Nestled between Banff National Park (one of Canada’s most visited places) and Kananaskis Provincial Park, Canmore is a world-renowned four-season destination…a great place! The surrounding desert offers stunning views. They made perfect sets for Hollywood blockbusters like Dances with Wolves, Legends of the Fall, and Brokeback Mountain.

This small alpine town was the scene of the Nordic events of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Since then, tourism in the area has skyrocketed. Each year Canmore and the Bow Valley area attract millions of visitors from around the world.

If you live there, you really are in luck. This means that you are free to experience the relaxed atmosphere of a small town anytime you want. You are the envy of so many young and young at heart.

For the rest of us, it’s a fantastic place to visit and vacation. Whether it’s snow on the ground, yellow, brown, and red leaves falling to the ground, or flowers of all kinds blooming in every direction, Canmore is a pleasant place to stay.

There’s only one problem with Canmore… It’s hard to leave! There are so many things to see and do that you really don’t know where to start. You want to make sure you plan ahead to set aside some time to explore the endless outdoor activities including hiking, biking, sightseeing, rafting and horseback riding in the warmer months and downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, with dogs. -Excursions by sleigh and horse-drawn carriage in the winter months. All this and much more!

Of course, you can’t go to Canmore without trying the fine cuisine, a beer on one of the many patio restaurants downtown, or a nice soak in a hot tub at one of the many resorts, chalets, cabins, hotels, motels, or B&Bs. . . All this, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, is a real recipe for a good time!

I could go on and on about the feeling you get plowing through endless powder snow at one of the 5 world-class ski resorts around Canmore or the feeling of whoops of euphoria as your raft jumps into the icy glacier waters as you cruise rough waters. journey, but these adventures, like many others, are best experienced for yourself. And as for Canmore, the best kept secret in the Canadian Rockies, it’s cheaper and definitely less touristy than Banff, leaving nothing to be desired. All the comforts you need, all the charm you could dream of, and all of this, all year long. You could spend many years trying to find the place to go not just once, but on a regular basis, and feel at home while on vacation. Do not look any further! Crisp, clear, adventurous and beautiful Canmore…the pearl of the Canadian Rockies is waiting for you to explore.

When you’re traveling with family and kids, there are several compromises you need to make. Of course, this need not hinder your trip in any way. There are several things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico that can keep everyone in the family happy. After all, good memories are what you’re trying to create. These are some of the things that you can enjoy when you are with children and that will not take you too much time in terms of travel.

When you’re in the region, nothing works better than a day at the beach. Sand castles, swimming and just running around are what kids do best. Choose beaches that are run by the government. These are called “balnearios” and they have all the facilities you will need in terms of toilets, changing rooms and even lifeguards. Some good ones are Luquillo Beach, Seven Seas and Escambron. You can also take the family on a snorkeling cruise or catamaran ride, which is available off the coast of Fajardo. And do not forget to visit the biobay, which through a night activity will make children squeal with joy. The glow-in-the-dark sea creatures are impressive here.

For slightly older children, a walk in the rainforest is perfect. You can choose the trails of the El Yunque National Forest. They are also easy for children to navigate. There are several natural waterfalls and pools for them to jump into. The whole range of unique plants and insects that you will see will be fun. You can also take them caving in the Parque de las Cuevas del Río Camuy, which can be quite an adventure for fans. For those interested, the shows at the Arecibo observatory are quite interesting. Around there are also the Lighthouse as well as the Historical Park and the Aquarium that will have them quite kicked. At the museum and aquarium you’ll see a pirate cave, a mock version of a Taino Indian village, and even a mini zoo and boats at play.

There are some adventure companies such as Acampa, Ecoquest and Adventuras Tierra Adentro that can organize rappelling and caving for the family. With this there are also opportunities for zip line adventures. This is especially for teenagers.

And finally, there are also several malls and fast food places that you can always stop by to give the kids a taste of what they usually love. It never stops working.

People familiar with Bangkok or looking to visit know some of Bangkok’s most famous and infamous nightlife spots. The best known is Patpong, which dates back to the 1960s and was popular with soldiers on furlough from the Vietnam War. Also well known are Nana Plaza just off Sukhumvit Road at Soi 4 ​​(Soi Nana) and Soi Cowboy.

In fact, there are several other entertainment areas that have become more well-known over the years, including Ratchadapisek Road, Rama IX Road, RCA (Royal City Avenue), Soi Thonglor, and Soi Ekhamai.

But there is a place that is not on the maps of most information sources: Washington Square (and surroundings).

Washington Square faces the south side of Sukhumvit Road between Sukhumvit Soi 22 and Sukhumvit Soi 24, closer to the former than the latter.

Washington Square is actually an enclosure with three elongated side-by-side buildings taking up much of the center, with a walkway running along all four sides, the walkway framed by a row of buildings. The square can be entered directly from Sukhumvit Road via a short drive to the inner drive or from Sukhumvit Soi 22, directly opposite the Regency Park Hotel, about a hundred meters from Sukhumvit Road.

The Plaza is a rather curious place. There are several bars, including two that also serve food, some that only serve drinks, and others that are more of a restaurant than a bar. There are some bars that cater to the Japanese. Located just on the northwest corner of the Square, there’s even a gay bar, but for most Square patrons, you might as well be on another planet. There are also several massage parlors. There are several businesses located here, including a printing company and a travel agency. The middle of the three side-by-side buildings used to house a movie theater but now offers a large pool-facing bar on the ground floor with a “ladyboy” cabaret show upstairs in the auditorium.

The largest single group of regulars at the Plaza, and it is very much a place for regulars, is American, although there are many other nationalities represented, notably Canadian, British, Australian and New Zealanders, but with many others represented. by at least one or two people. For the most part, Square’s regular customers (a group called “Squaronians”) are a slightly older group and almost entirely male.

The west facing bar spots and two of the bars that also serve food are not for the faint of heart as they can be quite raunchy. Not always, but sometimes. The same goes for all drinks-only places. When they’re quiet, they’re great places to relax, whether you want to sit and listen to music or watch TV (all places have both) or strike up a conversation with other customers or employees. Of course, if you like fuss, you can find that too. Drink prices are particularly competitive, especially when compared to hotel bars and bars in more well-known venues. In all, there are about a dozen places catering primarily to Westerners.

Along Sukhumvit Soi 22 there is the occasional bar, plus a small block of (mostly) bars across the soi from Washington Square and a bit further down. All of these are western-oriented and have numerous regular patterns.

This is a good area to get an idea of ​​the lifestyle of the resident expat which is very different from that of the corporate expat. Most people in this area are full time *and* long term, not rotating after a tour back to their home country. Many have Thai wives and some have children. A considerable number are retired (including some retired US military). The largest work group is made up of people in the oil business or construction (often oil-related) such as field workers.

A local British writer once wrote an article describing the Plaza’s regulars as “men with thousand meter stars”, and that’s a good metaphor. Newcomers are always welcome, but Scuaronians like to get a feel for them (and don’t suffer fools at all, gladly never mind!).

I should point out that while I am very much a Squaronian myself (and have been for over a decade), I have no business interests anywhere in Washington Square. Sometimes I get asked why I write about it so often.

It’s worth checking out, and it’s close to the Skytrain station at The Emporium, as well as a bit further from Asoke station; the hike is easy from either. Allow about four to five minutes from The Emporium station and about eight to ten minutes from Asoke.

New Year’s Eve night marks the beginning of a new year, celebrating the past and hoping for the best for the future. It goes without saying that tonight you have to celebrate it in the best possible way with your loved ones.

Here are 9 ideas to celebrate the New Year around the world.

New York City, New York

The New Year’s Eve atmosphere in New York City is hardly comparable to anywhere else in the world. Large numbers of people gather in Times Square to witness popular musicians and watch the 100-year-old traditional ball drop. The Waterford LED Crystal Ball, measuring 12 feet wide and weighing around 12,000 pounds, falls from the Old New York Times Building. If you want to avoid the chaos, it is advisable to make a reservation at a restaurant or bar with a view of Times Square. You can also take a boat ride through New York Harbor to see the fireworks display on Liberty Island at midnight.

Rio de Janeiro Brazil

The New Year’s Eve celebration in Rio de Janeiro falls right after the Carnival festival in the city. The biggest and possibly the wildest New Year’s Eve party in the world takes place on Copacabana Beach. You’ll find an attendance of over two million people squeezed into a space of two and a half miles on this night.

The celebration is held in a traditional Brazilian style, popularly known as Reveillon, bringing together traditional, superstitious and religious values ​​all in one place. People come dressed completely in white, for good luck, and throw flowers into the ocean, as a gift to their goddess of the seas. Along with the Brazilian tradition, you can enjoy the best of live music and dance performances, and magnificent fireworks at twelve o’clock at night.

Sydney, Australia

Two things make Sydney a great place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. This is the main city where the clock strikes midnight first, and second, you will be able to witness here the largest fireworks show in the world, one at 9 pm and the other at midnight. Over a million people come to see the waterfront spectacle, including the Aboriginal smoking ceremony, aerial acrobatics and the Puerto de la Luz parade.

edinburgh, scotland

New Year’s celebrations in Edinburgh last for a total of three days, from December 30 to January 1. A torchlight procession runs through the city on the 30th and ends with fireworks. On New Year’s Eve there are big street parties, concerts and the traditional Celtic festival in the city. At midnight, 4.5 tons of fireworks are launched over Edinburgh Castle. On January 1, the last day of the celebration, events like the dog sled competition, jumps into the icy waters of the River Forth, the Loony Dook Parade and a multi-venue arts and music festival called Scot: Lands. They are carried out.

London England

People in London welcome in the New Year with Big Ben chiming at midnight. People gather around the banks and bridges of the Thames for the fireworks display and ten-minute light show, followed by after parties. The Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and a few others are the highlights of tonight’s sight. The next morning, a parade with the procession of the Queen’s horses, costumed dancers, marching bands and floats, runs through central London.

Berlin Germany

Berlin, being one of the world’s party capitals, does not disappoint on New Year’s Eve. On this night, you’ll find a two-kilometer stretch of international food stalls, bars, party tents, laser shows, music stages and much more, from the Brandenburg Gate to the Victory Column, popularly known as the Party Mile. Post the fireworks display at midnight, the parties continue until dawn and even later, at various points in the city.

The Vegas, Nevada

On New Year’s Eve, the streets of Las Vegas become car-free and turn into one big street party with fireworks displays, laser shows and live bands. In addition to these, you will find countless options for shows, concerts and parties in hotels, casinos and nightclubs tonight. At midnight, fireworks are set off from seven rooftops along the city’s fringe, making it possible for everyone to see them, whether indoors or outdoors.

Paris France

Paris hosts a spectacular fireworks and light show on New Year’s Eve at the Eiffel Tower. New Year’s Eve in Paris is marked by people celebrating, visiting clubs and bars and basically having fun drinking and celebrating. For those who want to celebrate their New Year’s Eve in a romantic way, this city of romance offers private and romantic New Year’s Eve boat cruises along the Siene.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is popular for hosting the New Year’s Eve Grand Ball at the Hofburg Palace. On this night, the city’s popular Christmas markets turn into New Year’s markets. Large numbers of people turn out in the city center on this day, with celebrations starting at 2pm and continuing until well past midnight. On New Year’s Day, people gather outside City Hall to watch the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s concert on the giant screen.

Do you promise not to tell? One of the best kept secrets in the Bahamas is Harbor Island. This small romantic island, known as “Briland” by its inhabitants, is a short distance from the United States. A one-hour flight from Florida to North Eleuthera, followed by a short taxi and water taxi ride quickly whisks you to this Bahamian gem.

Harbor Island is less than 4 miles long and 1/2 mile wide. Its long and wide beach is famous for its compact pale pink sand. The likes of Fodors and Conde Nast call it one of the “best beaches in the Bahamas.” The beach, combined with great restaurants, hotels, and vacation home rentals, makes Harbor Island a destination of choice among Bahamian enthusiasts. It is not surprising to find some “rich and famous” there, they know they will not be persecuted.

At the center of Harbor Island is Dunmore Town. This quaint and friendly community features old Victorian structures adorned in colorful Bahamian pastel paint schemes. There are no high-rise hotels, fast food, or traffic jams on this island!

Golf cart rentals are the transportation of choice. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing and just walking on the beach are some of the popular activities. To be sure, Harbor Island isn’t known for its shopping and nightlife, or its gambling. If you’re looking for big crowds, wild parties, or theme park rides, this isn’t your destination.

Harbor Island weather is lovely; especially during late winter and spring when there is little chance of rain. Ocean breezes soften the moderately warm temperatures that range from the 70s to the 80s during the day and the late 60s at night. Air conditioning during the season is unnecessary; ceiling fans are adequate. There is nothing better than falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean through an open window.

Dining out is casual. Top restaurants include Pink Sands Hotel, Coral Sands, The Landing, Rock House, Romora Bay Club, and Harbor Lounge. If you are looking for local food, Ma Ruby’s is not to be missed. And there’s more… Part of the joy of exploring the island is getting to know the restaurants. Compared to other islands in the Bahamas, Harbor Island has one of the best selections of restaurants, all in close proximity to wherever you stay.

On the ocean side, hotels include Pink Sands Hotel, Coral Sands Hotel, and Dunmore Beach Club. On the bay side, there is The Landing Inn and Rock House. Do we have a budget? There are other hotels to choose from. Visiting Harbor Island isn’t cheap, but if it were, everyone would be there, right?

Harbor Island vacation home and villa rentals are numerous. Location and size come at a price. If you want “beachfront”, the best locations are usually in the north and south along the east coast. If you want to save a bit, there are some good rentals in Dunmore Town and others located in the interior of the island. The beach is always minutes away.

Look for houses for rent online that offer more than a few photos so you know what to expect. Many rentals are handled by rental or real estate agents who may not provide many details, descriptions, map locations, or photos. Landlords who care to promote their home rentals often have separate websites and accept email inquiries directly.

The best Harbor Island home rentals are booked almost a year in advance of peak season. Those who want the best make early reservations; many are repeat customers. You can also take a “hold” position on various rentals in the hope that someone will call them off. Ask for references and double check policies for deposits and refunds.

If you’re looking for a memorable and relaxed vacation in the Bahamas complete with sun, sea, great food and a romantic beach that will take your breath away, consider Harbor Island. See you at the beach!

Copyright © 2004 Perry Jose

Atlanta is known for its hearty and delicious food. Any description about Atlanta invariably brings to mind the mention of the restaurants that serve up some mouthwatering and delicious dishes. Restaurants in Atlanta are known for their versatility in offering different types of delicacies. Whether it’s Italian, Mexican, French or typical American, Atlanta has it all to make the dining experience enjoyable and memorable. Restaurants in Atlanta can be classified based on price and cuisines. Some of them can be categorized by their presentation and features.

One of Atlanta’s signature restaurant forms is the Pigeon Forge restaurant, which is popular with locals and tourists alike. Serve chicken, seafood, steaks, catfish and other delicious dishes. A nice feature of the restaurants is the availability of the full children’s menu, which makes these restaurants a delight for the family.

Just like any other city, restaurants in Atlanta have come up with their own new concepts and revolve around a theme to build and strengthen the customer base. They have some special food or the environment created in the way that acts as a unique selling proposition for them. Therefore, there are classy fusion restaurants that combine rustic cuisine with a nightclub atmosphere. They have dishes to taste and share, which are creative dishes that must be passed around the table. These include entrees like chorizo, pear, raw tuna, calamari with crushed olives, and appetizers like oak-grilled asparagus. The restaurants also have special cocktail lists to accompany their finely executed dishes.

Reservations aren’t necessarily the norm when it comes to restaurants in Atlanta, as people can quickly get seats without reservations. However, sometimes, considering the avalanche of people in restaurants, it is recommended to book as a safer bet.

Atlanta is known for its good food and casual restaurants. With its multiple cuisines and classic atmosphere, it satisfies the palate of food lovers.

Being able to observe and gather information is probably the most important basic skill you can learn if you want to improve your social skills…

This is because it is the foundation of all communication skills.

What you say is obviously important, but if you don’t know what’s going on in front of you, then you have absolutely no chance of being able to influence it.

In today’s society, we have a tendency to become so dependent on technology like computers, mobile phones, and sat navs that we forget to use our own basic listening and observing skills…

I remember reading about someone who actually drove their car into a channel because they followed the directions of their sat nav system!

Obviously, this is a pretty dramatic and isolated case, but I think it’s safe to conclude that most people don’t make the best use of their own natural observing and listening skills.

In Western culture we don’t value observation and information gathering skills as much as they do in Eastern cultures. In Japan they have a word used to describe this ability called ‘amae’. Which refers to the ability to intuitively know what a friend, co-worker or family member is thinking and feeling just by the way they look and sound.

Renowned Japanese psychiatrist Takeo Doi tells the story of a time he visited friends in the United States. When he first walked in, his hosts looked at him and asked if he would like to eat sometime. Because in Japan you don’t ask someone if he would like something to eat, Takeo Doi was embarrassed and, although he was hungry, he refused the offer.

In Japan, you wouldn’t need to answer these kinds of questions because your host would intuitively know if you’re hungry by how you look and sound.

It is clear that, in Western society, we have a lot to learn from our Eastern counterparts when it comes to the ability to obtain information from the outside world. We can all get lazy from time to time and take things for granted. When we interact with people, we may have a tendency to make generalizations or assumptions about who they are and what they do.

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to witness a keynote speech titled the Masai Masterclass by a speaker named Chris Howe. Chris is the CEO of a company called Changemaker and specializes in teaching large corporations the 5 key qualities of a Maasai warrior.

During his opening speech, Chris tells a fascinating story about a time when he traveled from Nairobi to a place called Tassia. On his trip, he worked closely with the Maasai community in the Laikipia region to discover more about their culture and way of life. One day, while interacting with one of the Maasai warriors, he felt compelled to ask what the procedure was for killing a buffalo. The answer he received was not direct.

The Maasai warrior looked at him curiously and then began the following conversation:

Maasai Warrior: “You want to kill Buffalo? Okay… what time of day?”

Chris: “Ehm… Well, during the day, around 12 o’clock?”

Maasai Warrior: “Okay… In what weather conditions?”

Chris: “Well, let’s go for dry weather!”

Maasai Warrior: “Okay….and what time of year?”

Chris: “Ehm… Daylight saving time?

After half a dozen questions of this nature, they finally arrived at a procedure for trapping and killing a buffalo under these particular conditions. However, the Maasai warrior was quick to point out that as soon as those conditions changed, the strategy would change as well.

Too often we have a tendency to search for that one technique that will work every time, every time with every person. The reality of the situation, however, is that such a technique does not exist. Obviously having simple techniques and rules and procedures is incredibly helpful, but the one thing that will dramatically increase your ability to communicate and talk to people effectively is to recognize that each individual is completely unique and that it’s vital to first spend some time figuring out what is true for that person at that moment.

In fact, one of the most powerful things you can do to improve your communication skills is to open your eyes and ears and become adept at being able to notice what is happening right in front of you, right now, right now. personalize your communication to suit that particular person at that particular time.

So if you always try to plan ahead for all the things you’re going to say to someone, great! it’s good that you want to be prepared, that will definitely help the flow of the interaction… Just remember that most of what you need to really connect with them on a deep level is right in front of you and the more you start to open your eyes and ears the more you will notice…

Being an air travel enthusiast, I never considered driving across the United States until an unfortunate incident forced my ex-fiancé and I to change our travel plans. We had flown into Las Vegas for a business convention one night. The next morning, I turned on the television and discovered that the planes had crashed into the World Trade Centers in New York. It was 9/11, which devastated us and everyone around us. At Caesar’s Palace, all the televisions were tuned to the tragedy, instead of the usual horse races or other sporting events. You could hear a pin drop as everyone watched the tragedy unfold, live. The convention closed early due to the horrific tragedy. They gave us T-shirts as we left the convention center, in memory of the people who perished in New York and Pennsylvania. Fortunately for us, my ex had already rented a van to get around, as rental cars quickly sold out when all the planes were grounded. In Las Vegas, the airport is right on the edge of the city, very close to the Strip. With all the planes shot down, all we saw was the occasional military fighter jet circling around the city from time to time. It was creepy and a reminder of the possible danger to the area. We got out and drove to Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, our spirits were lifted as we visited the coast, stopping at lovely places like Balboa Island for lunch, Laguna Beach (filled with interesting boutiques and restaurants), and Dana Point, where we stayed in a beautiful beachfront hotel. Later, we went to Burbank and attended the second taping of the Tonight Show, with Jay Leno. The experience was surreal, no one was in the mood for comedy, so the show was moderated. Jay brought out a motorcycle that he was going to auction for charity and Arnold Schwartzenegger, Tom Cruise and others came to sign it. Being in the studio was fascinating, the temperature in the big room was cold, to prevent the many hot stage lights from exploding, one of the producers told us. We had front row seats, because we got in line so early. If you go, make sure you do it well before the indicated time, because it takes a long time to park and the queue to enter is very long.

After leaving downtown Los Angeles, we toured Beverly Hills and Hollywood. I liked Beverly Hills, seeing the beautiful houses was my favorite. Signs were posted everywhere saying wildfires can happen and gave a daily rating of the likelihood of one occurring. Interesting. Some movie stars’ houses were on regular streets like yours and mine. Others were high in the mountains, protected by gates, high walls and ominous “no trespassing” signs. I don’t blame them, with all the crazy people in the world. All the fancy stores were nice, but a shopping spree was out of the question unless we won the lottery and were rich like the Hiltons: an item of clothing could be the cost of a new car or even a house in downtown BeverlyHills. . wow. We drove everywhere, taking pictures, stopping at fast food places like In and Out Hamburgers and Krispy Kreme Donuts. We also stopped at lovely ethnic restaurants for Mexican, Thai and Indian food. Mexican restaurants were my favorites, most were authentic and had large portions.

We drove through the desert, coming back east, we saw the Hoover Dam, which was huge. Because of the tragedy that was happening in New York, everyone was nervous, so we weren’t allowed to stop at the bridge, just drive past it and park somewhere else. It was very picturesque to see the dam, built a long time ago, with Art Deco influence on the bridge and the well built buildings. It was incredibly hot but the heat was dry, not humid. We drank gallons of soda and bottled water to keep from dehydrating. The views of the high mountains and the vast amounts of water pumped out by this powerful dam were truly mesmerizing for this Midwestern girl.

Our next state to visit was Utah, land of amazing rock formations and mountains. We only saw the southern part, but what we saw was impressive. Bright red rocks sticking out of the ground, high mountains, and an endless night sky full of stars. We parked on the side of the road and watched the sky for an hour, deep in the desolate parts of the mountains. Without city lights (or any other civilization, for that matter) we would be able to see everything, including the Milky Way. It was both beautiful and surreal at the same time. Utah is full of natural wonders and incredibly scenic.

Next, we headed to Colorado. It was so scenic going up and down the mountain roads of this colorful and beautiful state. The entire state is a photographer’s dream, especially with all the fall colors. He felt and looked like the Old West to me. We stopped at an old mining town, even had buffalo burgers (made from yes, real buffalo meat, which was good). If we had more time, I would have spent a week there, but my ex had to go back to work from him, so time was limited.

Just east of Denver, everything got incredibly flat. The prairies are desolate and signs of off-road life were few and far between. Whenever we saw a gas station, we stopped at it, because who knew how long it would be until the next one arrived. The people there were very friendly. We spent the night in a charming old hotel and ate at the family restaurant next door. True Americana at its best.

We started seeing hills again in parts of Iowa, which we haven’t been to for a long time. Then came Illinois, where we stopped in Chicago. Having been there many times in the past, we stopped at places I liked such as WaterTower Place, the downtown theater and art museum. There is so much to do and see in this stunning city, just do it during the summer, because the winters there are cold and brutal. Chicago is a big city, with a long skyline as you drive past it. Much bigger than my hometown of Cleveland.

Late at night, we arrived at my house, outside of Cleveland. The trip was a success, although it was marred by tragedy, we made the most of the situation. It took us a week to get home, and someday I plan to do it again, but this time with more free time. If you want to see what America is really like, rent a car (try not to use your own, due to the great wear and tear that this type of travel puts on a car) and plan places to visit before you go. We did this trip unplanned and it was still a success. We drove through beautiful state parks, passed amazing scenery, and met wonderful people. Next time I do this, I’ll buy a brochure at the auto club and plan it to see more places off the beaten path like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, and Napa Valley. Driving is a great way to see the details of our great country up close and personal, so be sure to give it a try.

My love affair with the Grand Canyon began twenty years ago. I had just gotten married and asked my new wife where she would like to spend her honeymoon. She gave me two options, either Israel (which was not a good start due to the political situation at the time) or the Grand Canyon in the US.

My first thoughts were why would I want to travel thousands of miles to see a hole in the ground. I had never visited the US before and had no particular desire to do so. (how wrong I was as the facts proved).

Anyway, a promise is a promise, so that’s what we did. We planned a Fly/Drive vacation in the southwestern United States.

Starting and ending in Los Angeles, we travel to the tourist destination through San Diego and move on to Arizona and visit some beautiful places along the way, until we reach the Entrance to the South Rim.

I have traveled the Far East during my time in the Royal Navy and seen beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the Indian Ocean, but nothing prepared me for my first view of the Grand Canyon at Mather Point. I guess I was hoping to travel up and look down into the canyon, however the surrounding area was flat and the ground suddenly collapsed to reveal ‘the hole in the ground’ that is the Grand Canyon. Native American Indians call it Lying Mountain. There were hundreds of tourists there, and yet it was as calm as if a bow had fallen over the crowd.

The magnitude of this ‘hole in the ground’ took my breath away.

No matter what time of day we visited the Rim, there was always a large number of tourists of all nationalities and it was always quiet. A silence only broken by the click of cameras and video recorders as people tried to capture the beauty of the canyon. I took hundreds of photographs and always failed to capture the grandeur of the landscape and the light playing on the rocks.

We stayed for two nights and three days on this our first visit to the Grand Canyon and have been back a dozen times, only once have we visited the US without visiting the Grand Canyon and that was when we looked at Florida.

The Grand Canyon is truly our spiritual home.

If you have just landed in Paris and want to hire a taxi, this article is for you. It is good to know that taxis in the city operate 24 hours a day; therefore, you are guaranteed to get a car regardless of what time you land.

How to get a taxi

If you are at the Paris airport, there is a specific area where the taxis are parked and you just have to go there and choose the car you want. If you are at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, you should look for signs and icons indicating taxi pick-up areas.

If you are in Paris and don’t want to book a taxi in advance, you can find plenty of taxis at transport and train hubs, such as Gare du Nord, Gare St Lazare, Gare du Montparnasse, and Gare de L’Est.

If you want to go to Charles de Gaulle airport, you should take a taxi from Gare du Nort or Gare de L’Est. Fares from these points are slightly cheaper.

If you are going to Orly airport, you should take a taxi from the Denfert-Rochereau or Gare Montparnasse RER station.

The amount that taxis charge is not cheap, but at the same time it is not bad considering that you are operating within the city. For example, if you are planning to move from Charles De Gaulle airport to a hotel located in the center of Paris, you should be prepared to part with €50.

Please note that this amount is subject to change based on traffic, hotel location, and whether you are traveling day or night.

Unlike other places in Europe where drivers accept cards, this is not the case in Paris. Because of this, you must be prepared to pay cash. While most drivers accept cash, there are some that accept card payments. Their taxis usually have a sign in the rear side window.

taxi complain

It is not guaranteed that you will have a great experience with the taxi you hire. If you have a complaint, you should report it to the police. The good side is that the police have an active website where you can leave a report. The website also has a phone number that you can call to report your dissatisfaction.

conclusion

This is what you need to know about taxis in Paris. While there are plenty of taxis in the city, you should only work with reputable companies.