Sins in Saigon
August 18, 2008 | Written by Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo
It began to drizzle when the toothless motorbike man asked to take me home. It was about midday and I had wondered around the city most of the morning finding my way to Reunification Palace, a white square building no more than 7 stories with a retro 1950’s kind-of feel.
A child of the eighties I had a fascination with the Vietnam War, and I couldn’t leave Saigon without finding the places that lit my mind in... [Read more]
Life in Durbar Square, Kathmandu
August 13, 2008 | Written by Carolyn Bonello
My first impressions of Kathmandu were nothing to write home about. Scenes of suicidal drivers hysterically tooting loud horns, buffalos crossing the road and open sewers reeking of stale urine did very little to impress me, as I sat speechless in a rattling tuk tuk, swerving its way through the crowded, chaotic labyrinths of Thamel, Kathmandu.
Even more shocking was the bus station. I was horrified at the scene... [Read more]
Olympics Stabbing in Beijing
August 10, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Several years ago, I took a trip the Davao City in the Philippines. By all accounts, I should not have gone. Davao and Mindanao was considered to be an unsafe place — according to the State Department of the U.S. I think a journalist had been murdered and there was some terrorist activity going on. Whether it was a good or bad decision, I went anyway. I had decided that the likelihood of something diabolical happening... [Read more]
204 Nations, the Olympics
August 8, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I have been watching the parade of nations for the opening of these 2008 Olympic games held in Beijing, China. I enjoy the colorful costumes and the realization that Myanmar sent a team, so did North Korea, Vanuatu, Iraq, Afghanistan, and dozens of other countries where politics, finances and facilities make sportsmanship hard to come by. Some nations sent teams, with as few as one member and without any chance of winning... [Read more]
In The Belum Caves
August 6, 2008 | Written by Srinidhi RV Lakhanigam
It isn’t everyone’s idea of a great way to spend the weekend. Definitely not for the city bred, disco and mall addicted youth. A day’s exploration of one of the longest underground cave systems in the sub-continent, can put off even the most adventurous city dweller. Cold, clammy caves, deep under the earth’s surface, infested by bats and other nasty creatures of the night. Yes, all that, but there’s also a touch... [Read more]
Philippine Beaches with Annie
July 30, 2008 | Written by Wayfarer Digital
Eileen had a moment to catch up with Annie Cuevas of Philippines Tourism for the latest promotions.
I have already been there myself and enjoyed some pretty interesting food, jeepney rides and beautiful islands. Check it out.
As with all of our videos Quicktime 7.0 or better is required to see our great videos in all of there luster. However, we have now added a new feature on ITKT’s home page to allow... [Read more]
Xylophone Madness in Thailand
July 6, 2008 | Written by Wayfarer Digital
At this year’s Thailand Travel Mart in Bangkok, I had the chance to rumble with the pros, jockeying for position, trying to get the best shots of the entertainment provided to tour operators from around the world. In this video, it’s 25 Thai drummers and a lone xylophonist — only in Thailand!
Of course, I have loads to say about Thailand, which can be found on ITKT’s Thailand... [Read more]
A Sip of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country
July 3, 2008 | Written by Cindy Lou Dale
Television news bombards us daily with images of global destruction, famine, disease, and wars. No wonder we despair at the future mankind is forging for itself, one filled with hopelessness and religious fanatics hiding behind guns.
However, what the news does not show is a modified trend amongst the citizens of the world - a transfer from salvation to liberation; a change in mindset and taking responsibility, teaching... [Read more]
Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand
June 25, 2008 | Written by Tara Russell
Having previously lived in China, I had to know what Bangkok’s Chinatown was like. I took the skytrain to Saphan Taksin (the last stop on the Silom line) and then rode the Chao Phraya River Express north to Tha Ratchawong where I could walk into Chinatown. I walked straight off the ferry dock, following the people and the pungent aromas into the heart of the activity. All of Bangkok is congested, but nothing like this.... [Read more]
Taichung Adventure in Taiwan
June 25, 2008 | Written by Amanda Southall
Over a bowl of steaming soup in Taichung, Taiwan, I am tempted to ask my sister about its ingredients. The beef-broth soup was a delicious blend of tofu, chicken, noodles, mushrooms and a few ingredients I could not identify. However, one lesson I had learned during my trip to Taiwan was that nothing ruins a great bowl of soup like finding out the brown chunks I had been eating were actually cow stomach.
Located... [Read more]
More than a Guide
June 16, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I like books. Actually, I love books. I love them compulsively, and rarely have I ever stopped at my local bookstore without coming home with something — much to the chagrin of my hallway and overstuffed bookcases, which are both littered with books. So I when I went to Thailand, I couldn’t fight my compulsive nature and just bring one guide book — I brought four.
Although, they have their pluses... [Read more]
Traditional Dancing in Thailand (video podcast)
June 16, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I was at this year’s Thailand Travel Mart in Bangkok. Among the endless meeting with colleagues around the world, there was some entertainment. Here was the finale of the dinner show featuring me stumbling around the stage while real camera crews from Asia captured the event.
Of course, I ave loads to say about Thailand, which can be found on ITKT’s Thailand... [Read more]
Thailand Thoughts Now That I’m Back
June 11, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Four hours from Bangkok to Taipei and then another twelve hours from Taipei to LAX. My 12 days in Thailand are now over and I am left with loads of great memories and much more to write about. Unfortunately, I did not have much chance to write about the Isan area, the northeast section of Thailand bordering Cambodia and Laos, while I was there so I will be catching up over the next week.
But with Thailand still fresh... [Read more]
Taken for a Ride
June 7, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
“No meter. No meter,” The cab driver told me. I said, “Yes meter.” The cab driver then said “No.” I said next and walked away. Negotiating the fare is often an arduous task in Thailand. The next cabbie pulled up in a green and yellow compact. “Okay, yes meter.” So I got in out in front of the Grand Palace, one of Thailand’s best attractions. We drove ten feet before,... [Read more]
The Thailand Travel Mart
June 5, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I almost forgot why I have been bouncing around Thailand for the last week. I am in Bangkok to participate at the Thailand Travel Mart, a tourism convention filled with buyers, sellers, and media from around the world bent on putting together the best tours and travel news for Southeast Asian countries. The Thailand Travel Mart, or TTM, officially began yesterday. I had the opportunity to sit down with 30 tour operators... [Read more]
Getting Fixed in Bangkok
June 4, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I finally got out into the bust streets of Bangkok this morning before finding an air-conditioned building stop in. The first thing in the building that hit me was the smell. It smelled nice. The lobby was stylish with vibrant colors and tasteful decor. I might say it was a bit on the trendier side of hip. Common rooms had complimentary Internet and water. The atmosphere felt calm and easy. There was a full-service spa... [Read more]
Morning Buddhism in Khuraburi
June 2, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I have written a series of blogs recently about getting the authentic experience while traveling. Here is a little practicing what I preach when I was fortunate enough to have a Thai local help me pay alms to the monks of Khuraburi, Thailand.
Mai knocked on my door at 6:15AM to meet the monks and pay alms (sai-baat in Thai). We walked out into the coolest morning I have yet felt in Thailand to find Khuraburi in full... [Read more]
Seasick on an Elephant
June 1, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
He told me to just step on her neck. It did not sound like a good idea, wouldn’t it hurt her? Then the man reached out for my foot and placed upon her neck motioning me forward.
There I was 12 feet in the air and locked in by a makeshift seatbelt when she began to move. Elephants really don’t move gracefully or swiftly as they did in the cartoon adventures of Dumbo from when I was a kid. They lumber.... [Read more]
Landing in Thailand
May 30, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
2 hours at LAX
13 to Taipei
3 hours at Taipei Airport
4 hours to Bangkok
2 hours in Bangkok
1 hour to Phuket
1.5 hours to Sarojin Resort.
28.5 hours later I can hardly think, but have arrived safe and sound in Khoa Lak and hour and a half outside of Phuket. It sounds far worse than it is and the food on EVA is pretty good.
While I have little distance to what I have seen... [Read more]
That Mumbai Magic
May 17, 2008 | Written by Mamta Murthy
They say, if a person comes to Mumbai and stays for a while, the city grows on the person so much that you can take the person out of Mumbai but cannot take Mumbai out of the person.
It has surely worked on me. When I came to this city a few years ago, I was a complete stranger to it. I was homesick shortly after I arrived in the Mumbai. Today, I feel homesick when I am away from the city, even if for a few days.
Mumbai,... [Read more]
Tragedy in Myanmar
May 16, 2008 | Written by Devin Galaudet
I never want to write about thing like this, but with recent natural disasters it is a good opportunity to feel grateful for what I have and know that there are good people trying to make a difference. While I have not heard a word yet from anyone in China, I have gotten some news to pass along from Myanmar.
Here is the following report from Myanmar Marketing Committee.
MMC Updates on Tourism Infrastructure... [Read more]
Lumbini: the Buddhist Mecca
May 3, 2008 | Written by Srinidhi RV Lakhanigam
It was my long standing desire to ride across the snowy Himalayan ranges on my motorcycle and after a long time of planning holidays, finances and logistics, I was well on my way towards the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. I rode my bike into Sanauli village in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populated state on the busy Indo-Nepal border. Though a small, largely underdeveloped one-street town, Sanauli offers all the services... [Read more]
Mongolia at a glance
April 20, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
Mongolia at a glance
Area: 1,564,100 km2, 17th largest country in the world, three-times the size of France, seven-times the size of England
Population: 2,754,314 (as of 2006)
Density: 1.6 people per km2
Landscape: Desert, steppe, alpine, taiga
Average altitude: 1.6 meters above sea level
Climate: Extreme continental climate with four distinct seasons, ~ +20°C in summer, ~ -24°C... [Read more]
India’s Culinary Tours (video podcast)
April 4, 2008 | Written by Wayfarer Digital
Ah the lentil bean. Eileen has a chat with Sunil Trehan of Easy Tours of India at the Los Angeles Times Adventures in Travel Expo. Sunil specializes in all types of travel in India, today we focused on food — some of my favorite! I was surprised by Sunil’s final answer, but that’s what I had for dinner last night.
Remember, with all our videos presentations have quicktime 7.0 or better installed... [Read more]
Rick Steves on ITKT (video podcast)
March 13, 2008 | Written by Wayfarer Digital
Our own lovely and beguiling Eileen caught up with Rick Steves for a few thoughts on traveling in Europe and one of his favorite destinations in the world at the Los Angeles Times Adventure and Travel Expo. Rick is the author of numerous travel guides, is a radio and television personality and also offers tour opportunities for travelers interested in Europe.
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