1 comments about Chicago: A Pictorial Celebration.

1. Most of the pictures were great, some were just lame- like they took a bunch of pictures indiscriminately and threw the book together. But I got the book supercheap and my uncle loves it.

5 comments about Travel Diary: Bolivia.

1. Unfortunately, I went to Bolivia before reading this book and now realize all the things I missed. I am definetely inspired to return to Bolivia someday after reading this book. Each of the stories has a different style, some I liked a lot and some not so much, but they are all are interesting and extremely informative. You can read about a lot of places that are not found in conventional guide books and get a real sense of what places have a good vibe and are worth visiting and what places to avoid.



2. Hard to put down. Reads from a journal prospective of many adventurous sojourns to Bolivia. I can appreciate that because it gives a lot of different takes on various desitnations, all from individual travellers. Witty, humorous, and full of incredible experiences; but also some well learned lessons and places to avoid. This book has enlightened me to the romance and adventure of taking the back road while backpacking on my forthcoming trip to Bolivia.



3. Having traveled Bolivia and falling in love with the country, i was curious to see what this book was all about being the skeptic that i am. However i was pleasantly suprised upon reading the anecdotal humor that Hilburn uses so eloquently. Even if you have no plans to ever visit Bolivia, the stories in this book are alone well worth the purchase. Its very easy to read and you will be very happy you did. Next to the Bible, this is one of my all time favorites. Adam Rosenfeld



4. Hilburn definitely captured the essence of Bolivia. Whether you are a first time vistor or a long time resident you will enjoy the compulations captured in this great book. A must read for anyone interested in the inside track to the culture of this intriguing land.
   
   I highly recommend this to readers with a soul for adventure and a curiosity not easily satisfied. Entertaining and educational. I definitely will share with my five friends and brothers.



5. I travelled throughout Bolivia and Peru a few years back and I can relate to this travel diary. I think it is a "Must-Read" for anyone thinking of travelling to Bolivia. I like how they took bits and pieces of blogs and put them in the book and printed the weblink for the addresses. I have surfed around some of the sites and there is a ton of info on them.
   
   Some hilarious stories that any South American Traveller can relate too. It is also filled with great tips and advice. It will come in handy as I am planning on going back to Bolivia next summer.

No comments about Hands of Faith: Healers of Brazil (Profiles in Healing series).

5 comments about Insight Guide Chile: INSIGHT GUIDES (Insight Guides).

1. This is a nice book to own and to use at home, but not a book I'd use valuable backpack real estate to tote on a trip. It will give you good background on the history, geaography, and culture of the country and has better pictures than the other guides, but isn't strong on telling you where to eat, what route to use, where to stay, how to get along. I bought mine to show people what Chile is like, and it's great for that.



2. What's the first thing you want to know about a country? Why do I want to visit. For answering this question Insight guides do an excellent job. Interesting descriptions complemented by pictures get you interested in Chile and what the country has to offer. Comparably Lonely planet guides are like a phone book. There is more information in them - often out of date - but little effort or detail is put in about the features of the country itself. My only problem with Insight is that its informational section is lacking. My suggestion is read insight, determine where and when you want to visit and then seek out up to date information on hotels, etc. from another source.



3. good but not truly useful reference for chile
   wish there was a more comprehensive listing of hotels and restaurants but i guess thats where the lonlely planet books excel. this book has excellent photos and is a very easy read and i would make it of of three travlel book to this country i would take with me



4. This guide together with the "Chile Footprint" is the perfect combo for the first-time Chile traveler. Why? This guide will quickly and informatively bring you close to Chile's geography, history, culture, ethnic groups and most all aspects important to know when travelling there for the first time. It is not too "scientific", nor is it too superficial. Just right.
   
   It is a colorful and high quality book (Discovery Channel) that I was not able to put down until I went through it all.
   
   NOTE: This guide however does not suffice to give specific direction for restaurants, hotels and other facilities or locations needed by travellers. Therefore by itself it is insufficient. For the travel agenda detail you need to get "Footprint Chile". A perfect Chile guide just like a Frommer's. Both books together are the perfect combo !!



5. As a seasoned traveler, the Insight Guides series have become my favorite travel companion. They are not the traditional guides that tell you the cheap places to stay and eat, rather they are detailed guides to the history, culture and things to see in the countries you will be visiting, complete with great photos. They are well researched and I learn things about the country that even the natives don't know. If you are looking for a "where to sleep" kind of guide, you will have to purchase a second, more traditional travel book (like Lonely Planet, etc.). I personally would not think about visiting a country without first reading the "Insite Guide."

No comments about Discover! America's Great River Road: Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana (Discover).

3 comments about Traveling Literary America: A Complete Guide to Literary Landmarks.

1. I'm sure I'll be using this book as a reference for many years to come. If you do any kind of book-related traveling, you'll be glad you picked up a copy.
   
   Welborn crossed the U.S. several times while researching the book, and her diligence shows. The guide is loaded with excellent facts and useful tips, and it couldn't be easier to navigate.
   
   The book lists over 200 homes, museums, exhibits, memorials, etc., and it's divided into sections by region of the country. It includes historical information about each author and his or her work, as well as little-known tidbits that will make your journeys infinitely more interesting.
   
   If you're looking for a thorough reference on author homes and other literary landmarks, this is the book for you.



2. Anyone who loves books-which presumeably includes anyone reading this review website, will love Traveling Literary America. It is a hefty (more than 500 pages) and features more than 200 literary sites in nearly all 50 states, including author homes, memorials, poetry walks, exhibits and museums. What's more, author B.J. Welborn offers descriptions of towns associated with a particular writer (Jack Kerouac's Lowell, Mass; Willa Cathers "Catherland" in red Clouod, Neb); unusual literary treasures (Yiddish Center in Amherst, Mass); art colonies (MacDowell Colony in New Hampshire); hiking trails (Edna St. Vincent Millay Poetry Trail in New York), and sidebars on literary movements (Romanticism, the Beat Generation). There is a lot of fascinating stuff in here.



3. Ever since I visited Cross Creek (Rawling's home), I've been on the look out for more author's homes or related sites to visit. It was such a great experience to see her place after reading her books.
   Now with Traveling Literary America, readers can visit places associated with Dr. Seuss, Mark Twain, Jack London, Edgar Allan Poe and other admired authors. Besides such well known authors, he includes more offbeat literary figures such as poet Joyce Kilmer's home (New Brunswick, NJ) and songwriter Woody Guthrie's birthplace (Okemah, Okla).
   I can't wait to see some of these places and having the book on hand allows me to fit them in wherever I travel in the US.

5 comments about Culture Shock! Ecuador: A Guide to Customs & Etiquette.

1. I heartily recommend Culture Shock! Ecuador, to anyone who is planning on visiting Ecuador. I have been to Ecuador several times, and I can tell you that this new publication is a valuable resource. Whether you are planning a short term visit to Ecuador, or have plans to live there for a while, this book will really help the uninitiated, to better understand the Ecuadorian culture and the Ecuadorian way of thinking. Nicholas Crowder includes information in his book, Culture Shock! Ecuador, that other travel books on Ecuador don't think to include. The book is chock full of information on how to navigate your way around in Ecuador. It suggests things to do and places to see. The author also provides information on reliable hotels and restaurants. There is even an extensive list of web sites, so you can surf to your hearts content and learn about other things of interest pertaining to Ecuador. The most valuable thing that can be gained from reading Culture Shock! Ecuador, is a better understanding of the people. The knowledge gained by reading this book can help the traveler avoid falling into the dreaded stereotype of "The Ugly American". It will help the traveler to avoid embarrassing situations caused by a lack of understanding and cultural differences. Nicholas Crowder's book, Culture Shock! Ecuador, presents a well rounded view of Ecuador. I really liked it!



2. This book is essential to all travelers going to Ecaudor for either business matters, to live, or for vacation/pleasure. My friend gave me this book before I left for my community service program in Ecuador this summer, and it helped me tremendously in to relating to the country and the people there. In his easy-to-read, almost conversational narration, Nicholas Crowder gave me some insight on manners (what is and is not appropiate to do: for example, usually it is not expected to meet a person until 45 minutes after the time said), social events (parties and what kinds of presents to bring), information on all the cultural traditions, festivities and national cuisine (what's really in that stew?) ... and so much more! Without this book, I would have been clueless. It also includes valuble guides to buying a house, dealing with business colleagues, and setting up bank accounts, etc for those who intend to move there. I recommend this book highly - it tells you the valuble information that other guide books don't mention at all. Don't go without it.



3. We have been living in Ecuador for the last 7 months and purchased this book before leaving home to help prepare for what was to be instore for us on our arrival to Ecuador. We have found that much of the information contained is very outdated and not really that applicable. We did enjoy the section on history and as an insight into how things may have been done 10 years ago.



4. Having bought this book in anticipation of a trip to Ecuador, I am having second thoughts based on the negative impression with which I'm left after reading this book. Although he relates fond memories and favorite foods and regions, it's not clear if he really likes it there. That said, however, Crowder's book is factual(if not a little outdated since it's now 2 yrs old).
   
   As a seasoned traveller to Mexico and Guatemala, I would expect some of the cultural differences (concept of time, casual bribery to get anything accomplished, trouble with visas, etc.), but he offered very little, if anything, to make me actually want to visit Ecuador. Though the book does contain a lot of information for anyone who wants to do business in Ecuador, it's not terribly well written (most business books aren't imho) and certainly not written for the average tourist. Of course, that can be a good thing if you follow the path that he took. Crowder DID live there, though I found it strange that even with an Ecuadorian wife, he mentions that his son doesn't speak Spanish. Makes me wonder how much of Ecuador he really got to know aside from his business ventures.

   He does include examples of native poetry, a rundown of typical food fare, transportation issues, and a brief helpful history, all good things to know in a new country. And I do appreciate his advice that you should speak Spanish or employ a native speaker you can trust if you want to spend any time there.

   In short, I can confidently recommend this book for anyone wanting to do business in Ecuador but not necessarily for the average traveller. Unless this is your very first trip to ANY Latin country, the cultural information won't be anything new and it may discourage you from visiting altogether.




5. I've lived as a gringo in Ecuador for almost three years now. I didn't order this book until only a few months ago, so had been exposed to the culture and customs well before hand. This book is spot-on in virturally every aspect. If you plan on spending any signifigant amount of time in Ecuador, this book is a must-read. You'll not likely be able to do anything about it, but at least you'll know what to expect!

No comments about Discover! America's Great River Road: Saint Paul to Dubuque.

No comments about Brazil.

5 comments about North Carolina Waterfalls: Where to Find Them, How to Photograph Them.

1. When my photo trip to Yellowstone was cancelled, I was heartbroken. As I was browsing the net looking for an alternate place to vacation (a place closer to our FL home) I came across a site on NC Waterfalls. I then browsed [...] and found this book and liked what I read in the reviews. This book was a real vacation saver! It is extremely specific and it is quite obvious that the author when to an enormous amount of time, trouble and travel to write the perfect waterfall seekers book. Not only does he provide the waterfall locations, the trail lengths and difficulty ratings, but he also gives fantastic photo tips. He organizes the book in area locations so we found hotels in the areas that provided the falls that appealed to us and spent a day or two hiking each region. Out of the 51 falls we attempted to find, we located 49. The 2 we missed were remote and the trails were probably so overgrown that we couldn't find them. The author rates each fall according to a "beauty rating" taht he assigns, and in our opinion, he is dead on. When we were running out of vacation days, we stuck mostly to falls that had at least a 5 out of 10. Thanks to his ratings, we didn't waste precious time searching for waterfalls that would be a disappointment. All I have to say about this book is -- excellent job! During our vacation, we spent a few days in PA & NY and looked for a book similar to this one to outline the falls in those states. There was nothing! Once you've had the best, no other book compares.



2. When my photo trip to Yellowstone was cancelled, I was heartbroken. As I was browsing the net looking for an alternate place to vacation (a place closer to our FL home) I came across a site on NC Waterfalls. I then browsed Amazon.com and found this book and liked what I read in the reviews. This book was a real vacation saver! It is extremely specific and it is quite obvious that the author when to an enormous amount of time, trouble and travel to write the perfect waterfall seekers book. Not only does he provide the waterfall locations, the trail lengths and difficulty ratings, but he also gives fantastic photo tips. He organizes the book in area locations so we found hotels in the areas that provided the falls that appealed to us and spent a day or two hiking each region. Out of the 51 falls we attempted to find, we located 49. The 2 we missed were remote and the trails were probably so overgrown that we couldn't find them. The author rates each fall according to a "beauty rating" that he assigns, and in our opinion, he is dead on. When we were running out of vacation days, we stuck mostly to falls that had at least a 5 out of 10. Thanks to his ratings, we didn't waste precious time searching for waterfalls that would be a disappointment. All I have to say about this book is -- excellent job! During our vacation, we spent a few days in PA & NY and looked for a book similar to this one to outline the falls in those states. There was nothing! Once you've had the best, no other book compares.



3. I'm sure no one has written a book more extensively covering Waterfalls of North Carolina than this one. It remains an excellent guide to many of the wterfalls included. But one drawback at this point in time, as the author acknowledges on his own web site, is that the book needs updating now, as several trail accesses have changed. He says he's been wanting to update it for some time but the publishers have been slow to warm up to the idea. Hopefully, that will change. I have no comprehensive list of all the directions in the book that are now out of date, but here are a few hints: Unfortunately the Bob's Creek Pocket Wilderness as described in his Marion Hub seems to have been abolished and is no longer oper to the public. A company that formerly owned it allowed it to be a protected wilderness with what was even designated a National Recreation Trail. Many of us thought that designation would protect it forever. I'm afraid it turned out to be a short forever. I was fortunate to go there in the last years of its accessability. The waterfalls there were small and never the highlight, but it was a nice area now sorely missed. In his Saluda hub, the road providing access to Little Bradley Falls has recently been realigned, making the trail as described hard to find. I was with a group that did find the falls. But the change can leave you disoroented and with a very sttep roadbank looming and no obvious way to find a less steep descent in or climb out. On a more positive note, where his Hendersonville and Brevard hubs meet, there's a new thing called DuPont State Forest, providing new public views of at least four waterfalls. These include the modest Hooker Falls and the much larger Triple Falls and High Falls, and also another smaller one I've not yet seen, Wintergreen Falls (not to be confused with a falls of the same name farther west and covered in the book). At that farther west location, quite a bit of change has occurred in his Lake Toxaway hub. One thing is the new Gorges State Park, now encompassing about half of the land owned by Crescent Resources at the time the book indicates. It will preserve several waterfalls and presumably ultimately provide smoother trails to them, including the second mentioned Wintergreen Falls. But the park is now in early development stages and hasn't provided any new waterfall paths just yet. It does now provide the parking of choice for the Horsepasture River, just outside its western edge. The parking lot for the park, just off NC 281, less than a mile south of US 64, is now the place to park for the Horsepasture River. One then walks back to the road, turns left, and a short distance down the road picks up a 3/4 mile trail down to the Horsepasture River. Once there one turns right to hike to a view of Drift Falls, now form behind fences and no-traspassing signs, or turns left to views of the other falls on the Horsepasture River, the trail downriver from there not having changed much. The access to the Horsepasture as described in the book has now been made off-limits by no-parking signs along the road and no-trespassing signs where the book's directions called for scrambling down the bank. The old directions had the hike starting very close to Drift Falls, which was then said to be on Nantahala National Forest Land, but the present state of affairs seems to imply that it is just outside that public land. Although Drift Falls is visible from the road, at least in low-foliage seasons, the no-parking signs now make the prospect of parking there to see it forbidding. Best to hike from just downroad from the state park parking lot to see any of the Horsepasture's falls, which adds most of 3/4 mile to any of the distances given in the book. In the book's Waynesville hub little has changed, except the last steep part of the descent to Second Falls has been replaced by a wooden stairway, bypassing the steep part of the footpath, badly eroded by the HIGH volume of visitors to that falls. Nearby Yellowstone Falls is as hard to view as ever, and the overlook providing a limited view from the trail is made harder to find using the book's directions, due to a proliferation of campfire rings. The best safe view of that Falls is still from the Blue Ridge Parkway, a distant view where binoculars help. In the Hot Springs hub, I feel fairly certain that the hike to the falls on West Prong of Hickey Fork has been lengthened somewhat from the book's directions by a trail relocation that added switchbacks. That makes part of the hike less steep, but one needs allow extra time for the longer distance (maybe up to 50% longer) and carefully finding the trail where it doesn't quite match the book's directions. In the Burnsville hub, the falls on Big Creek is about as hard to find as any roadside falls can be. This seems in part because the junction of US 19, US 19E, and US 19W seems to have been slightly relocated, making the 17.5 miles from that junction in the directions a bit inaccurate. Instead look for the pull-off as about 1.8 miles beyond the little sign identifying the community of Sioux, or about 4.2 miles from the Tennessee line, if approaching from the opposite direction, and the only pulloff in that vicinity with guardrails coming right up to both ends of it. You cannot see the falls from your car; it is below road level and you must park and get out. Riding along and listening for the sound is little help, as there are numerous noisy rapids along that part of Big Creek. Finally in the Stone Mountain hub, the trails have not changed much, but the location of the picnic area has. Park officials can tell you where to find the old route from where the picnic area was. But actually you can hike from the new picnic area and it is closer that way to Stone Mountain Falls at least. You'd just feel disoriented if going only by the book's directions, because you'll reach the top of the falls rather than the bottom first, and then go right from the bottom of the stairs if you still wish to reach the smaller middle and lower falls, or go left there to the nearby base of the main falls.



4. There is no way for anyone to list all the waterfalls in North Carolina, but this book does give very complete information on the falls that are accessible to most people. The directions are clear and the ratings are very helpful. Even if you consider yourself to be an adequate photographer, this book gives specific hints for the different locations. I have used and enjoyed the public library copy so much I finally bought it!



5. If you like to get out with your camera and take some excellent hikes and pictures this is a very well rounded book. Good directions, descriptions of the falls and even suggestions for the best way to photograph the falls. Most of these are not road side falls so if you are looking for that, you might be disapointed but that is not the fault of the author, the majority of the "good" falls are not on main highways!