rome - Italy

2008-06-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

Rome is a very beautiful city full of rich history. It seems everywhere you turn there are fine examples of ancient Roman architecture. The Pantheon is one such building among many.

The Pantheon (Latin Pantheon^[1], from Greek Πάνθειον Pantheon, meaning "Temple of all the gods") is a building in Rome which was originally built as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome, and rebuilt circa 125 AD during Hadrian's reign. The intended degree of inclusiveness of this dedication is debated. The generic term pantheon is now applied to a monument in which illustrious dead are buried. It is the best preserved of all Roman buildings, and perhaps the best preserved building of its age in the world. It has been in continuous use throughout its history. The design of the extant building is sometimes credited to the Trajan's architect Apollodorus of Damascus, but it is equally likely that the building and the design should be credited to the emperor Hadrian or his architects. Since the 7th century, the Pantheon has been used as a Christian church. The Pantheon is currently the oldest standing domed structure in Rome. The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same, 43.3 metres (142 ft). - From Wikipedia

Here are some great books on Rome from Amazon.com.

Rome (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)

Top 10 Rome (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)

Pocket Map and Guide Rome (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)

Rick Steves' Rome 2008 (Rick Steves)Roman Architecture

City Walks: Rome: 50 Adventures on Foot (City Walks)

Fodor's Essential Italy, 1st Edition: Rome, Florence, Venice & the Top Spots In Between (Fodor's Gold Guides)

Time Out Rome (Time Out Guides)

Stuck in Cordoba, Argentina

2008-05-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I was stuck in Cordoba, Argentina. One of the few passes between Argentina and Chile was closed last Tuesday. That is one of the risks traveling by bus during the winter months through the Andes. Unfortunately I had to return the next day because I am flying back to California on Friday. Hmm, buying a ticket the same day of the departure is always good for the wallet.

Guanajuato, Mexico

2008-05-16T04:15:00.000-07:00

Guanajuato is a wonderful colonial city located in the geographic center of Mexico, about three and half-hours from Mexico City and is the capital of the state of the same name.

Guanajuato was founded in 1554 and received the designation as a city in 1741 and is well known for its wealth of fine colonial era Spanish architecture.

Although nestled in the Veeder mountains, over 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) above sea level, Guanajuato is easily accessible on foot. Buildings of various colors climb the side of the mountains surrounding the city center. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and city planners must follow strict guidelines when building and rehabilitating buildings in order to maintain their colonial integrity.

The name "Guanajuato" comes from the Tarascan (P'urhépecha) word, "Quanax-juato", which means "place of frogs".

"The city was originally built over the Guanajuato River, which flowed through tunnels underneath the city. However, after years of raising buildings to accommodate repeated flooding, in the mid-twentieth century, engineers built a dam and redirected the river into underground caverns. The tunnels were lit and paved with cobblestones for automobile traffic, and this underground road network carries the majority of cars driving through the city today. It is one of the most noticeable features of the city.

After central Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico coast, Guanajuato was one of the first areas of Mexico colonized by the Spanish, in the 1520s, for its rich silver deposits. Guanajuato's colonial architecture is very well preserved along with over 35 old churches in its capital alone, and is very European in nature." Source: en.wikipedia.org

Obtaining a U.S. Visa

2008-05-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

United States Visas

A brief explaination of what a visa is and which types exists are explained below (taken directly from www.unitedstatesvisas.gov

If you're a citizen of a foreign country, in most cases you'll need a visa to enter the United States.

A visa doesn't permit entry to the U.S., however. A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed by a U.S. consular officer at an American embassy or consulate, and that the officer has determined you're eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose. Consular affairs are the responsibility of the U.S. Department of State.

A visa allows you to travel to the United States as far as the port of entry (airport or land border crossing) and ask the immigration officer to allow you to enter the country. Only the immigration officer has the authority to permit you to enter the United States. He or she decides how long you can stay for any particular visit. Immigration matters are the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

There are two categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant.

Immigrant visas are for people who intend to live permanently in the U.S. Nonimmigrant visas are for people with permanent residence outside the U.S. but who wish to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis - for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study.

Categories of Temporary Visas:

(B-1/B-2) - Visitors of Business or Pleasure
(D-1) - Crewmen
(E-1) - Treaty Traders
(E-2) - Treaty Investors
(E-3) - Australian Professionals
(F-1) - Student Visa - more information can be obtained here.
(H-1B) - Temporary Professional Workers
(H-1B) - Temporary Agricultural Workers
(H-2B) - Temporary Skilled and Unskilled Workers
(H-3) - Trainees
(I) - Foreign Journalists
(J-1) - Exchange Visitor Visa - more information can be obtained here.
(K-1) - Fiancees of U.S. Citizens
(K-3) - Spouses of U.S. Citizens
(L-1) - Intracompany Transferees
(M-1) - Vocational Students
(O) - Persons of Extraordinary Ability
(P) - Athletes and Entertainers
(Q) - International Cultural Exchange Visitors
(R) - Religious Workers
(S) - Witnesses and Informants
(T) - Victims of Human Trafficking
(T and U) - Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000
(TN) - Canadian and Mexican Professionals Under NAFTA ("TN")
(V) - Certain Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

Categories of Permanent Visas:

Family Immigration
Adopting a Child
Marriage fo a Foreignn National
Diversity Visa Program (Diversity Visa Lottery) - more information can be obtained here.
Employment Visa
Employment: Iraqi or Afghan translator/interpreters
Employment: Iraqis - Worked for/on behalf of US Government
Employment: Religious Workers

Useful Links:

Visa information to prospective students.
How to get a U.S. Visa.
Locate a consulate office.
Answers to frequently asked questions

Visa Statistics - Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas Issued at Foreign Service Posts - 2007:

Immigrant Categories:

Immediate Relatives - 154,760

Special Immigrants - 701

Vietnam Amerasian immigrants - 102
Family Sponsored Preference - 131,407
Employment-Based Preference - 29,712
Armed Forces Special Immigrants - 1
DV Diversity Transition (Lottery) - 48,085
Schedule A Worker - 0

Total - 364,768

Nonimmigrant Categories:

Visas Issued - 4,881,632

Border Crossing Cards - 0
(B1/B2/BCCs) - [836,407]

Total - 4,881,632

My First Post of Quebec City, Canada Photos

2008-05-12T06:08:00.000-07:00

Quebec City truly has a European feel. Many people here speak French (or prefer to). The older section of the city is wonderful. If you are in the Northeast region of Canada you should definitely try to visit. Quebec City is my most favorite city north of the Mexican border. It may be a little more expensive to fly too since it is not a major hub. I usually rent a car from Montreal and drive there.

I am panicking, only 2 more weeks left in Chile.

2008-05-12T04:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, it hit me today. I only have about 2 more weeks here in Chile. I have already devised a plan for my next series of long vacations. I will fly to Asia and Australia, stay for a month then somehow live in Seville, Spain for 2 months. But I need money and I need it fast. My goal is to leave for Asia by late August or early September and end up in Spain in October. Not much time to generate an income back in the States. Hmm, I may have to work 2 or 3 jobs! That is the great thing about the U.S., there are plenty of ways to make money.

Before I leave Santiago, Chile I will check out some of the English language schools here to see what the possibilities are to teach. That way I can have a more extended stay when I return, hopefully in November.

My First Post of Vancouver, Canada Photos

2008-05-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Vancouver, Canada is a very nice city. Very clean and safe with the mountains as a nice backdrop. You can find valuable information here at the cities webpage. Everything from jobs to online downloadable maps!

My First Post of Tokyo, Japan Photos

2008-05-11T19:49:00.001-07:00

I have flown to Tokyo many times. Although it is one of the world's largest cities it is very clean and safe. Using the trains can get a little confusing especially if you go through Tokyo Central or Shinjuku stations.

My First Post of Yokohama, Japan Photos

2008-05-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

I have flown to Japan several times. I actually like so spend time in Yokohama because it is less crowded than Tokyo and is quite nice.

First of Many Photos of Santiago, Chile

2008-05-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

I thought I should begin showing you guys some photos of Santiago, Chile since I am temporarily living here. The first photo is of my old apartment I was in the last time I was here. Now I live in the not so nice part of Santiago.

Levent - Istanbul Turkey

2008-05-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take more photos of the Levent District but the police (security) stopped me when I had my camera and tripod all ready to go. I found it odd since I have had my camera and tripod in mosques without any complaints. It was a pity because I had the most awesome shot of the skyline framed. I should have just taken it and gotten arrested :)

I was a little worried about my film having to go through all those metal detectors at the entrances to shopping malls and transit stations but my photos came out fine.

Tips flying with Ryanair

2008-05-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

Tips flying with Ryanair: If you make yourself very familiar with Ryanair's restrictions you can travel to many places through out Europe inexpensively. The things you should remember when making travel plans with Ryanair are:

Book way in advance. The prices go up every day you wait. The only way to get those cheap deals is to book early.

Check to see where the departure and arrival airports actually are. Just because it says "Frankfurt" does not mean it is even close. The airport could be a couple hours away from the actual city listed

Research the price for transit too and from the airport. Factor that in the cost of the flight. Sometimes it may be substantial

Arrange transportation to the airport ahead of time. Often times the shuttle that services the airport runs on the hour every hour. So if you miss the shuttle it could cause you to miss your flight. Never cut it close. Missing a flight on Ryanair can be a very expensive mistake. I missed two shuttles. The first the bus too Frankfurt Hahn. The second, the bus from Luton Airport to Gatwick Airport. The first mistake cost me $150, the second $130, both for taxis

Make sure you know the exact location the shuttle departs. Scope it out in advance.
Remember that you CAN NOT fly standby if you miss a flight. Well, you can but there is a hefty fee, around $100!.
Avoid the luggage fee debacle. Ryanair only allows 15kg maximum for all your luggage combined. You have the option of paying for excess luggage when you book your travel. This does not allow you more weight, that is an additional charge. It is about 8 Euro. If you forget to purchase at the time of booking you can log on up to their website and add it later. The Ryanair's excess fee charges can be quite expensive so plan in advance.

Thinking of staying in Santiago, Chile

2008-05-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

I have been considering making Santiago, Chile my permanent base. There are many things I enjoy here. The social life is infinetely better here than in the United States. I have no problem meeting people. If I wanted to hang out every single day of the week with someone new I think it is entirely possible here. Chileans seem to be far more social than than the folks back home. Human interaction seems to be of more value here. Consumerism seems to be the focus in the U.S. I find it odd that it is so difficult to meet people in United States. After college it is quite a challenge. Many people seem to live in their own isolated microcosims.

This is why I love not working!

2008-05-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hmm, I woke up early this morning and rode my bike. I didn't feel like pushing myself too hard today because yesterday I rode up San Cristabal 4 times. After I returned home from my bike ride I met a friend for a few, studied Spanish and now I will do absolutely nothing. That's right, nothing. :) The joy of not having to go to work on Monday.

Cycling in Santiago, Chile

2008-05-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, I got my 3rd flat in 2 days! How exciting! Once you attempt to ride a bike in Santiago you really appreciate the roads and traffic (or lack of) in the U.S. Sometimes I think the frame of my Klein is going to burst or my wheels will explode. I swear the other day I hit a pot hole so deep going so fast I was sure it caused some serious damage to my bike, but I guess Klein road bikes are built tuff.

Finding quality bike parts here in Santiago is a challenge. I bought an air pump and it disintegrated in my hands. The inner tubes seem like they weigh a pound and are a quarter inch thick but still get flats easier than the lighter stuff from the U.S. I put some lubrication on my chain and the next day my derailleur , chain, crank and cassette were full of gunk and the dirt it attracted. I was so pissed. I have never seen anything like it. Maybe they also use that stuff for their cars. There is a place to get good service and buy quality parts but you must take a long bus ride to Los Condes at the Mall Sport.

The challenging thing about riding in Santiago is there are so many things to pay attention to at once. There are jaywalkers everywhere, buses speeding past, huge pot holes that sometimes are in the path between a huge bus and the curb. I actually did a search on Google for masks because of all the pollution. It is the worst in the winter (our summer). But one of those rare rains cleaned the sky out and put all that waste in the river and soil where it belongs! The cool thing was I could, for the first time, see some of the deeper mountain ranges of the Andes. So beautiful.

Despite all my complaints, cycling in Santiago is fun. I mean, my adrenaline gets pumped every time. I admit sometimes after a ride I feel lucky to be alive. I have been here a month and so far so good. I decided to return to Chile with my bike after enjoying the experience the last time I was here.

Learning to use Photoshop Elements

2008-05-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Photoshop Elements 6 is an excellent resource in learning to use Photoshop Elements. It is very easy to use and simple. It covers the main attributes of the software.

Description from Amazon.com:

"If you’re a visual learner, this book is for you. Clear, step-by-step screen shots show you how to tackle more than 150 common tasks using Photoshop Elements 6, in task-based spreads with easy, visual directions. Learn to work with toolboxes and palettes, import and organize images, map photos, create slide shows, enhance contrast and colors, combine images, and much more. Helpful sidebars offer practical tips and tricks, and succinct explanations walk you through step by step."

Writing about my travels

2008-05-02T10:03:00.001-07:00

Hello all. I thought I should begin writing about my travels. I have had so many people suggest that I should. I never really thought about it until recently. To give you a little background. I have flown to Europe over 20 times, South America over 20 times, Asia 3 times and Australia twice. I have about 1 million frequent flyer miles with American Airlines and it was all accumulated with leisure travel. I am currently on a 4 month vacation and am typing from my apartment I am staying at here in Santiago, Chile.

I began traveling out of curiosity, the love of architecture and photography. Now that I have friends I stay in touch with all over the world I travel mostly to visit them. I guess traveling is one of the focuses in my life. OK, hope you find some of my writing entertaining.

Singapore Photo Gallery

2008-05-02T05:48:00.001-07:00

Hong Kong China Photo Gallery

2008-05-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

Paris France Photo Gallery

2008-05-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

Frequent Flyer Programs

2008-04-24T17:58:00.001-07:00

Joining frequent flyer programs are easy and absolutely free.

American Airlines Frequent Flyer Program

2008-04-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

I have been a member of the American Airlines (AAdvantage) frequent flyer program since 1996. So far I have earned about 1 million miles by leisure travel. I chose to concentrate my flying with American because their frequent flyer program seems to have the most perks. In the past I used Northwest Airlines, member of the Star Alliance, but stopped flying with them after some customer service issues. I had purchased a NWA ticket to Europe and had to cancel. I had a year to use my credit. I could not travel until just after the annual deadline. I talked to several people at NWA, including management, and they refused to honor my credit. I explained to them they would not be losing any money by allowing me to use my credit and that change fees had already been deducted from the original purchase price. I had been a frequent flyer with NWA for many years and had earned preferential status. Still they would not budge. So I have never flown them again. But their program is a good one. I am not sure what American Airlines would have done in the same situation but I they have always responded to any concerns I have had. Good customer service pays and it seems American Airlines understands that. I am not sure if Northwest does. Perhaps they are better now. But I would not know.

Santiago, Chile

2008-04-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

Test

2008-04-24T17:03:00.001-07:00

This is a test post.