No comments about The Rough Guide to Sardinia 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides).

5 comments about Travelers' Tales Italy: True Stories.

1. This book, like all of the Traveler's Tales books, is the product of thoughtful editing. Here are stories of real people in Italy. And each one seeks to show the beauty and complexity of the place. These are not just the stock images here. These are beautiful, sometimes intense stories about a place that, for so many, is out of reach. This book is a journey. Good, Bad, Ugly and perfect, flaws and all. Read it, enjoy and then, go.



2. In the introduction we are regaled to a reminder of the stereotype of the Italian gangster or buffoon. There is a story about a casual sexual encounter that seems entirely out of place in this day of AIDS. Italian men are portrayed as habitually unfaithful to their wives ("The Italian Mistress"). There are excerpts that characterize the "average Italian citizen" as an inveterate cheater. Italians, we are told, are breast-obsessed. This book is a paradigm of the sort of travel writing that romanticizes the exotic "other." I see no reason to think that this brings anyone closer to the "real" Italy and it is silly and simplistic to think otherwise. It would appear that in these days of political correctness it is still considered acceptable to portray Italians in a patronizing way, in contrast with almost every other group or ethnicity. This book is insulting both to Italians and to the reader's intelligence.



3. Some folks take themselves too seriously..but enough of those reviewers. I think of these stories as little after-dinner treats. Something to savor after a long day dealing with the real world, knowing in these days of a bad economy and terrorism and jobliness, my chances of getting to Italy are slim. I enjoy the vicarious experience of savoring these adventures-travels in a country that I was never born into, but yearn for all the same.



4. Having travelled to Italy so many times, I found that some stories in this book are accurate. I do not agree with the other review, this book is not that bad at all. I agree that there are some stories that are boring, but that's what we see when we have different writers in one book and some are just fantastic. I really enjoy this book and I'm glad I bought it to accompany me during a travel to Spain with my Italian friend, so I asked him a lot of questions about the stories while we were on the road. And that's very entertaining!



5. Having just returned from my first trip to Italy a few months ago, I'm still reliving the memories and soaking up information about the people and places in this enthralling country. Although you can't "get beneath the surface" and truly understand the culture during a 2-week bus tour, my armchair traveling since returning has deepened the experience for me and made me eager to return.
   
   The essays in Travelers' Tales allowed me to validate my own experiences and learn about others experiences and impressions of Italy. From interesting, educational and insightful to downright hilarious, I enjoyed every one of the essays. The difficulties of banking and understanding the tax laws, the challenges of traffic, the misconceptions about people in southern Italy, appreciating the churches, artwork and food of Italy are topics revealed by the various contributing authors.
   
   I highly recommend this collection to anyone who has traveled to Italy, is contemplating a trip to Italy, or will never get any further than armchair traveling. There's something for everyone in Travelers'Tales.

No comments about Paris, Restaurants & More.

1 comments about Frommer's London with Kids (Frommers With Your Family Series).

1. I found quite a few helpful bits of information for navigating London with my child. I haven't yet been, so this may be hasty, however, we are planning our stay in London relying in large part on this book.

No comments about Capri Style.

1 comments about Hedonist's Guide To Paris 1st Edition (Hedonist's Guide to..., A).

1. I have utilized the Hedonist's Guides for a couple of years now. They are a must have for a sophisticated traveler, especially the 20-somethings/young professionals that are accustom to knowing where the cool spots are at home and wanting the same experience when they are traveling. Restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs, and even cafes/pubs - this guide has it covered.
   
   Case in point---this weekend, I was in Paris with two Parisians meeting up for some drinks on Friday night. Their original plans were foiled (private party) so we began looking for alternatives. Having lived in Paris for a month and using the Hedonist's Guide as my Bible, I threw out a few suggestions I remembered from the Paris guide. Needless to say, the Parisians were skeptical taking recommendations from an American. Regardless, we ended up going to two of the places, Le Fumoir and Kong, and they were both great. We were dancing on the couches at Kong until closing time. I have since been praised for knowing more about the hip places in Paris than two locals. I am not sure a guide can get a higher compliment. Bravo!

5 comments about Rick Steves' Prague and the Czech Republic 2007 (Rick Steves).

1. I was turned on to Rick when I checked out his Paris book from the library for a trip a year ago. When I lived abroad in Prague this summer, I took this book with me. Rick is my husband-away-from-home -- he's always going to take good care of you. His lodging and restaurant recs are really good, and I love the historical background he gives you on notable sights. I trust him completely, but his maps are lacking. Grab LP's Prague as a supplement.



2. My husband Tom and I have toted our Rick Steves all around Europe. We love him. His pages are dog-eared and scribbled on and reread. One time, in a moment teetering on tragic, we nearly left Rick on a German bus. Luckily Tom accelerates under pressure and although the incident left us pale and shaken, we were reunited with our trusty friend. I can't say enough about German/Austrian Rick, London Rick, Paris Rick, or Italy Rick.
   
   But in Prague, we got a little hitch in our giddyup. I find it hard to say out loud, but we had a squabble, Rick, Tom and I.
   
   First he left us hanging on his orientation tour on the tram. We didn't realize the route wasn't circular and we ended up in the suburbs. It's ok, we travel low to the ground, we figured out that the trams don't pick up where they let out and managed to get back into town. It's just that Rick is usually so thoughtful and careful with his directions. Unfortunately, not so much in the Czech Republic.
   
   There are only shadows of his signature walking tours in Prague, only a few of his snappy one-liners that make you snicker inappropriately in national monuments and his historical write-ups are uninspired, virtually odorless.
   
   Cataclysmically, in a decision about as user-friendly as a wet cat, Rick chose to feature the English place names on his maps and write-ups; yet all signage and other city maps (even the "English" ones) show Czech place names. I think we earned a degree in cross-referencing.
   
   
   All I can say is that I hope Rick rewrites Prague 2007 so the rest of you can manage to hurl his 2008 book over the very high bar that he has set for himself.
   
   (Let it be noted for the record that as Rick-devotees, we did not purchase any other guides for Prague. It is very possible Rick's is a shining gem amongst the muzzy rest of them.)
   
   [...] for our Prague recommendations.



3. I had only three days in Prague...But with this books infor I made good use of my time. Detail and points of interest in Prague were presented through Maps and grafics



4. This book is really handy! Worth the money - gives lots of great advice and information on tourist things (and what not to do while being a tourist!)



5. The Prague book continues in the great Rick Steves tradition. We recently used this book as a guide throughout the Czech Republic and found everything up-to-date and bang-on; the insider information was invaluable. We ate at his recommendations in Cesky Krumlov as well as Prague and had great meals. I only wish Steves would provide a few more shopping tips, but overall this is a great, up-to-date book!

No comments about Michelin Red Guide 2008 Great Britain & Ireland: Hotels & Restaurants (Michelin Red Guide: Great Britain and Ireland).

4 comments about Insight Guides Great River Cruises Europe & The Nile (Insight Guides. Great River Cruise Europe).

1. Full of useful information, many excellent photos, maps, ratings, and every detail imaginable relating to river cruising.



2. If you're contemplating a cruise in Europe, don't leave home without using and taking along Great River Cruises: Europe & the Nile: it packs in photos, color maps, tips on booking itineraries and historical background on all major ports of call and river cruising opportunities in the region, offering 'can't miss' tips for selected, recommended trips. From excursions, castles, hotels and sightseeing to the course of the river and boat rides, it's the item of choice for any journeying to Europe.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. This is a comprehensive guide for destination information as well as information about river cruising. It is well worth the money!



4. Bought this for the in-laws to investigate going on a river cruise in Europe. This concept was completely outside of their comfort zone prior to recieving this book. After a couple of days reading it, they are now ready to go and have in fact already purchased a cruise. This book is full of wonderful photographs, maps, and destinations of many of the cruises. This book was instumental in helping them decide which cruiseline to take (Viking) and which trip to take. If you are even remotely considering a river cruise in Europe, this book is a must read. And although the in-laws have not yet taken their trip, they fully intend on taking the book with them. Bon Voyage!!!!

4 comments about The Foreigner's Guide to Living in Slovakia.

1. Did you know that Bratislava is considered one of the major centers of European Judaism? Or that CSA can fly directly from Prague to Zilina or Poprad? Are you up-to-snuff on Slovak cultural traditions? Quick then: what foods shouldn't you eat on New Years Day? This valuable guidebook to Slovakia was written by an English teacher who lived and worked there for 5 years. The author felt there was a dearth of info everyday living for non-natives in Slovakia, hence this 200-page guidebook. Broken down into chapters like Slovak History, Law, Folk Culture, Leisure, Food, Social Customs, it gives you little tidbits of info on just about everything you could imagine. Like any god travel guide, there are ample photos, maps & tables; over 100 websites are proffered as well. TFG is written in a clear, concise manner and all diacritical marks are in place. In the Transportation chapter, a copy of a typical bus schedule is printed with tips on reading it; later, Hurn goes into some detail on the VAT tax. "The Basics" chapter covers holidays, border crossings, currency & conversion equivalents (all info in TFG is current from May 2007). General words/Slovak phrases are provided, as well as a complete calendar of name days, an index and multiple weblinks. If castles are your thing, [...] contains info on about 250 Slovak castles. No subjects are shied away from: "The Tiso question" is handled evenly and fairly as is a subchapter on the Roma. The author even discusses the pro's and cons of living in a panelak such as is found in Petrazalka. This book is packed full of practical info and insiders tips that you won't find in a Frommers or Lonely Planet.



2. 
   Preface: I've been to four western European countries (France, Italy, Belgium, Ireland), but only one Central European one (Czech Republic). By coincidence two of the people on my team are Slovaks, so I'm naturally interested in learning more about their country and culture. When I heard about The Foreigner's Guide To Living In Slovakia- I jumped at the chance to read it. These are the haphazard notes I took while reading it. (In the interest of full disclosure: the author is the wife of one of my team members, however I've never met her.)
   
   Ch1: The Land and Its People
   This chapter offers an overview of the country, people, language, economy, religion, housing, and popular recreation.
   
   
   Ch2: History
   I'm a product of the American educational system, so it was good to see a whole chapter devoted to history-- it was mostly new to me! Before traveling to the Czech Republic, I'm ashamed to admit I read Rick Steves' Prague book (it was the best rated and most up to date at the time). There were maybe a few pages on history, some of which I've since learned its debatable. In this book however, much thought has been given to remaining accurate and neutral on still sensitive topics, given this area's volatile past.
   
   
   Ch3: The Basics
   This chapter covers the things you should know prior to arriving in a foreign country, such as the various options for getting around from the most convenient/expensive, to the most time consuming/cheap. It was nice to see advice useful for anyone from the business traveller on the corporate charge card to the broke student, and everything between.
   
   Also covered are various important facts, for example grocery stores may not supply the bags for your items. After an embarrassing event in Paris involving the attempted purchase of some bananas (you need to weigh and tag them yourself, I've since learned), I really appreciate these sorts of subtle details.
   
   
   Ch4: The Law
   Although Slovakia is known for its beer, did you know the law allows absolutely no blood alcohol level if your driving? Better read the other important bits in this chapter before your trip-- or you might be writing the next book in the series-- The Foreigner's Guide to Living in Slovak JAIL!
   
   
   Ch5: Relocating and Settling In
   This chapter has a nice breakdown of the 5 major neighborhoods of Bratislava- valuable stuff even if you're just a tourist curious what to expect from the city. And if you're looking to live there, you'll find it interesting to read about the odd laws, for example you're supposed to pay a tax if you have a TV or radio. (I wonder how they enforce that one...)
   
   
   Ch6: Culture
   I found it interesting to read that the young Slovaks embrace the old traditions, such as the regional dances and music, and continue to keep it alive (as evidenced by the book's cover.) This is quite the opposite from my experience of other places. However there are, ahem, "interesting", Slovak traditions that I'm surprised to read continue to this day. Apparently if you're a young girl and the boys like you, they whip you with willow branches and douse you in cold water. Thats if they *like* you! You can read why for yourself...
   
   
   Ch7: Leisure
   Slovakia is home to the part of Europe's longest cycling route (extending from Germany to Hungary), is home to six UNESCO world heritage sites, and is has tons of caves. Sweeeet.
   
   
   Ch8: Food & Drink
   Reading this chapter reminded me of my trip to Prague- if you eat out, expect lots of variety... of meat and starch. Although there are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables available, for some reason they're just not served at most restaurants. This chapter describes what foods are available, and where. (I wish I read something similar for Prague beforehand-- I went crazy by day 3 of meat/starch 3 times a day.) There's also a thorough description of the Slovak beers, which can sometimes be cheaper than bottled water. Its making me thirsty just recounting it...
   
   Ch9 and Ch10 Social Customs and Final Words of Advice
   Rounding out the book are the last two chapters, on how not to stick your foot in your mouth or go crazy as a lonely expat in a foreign land.
   
   
   Overall its a great book- easy to read and very informative. Highly recommended if you plan on visiting or living in Slovakia.



3. Written by Margarete Hurn, an American who has lived and worked in Slovakia for more than five years, The Foreigner's Guide to Living in Slovakia is a straightforward guide for travelers visiting this European nation for a few weeks or a few years. Chapters offer a brief overview of the Slovak people and their culture, legal matters such as applying for a visa or extended-stay permit, social and business customs, basics in adjusting to the local food and public transportation, recreational activities available, Slovak etiquette in both business and social circles, and much more. An absolute "must-have" for anyone preparing to visit Slovakia.



4. I am sixty year old woman. I was planning a trip to Europe this spring. I have wanted to visit the town that my grandparents came from in Slovakia all my life. I had been in Europe before, and realized that I needed to get to Slovakia before I got older. I researched Slovakia's history, economy and my lineage for months before I left. I just couldn't get up the nerve to go until I read Margarete's book, The Foreigner's Guide to Living to Slovakia.
   I read blogs and emailed Margarete to build up my determination to travel to Slovakia. Even on the day I was to get the train from Vienna to the Tatra Mountains, I was still trying to convince myself that I could do it. I read her chapter on train travel again, but decided that even though I couldn't read or speak the language, I would go. Margarete's descrption of how to read the train ticket and travel by bus, got me on the train. I even read her book on the 6 hour ride to Spisska Nova Ves.
   I had the time of my life. I met wonderful people.
   I want to go back. I will! I will base my next European trip from Slovakia. I feel I can drive, or take public transportation to the North and the South of Slovakia.
   I have never felt more safe. I enjoyed the food that I remembered Grandma making. I felt at home.
   Thank you, Margarete