5 comments about Waterproof Iceland Map by ITMB (Travel Reference Map) (Travel Reference Map).

1. I really like this map. I wanted a good road map to help us circle the island by car in the week that we will be there on vacation. It is large, has excellent detail and even has some hiking trails on it. Major sight-seeing and "must see" attractions are idicated as well. I recommend it.



2. This map was OK - lacking detail, but all right if you just want a basic, comprehensive overview. I drove about half the Ring Road - but ended up relying far more on the free maps from the rental car company, tourist info centers, gas stations, etc.
   
   But note: Even if it's not this one, you'll definitely want a good road map for the trip. Don't leave home without. (Price will be double in Iceland.)



3. The map was described as waterproof, which maybe it is, but i was expecting something more plastic and durable. This is still a paper map. Otherwise, the map looks great in terms of a resource for traveling around Iceland.



4. Map looks good and quite detailed. Am taking my trip in August so will see how accurate it is on the F roads! Map is not plastic covered as anticipated. By waterproof I think they mean that it will not disintegrate, but may still tear.



5. i purchased this map to plan photographic trips around Iceland. This maps shows everything that is needed for a road map. It shows major and minor roads along with icons for waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, and much more. Another feature I really liked is that the map shows the regions of Iceland that can make it easier to find something. The only downfall of the map is that it started to tear on the creased from using is so much. I would've thought that a map stating that it is waterproof would be made of a more durable paper.

5 comments about Molvania: A Land Untouched By Modern Dentistry (Jetlag Travel Guide).

1. "Molvania" is reported by some to be the inspiration for the movie "Borat" - plausible, because there are similarities. Nonetheless, it is clear that "Molvania" itself was inspired as a parody of Fodor's Travel Guides. Included are the usual sections on History, Geography, Religion, How to Get Around, Where to Stay, etc. Every section is replete with jokes, and overall almost makes one want to go to Movania. Unfortunately, Molvania doesn't exist, at least according to my globe and the Internet. (On the other hand, where is the Internet?)



2. A friend showed me one of the books in this series (Phaic-Tan) and it was such a riot that I ordered it as well as others in the series the same day. This is a strange planet, where some countries can send people to the moon and back, and other peoples are still living in the Stone Age, with a whole lot of humanity somewhere in between. That makes for a lot of potential sarcastic humor, which is what we see in these guidebooks to countries that do not actually exist. Humanity, laugh at yourself! If you have ever travelled in the Second or Third World much, a lot of these creative sketches will make it possible to grin over what may have been a painful or frustrating experience at the time. The books are fun... although I sometimes wondered if they were not perhaps made up by escaped creative writers from Monty Python's Flying Circus.



3. A must for all who have experienced in Eastern Europe in the nineties. A sort of mix of experiences from CZ, Poland and the likes. You wonder wether the authors were not sitting at the next door table at Radost.



4. Molvania is one of series of fake travel guides. This one focusing on the fictitious Eastern European country of Molvania.
   
   In "the land untouched by modern dentistry" you can figure out what hotel to stay at, the wonderous historical sites, and the restauarnts and public transports. In the style of Fodors guide, it attempts to even make this disaster of a country sound wonderful.
   
   It is a bit of a one-joke book and a hair repetitive, but the detail in book is really amazing and gives it the perfect feel.
   
   To the few people who were "offended" by the book and considered it discriminatory, I think "what part of parody don't you understand?" comes into play. If you're so tight you won't get the joke, by all means leave this on the shelf. Otherwise, you'll enjoy the detail and depth of the planning of your Molvanian trip.



5. Funny, it is. This is good light reading. You can put it down easily and pick it again later. However, this is pretty much the same joke, over and over. It gets tiring after a short while.

5 comments about Frommer's Sicily (Frommer's Complete).

1. The color fold-out map was useful in my journeys to Sicily's many historical sites and architectural monuments. This guide is all I needed in Sicily and covered all of my top destinations, including Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, and more!



2. I had this guide as a back-up to my conventional choice of DK Eyewitness. DK let me down completely, and I had to rely on Frommer - and boy was I lucky I bought this book.

   You may argue with the style of writing (for many, it is too patronizing and too prescriptive), but you cannot argue that they have done their reserch and then some more. If you are on a mission to set the world straight and if everything smelling of America appals you, you will not like it: Lonely Planet will make you happier. However, if you seek reliable information for your trip and generously extensive descriptions, Frommer's is your guide.

   Good maps, and detailed (if very personal) descriptions for lodging and restaurants. Practical info is as good as you can get in often unpredictable and laid-back Italian south. Info about driving in Italy is honest. Writing style is lively and positive; you get overall sense of authors enjoying themselves and really being in love with the island.

   This is Frommer's first guide to Sicily, and first guides are not always very strong - but this one is definitely a major success.

   Frommer's does not often come as top of the list in my guidebook recommendations, but this is one occasion where it does so with flying colors.




3. A nice book about Sicilly, with almost all information one may need. But for a multimedia savvy reader the layout of this book is a bit boring and drab.
   
   I am planning to make a boat trip to several destinations like Malta and Tunisia. One of the major port one will arrive taking ferry from Malta on Sicilly is Pozzallo, hardly mentioned at all in the book. This book is a bit too rigid in the travel framework it has laid for itself.



4. I had visited Sicily several times but the Frommer's Sicily (Frommer's Complete) has given me a new insight to areas and things to do in Sicily.
   Congratulations !
   
   I recall my first Frommer's book was Europe on 10 Dollars a Day !!!!!!



5. This book is a real let down.
   The suggested itineraries are absurd. The one week itinerary actually suggests that you try to visit the whole island in one week, which would involve you spending most of your time in the car!
   
   Most of the recomended best beaches are a bunch of flat, crowded, over-developed boring beaches next to the big cities. When actually Sicily is full of beautiful picturesque beaches set amongst interesting rocky cliffs off the beaten track.
   
   Furthermore, it seems that the writer never even visted the west side of the island. There is only 18 pages on the west side of the island, and the Egadi Islands are not even mentioned.
   
   I would not recomend this book, especially if you intend to visit the westside of the island.

3 comments about The Rough Guide to Romania 5 (Rough Guide Travel Guides).

1. Finally a brand spanking new update to this excellent guide. The last edition was October 2004.
   
   I have been to Romania 10 times and I still am discovering new places in this fascinating country.
   
   Highly recommended !!!



2. The level of detail in this Rough Guide is even better than their many other fine books. Great sightseeing detail and the usual well-considered accommodation suggestions. Also included is a small language section with travel-useful words and phrases (there are not many such language items in print now elsewhere). A good map is needed for best use of the book (Amazon.com has several).



3. If you have the earlier version then just stick with that, otherwise you should get this book it is very helpful.

1 comments about Italian Hideaways: Discovering Enchanting Rooms and Private Villas.

1. The title of this book says it all. It IS enchanting. A very rare look at Italian style. Loved every page.

5 comments about Madrid (Eyewitness Travel Guides).

1. I like these Eyewittness Travel Gides and byu them when I plan to travel. However this time the delivery was delayed.



2. Not as good as some of the other guides I used. The page numbers mentioned next to sights in the intro sections are often incorrect. Lots of pretty pictures though.



3. This was a nice guide for a 2 day trip to madrid -- the monument descriptions & photos were enjoyable & the walking tours were fun. It was very nice to have pictures of each key sight next to it's description so we could be sure were were looking at the right place.
   However, we also used this book to navigate to our hotel. Big, big mistake. In this guide, hotels are not marked on the map, they are located by quadrant (e.g. Map5 D-3). But our hotel was very far from where the book said it was; it was 3-4 map-quadrants away, which we found only by using the address & after a 30 minute walk with our luggage. FYI: unlike in the US, addresses do not go up by 100 per block. Going from 85 Gran Via in the old quarter to 15 Gran Via is about a 2 mile walk.



4. I enjoy Rick Steves' guides, but often I want to know more, both in-depth and in-breadth about a destination. This is a typical Eyewitness Travel Guide, almost a small encyclopedia about one place, its history, and its many attractions. I enjoy buying such books months in advance of a trip, reading & re-reading it, hoping that when I arrive at the destination it will seem familiar. I would heartily recommend any Eyewitness Guide to anyone who similarly want to know more. This little volume on Madrid packs a lot of information into one book.



5. I use this guide for a 4 days Madrid visit. Ive found it most useful in preparation of what to visit and what to eat once I get there. It also give me a lot of background in terms of what to expect for the dining hour, culture, and how to spend my evening.
   
   What I really like about this guide is the map (both the city map and street by street map) attached. I also like how the guide divided Madrid into 4 major areas and how it pinpointed major attraction which ease your pressure if you have little time in your hand (2-2 days). The guide also covers the most basic historical background and interesting fact that you need to know as a tourist.
   
   The guide is without its flaws however. First disturbing flaw is that - it happen that the a restaurant I want to pay a visit has been renamed and that the Metro network map isnt updated so It puzzles me a little bit.
   
   More disturbing part is that -- the guide for out of town place like El Escorial, Segovia and Toledo is very lacking. By lacking, I mean, if you do not do your research in advance I can assure you 100% that you will get lost. The map is so much incomplete that if regardless if you travel by train or bus -- you will not see yourself anywhere within the Map (lesson learned, research where the station is located and research by what mean of transport you can get there).
   
   The restaurant listing is also subpar at best. It failed to mention even the existence of Botin restaurant which is the oldest restaurant recognized in the world by Guinness world record. In the end I was being generous and tried two of the restaurants recommended. I was dissapointed by one of them. My hotel which I think was an awesome find isnt also listed there. Lesson learned, do your own research for restaurant and hotel
   
   Overall, would I recommend this guide? of course but a forewarning that you need to do your homework too. :) These days its so easy for you to do more an indepth research online as a supplement to your guide. I saved many pages I found online in my cellphone

5 comments about On Persephone's Island: A Sicilian Journal.

1. Simeti does a great job of talking about her adopted home. The story works well on two levels - discussing the mythology, history, and culture of Sicily, but also weaving in her responses, frustrations, fears, and joys about her life as an American woman turned Italian wife and mother. One of my favorite books about Italy.



2. This book really gave an insightful and intriguing depiction of Sicily, its traditions and its history. The story line carried it along very nicely without reverting to a guide book. I'm Italian American and throughly enjoyed it. This book is a must for those interested in the Island.



3. I had high expectations for this book, but I find that it's quite hard to get through. I am very passionate about Italy, and especially Sicily, so it's not a lack of interest, but I find Simeti's writing to be a little hard to wade through. There's a bit of a feminist/pessimistic slant to her writing and be prepared for long sentences with multiple adjectives.



4. If you are even remotely thinking about going to Sicily, you should read this wonderful book. Deep understanding of this unique, strange amazing island, seen also with an American's eye. I was reading it while I was there, and it opened up everything I saw in ways that would have been impossible. Like being with a Sicilian friend.



5. Truly wonderful description of a beautiful country with it's colorful people, historical influences, and cultural mores. Simeti captures the spirit of the people and writes a captivating account of the island that has been invaded by numerous peoples in it's long,rich history. You will read and reread this book and enjoy every moment.

No comments about Frommer's Germany 2009 (Frommer's Complete).

5 comments about Savoir Flair: 211 Tips for Enjoying France and the French.

1. Excellent book.
   Information is right on!
   Read and then enjoy your relations with the lovely French people. When you know the rules, there are no rude Frenchmen or women. They just want to be loved for who they are.
   Polly Platt's books are great!



2. Unless you need fast, specific travel advice, it would be a good idea to read Polly's broad cultural perspective of France first (French or Foe), and then assimilate the more specific tips in this sequel.
   
   Oh, just buy both books at a discount and read them on the plane. It's going to take awhile, since you can't catch the Concorde anymore.
   
   Both books are well-written and useful, but the first is a broad, classical exposition of how to deal with the frog mentality. (By the way, they will not take the "frog" term with any more offense than the Brits resent being called "rosbifs" or Arabs find the term "beurs" offensive in France. It ain't a big deal.)
   
   When she gets specific, Polly is usually at the high end of societal etiquette and decorum. You can't go wrong following her advice, but you can bend her rules a bit. If you aren't invited to a formal dinner party with place cards but a college kid party, taking a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers will not be considered too gauche.
   
   On the other hand, carefully remember not to touch the merchandise in any small boutique where it is artfully displayed. That really ruins their day. The French are funny, and Polly sees the inherent humor -- as well as the logic and history -- of their ways.



3. My husband and I took our maiden trip to Paris in September 2006. I bought Savoir-Flair! about two weeks before we left and devoured it on the plane. Although my husband and I both had studied French in college, we were rusty and unsure what to expect, especially given the bad PR the French seem to receive from Americans.
   
   Ms. Platt's book explains so well the cultural differences between the French and Americans, and we followed her advice to a T. We only encountered one person during the week we visited who was downright rude, and I just think he was a curmudgeon. Everyone else was so gracious, despite our terrible pronunciations and grammatical errors. The fact that we were attempting to adapt instead of forcing ourselves on the people we encountered put everyone at ease, from shopkeepers to waiters. It was a magical experience.
   
   And I put Ms. Platt's tips to use at a Starbucks in La Defense. My husband was having major American coffee withdrawal, so while he was in a business meeting I popped over to the Starbucks to get him a big cup of java. I ordered in French. I know I made some mistakes, but the barista was very nice about it, and we laughed. She spoke English but appreciated my not assuming that she did.
   
   Behind me in line was a very impatient older American woman who was crowding my personal space. When I moved over to wait for my coffee, the older lady stepped up to the counter and asked, quite loudly as if the barista had a hearing impairment, whether the place served cappuccino. The woman was practically shouting. And the barista never offered to speak English, either. I took my coffee and slipped out, lest someone assume I was American, too. In hindsight, I should have offered the older woman my copy of Savoir-Flair!



4. We went to Paris last March and French or Foe was a life saver. It made our trip a delight. I couldn't wait to read Polly's latest, Savoir Flair. It's informative and a great read. If you are going to France, buy it. You won't be sorry.



5. Savoir Flair: 211 Tips for Enjoying France and the French
   I came to this book AFTER I'd been traveling regularly to France. It's a delight, and I only wish I'd found it before. Polly Platt is an entertaining and insightful writer. With a better understanding of French customs and quirks, you will enhance your experience in France, whether it's a short vacation or a long-term stay.

4 comments about The Most Beautiful Villages of Greece (Most Beautiful Villages).

1. Breathtaking photographs that would convince anyone to travel to these villages. Excellent source of information pertaining to the photos as well.



2. I love the whites and blues of the hillside villages overlooking the Mediterranean. This book is an inspiration for a quality of life that we simply don't have in the US. Simplicity is an art in these wonderful villages and homes we are allowed to explore in this wonderful book. Flowers abound. Life is wonderful. This book is something to treasure until you get your chance to see it for yourself. And in response to that silly editorial review....not everyone is watching that Raymond TV show!



3. This book with its 285 magnificent colour pictures takes the reader on a journey through mainland Greece and its islands. The introduction contains a history of Greece from the earliest times. The book is divided into sections for the mainland, including the Peloponnese: Arkadia, Messinia, Lakonia and The Mani, and Pelion, Epiros and Evritania. The second section covers the islands like the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian, Chios and the Argo -Saronic. A small map covers every section. The book includes a traveller's guide with a map of Greece, sections on festivals and holidays, hotels, restaurants and food, and concludes with a bibliography. This stunning book reveals a glorious picture of Greek village culture in its attractive photographs and engaging text. It is the perfect guide for prospective travellers of for those who wish to familiarize themelves with the charming village life of modern Greece.



4. I saw this book at a friend's home and thought it was perfect for a Christmas gift for my husband. Since we are both of Greek descent and my husband's family was from the island of Halki, I know he will love it. The copy I received from David Starcher is in excellent condition. The pictures are beautiful and the information on each village is very well written and makes me want to visit each one of them. I am thrilled with this book.