Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Oh the Places You'll go for a Good Cup of Joe. Photo by Umers30 on Flickr.

Hardly able to crack a smile before noon without coffee? Of the opinion that Nescafe is probably better for paving roads than human consumption? Willing to travel anywhere in the world to find a good cup?

If this describes you or a loved one… don’t worry. There is a vacation solution.

Whether you’re a java connoisseur or a simple devotee to the morning routine, there are places in the world that true coffee lovers simply must go to get their fix. Maybe your next vacation will take you to the coffee plantations of Asia or have you yelling out your order at a vicious espresso bar. I can assure you though, if you book your next vacation to one of these spots, you won’t be drinking instant:

1. To Nature (Indonesia): The famed Civet Coffee is primarily produced in Indonesia. Not familiar? Civet Coffee is made from a bean collected from the stool of the Civet monkey, then (thoroughly washed, I hope) and processed into one of the crappiest (haha), most expensive cups of coffee you’ll ever drink.
2. To the Farm (Hawaii): Hawaii has one of the best set-ups for coffee tourists. From the Kona Historical Society to the farms themselves, you can have an informative vacation full of bean-related information.
3. To the Table (Italy): If you’ve never had practice elbowing your way in and yelling out an order, perhaps 8 o’clock in the morning is not the time to try. Things can get aggressive at the Italian coffee bar, but they sure do take their brew seriously. Don’t expect any under frothed cappuccinos or non-fat lattes here. Your options are simple, straight forward, and absolutely delicious.
4. To the Jungle (Costa Rica): The fertile tropical rain forests of Costa Rica have produced some of the world’s finest coffee for centuries since the bean was introduced from Ethiopia in 1779. Follow the production process from planting to brewing where your tastebuds will discover why coffee is among Costa Rica’s top exports. (Take a Costa Rica coffee tour)
5. To a New Take (Turkey): Though its origins are in the 15th century, Turkish coffee might be new to many Western coffee drinkers. The preparation method in a pot (cezve) is perhaps the most interesting part, but the unmistakable clove flavor makes for a completely different take on classic coffee.

Where did you drink your best cup of coffee? Tell us about it on Facebook or in the comments section below! (Can’t see the comments? Click here to link to the full story: Oh the Places You’ll Go for A Good Cup of Joe: Coffee Vacations)

"...Counting Cows as I Drift Off to Sleep." Photo courtesy of public-domain-image.com

Despite my professed apathy for a straight cup of cow milk, I truly love cheese, ice cream, yogurt and all other milk byproducts. That’s what made my transition to the travelers diet quite heartbreaking. In spite of spicy noodles, savory stews and tangy stir-fries, I couldn’t stop thinking… where’s the cheese?

October 20th, 2011 - Indonesia: “…Amazing! I love Asian food. Dumplings, sate, and fried rice galore. Saw some American guys eating hamburgers at McDonalds… heh. What a cop out! I could eat this kind of food forever.”

January 3rd, 2012 - Thailand: “…I’m slipping. I have reverted to my old ways of yogurt and cereal for breakfast even though it has nearly doubled my daily food budget. Yesterday, I bought a block of cheese that tasted more like salted plastic and grass than cheese–I ate it anyway. My idea of a diet is only having one Chocolate Royale cone a day. I also ate from a block of goat feta that my friend’s family carried to Thailand in a suitcase on a 17 hour flight. Desperate times have already fallen, and 10 months remain.”

April 27th, 2012 - India: “…Paneer is cheese! But it’s spongy and wet. Hmm… this isn’t too much like cheese after all. Where’s the cured cheese? The ice cream is usually freezer burned and the yogurt sits in unrefridgerated pyramids with the excess dripping down the bottles… I tried my luck with the ice cream. I got sick. I guess now I really have to wait”

June 30th, 2012 - Israel: “Yogurt and spreadable cheese wedges! Ice cream is still outlandish, but I think we’re definitely moving back into milking territory. Staying with a family friend that buys REAL cheese. Life couldn’t be better.”

August 8th, 2012 - Spain: “Milk, gelato and cheese, woohoo! Cream soup, cream cheese, cream sauce, oh no. I think I’m going to be sick.”

October 20th, 2012 (Prediction) - USA: “Checking out at the grocery store with a cart full of ingredients to make Pad Thai… my bottle of fish sauce costs three times more than my block of swiss cheese. Oh, how things change.”

Alright, foodies. What food do you miss the most when you travel? Give me your most vivid description in the comments below or on Facebook. (Can’t see the comments below? Click here for the link: Dairy Diaries of an International Traveler)

The Streets of New Delhi, India. Photo by Author.

Traveling in India is as taxing as it is inspiring, as frustrating as it is easy, and as intriguing as it is overwhelming. Laden with a deep culture that cannot be observed and that is never talked about, its hard to understand what’s going on around you as a traveler in India. So how do you get to the bottom of it? Read!

Indian authors with experience abroad or expats that have spent years in India are often best able to convey these complex themes in the form of literature. Whether you’re about to embark on a journey to India, have always wanted to, or are simply looking for a good read, here are 5 books about India for you to dive into:

1. The White Tiger - by Aravind Adiga: The White Tiger is a tragic yet humorous tale of one boy’s rise in India’s impenetrable social hierarchy through hard work, perseverance, and… murder.
2. The God of Small Things – by Arundhati Roy: In The God of Small Things, the author sheds light on the country’s adoration of Western values through the story of one Indian family. The novel traces the evolution of the family structure as the family grows apart after a tremendous loss.
3. Life of Pi - by Yann Martel: The son of a zookeeper is set adrift on a life raft with wild animals when their trans-oceanic ship sinks. Though the majority of the story is set at sea, the reader is exposed to various elements of Indian culture through stories from the protagonist’s childhood in India and how life circumstances changed.
4. Holy Cow! - by Sarah Macdonald: A cynical recount of one young woman’s return to India after a miserable Indian backpacking experience in her youth, Holy Cow is interesting if not the most serious of reads. While the tone is often sardonic and a bit harsh, Macdonald doesn’t hide any of the details or critiques of modern India.
5. Shantaram - by Gregory Roberts: Shantaram depicts one man’s moral development in India after escaping from an Australian prison. This book is SUCH a page turner that it won’t take you as long as you’d think to read its 900+ pages.

Have any great books about India to recommend to other travelers? Tell us about them in the comments section below or on Facebook! (Click here if you can’t see the comments: Trying to Understand India: 5 Best Books about India)

Baking cookies is also in the job description. Photo by author.

Puppet shows, hair braiding sessions, and sing-alongs are all in a day’s work. I feel like I’m living the life of a modern day Maria… Maria Von Trapp, that is.

I’m an au pair for three little girls in Spain, but I feel more like a very involved big sister. What else do I do? I hang out at the pool, enjoy Spanish style three course meals, and create far more crafts than the average twenty three year old. I also help with English homework and speak English while playing pretend and reading aloud. I spend my days living in and learning about Spanish culture, my evenings taking a language course, and my weekends exploring a foreign city.

Who knew this was a job?

What is Au Pairing? Au pairing is a cultural and language exchange for young adults. In exchange for board, lodging and a small weekly stipend, the au pair helps the family with childcare and light household tasks. Au pairing is not the same as nannying or housekeeping.

Who Should Be an Au Pair? Becoming an au pair is a great opportunity for young people to learn another language and experience another country through living with a local family. Au pairs should be kid loving, patient, open minded, willing to teach their native language, and relatively free of additional financial responsibilities. 

Where Can I Au Pair? There are families seeking au pairs in nearly every country in the world. While the hours, pay, and responsibilities vary slightly and the experience varies significantly, you can work as an au pair almost anywhere. Check out some of the listings on Au Pair World.

Why Should I Au Pair? If you want to live abroad, gain childcare experience, or study a foreign language in-country, there is hardly a more affordable option. Along with valuable life skills, you learn a lot about how real families function around the world, and it can be a great experience to fully integrate yourself into another lifestyle for a period of time.

What are your thoughts on this kind of cultural exchange? Do you have any questions? Have you ever done anything like this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! (Click here if you cannot see the comments: Au Pairing Abroad)

To Shake, or not to Shake? Photo from photozoujp.com

If you’re more comfortable with the distant wave or firm handshake, traveling often requires you to get closer and more personal with people you meet along the way. I am, of course, talking about cross-cultural greetings. A cheek kiss or a bow feels a bit unnatural and rigid at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be initiating kisses and nodding first to new friends without looking awkward. Though the greetings vary significantly depending on the familiarity and formality of the setting, you have to start somewhere. Whether for work, travel, or fun at home, here’s a brief guide to international greetings:

Greetings in Asia: While the bow varies in style from country to country, it is a very typical greeting throughout Asia. How do you bow? Well, the Thai wai looks best with elbows in to your sides and your hands just below your chin, and the Japanese ojigi is typically a bend initiated at the waist rather than at the hips. It seems simple, but I’ve found the bow to be one of the more difficult greetings to master. It’s probably worth asking a local friend for some tips.

Greetings in Europe: Europeans love their kisses–sometimes just one, sometimes three, some beginning on the left cheek, and others on the right. Typically, its more of a cheek to cheek touch with a “smooch” sound rather than a drooly lip plant on your new friends cheek. Spain’s two cheek kisses usually go from right to left while the faire la bise varies in number by city.The best guide to European kissing is to just watch it happen in the streets a few times, then go for it.

Greetings in North America: North Americans are well-known for their excessive grins and firm handshakes. There are entire books on the art of the perfect handshake, but here’s a quick overview United States handshake rules: always use your right hand, apply enough pressure, make eye contact, and don’t let it linger too long. My advice is to practice it on a few people, feel their grip, and try to apply it on your own shake.

Greetings in South America: Many countries in South America have a visibly touchy culture, so it only makes sense that the greetings would be a hug and a kiss. Typically, Argentinians give one kiss on the cheek, while Brazilians give between one and two kisses depending on the region. As always, watch and learn, then go for it.

Ever had an awkward greeting abroad? Tell us about it on Facebook or in the comments section below! (Click here if you can’t see comments: French Kissing and Other Casual Greetings)

Photo courtesy of Cachemania

Are you still a Muggle? Or have you caught the Geocaching bug yet?

Geocaching seems to be everywhere. Literally everywhere. Currently there are over 1.8 million locations worldwide and that number is growing daily. I kept hearing about geocaching but wasn’t sure what it was so I decided it was time to do some investigating into this new pastime.

In a nutshell, geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game for adventure seekers of all ages around the world. Players have hidden millions of “caches” for you to find literally in every corner of the world. A cache is a small container (not always small – they do vary in size) which contains a log sheet for you to record your team’s arrival and the date that you found the cache.  If the cache is big enough it may contain a small treasure. You may take the treasure as long as you trade it for something that you have brought with you of equal or greater value.

Players find the hidden caches by using GPS coordinates and often additional clues to narrow the search further at the location. With a GPS unit or GPS enabled smart phone players navigate their “team” to the hidden spots and try to locate the cache. A team can be one or more people – it’s totally up to you.

Once you locate the cache in its secret hiding spot, you put it back exactly where you found it for the next team to discover and leave a note online for the cache owner detailing your visit for them and future visitors to read about. You can also leave notes indicating if you could not find it, if the cache needs maintenance or anything else that might help future players.

And the best part? It’s free. You can sign up for a free account on geocaching.com,  create a user name and start locating treasure near your current coordinates (there is also a premium service available for a fee).

Keep in mind that you definitely need a GPS enabled device. I also decided to download the Geocaching App for my phone and that made things super easy on the go but it’s not mandatory. As a novice player, I would also recommend tennis or hiking shoes (no flip flops!), bug spray, a pencil and maybe even a hat as you are definitely outside and some of the terrain may require you to tromp off trail. We have also learned to read the description of the cache you are seeking carefully as some are out in the open and easy to find making them great for younger seekers and others may require that you hike off trail or though difficult terrain which make them a better fit for those without small children.

You can also plan a trip using geocaching to break it up along the way. So far my family has found caches along a roadtrip we have taken though the middle of America to great success and new experiences. Kids and adults have both enjoyed the “game” as we have played it. It’s a nice way to see your own destination in a new way or experience a destination in a way you may not have expected. You may also meet other players along the way which is a great additional benefit we have discovered.

Have you tried Geocaching yet? What’s the most unique cache you have found so far? Share your experiences in the comments below or on the Gray Line Facebook page. (Click here if you can’t see comments: Geocaching Fever)

The Raj Mandir Theater. Photo Taken by Paula Anderson, friend of Author.

It’s glitzy, glamorous, and rhymes with Hollywood… it’s the very dramatic, very Indian, and very fabulous Bollywood!

After a hectic venture to the train station, we arrived at the infamous, enormous Raj Mandir Theater in Jaipur, India for a screening of House Full II. Though we may not have been in the actual Bollywood, the big screen and buzzing crowd was enough to make it feel like the real deal.

We bought snacks of Samosas, lemon sodas, and chocolate bars. When I asked if he had change for a 100 rupee bill in the changeless Jaipur, he responded “No Problem!”, yet administered my 5 rupees change in the form of cheap candy. Oh well…

The lights faded in the lobby 15 minutes before the screening and the illuminated theater revealed a crowd dawning silk saris and traditional tunics. We slid into a row amongst Indian teenagers and families, and by the number of stares, soon recognized that we were the only foreigners at this screening. We found refuge from the attention as the lights dimmed, but then the true ridiculousness began.

Imagine a story of trickery and deception encompassed in an extravagant display of physical comedy, enormous group dance numbers and a Hinglish script.

The Big Twist Revealed at the Wedding. Photo by Friend of Author.

We were able to work out the bits about an arranged engagement that sours when the man finds a new woman to love. Then, in attempt to seek revenge on another family, a series of staged engagements converge on an island, in a house divided, and eventually in a palace for a wacky yet tremendous eight person Bollywood wedding.

Don’t get it? Probably because even after watching it, the movie made just enough sense to be terribly confusing.

Though the finer details of the twisted plot were lost in translation, plenty of drama, some shoddy special effects and the occasional English “What have you done?!” served as an illuminated walkway to eventual understanding.

So my very first venture to a Bollywood film was altogether better than expected. It was crazy but genuinely funny, well produced, and filled with elaborate song-and-dance numbers that were as catchy as the slightly modified Western originals.

Only the truly stoic could have left without breaking a smile and that’s more than I can say about most Hollywood romantic comedies.

Not interested in going to a Bollywood movie anytime soon? You can also check out some of the wacky movies coming out of the enormous cinema industries of the United States (Hollywood), Nigeria (Nollywood), Indonesia, Hong Kong & Egypt.

Have you ever had a funny experience in a foreign movie theater? Let me know in the comments below! (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Raj Mandir and Mid-Day Adventures with Bollywood)

Author at the Taj Mahal with Some New Friends

I’ve been traveling abroad for a year and haven’t seen my family for months, yet it seems like I’ve posed for more family photos than ever.

“How?” you might ask?

Well… excluding the family Christmas Card with my face Skyped in, my ‘family’ photos have been taken with other people’s families–Indian families, Thai families, Indonesian families. You name an Asian nationality and I probably have a family portrait. Not to mention the hundreds of shots with flirtatious youngsters, silly girls and enthusiastic old fellows.

Initially this phenomenon was amusing. While my friend and I scaled the stairs of Borobudur in Indonesia, we were accosted by a giggly group of school girls and asked for a photo. I thought it was just because my male companion was handsome, but soon, one photo turned into a photo shoot with every person in the place. By the end of the day, I found myself ducking behind ruins to catch a look at the temple without being pulled into a photograph.

Author at Borobodur

I suppose I was a little less surprised when the same thing continued to happen throughout Asia– at Bangkok’s Grand Palace, at Agra’s Taj Mahal, at the temples of Bagan in Myanmar. No matter how spectacular the background, it seemed like my American friends and I were the preferred subject of people’s photographs.

Author at Amber Fort

Closely zoomed shots of our faces cut off entire pillars or cropped out Buddha’s head or omitted the family’s youngest son. Arms were slung around our shoulders and handshakes were given simply for the photo opportunity. Within the snap of a shutter we had suddenly become the fictional “English friend” or “the Canadian girls that I hung out with” of the beholder for years to come.

I didn’t get it. Why would they want a picture of some random girls? Do they show to their friends? Frame them? Put them in family albums? Show their grandkids?

…

Today I was flipping through years of photos in my iPhoto library–through albums overflowing with memories of friends, places traveled and family gatherings. But then, there were also my “artsy photos”… photos of boys playing soccer in Ghana, the aged face of my fortune teller in Hong Kong, and fruit vendors dispensing mangoes in Jakarta. People going about their daily life and me capturing it with my DSLR to look at later on– in frames hanging on the walls to show my friends and grandkids (someday).

And for the first time, I realized how weird it must seem to the subjects of my photographs that I want a picture of them doing… well… nothing in particular.

After this realization, I don’t think I can resist it anymore. In fact, I think I owe it too all the photo happy tourists to offer up my smiling face for photos if they want it.

I guess I had it coming all along. So, here’s my travel photo pledge of good will: As long as I shoot, I consent to be shot. EVEN if it means I become the imaginary “American girlfriend” of a Punjabi man I hardly know.

Have any funny “family” photos from your trips abroad? Where were they? (Click here if you can’t see Facebook comments: Posing for Other People’s Family Photos)

Image Provided by Flickr Lali Masriera

I have received a record number of wedding invites this year, which can only mean three things – I’m getting old, I will soon be broke and it’s wedding season! Love is most definitely in the air. While I myself am not getting married, I have to admit I cannot help but think about what my own wedding would be like. My thoughts range from the food that will be served, the flavor of the cake, the dress (obv), and (drum roll please) the honeymoon! Ok, so based on those topics, maybe I just want to have a great meal in a beautiful dress while on a beach – the wedding can wait. For those of you who are preparing for your upcoming nuptials but are not quite sure where to go for your honeymoon, here are a few ideas to get you started:

According to the travelchannel.com, some of this year’s Top Honeymoon Hot Spots for 2012 include Botswana, Bali, the Virgin Islands, Italy, Mexico, and Greece. Although I have to say this unique list of Honeymoon Choices for 2012 caught my attention which includes Croatia, Mozambique, Boracay, and Buenos Aires to name a few. As much as I love laying around and being a bum while I’m at home, I prefer to be as active as possible while traveling. I’m sure my hypothetical honeymoon would be much the same!

Here are some exciting things to do in a few of the countries listed above:

1. Bali, Indonesia: Definitely spend some quality time on the beach, but then get out and about. Here’s a list of a wide variety of Bali tours available to satisfy your travel dreams, be they cultural, leisurely or adventurous! You can enjoy the beauty of Kintamani while experiencing two forms of traditional Balinese dance, go white water rafting on the Ayung River, or my personal favorite, ride an elephant ride through the countryside!
2. Mozambique: For an easy, comprehensive guide to Mozambique, Lonely Planet is the place to turn to. They have created an itinerary for a 14 day vacation to ensure that you don’t miss a thing. Go fishing on Lake Chicamba and you are likely to spend your day checking out the Zebras that tend to hang around. Go on a game drive at Kruger National Park for a chance to see the famous “big five” animals: lions, elephants (my favorite!), leopards, cape buffalos, and rhinoceros. And when you’re tired of adventure, kick your feet up in Vilankulo, a paradise that promises glistening sandy beaches and gorgeous coral reefs.
3. Boracay, Philippines: Did you know that Bulabog Beach in Boracay is known for being the best kitesurfing destination in Asia? You do now! This island in the Philippines has so much to offer and is said to rival the best beaches in the Caribbean. Which is OK, I mean, if you are into that sort of thing. Check out White Beach, Puka Beach, Baling Beach, and after you’ve had too much sun, escape into the Bat Cave. Not to be confused with Batman’s lair, but it is home to insectivorous bats.

OK that’s all for now. Now go, get married… or dream about getting married! What would your dream honeymoon look like? Let us know in the comments below! I know you think about it, if you didn’t, Pinterest wouldn’t exist… just sayin. And if you’re already married and want to brag about your amazing honeymoon, tell us what you did! (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Honeymoon Ideas in Time for Wedding Season)

Two Dancers Perform the Kecak Dance in Ubud, Indonesia. Photo by Author.

I’ve never been much of a beach lover. While others seem to enjoy hours upon days of sun and waves, I have about 2 hours of stamina before I’m burned out on my salty-sandy state. I really just go for the company… and maybe a piña colada or two…

I know it sounds blasphemous to say, but after a day at Uluwatu– the Balinese surfer’s paradise– I was a little beached out. Luckily for people like me (I know you’re out there!) there are so many more things to do in Bali than simply beach bum.

Hundreds of years of water-locked culture have evolved into a fascinating art and music scene that make this Southeast Asian destination stand apart from the rest.

• Balinese Dance: A choir of voices clicking rhythmically creates an unmistakably musical soundtrack for the Kecak Dance. Amongst fire torches, lavishly costumed dancers recreate the story of the Hindu god Rama through emotional gestures and deliberate steps. The Kecak, amongst other Balinese dance performances, makes your annual trip to see the Nutcracker seem like yesterday’s stale bread, so if you have any interest in the tradition of Bali, a glimpse at Balinese dance is essential.
• Traditional Art: Whether you have a trained eye or are simply intrigued by the stunning sarongs and elaborate wooden statues around town, you have to make a trip to an art workshop during your trip to Bali. Batik, woodcarving, and silver craft are among the many traditional art forms that are thriving on the island. You can watch artists work for free at one of the many factories as long as you’re willing to at least browse the gallery when you’re finished.
  

  Making Beads at the Silver Shop. Photo by Author.

• Local Music: The islandy influence has made modern Balinese music a combination of reggae and mellow rock. Look for restaurants featuring live musicians for a casual sampling of local rhythms or spend an evening at a concert for a bit of Balinese culture. If you’re feeling especially inspired by the island breeze, join in on a beach jam session or sing along with the band after the bar closes to covers of Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers–songs that feel so much more inspiring by the sea.
• Contemporary Art: Indonesia has a surprising presence of modern art forms created by young people straying from the traditional variety. Often, art schools will hold exhibitions where you can check out the artistic perspective of Southeast Asian youths through funky batiks or abstract sculptures. Also, keep an eye out for cafes and restaurants that feature the work of local artists for a bit of culture while taking your morning coffee.

Whether or not you’re tired of the beach, the unique cultural offerings of Bali are wonders no traveler should miss! The enriching artistic side of Bali spills out as far as the sand and you’ve gotta see it to believe it, whether formally or more casually.

So wipe off that sand, put that sundress back on and dig into Balinese culture! If you’re feeling inspired, check out some of these great tours of Bali with Gray Line.

Whats your favorite way to escape the beach? (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Beached Out in Bali? Get Artsy)