1 comments about Culture Shock! Mauritius (Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette).

1. I have found that Culture Shock: Mauritius is a great resource for those visitors to Mauritius who are actually living in the country, rather than just visiting the touristy sites. There are very important local customs and traditions to be aware of that are discussed in detail in this book that are only skimmed over in the common tourist guides. While the other guidebooks help you find your way to the beach and which hotels to stay in, Culture Shock goes a great deal further in dealing with people. Mauritians have a great deal to offer in their multiculturalism, but without a book like Culture Shock, it may be difficult to understand how the cultures come together. The book gives advice for numerous social and business situations, as well as advice for living and getting around the country. In general the book has been fairly easy to read -- enjoyable and interesting before arriving to Mauritius, and helpful as a reference and to re-read after settling on the island.

   I have felt that there are a few things the book is a bit in lacking -- it could include a bit more of the touristy options and in some parts seems a few years outdated, but in general the advice has proved very helpful, in very different situations. Roselin Lum has done a good job of balancing the different ethnic groups, and explaining their places within the country. Her book, though best for people who plan to stay significant time periods in Mauritius, would also be extremely useful for a short-term visitor who wants to understand more about the people they will meet. For a country known for its beaches, Mauritius has a lot to offer due to its multicultural composition. Lum's book lays a significant groundwork for making lasting contacts while in Mauritius.

No comments about Excursions in the Interior of Russia: Including Sketches of the Character and Policy of the Emperor Nicholas, Scenes in St. Petersburg, &c.. Volume 2.

No comments about Egypt (Exploring Countries of the Wor).

3 comments about East Africa Handbook 2000.

1. very helpful and easy to use guide. worth every cent.



2. This book has a lot of information. Amazing how many hotel and restaurants are listed, broken down by price. There are even descriptions of what type of food to expect. I love the history inserts throughout the book. I appreciate the author being forthright regarding health, safety and how to respect the local authorities. Well worth the money.



3. It's not that this book is so bad, it's simply that it isn't worth the superlatives heaped on it by the other reviewers.
   Although it is nice enough, it simply wasn't practical for bare-knuckle travelling. Having left behind the much more detailed (and therefore more informative) Bradt guides for Uganda, Ethiopia and Zanzibar (yeah, shame on me for being such a fool), I purchased this last minute substitute in an airport enroute.
   It was a pleasant read, but not very helpful in trying to determined the easiest, cheapest or most enjoyable mode of transport from point A to point B - whether that was from town to town, or from airport to sleeping accomodations.
   Some of the information was dreastically out-of-date (though that can happen with any guidebook that is not current) and the price informaiton was annoying. I much prefer seeing the prices next to the listing rather than go searching for some cost index table to decode each country's living expenses.
   The thing I found most objectionable were the difficult-to-manuever maps.
   The Bradt guides get my thumbs up recommendation. I am not a fan of Lonely Plant, but I have to concede that even their guide is superior to this book in terms of a practical travel aid.

No comments about Excursions in the Interior of Russia: Including Sketches of the Character and Policy of the Emperor Nicholas, Scenes in St. Petersburg, &c.. Volume 1.

2 comments about Dreaming of Africa.

1. This book stands out for two reasons.

   First, if you've ever been in the east African wilderness--safari country--the tone of this book will really take you back. The artist/author has captured the intangible awe of the place in a way that makes you know you're looking at the work of a great artist.

   Second, the construction of the book respects the quality of the artwork inside it. The paper is beautiful, thick, and textured; the design is tasteful; the cloth cover and box are perfect for keeping the book for years to come.

   This book is a treat, a piece of Africa that will remind me of the land I love.




2. I have never seen anything like this book. I traveled to Africa on safari some years ago and this is the first book to capture my impression of the place. Unlike the documentary photographic books available of wildlife, this artist has managed to illustrate the surreal sense one experiences on these kinds of visits to this wonderful continent. The format makes it a collector's edition; anyone who has ever been on safari or wants to go on one from his/her living room cannot be without this extraordinary art piece and voyage.

No comments about The Melanesians: Studies in Their Anthropology and Folk-Lore.

No comments about Two Years before the Mast: A Sailor's Life at Sea.

No comments about Portrait of Kenya.

2 comments about The Frozen Leopard: Hunting My Dark Heart in Africa (Destinations).

1. This is the autobiographical story of a writer in the depths of grief for his sister's death, and depression, who feels the answer lies in Africa. So he packs up himself, his daughter, and his wife (CBS's Lesley Stahl) and heads off to safari in Africa.
   He gives a vivid and insightful description of his own internal and external journeys. Along the way he meets some of the giants of research in Africa (Craig Sholley's work with gorillas, Cynthia Moss with elephants, Richard Leakey with early man), and reports their insights into their work and the significance of Africa to each of us.
   This out-of-stock book is well worth searching out at your library or book dealer.



2. The Kirkus review is unfair and off-the-mark.
   This is the autobiographical story of writer Aaron Latham in the depths of grief for his sister's death, and depression, who feels the answer lies in Africa. So he packs up himself, his daughter, and his wife (CBS's Lesley Stahl) and heads off to safari in Africa.
   He gives a vivid and insightful description of his own internal and external journeys. Along the way he meets some of the giants of research in Africa (Craig Sholley's work with gorillas, Cynthia Moss with elephants, Richard Leakey with early man), and reports their insights into their work and the significance of Africa to each of us.
   This out-of-stock book is well worth searching out at your library or book dealer.