No comments about Wallpaper City Guide: Beijing (Wallpaper City Guide).

5 comments about Portuguese in 10 Minutes a Day® (10 Minutes a Day Series).

1. This book was my introduction to Brazilian Portuguese. I found it easy to use, well-laid out, and practical. I am very visual, so it was helpful for me to learn the written language and then move on to the Pimsleur CDs. I might have been lost on the CDs if it were not for the foundation this book set. The pronunciations are often different than what would be obvious, so I think that the visual and the audio are a great compliment to eachother, though I would start with this. Don't do them both at the same time though or you may get confused! I am headed to Brazil and feel fairly confident I'll be able to get around - I have a simple but solid vocabulary from just these two sources. Also, in response to another review, in Portuguese (as well as in Spanish) the accent is always on the second to last syllable, unless there is an accent written above another syllable. They could easily have mentioned this in the book. If you know Spanish, you will move more quickly through the book, but know that they are very different languages, especially in pronunciation.



2. This is the greatest book. I put the stickers all over my stuff at home. I learn a little bit each night and find that I retain more over time. It is very easy to read and breaks it into small bits for easy retention. I highly reccommend this book to anyone who wants to learn Brazilian Portuguese.



3. I purchased his book because it was recommended to go along with Pimsleur Brazilian Portuguese Language CD's. I feel it is a great tool in broadening my base in learning Brazilian Portuguese. I really like the phonetic spelling when new words are introduced.
   
   A very good companion book to the conversational learnining on Pimsleur!



4. If you want to learn a lot of individual words, this book is pretty good. It has a lot of lesson type activities in it where you write down the correct answer or whatever. I got about halfway through the book, then was a little bored and never finished it up. It isn't very good at getting you up to speed on conversational Portuguese. For that you need formal classes or the Pimsleur's Portuguese CDs. It does have a lot of vocabulary in it, with pictures.



5. I like the stickers that you can place on objects in your home; they helped me learn some nouns. Also, I like how they write in English, but incorporate Portuguese words as you learn. The only fault I've found is that I don't always agree with the pronunciation guides.

No comments about The Way of Saint James: Pyrenees-Santiago-Finisterre (Cicerone International Walking).

No comments about Viajes por Europa, África y América 1845-1847 (Viajes).

2 comments about A Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino Fisterra: Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre Including the Muxia Extension.

1. Same format as the Camino Frances guide - laid out in three stages. One stage per day, one map per stage total of 95 pages. In addition to covering the route, it has a section of practical information on when to go, covers Galician history and culture. A beautiful full color guide.



2. I used this book and the similar Camino Portugues book for my pilgrimage in April 2006. They are both superb. I followed Brierley's suggestions pretty much to the letter. The book contains excruciating details as well as a longer and spiritual view.
   
   I think of the book as a personal gift to each of us pilgrims. Brierley obviously loves his work and the Camino. He kept me on track, put me to bed early and awake early when it was important, encouraged me to appreciate the wonderful people and sights along the camino. He offers history lessons, lists of practicalities, maps and directions. This book is all you need!

5 comments about The Spanish Pearl.

1. SPOILER ALERT*** Please do NOT read any further if you don't want to know what happens. I am absolutely shocked by the lesbian community of women who have reviewed this book giving it kudos and glowing reports. Frankly, it appalls me that the complete destruction of Luis at the end of this book is considered well written and, oh yes, dangerous. First we have Kate who is transported back in time. She spends much of her time fighting off men who want to rape her. Then further into the book she is captured and tortured by Gudesto Gonzalez, her former attempted rapist. He wants her to think he is keeping the king from killing her but it's just a ploy to get her to go to his bed willing. Luckily, she escapes but later Luis is captured by Gudesto. Luis is being tortured by Gudesto the same way that Kate was. Ok, so it's not Luis rescuing her but the other way around, which I found refreshing, the femme saving the butch. I was rooting for Kate;waiting for her to find and rescue Luis. As the days past, however, I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach she wasn't go to save Luis in time. WHY? My heart sank. What she finds when she locates this beautiful butch woman left me feeling angry and disgusted at this author. What was the relevance of what happened to Luis to the storyline? And why on earth would you think I'd want to read that?
   Yes, it is well written, I'll give you that but a story where the main lesbian characters are tortured and raped is not the kind of lesbian fiction I want to read. I know it's reality. The fact is I don't buy lesbian fiction to read THAT kind of reality. There are a few books out there that involve rape and it's relevant to the storyline. Exactly what was the point of completely destroying the character of Luis? I, for one, will not support this author. I'm sorry I purchased the book. Anyone who agrees with this please hit the favorable review button. I'd like to see if there are other lesbians out there in the community who feel the same way.



2. This book has it all. It is an adventure novel flavored with romance, science fiction, fantasy, and historical travelogue. There is edge-of-the-seat danger, passion, greed, humor, and loads of spice.
   
   Readers who follow my reviews know that I seldom do novels. Furthermore, I should confess right here that the gay and lesbian culture is foreign territory for me. However, Catherine Friend is a favorite author that I can't resist. This book is a perfect example of why that is true.
   
   She is an artist with words. Many of my own experiences rushed to mind when the heroine Kate confessed, "...when it came to kids, my usual confidence withered into a hard, tiny raisin rattling around inside my body."
   
   The writing shows unusual depth in terms of detail and feeling. Each phrase or sentence has work to do. There are few words along for a free ride. The emotional portrayals go deep. The reader has no trouble seeing and feeling life through Kate's eyes. For example, "I wandered through the labyrinth of small rooms, narrow hallways, frustrated with my sore heel. Up narrow staircases, then back down. Empty fountains graced the larger rooms. A lingering scent of lemon floor cleaner bit the air. I stopped and imagined people living here - smells of burning oil lamps, cinnamon and cloves, spicy lamb stew, sandalwood, eucalyptus."
   
   The preceding is a description of a Moorish castle surviving from eleventh century Spain, the time and place where most of the story takes place. Even when taking time for such portrayals, the narrative moves along at a smart pace, only noticeably slowing in a couple of spots while the author is setting the stage. Kate seems to sum up the story when she says, "I rode a supersonic fate train, swept along on a ride I was powerless to stop."
   
   The editing is very good. The story is sufficiently complex that one might expect a mistake in context or consistency; but there doesn't seem to be a single goof of that type.
   
   This is a skilled writer and we can only hope to see much more of her books in the future - both fiction and non-fiction. The final pages of the book promise as much. Watch for the thread that pulls you into the sequel, "The Crown of Valencia."



3. I thoroughly enjoyed The Spanish Pearl and thought that it was a great page turner. However, I have been a great Diana Gabaldon fan for many years and found that though the time was different there were many similar ideas in this book that were found in the Outlander Series.



4. Although I don't normally review books I couldn't stop myself from letting others know what a beautiful story Catherine Friend has written. I usually don't enjoy reading books with a historical settings that I know nothing about, but I was captivated by the way Ms. Friend made 1025 Spain come alive for me. I saw the people, the buildings and landscape so perfectly that I wished I was there. I felt I was there at times watching Kate and the situations she went through and when she and Luis finally found each other, I felt the love between them and was so happy for them. Toward the last of the book, I started to read a little slower and I kept putting the book down because I didn't want it to end. And when it did, I couldn't wait to start on the Crown of Valencia.
   Catherine Friend is a wonderful new writer and one I hope continues to write for a long time. I know that I, for one, will read everything she writes if they all have the freshness and feeling that are in the Spanish Pearl. Well done, Catherine Friend, well done



5. This novel has everything. The wit and humor, slang and sarcasm of the 21st century to the violence and rape, the opulence and mystique of the 11th century.
   
   I adored Luis, the author really captured and made real this character to me.
   
   If you enjoyed this novel don't miss the sequel 'The Crown of Valencia'.
   
   From the publisher's website - When Kate Vincent and her partner travel to Spain, Kate is accidentally transported back in time...way back in time...to 1085. What does a woman like Kate do in a world of no antibiotics, no feminism, no Diet Coke? She denies it as long as possible, then sets her mind to getting home. Tricky with her now useless twenty-first century skills.
   
   Things don't go well. Kate is captured by a band of mercenary soldiers and becomes an unwitting pawn in the violent conflict between the Catholic kings and the Islamic Moors. In her struggle to stay alive and return to the future, Kate must flee exotic harems, filthy dungeons, and treacherous Moorish courts. But when a sword-brandishing woman with an astonishing secret sweeps into Kate's life, Kate is suddenly torn between two women, and between two centuries.
   
   The Spanish Pearl is an epic adventure spiced with humor, lust, and danger--a story with surprising twists that will capture your imagination just as Kate's dilemma captures your heart.

5 comments about Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago.

1. A good book with a lot of history and also where you are, how to get there. A must to walkers of the camino.



2. Camino Chronicle: Walking To Santiago is the travel journal of a wife who walked across Northern Spain in 2001, following a venerable pilgrimage trail called the Camino de Santiago, retracing the footsteps of such famous historical figures as Charlemagne, St. Francis of Assisi, King Fernando and Queen Isabel. Historical notes and personal experiences and inspiration blend into a highly readable day-by-day account, and numerous legends or cultural notes on Spain about everything from bullfighting to Spanish Olives are included, with their own quick-reference index. A most enjoyable tour especially recommended for armchair travelers, and the next best experience to flying to Spain and hiking the pilgrimage trail personally.



3. I had heard a podcast interview with Susan about the Camino and read her website, so my expectations for the book were very high. I think it does a good job of laying out the experiences of being a pilgrim and the unique one of being on the Way during 9/11. She is complete in her descriptions and the book is well laid out.
   Having just read a few Camino books so far I think they fall into three categories: Logistical descriptions that help you with day to day planning, Historical anthologies that explain the importance of the Camino and its various sites, and personal accounts of individuals experiences.
   Camino Chronicle is the later and a balanced book to read.



4. Camino Chronicle details Susan and Ralph Alcorn's 500-mile, 36-day trip on the Spanish leg of the Camino de Santiago to Santiago de Compostela.
   
   What makes Camino Chronicle unique and a very enjoyable read is its rich, multi-faceted approach.
   
   Author Susan Alcorn weaves journal entries from the trip with historical and cultural information, letters from home as they walk the Camino on September 11th 2001, reflective comments on the impact of the journey
   as well as practical tips on how to prepare for such a pilgrimage.
   
   The daily journal entries pull you into the experience. They're honest. Susan talks about her initial apprehension, the discomforts of the long-distance hike, the challenges of securing refugio accommodations.
   As the trip progresses, we see our hikers ground themselves in the moment, in the company of fellow pilgrims and in their surroundings which Susan describes with a clear and vivid voice.
   The side notes on local legends, such as the legend of the river of death or the chickens of Santo Domingo, add a touch of magic to the trip. Insights on local olive production or bullfighting customs add depth to the experience.
   
   Clearly, the journey is more than just a 36-day hike, and the book does a great job at describing the experience in all of its aspects.
   
   If you're considering a similar trip or looking for a thoughtful, informative and entertaining read, I highly recommend it.



5. I have been to Spain and driven through the area that Susan Alcorn had written about. I am planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in late April of 2009. I found her book to be very helpful and answered many questions that I had. You should reed her book and then buy A Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino de Santiago by John Brierley to carry with you. After you absorb her info, give her book to a friend so they will have a good idea of what you will go through. Ms Alcorn is a very practical and straight forward author who knows what problems we may encounter.

No comments about Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE).

5 comments about The Village to Village Guide to The Camino Santiago (The Pilgrimage of St James).

1. I have just finished my Pilgrimage - In the five weeks I used this book to walk the track to Santiago in Spain - I grew quite fond of it - The 220 page book is ring bound and fits compactly into my rucksack.
   Every village is mentioned on the 800km way with information on each village, like don't cross this field because of a bull, or this is the village of barking dogs, or in this village the Baker helps Pilgrims or visit Madam Debril in this village near the laundry who likes chatting to pilgrims -
   Ninety Five villages and a guide between them - In each village the books lists places to stay and other useful information - The book will suit the budget traveler who walks the Camino because I did the walk on $10 per day, staying in the religious establishments the book mentions often for free. The book also prepares you for the Journey and details exactly what to take, like how much weight, what type of clothes, shoes, how much does food cost, how to do your laundry, dealing with bed bugs, useful Spanish phrases and so on - It also lists places worth visiting as you walk this 800km track and some interesting stories and legends around these places.
   There are also things to watch out for and useful tips - The book will mention at many different points legends around the Camino - It is a very detailed book on the 800km route every fork on this path is mentioned example.. the path now climbs for two km, turn right at the church, from the top of the next mountain you will be able to see the following five villages etc..-
   I took maps and three other guides with me but after reaching the city of Pamplona to reduce weight I posted the other books back to New York along with my tent and electric stove - the book had warned me not to take the tent & stove



2. I purchased this book after deciding to walk the Camino and was intending on taking it on the journey as a guide. I am now planning on taking another book I've purchased - A Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino de Santiago: Camino Frances - The French Way of St. James (Camino Guides) which is a better format, has more maps and relevant information.
   
   This book has no colour images or maps and the layout needs attention. The information seems reasonably comprehensive but a better layout design, more maps, photos and consistent headings for each village would be helpful. It seems to have good general info on the villages.
   
   If you've got room take it on the walk with another guide, if not, read it before you go.



3. As a veteran on the Camino for many years, I still use this guide as a favorite, although I own most of the others.
   This is the oldest guide book on the Camino but it is updated every year with Pilgrims sending feedback on their journey. The 2007 edition has all the changes on the route. I have walked the route now over three times with Pilgrims from various confraternities of St James's. The problems of road works continue and no all the guides are up to date as this one. This guide is also used when we wish to plan our budget because it has all the latest prices for accommodation, useful when you consider that prices are steadily rising in Spain and it no longer is a cheap country.
   
   The guide has hardly any pictures except about two dozen woodcuts, but one of the enjoyments of the pilgrimage is to see places that would surprise you, so seeing photographs tends to spoil it and the woodcuts do nicely. This guide is recommended by the Catholic Church so contains information for the religious pilgrim of on Holy places along the route. Its not a glossy guide like the lonely planet guide with artistic typesetting. But a guide for Pilgrims By Pilgrims.



4. This is my favorite guide and I have just completed my pilgrim and I tresure it - It never let me down.
   
   This is a book packed with information not only on the history of the places you will pas as a pilgrim. But all the information you will need to make detailed planning. The book is updated frequently and all the latest changes are in this book.
   
   The village to village guide has been around for many years frequently coming out in new editions as pilgrims and clergy themselves report changes to the pilgrimage route, this 2007 edition is case to point.
   
   The guide has aquired a bit of a cult status as not only does it have practical information and is a directional guide but it has many stories on the monuments and places of interest along the way. There have been many changes on the route. When the guide was first published there were hardly any pilgrims walking the way of St James, now many thousands make the journey. Prices too have gone up considerably and the new edition incorporates these changes. Latin American and the poor pilgrim will appreciate the guide as it allows one to do financial planning and make up a budget. The guide also points the way to cheaper accommodation.
   
   You will NOT find pictures coloured arrows and diagrams in this guide. It's a sober practical tome. I agree that pictures are not needed as you will be walking many miles to see these places, to stare in wonderment of the discoveries you have made. Pictures rather spoil this. Its rather like Seeing `War and Peace" at the movies interpreted by Hollywood and then reading Tolstoy's famous literary work, . Therefore I am glad there are no pictures in this book and only medieval woodcuts.
   
   The latest 2007 edition has done away with maps as the route is now way marked with thousands of arrows very fifty yards or so. So its impossible to get lost. There is one large map where you can plan your position in the context of where you are on the route and thus able to chart your progress.
   
   There is very useful practical advice on how the plan your journey what the weather would be like during different seasons etc.
   
   An entire section is devoted to the equipment you must take, useful things to carry in your rucksack, a useful chapter describes how to get to the pilgrimage route by Land Sea and Air. It is so detailed that it gives the latest taxi fares and times when taxis leave from |Pamplona to Roncesvalles.
   
   The book is built on the experiences of Pilgrims past and that is its forte. The pilgrimage for every person is different however the book outlines how others did it and their itineraries.
   
   The book also comes with a short English Spanish phrasebook, focused on what the walker might need to say while on the walk, at the back, very useful as on the pilgrim route which is off the beaten track hardly anyone speaks English.



5. I'm preparing to walk the last 110km starting next Sunday and orginally consulted three books: Walking in Spain by the Lonely Planet ($20), Walking the Camino de Santiago by Pili Pala Press ($20), and A Pilgrim's Guide to Camino de Santiago ($30). Then I came across the Village to Village Guide ($35) and, based on the reviews and price, thought that it was a must read.
   
   So far, I'm disappointed. The information, I'm sure is accurate, but it is scance. Walking the Camino and A Pilgrim's guide had more references to lodging and meals and better route discriptions, complete with maps and walking elevations. Even the Lonely Planet's guide to all of Spain seemed to have about as much info as Village to Village.
   
   Village to Village looks like it was prepared by loving, but inexpert hands. At the top of page 194 one of the editors hiccupped and deleted at least two villages and part of the description of Portomarin. (I don't know about the preceding 400km of the Camino leading to Portomarin.)
   
   Because my walk will only be 5-6 days, I'll be able to take the short, pertinent excerpts from all of the books and will report when I return. For my own preparation I've relied the most on Walking the Camino de Santiago, but have regularly consulted the others.
   
   Part of the preparation for the walk has been refining and refining what I'll be taking. Perhaps the editors of Village to Village have done the same, giving us a bare bones treatment of what we most need,ie. there are no maps because the arrows blaze the way. If that's the case, there may be virtue in having it. I'll let you know.

2 comments about The Rough Guide Map to Spain & Portugal (Rough Guide Country/Region Map).

1. Great map for travel. Folds to 9 3/4 x 4". Is made of a very thin waterproof vinyl material. Colors are bright a vivid. Roads, highways, and points of interest are very well marked. There is an extensive city index, map key and mileage guage. Even small towns are noted on the map. Map arrives in a folder. I was very pleased with this map.



2. It appears to be an excellent map, but experience has taught us that actually using it is the definitive proof....how much detail it contains. We have yet to use it. However the material is sturdy and waterproof.