The Travelling Thread/ The Home Town Thread

Monkey King

thanks those were farsi wiki
Arabic doesnt have گ پ چ ژ

No farsi wiki entry for the Northeast US ;_;??

so sad

xan

Got time to upload some of the pics I took in the Andamans today

The first two pics represent the old settlements which got owned by the forest as time went on. This Island was previously owned by the British and it was called the "Paris of the East" (one of the many with similar names). It bore the brunt of the Indonesian Tsunami that happened years back but the beaches are an absolute beauty to be in. Now it is called the "Ross Island"

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The place where we stayed. A resort built around a jungle. Stunning during nighttime!

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And finally, the historically famous place of the Andamans, the Cellular Jail. The first pic has the actual layout of how it was with the central tower overlooking all the wings which hosted around 600 soldiers totally I believe. The jail was established after the first war of independence against the British which ended in a failure and 200 of the most dangerous revolutionaries were locked up here to be tortured.

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The below one is a panoramic view of the remaining 3 wings still present. The view is beautiful but must have been a terror for prisoners to get a sight of it sailing from the seas to reach them

http://i.imgur.com/wDhy88O.gif

And of course a lovely lobster dish to get a taste of the seafood there to wind up the trip

http://i.imgur.com/r7pUXQG.jpg

Hope the images work. Uploaded them in a hurry

Vectorkov

Pics of a recent trip to Durango, Colorado

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G8trH8tr

@Vectorkov:

Pics of a recent trip to Durango, Colorado

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Very pretty scenery! Especially those amber fields. I dig that thanks for sharing!

The Franky Tank

Egypt was a wonderful trip and I enjoyed every minute of it. While the pyramids and sphinx were cool as the first big thing to see in Egypt, I felt the later stuff was much better. Having a day to sit on a boat and enjoy the scenery as we went down the Nile was lovely. Taking a three hour bus ride to Abu Simbel was nice, seeing the stars in sunrise while driving through the desert, as well as seeing the amazing temple of King Ramses the II. My favorite time had to be everything in Luxor though. Started with a hot air balloon ride over the valley of the kings while the sun was rising. I then got to visit four different tombs in the Valley of the Kings each different and unique in their own way. In the evening we visited Luxor temple at night which was beautiful, with the added bonus of getting to hear some chanting coming from the mosque as I explored the place.

All in all an amazing trip that everyone should go and see once in their life and It's a very safe place where I didn't feel threatened at all. The main thing is merchants will harass you to try and get a sell out of you. While it may seem rude, the best way to avoid this hassle is to just ignore them. As soon as you say anything to them, they will latch on to you. I do have to admire the tenacity in some way though, because as we were getting to one of the water locks in the river, we had merchants on paddle boats come up and throwing merchandise to the top deck (there are 5 decks) and trying to make deals and sales. That was a sight to behold.

SpaceCowboy

@The:

All in all an amazing trip that everyone should go and see once in their life and It's a very safe place where I didn't feel threatened at all. The main thing is merchants will harass you to try and get a sell out of you. While it may seem rude, the best way to avoid this hassle is to just ignore them. As soon as you say anything to them, they will latch on to you. I do have to admire the tenacity in some way though, because as we were getting to one of the water locks in the river, we had merchants on paddle boats come up and throwing merchandise to the top deck (there are 5 decks) and trying to make deals and sales. That was a sight to behold.

Holy crap, and I thought some of the Brazilians were bad.

The Franky Tank

Damn these last three and a half months went by fast. Europe was a fun time and I hope to return again soon. Now it's sleep time.

C_uggs

@SpaceCowboy:

Holy crap, and I thought some of the Brazilians were bad.

This is why I stopped to visit Rio de Janeiro, the last time I went, I was in Copacabana and the merchants thought I was a foreigner and they began to surround me, they started to speak bad english and "give me" products so I could buy them.

As The Franky Tank said, the best option is to ignore.

Now, I am going to Toronto this month, I will stay there for two weeks, any good tips ?

Dumhuvud

@Vectorkov:

Pics of a recent trip to Durango, Colorado

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I'm tempted to use some of these as wallpapers.

For real though, I want to go to Colorado now.

C_uggs

I won't lie, for me is hard to see the beauty in non natural sights, this is why I didn't find São Paulo or New York (or any big city in fact) to be pretty or worthy to be visited by tourists. But then I saw these gorgeous photos of São Paulo and it changed my mind.

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SpaceCowboy

@The:

Damn these last three and a half months went by fast. Europe was a fun time and I hope to return again soon. Now it's sleep time.

Oh sure, you hanged around Spain and Greece, but didn´t come to Portugal.

No, no, that´s cool, really. It´s not like we don´t have a crapton of shore around and some rocks in the middle of the Atlantic.

@Captain:

…

I´ve always been curious about visiting one of Brazil´s big cities, but the sheer size of it disencourages me. I feel like there would be too much to remain unseen.
I guess it´s like that everywhere though…

C_uggs

@SpaceCowboy:

I´ve always been curious about visiting one of Brazil´s big cities, but the sheer size of it disencourages me. I feel like there would be too much to remain unseen.
I guess it´s like that everywhere though…

It all depends on how long you will stay in the city, you can focus on places that you really like or places that fits your style. But I guess seeing the famous monuments is a must for any traveler.

The Franky Tank

@SpaceCowboy:

Oh sure, you hanged around Spain and Greece, but didn´t come to Portugal.

No, no, that´s cool, really. It´s not like we don´t have a crapton of shore around and some rocks in the middle of the Atlantic.

I´ve always been curious about visiting one of Brazil´s big cities, but the sheer size of it disencourages me. I feel like there would be too much to remain unseen.
I guess it´s like that everywhere though…

If I ever get the time and it's not a huge cost, I should travel to some of the places that some of the members live at. I get to see awesome places and people. Whenever I find myself in Portugal I'll let you know. (If it makes you feel better, my time was limited so I had to choose. I got nothing against Portugal.)

C_uggs

And Brazil, you have something against it ? :D

But really, Portugal has some gorgeous sights, I would like to visit.

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As a librarian, I would love to visit Coimbra and its library.

The Franky Tank

@Captain:

And Brazil, you have something against it ? :D

But really, Portugal has some gorgeous sights, I would like to visit.

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As a librarian, I would love to visit Coimbra and its library.

Brazil and Peru are my two places I really want to go to when I finally get myself to South America, so I have a bias for it if anything.

Monkey King

Just got back from Visit #3 to Cyprus.
Ate lamb's head brains and eyeballs, shot a gun in the air and had people wondering how this was my first time as an American lol.

Femme

@Captain:

This is why I stopped to visit Rio de Janeiro, the last time I went, I was in Copacabana and the merchants thought I was a foreigner and they began to surround me, they started to speak bad english and "give me" products so I could buy them.

As The Franky Tank said, the best option is to ignore.

Now, I am going to Toronto this month, I will stay there for two weeks, any good tips ?

Oh dear if only you were here a few weeks ago. We had spring-like weather for a few days and now we've crashed down to seasonal, between 0 and -15 daily. If you're not used to the cold bring lots of clothes you can wear as layers! And warm boots if you can!

Oh and don't leave here without

a) Having a coffee and donuts at a Tim Hortons, which'll be on every street corner
b) Trying poutine if it's your first time in Canada. This list is a good place to start.

Also here's a list of stuff to do here in the winter.

C_uggs

@Femme:

Oh dear if only you were here a few weeks ago. We had spring-like weather for a few days and now we've crashed down to seasonal, between 0 and -15 daily. If you're not used to the cold bring lots of clothes you can wear as layers! And warm boots if you can!

Oh and don't leave here without

a) Having a coffee and donuts at a Tim Hortons, which'll be on every street corner
b) Trying poutine if it's your first time in Canada. This list is a good place to start.

Also here's a list of stuff to do here in the winter.

How nice, thanks !! I will stay at my sister's house, so she can show me some nice places, but I will suggest those things to her.

Either way, thanks !

Dumhuvud

So we're planning a class trip somewhere in Europe and we have three alternatives: Rome, Berlin and Prague. Which one of those three options would you pick and why?

The Franky Tank

@Dumhuvud:

So we're planning a class trip somewhere in Europe and we have three alternatives: Rome, Berlin and Prague. Which one of those three options would you pick and why?

I've been to two of those places, so I will give my opinion for those two.

Berlin was interesting because of the more recent history that there was to see from the Cold War and some from the 1800's. There's a museum district with a variety of things to see if you are interested in that. I went to one that had a number of things on Ancient Mesopotamia as well as early Islamic cultures. The sights of the Berlin Cathedral, Victory Column, as well as seeing the remains of the wall are all neat sights. There are also some parks spread around the city, one I went to was quite pretty and relaxing. I also got to do a tour of an air raid bunker among many other things I got to do. It was an interesting experience and I would love to go back and see it again.

Rome has a lot more stuff dating back in the BC period to see, and once you get into the main area you can continue to walk around for hours and see something different. I got to tour the Coliseum, Vatican Museum, Crypts and Catacombs, Parthenon, and see a number of other sights. There's definitely a lot of history there, and then there's the fact that there is Gelato everywhere. Not sure if it would be a part of your field trip. but I also went to Pompeii which is an easy three hour or so drive from Rome, which I was able to see the volcano and Naples from above, as well as the city of Pompeii.

Both are great choice, but they will be quite different. If you want me to I can post or send you a few pictures of each place to get an idea of those two places. I had a friend who just recently went to Prague, so I could ask her about it if you want as well.

Monkey King

@Dumhuvud:

So we're planning a class trip somewhere in Europe and we have three alternatives: Rome, Berlin and Prague. Which one of those three options would you pick and why?

Rome Rome Rome ROme rome Rooeme Room Remoe Rom Reem Rmoe Rarm Rimb Rolmb Robm Reme Relm Rerm Roarm Rmmerme Rome

wolfwood

Prague seems like the least popular choice. So it'll probably be the least tourist contaminted and most fun.

That and there is good beer there.

KageKageKing

I said this last year and I say again. Airports are a pain in the ass. I'm travelled to another country again. Here is a hint: A vampire was born here.

Monkey King

@KageKageKing:

I said this last year and I say again. Airports are a pain in the ass. I'm travelled to another country again. Here is a hint: A vampire was born here.

Romania? What are you doing there?

KageKageKing

Hint no.2: It is in South America.

Dumhuvud

@Monkey:

Rome Rome Rome ROme rome Rooeme Room Remoe Rom Reem Rmoe Rarm Rimb Rolmb Robm Reme Relm Rerm Roarm Rmmerme Rome

@The:

I've been to two of those places, so I will give my opinion for those two.

Berlin was interesting because of the more recent history that there was to see from the Cold War and some from the 1800's. There's a museum district with a variety of things to see if you are interested in that. I went to one that had a number of things on Ancient Mesopotamia as well as early Islamic cultures. The sights of the Berlin Cathedral, Victory Column, as well as seeing the remains of the wall are all neat sights. There are also some parks spread around the city, one I went to was quite pretty and relaxing. I also got to do a tour of an air raid bunker among many other things I got to do. It was an interesting experience and I would love to go back and see it again.

Rome has a lot more stuff dating back in the BC period to see, and once you get into the main area you can continue to walk around for hours and see something different. I got to tour the Coliseum, Vatican Museum, Crypts and Catacombs, Parthenon, and see a number of other sights. There's definitely a lot of history there, and then there's the fact that there is Gelato everywhere. Not sure if it would be a part of your field trip. but I also went to Pompeii which is an easy three hour or so drive from Rome, which I was able to see the volcano and Naples from above, as well as the city of Pompeii.

Both are great choice, but they will be quite different. If you want me to I can post or send you a few pictures of each place to get an idea of those two places. I had a friend who just recently went to Prague, so I could ask her about it if you want as well.

@wolfwood:

Prague seems like the least popular choice. So it'll probably be the least tourist contaminted and most fun.

That and there is good beer there.

They settled on Prague, which is what I had hoped for. But thanks for the advice. I'm looking forward to the trip.

Kaptayn

I'm traveling to Benin tomorrow and I'll be coming back in 3 weeks time. The only thing that bothers me is leaving my dog at my uncles'… hope he'll be fine.

G8trH8tr

@Captain:

I won't lie, for me is hard to see the beauty in non natural sights, this is why I didn't find São Paulo or New York (or any big city in fact) to be pretty or worthy to be visited by tourists. But then I saw these gorgeous photos of São Paulo and it changed my mind.

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You're right this is a fantastic looking city! Though I love cities in general. The city beat is so alive.

Zar

It's pretty much been decided that I'll study abroad in North Carolina during fall 2016. Setting the imminent paperwork and nervous stress aside, I'm really looking forward to this. The US is one of the countries I've always wanted to visit. If you have any recommendations for stuff to do in North Carolina (or other states, for that matter), or just general tips for a foreigner/exchange student, I'd love to hear! I'd also love tips for people who are extremely scared of flights. It's my first one, and it being across half the globe isn't going to make it any easier.

I also don't know if this is terrific or terrifying timing, considering the upcoming election.

Monkey King

@Zar:

It's pretty much been decided that I'll study abroad in North Carolina during fall 2016. Setting the imminent paperwork and nervous stress aside, I'm really looking forward to this. The US is one of the countries I've always wanted to visit. If you have any recommendations for stuff to do in North Carolina (or other states, for that matter), or just general tips for a foreigner/exchange student, I'd love to hear! I'd also love tips for people who are extremely scared of flights. It's my first one, and it being across half the globe isn't going to make it any easier.

I also don't know if this is terrific or terrifying timing, considering the upcoming election.

In the south in an election year. Yeah…please remember this is a specific area you'll be experiencing.

The Franky Tank

@Zar:

It's pretty much been decided that I'll study abroad in North Carolina during fall 2016. Setting the imminent paperwork and nervous stress aside, I'm really looking forward to this. The US is one of the countries I've always wanted to visit. If you have any recommendations for stuff to do in North Carolina (or other states, for that matter), or just general tips for a foreigner/exchange student, I'd love to hear! I'd also love tips for people who are extremely scared of flights. It's my first one, and it being across half the globe isn't going to make it any easier.

I also don't know if this is terrific or terrifying timing, considering the upcoming election.

As far as I know, it's not changing too much at the moment. You have some protests getting violent at Trump rallies, but if you stay away you should be fine. Beyond that it's the usual know where you are going and be smart about places you visit and when.

As far as visiting States, I don't know what your budget is and the availability for travelling is. If you are able to rent a car driving through the New England area would be a great place since you would be quite close. You can easily go through a number of states in a matter of days. From what I know you have to be 25 to rent a car though, so if you aren't 25 then that's out of the picture. If you want to fly to places you will most likely need to be very selective, as airfare to different states can be extremely expensive. Best bet would be to find places you can fly cheap and places you can stay that are pretty cheap.

As for flights it's something that varies depending on the situation. You can have a really smooth flight, or you can get a lot of turbulence. Just know that things will happen that you might not be sure of, but the shaking is fine and nothing bad will happen. I've been through a really rough patch that lasted a good half hour and while not comfortable, we were in no danger. For long flights you will want to make sure you will be entertained during that time. Usually international flights to the states will have in-flight stuff, but varies widely. Have some stuff to read or things you can have on you that you like to do (drawing stuff, puzzles, etc). The more distracted you are, the faster the flight and the less you are thinking about the fact you are on the plane. If you have an aisle seat, definitely try to get up every once in a while to stretch and use the bathroom. Even if you don't need to use it that's time you can be stretching, which if you are in economy seats you will get sore fast (especially if you are tall). Have some small snacks and one drink for yourself, because drinks can come slowly and the meals you get might not be that filling.

Big thing is Jet Lag, which most likely being your first time flying, especially that big of a change will hit you hard. Best thing is to know what the local time is when you are leaving and try to stick with that schedule. If you are on the plane and it's 1am local time, just try to have your eyes closed for as long as possible. Even if only a few hours, try to get some rest then once you get to your destination try to stay up until 9pm at the earliest. The best thing to do is try to be outside and do stuff that requires some physical activity so you don't fall asleep.

Last thing is when you land and have to go through customs. Depending on the time you might be waiting for a while. If you have to make a layover somewhere before you get to North Carolina you want a good 2-3 hours to try to get through and get to your gate on time. If you have everything sorted out before arriving things should be generally stress free, and if you are unsure about where to go or what to do you can always ask a flight attendant before landing, or someone at the customs area before getting to the desk.

That's all my tips I can think of. Hope some of it helps at least.

Monkey King

@The:

As far as I know, it's not changing too much at the moment. You have some protests getting violent at Trump rallies, but if you stay away you should be fine. Beyond that it's the usual know where you are going and be smart about places you visit and when.

Considering there is only one Donald Trump I'm pretty sure it would extremely almost impossibly hard to wind up in a Trump rally without wanting to.
Seriously though lol, you're talking like the US has descended into like Ukrainian levels of political chaos or something. Don't scare the guy for no reason!

As far as visiting States, I don't know what your budget is and the availability for travelling is. If you are able to rent a car driving through the New England area would be a great place since you would be quite close.

North Carolina isn't close to New England…
Alright maybe from the perspective of a Texan it is? But for most people it's absolutely not. I mean he could reach it within a day of high speed driving sure, but that's a terrible idea for a casual drive with a rental. One should not subject a rental to the I-95 between NoVa and Bridgeport. Especially not someone who isn't used to those driving conditions. DC, North Jersey and the Bronx are not easy drives. And plenty of what's between will smack your ass up with hell traffic.

A better suggestion is taking a train, but of course that means having plans on the other end for lodging for at least one night.
I'm not sure what train travel is like that far south, but there's definitely trains that you can take. Depends where in NC he is.

The Franky Tank

@Monkey:

Considering there is only one Donald Trump I'm pretty sure it would extremely almost impossibly hard to wind up in a Trump rally without wanting to.
Seriously though lol, you're talking like the US has descended into like Ukrainian levels of political chaos or something. Don't scare the guy for no reason!

Yeah, that was poorly worded. Nothing to be afraid of really. By careful where you go I just meant like some places there might be areas you just stay out of, like when I was in Cape Town there is one specific street you stay away from. Though in the States if you are going to visit a place you don't usually have to worry about that kind of stuff.

So yeah Zar, don't take my words as if the States is becoming really unstable. I didn't mean to make it sound like that.

North Carolina isn't close to New England…
Alright maybe from the perspective of a Texan it is? But for most people it's absolutely not. I mean he could reach it within a day of high speed driving sure, but that's a terrible idea for a casual drive with a rental. One should not subject a rental to the I-95 between NoVa and Bridgeport. Especially not someone who isn't used to those driving conditions. DC, North Jersey and the Bronx are not easy drives. And plenty of what's between will smack your ass up with hell traffic.

A better suggestion is taking a train, but of course that means having plans on the other end for lodging for at least one night.
I'm not sure what train travel is like that far south, but there's definitely trains that you can take. Depends where in NC he is.

I did have that bias from a Texan, when a 13 hour drive can happen and you are still in one state. I'll have to chalk this one up to my personal ignorance. Good thing you have a better idea of the area to give advice about that.

As for trains as far as I know Texas has trains for sending cargo, but nothing for travelling, at least in the area I live.

Monkey King

@The:

As for trains as far as I know Texas has trains for sending cargo, but nothing for travelling, at least in the area I live.

Yeah…actually now it's my turn to be regionally insular lol. Trains are well supplied and have regular hours in the Northeast...but yeah not so much elsewhere.
This reminds me of that time when I was in the South for college and some of my friends took me out on a art project they were doing, taking photos. And they wanted to take photos on train tracks and I was wigging out all like "You never know when a train might come by! No don't step on the tracks! They're electrified!!!" and they looked at me like I was insane...and in Georgia I was I guess.

The solution then is to take a bus! Pretty sure those are the best way to go medium cross country trips when the trains aren't available and the car isn't yours.

Vectorkov

@Zar:

It's pretty much been decided that I'll study abroad in North Carolina during fall 2016. Setting the imminent paperwork and nervous stress aside, I'm really looking forward to this. The US is one of the countries I've always wanted to visit. If you have any recommendations for stuff to do in North Carolina (or other states, for that matter), or just general tips for a foreigner/exchange student, I'd love to hear! I'd also love tips for people who are extremely scared of flights. It's my first one, and it being across half the globe isn't going to make it any easier.

I also don't know if this is terrific or terrifying timing, considering the upcoming election.

Do you mind saying where you are from?

As for the flight, make sure you have plenty of distractions. I imagine you'll have access to in flight movies, TV, etc. That was the only thing that helped to pass the time when I flew to Japan.

Also, when you land in customs… don't expect friendly treatment from any of the TSA staff. I'm always embarrassed that dealing with them is one of the first experiences a foreigner has.

@Monkey:

North Carolina isn't close to New England…
Alright maybe from the perspective of a Texan it is? But for most people it's absolutely not.

Raleigh to New Haven is only about a 9 hour drive… that's like Austin to El Paso. Seriously though, I wouldn't make that drive either...

@Monkey:

This reminds me of that time when I was in the South for college and some of my friends took me out on a art project they were doing, taking photos. And they wanted to take photos on train tracks and I was wigging out all like "You never know when a train might come by! No don't step on the tracks! They're electrified!!!" and they looked at me like I was insane…and in Georgia I was I guess.

That's hilarious…

Monkey King

@Vectorkov:

Raleigh to New Haven is only about a 9 hour drive… that's like Austin to El Paso. Seriously though, I wouldn't make that drive either...

I did actually drive from SAVANNAH to Bridgeport within one day lol. It was a crazy sprint involving taking risks with speeding and staying awake near the end.

EDIT: lollll
googled the distance and the road route in the map is hilarious.
A calm normal blue line in the South, and literally as soon as you get to like above Richmond the route is just a centipede made up of road construction/traffic/accident advisories.
[https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=savannah to bridgeport](https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=savannah to bridgeport)

Vectorkov

@Monkey:

I did actually drive from SAVANNAH to Bridgeport within one day lol. It was a crazy sprint involving taking risks with speeding and staying awake near the end.

EDIT: lollll
googled the distance and the road route in the map is hilarious.
A calm normal blue line in the South, and literally as soon as you get to like above Richmond the route is just a centipede made up of road construction/traffic/accident advisories.
[https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=savannah to bridgeport](https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=savannah to bridgeport)

Well done!

For comparison:
http://www.distance-cities.com/search?from=Orange%2C+TX%2C+United+States&to=El+Paso%2C+TX%2C+United+States&country=
http://www.distance-cities.com/distance-savannah-ga-to-bridgeport-ct

Monkey King

@Vectorkov:

Well done!

For comparison:
http://www.distance-cities.com/search?from=Orange%2C+TX%2C+United+States&to=El+Paso%2C+TX%2C+United+States&country=
http://www.distance-cities.com/distance-savannah-ga-to-bridgeport-ct

It's a much better drive the one I did though. From what I know that stretch in Texas is flat and lifeless for the most part (though I think the elevation slowly rises).
Whereas even the Southern part of my drive was more interesting than that. There's very little in the way of major population centers, but you at least have lots of trees, and the chance to observe that South Carolina bares a passing resemblance to an East Bloc nation with black people and humidity…anyway where was I.
Ah yes, so trees and racist Mexican themed tourist traps. Anyway, the Northeast part is pretty cool because you get to drive through the DC metro, literally through Baltimore, and eventually the big one itself and the North Jersey concrete forest and transportation infrastructure jungle. But the traffic and hustle bustle can be a nightmare so I dunno.

That drive in Texas would be like...uh...

Zar

@Monkey:

In the south in an election year. Yeah…please remember this is a specific area you'll be experiencing.

I will. It's still a bit surreal to think that in any other continent, each state would've been it's own country.

@The:

Yeah, that was poorly worded. Nothing to be afraid of really. By careful where you go I just meant like some places there might be areas you just stay out of, like when I was in Cape Town there is one specific street you stay away from. Though in the States if you are going to visit a place you don't usually have to worry about that kind of stuff.

So yeah Zar, don't take my words as if the States is becoming really unstable. I didn't mean to make it sound like that.

Nothing to worry about! I'm not the most adventurous person so I don't think I'll go anywhere I feel unsafe, and I've made it a personal goal to avoid anything involving politics. Not worth the headache.

For now I'm thinking of taking the bus and train (I don't have a driver's licence) and just seeing what's around. Could be anything from shopping centers to museums. Hopefully I can visit some pretty nature spot.

And thanks for the flight tips. Just knowing that I might experience some turbulence will help a lot. Nothing's worse than something unpleasant happening and you don't know if it's serious or normal.

@Vectorkov:

Do you mind saying where you are from?

Sweden.

Vectorkov

@Monkey:

It's a much better drive the one I did though. From what I know that stretch in Texas is flat and lifeless for the most part (though I think the elevation slowly rises).
Whereas even the Southern part of my drive was more interesting than that. There's very little in the way of major population centers, but you at least have lots of trees, and the chance to observe that South Carolina bares a passing resemblance to an East Bloc nation with black people and humidity…anyway where was I.
Ah yes, so trees and racist Mexican themed tourist traps. Anyway, the Northeast part is pretty cool because you get to drive through the DC metro, literally through Baltimore, and eventually the big one itself and the North Jersey concrete forest and transportation infrastructure jungle. But the traffic and hustle bustle can be a nightmare so I dunno.

That drive in Texas would be like...uh...

True, there's nothing exciting about driving through East Texas, Houston, or anywhere in between San Antonio and Houston (assuming you take I-10 all the way). Once you get into the hill country you start to get into some beautiful scenery, elevation changes and nice winding roads. As you head further west you do drive through some empty yet beautiful desert areas that may make you question if you are in an old western. If I was headed that way I would take a detour to Marfa, Terlingua, and Big Bend before heading west again.

With that said, I do need to visit the East Coast one day.

@Zar:

Sweden.

Ok, I don't think you should run into anyone with a bias against Sweden.

Monkey King

@Zar:

For now I'm thinking of taking the bus and train (I don't have a driver's licence) and just seeing what's around. Could be anything from shopping centers to museums. Hopefully I can visit some pretty nature spot.

America doesn't have the best public transportation, in fact it's kinda crap tbh. Trains are not going to be reliable for much of anything where you'll be except big trips. And even then I'm honestly not sure. My region is one of the few where that's not true. And I doubt even our set up would be considered well run to a Swede.

Bus's though, yeah. Pretty sure that's gonna be the way to make most trips. Unless you're thinking of truly farther like California or something. In which case hop on a plane.

Could be anything from shopping centers to museums. Hopefully I can visit some pretty nature spot.

North Carolina from what little I saw is still the pretty areas of the South, before it turns into fetid humid swampland. So you're in luck. But the real luck is the Appalachian mountains are supposed to be insanely gorgeous in the right spots, and NC features part of that in it's far west. There's a small city called Asheville nestled in them that has a bit of a bohemian/hipster reputation even. So if some pretty nature is your thing some mountain hiking around there might really be cool to do.

Though knowing your a nature guy lol, a shame you aren't in the other half of the country where America's nature muscle all is. This east half is pretty modest and tame by comparison. Though if you really DO have any interest in visiting New England for whatever reason, try to make it around October and early November for catching the famous fall. Though the timing varies depending on where.
Since ironically my area would be the easiest for you (closest) I can tell you the best time for fall leaves in southern CT is late October/very early November.

Though heck all things could be helped with you more if we knew roughly where in NC you'll be. Like what city you'll be near.

Zar

This post is deleted!

cooldud

North Carolina? One word. Smokies. If you're there during the autumn, get a rental car and drive up and down Blue Ridge Parkway in November. Appalachian NC is absolutely gorgeous and pretty chill. I miss the time I spent there.

firelord111

today is noroz iranian new year celebration

Earthquake

There are talks about a shinkansen-like train system being built in texas to connect houston and dallas (i think?). The transportation system in the USA is atrocious for sure when compared to japan and europe. It's because of the car culture and the naive idea of individuality in the USA. Lots of opposition from texans because it would ruin their way of life and cause enviromental harm. meanwhile asian and european farmers are doing fine and lol cow methane emission is a big contributor to global warming and rise in co2.

Anyways, I think there are also talks about it on the east coast (probably the most necessary) and also plans of it on the west coast. i think the one from Los angeles to SA was butchered due to politics and funding, but I think the LA to vegas is on its way.

If I had to pick a place in the midwest though ( i hate the south and the midwest) it would probably be texas and NC, charlotte.

I would recommend sticking to the blue states

Femme

@Zar:

It's pretty much been decided that I'll study abroad in North Carolina during fall 2016. Setting the imminent paperwork and nervous stress aside, I'm really looking forward to this. The US is one of the countries I've always wanted to visit. If you have any recommendations for stuff to do in North Carolina (or other states, for that matter), or just general tips for a foreigner/exchange student, I'd love to hear! I'd also love tips for people who are extremely scared of flights. It's my first one, and it being across half the globe isn't going to make it any easier.

I also don't know if this is terrific or terrifying timing, considering the upcoming election.

After a long stretch of not travelling I had taken my first flight in a while about 4 years ago so I did experience fear at first. The scariest parts for me was the actual take off and landing. But once I got used to the loud revving of the turbines and quick lurch you feel when the plane first pulls away at top speed it became easier.

Two things that helped me: you can set your screen to the camera facing forward in front of the plane, so you can anticipate the jolts and bumps you feel while taking off or landing. Also I usually get motion sickness, so taking Gravol kind of eased my worries about being nauseous, and sometimes it made me drowsy enough to fall asleep easily too.

ticklishbear902

I plan to go to Iceland this year https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g189952-d283481-r307705958-Godafoss-Iceland.html

Crossword

So yesterday I went on a daytrip down to New York City. I had been there twice with my dad for the day before, but that was around a decade ago now, and this was the first time I had been in an unfamiliar city by myself. It was fun; I spent the whole day walking around just people-watching and taking in the atmosphere of such a massive and diverse city. I stuck largely to the spine of Broadway and the usual sites (Central Park, Battery Park, the World Trade Center/9-11 memorial, and so forth) since it was my first time there alone. Chelsea and Clinton were my favorite neighborhoods to walk through because they reminded me a little of Boston's North End and waterfront districts, and Central Park was very enjoyable after the jungle of Broadway. Bryant Park as well, because it was a very nice place to just stop and rest my feet after the overwhelming commericalized mob scene that is Times Square (also while I was there I just had to check out Books Kinokuniya given the subject of this forum; I'm kinda glad that English manga volumes aren't that small). The High Line elevated park was also really neat, and I wish that Boston had something similar to that.

The weather was incredibly windy for the first few hours that I was there (seriously, it was like being in a wind tunnel) but over all it was clear and much better than what I was expecting going by the weather forecasts and the almost-blizzard that was wracking Massachusetts and Rhode Island when I was leaving early in the morning. I hope to go back some time when it's a little warmer and tackle the northern half of the city and maybe even Brooklyn or Staten Island.

Yoska

Hello! :) I'm traveling to Japan for the first time. Probably at least a week in Tokyo and then we are going to check out Mt. Futi, Kyoto etc. Any must have restaurants/bars/attractions/things to do you guys can recommend?

Vectorkov

@Yoska:

Hello! :) I'm traveling to Japan for the first time. Probably at least a week in Tokyo and then we are going to check out Mt. Futi, Kyoto etc. Any must have restaurants/bars/attractions/things to do you guys can recommend?

There's almost too many places to list, but I thought this place was really fun: http://www.shinjuku-robot.com

If you go to Kyoto, visit the Fushimi Inari temple at night. It's a surreal experience.