UPDATED JULY 26, 2004 (woo-hoo! Actual updates!!!)

TANZANIA

From: Cheryl
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: Advice on Africa
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2004 14:07:02 EDT

Hello~
My name is Cheryl I'm 42 years old from the U.S and I am leaving for Africa in Sept. Some advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm volunteering for 2 months at an orphanage in Mbeya, which I believe is close to Arusha??? Can you give me any advice as to what not to drink or eat and how to pack. I will be traveling alone however Jubileeventures is the organization that will be greeting me and puting me up with a host family I'm assuming in their village.  I would greatly appreciate any advice.  Thank you Cheryl

From: Cheryl
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: Advice on Africa
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2004 07:01:10 EDT

Chris~
Thank you so much. You shed alot of light on Mbeya, because I really didn't know what to expect. Nice to hear that there are restraunts, banks etc. I will definately check out Lonely Planet on weather and such. Thanks for the update on Arusha (I guess NOT a hop, skip and jump). Again Thanks
(Ascente) Cheryl

MISC

From: miller_hannah
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: your webpage
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 2004 10:49:00 +0100

thank you for the web page, it has helped me with my IT presentation.

thanx
hannah miller
biddulph high school

INDIA

From : rnh103
Sent : Thursday, January 15, 2004
To : <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject : Chai Recipe

Paige and Chris,

Your India adventure is incredible. I am a senior (61) and I would never have the fortitude for the developing country. Mexico is enough of an adventure for me. Your account is truly enlightening and I would not have discovered it except I was looking for the ultimate Chai recipe. I look forward to your next update. Take Care!

Mary Frances Hansen

MEFLOQUINE DREAMS

From : Meghan.C.Mc-Ruiz-1
Sent : Tuesday, January 6, 2004
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : Mefloquine dreams intro

I read the introduction to your online travel diary and it had quite an impact on me. I even cried at the part where you talk about the re-entry culture shock! It sounds like your journey changed your life. After I graduate from college, I have made it my goal to take a similar trip. I have only read the intro but I am looking forward to reading the rest of your diary. Thank you for putting it together so people can see it.

Meghan

MISC.

From : Jennifer De Villiers
Sent : Monday, January 5, 2004
To : <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject : world trip

Hi there!

I hope this email finds you well! I would love to hear about your recent travels and/or travel plans.

I hope you don’t mind helping us out with all these questions! My husband and I are leaving in three weeks for our world trip and I have just started on our research, yiks! I have a couple of good books about world travel, but they have raised some questions that I have a feeling that you might be able to help us out!

Airfare /Itinerary
What airlines/travel agent did you use?
What did it include?
How much did it cost?
Would you do it again?
Any recommendations?

We are looking at STA Travel (student discount/consolidator) for $1100 each, which includes this route:
Los Angeles, Tahiti 10 Days
Auckland 2 weeks rent a car? We want to hike and bike, any ideas?
Sydney 1 Month ⤓ 1-1/2 Months ⤓We want to buy a car and travel the east coast, any thoughts?
Bali 1 Month, We want to travel to other areas of Indonesia, depending on what⤙s safe as Americans, any suggestions?
Singapore ? On days
Bangkok. 1 Month, From Bangkok we can get a train or plane to Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia, what do you think?
From Bangkok we will buy the remainder tickets:
Katmandu, 2-3 weeks, trek to base camp
Europe, 5 Months, possibly Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, then also add Morocco and Egypt.
Within the time in Europe, if we can afford it, we would love to go to Kenya or Tanzania, depends on cash flow.

Money
What type of money did you bring, travelers cks, credit card, atm/debt card, and/or cash?
Did you take a AmEx or Visa/MasterCard?
What would you recommend regarding the above questions?
I was told that I needed a 6 digit pin # for my ATM card for foreign countries, we currently have a four digit #. did you find this to be true?

Vaccines
Which ones did you need for were you were going?
Any side affects?
Did you get all shots at the same time, IE yellow fever, hep A, and typhoid with one doctor’s visit?

Customs/Border Crossings
Visas Did you get your visas ahead of time in the US?
For which countries did you need them for?
We plan on getting our Australian visa ahead, buy the rest abroad, mainly because of time restraints. Any suggestions to where should we get our visa?
Any other requirements to enter into a country, IE Proof of sufficient funds, etc?

Work
Did you work abroad?
What type of work?
How did you find a job?

Phone/Communications
Did you bring a cel phone? What cel phone service did you use and what was the expense?
We purchased global phones from T-Mobile to find out it is soooo expensive to make call abroad, between $.99-4.99/Minute
Did you take a International calling card? With whom?
Any other recommendations?

Travelers Insurance
Did you have it, with whom, and what did it cost?
Would you recommend it?

International Health care insurance
Did you have it, with whom, and what did it cost?
Would you recommend it?

Camera
What did you take, a point and shoot or a digital camera?
Digital Camera - How easy is it to download abroad? What about recharging your battery? Etc.
What do you recommend?

Mail/Purchases
Did you mail anything home?
Did you bring any mailing materials with you? (Some books recommend this, seems like too much stuff to take)
What do you recommend?

THANKS!

Jennifer DeVilliers

NEPAL

From : Goyke, Evan C
Sent : Thursday, September 25, 2003
To : <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject : i want to do what you did!

Hi,

My name is Evan Goyke; I am a junior at St. John’s University (it’s in Minnesota). I very good friend and I are studying abroad this coming spring, myself in South Africa and my friend in Australia. Before we split up, we wanted to travel some, maybe a lot. We are both very motivated to go to Nepal. I suggested the Annupurna route, after seeing the mountain range in a book of natural wonders. Both of us are in good shape, experiences backpackers, at least I am –I did the Eagle Scout thing – , we both love spiders, and we really want to go. We read your story and wanted to know some details, if you would be willing to share them. We are looking to spend about three weeks on the route and not too much time in Katmandu, we have some deadlines because of the school thing. How long did it take you to trek the entire route? How much did it cost once you in Nepal? How easy was it to set up the travel to the route? Did you have any trouble with gear or finding a place to sleep?

We are just really curious. We have the ability (time and money) to go, but we, I mean our parents, want to know a lot more. Were the Nepalese generally American friendly? Did you know any Nepalese? Were there many instances where you could die very easily? (That one’s from my Mom)

Your trip sounded amazing. We don’t want to recreate it, but maybe use it as a starting point. Being college students, we think we are invincible and would go with no preparations and most likely die. If you could reply with any information that could it would be very helpful.

I feel like part of the family after reading about your expedition. We would really appreciate any help or advice that you could offer us.

Thank you so much

Evan Goyke

MALAWI

From : Linda
Sent : Friday, July 18, 2003
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : Read your adventure of Africa

Good Morning;

This is Linda Jenks. I have always been intrigued with Africa. Your webpage is GREAT! I've got some questions that maybe you can help me with. I received a e-mail from Andrew & Will at Likoma Island:

Are these the same people you met? Is the place nice (risky) , etc.? Reason being is they want to potentially work with me on promoting their place and I need to be very careful.
Your time and comments are appreciated.
Respectfully,
Linda

From : Linda
Sent : Monday, July 21, 2003
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : Re: Read your adventure of Africa

Hi Chris:

Really appreciate you input. It would be something I probably would do as I am a bit adventurous but maybe not quite as much as you. You sound as if your tripping around was educational to say the least. But I did love the photographs and the idea of no phones, business cards stuff is good too.
I promote bridal shows and was going to offer them a partnership in trade of rooms for advertising to the brides and grooms, but I must be extremely careful of what I promote and know something about it.

Thanks again for your input. Hope you next adventure is wonderful!
Linda
Brides and Beyond

INDIA

From : Adam
Sent : Sunday, June 29, 2003
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : india seems like a mad one!

hello there! just came across your indian journey thing by accident. Sounds like a mad place!

well, thats about all really. Bye for now!

adam

MEFLOQUINE DREAMS

From : Richard Aitken
Sent : Thursday, June 5, 2003
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : Mefloquine Dreams

Dear Chris and Paige,

Hope you are both well. I just visited your website:

http://www.tarantism.com/mefloquine/overview.html

I currently live in Jakarta and am researching the social aspects of Malaria. I would be interested to read some of your journal on Lariam's effect on dreams.

My healthy interest in the likes of Huxley, Casteneda ands Wordsworth aside, I think I will probably stick to Malerone when I visit Papua later this year. Anyway it might be interesting to make contact with you. Look forward to your reply.

Richard Aitken

INDIA

From : Gayle Shaffer
Sent : Sunday, June 1, 2003
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : update

I just had to write and tell you how much I enjoyed your trip notes. We lived in Baroda/Vodadra for three years about six years ago. Everyday was a new and unexpected experience. By the way, the women also use the street to "pee". Wearing no undergarments and a long sari makes it more private. Thanks again for the memories.

Gayle Shaffer

From : Gayle Shaffer
Sent : Sunday, June 1, 2003
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : Re: update

No, I am not familiar with it. Do you remember where it was located? Since we were there for years we were very careful where we ate and pretty well stuck to the major hotels and restaurants. Before we went to India a parent of a student of mine described her hometown of Baroda as the Indian Ann Arbor, MI. I never quite saw it. I am not sure what park you almost visited in Baroda. Believe me if you have fond memories of a restaurant than that is better than the park. I would go to live there again, but I would never recommend a tourist visit. I agree, the people were very friendly and helpful, and the poorer the people, the more honest and helpful. Will you ever return?

Gayle Shaffer

From : Gayle Shaffer
Sent : Monday, June 2, 2003
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : Re: update

I still can't picture it. We attended several functions at the Regency. It was fairly new in 1997. That area was trying to escape the reputation of being a "red light" area. One of my favorite restaurants was Rangouli's. (may not be spelled right) It was in that same area and had a fruit bar out front. I logged many trips up and down RC Dutt Road.
My husband was part of a small group that started a manufacturing plant close by for General Motors. It was a "no win" project but GM wanted a foothold in India and we were a token effort. He would go to work from 7a.m. to 8 p.m. each day and I got to stay home and play and explore. I have to say that I always felt at home there. The whole town was like a small town in the US. Everyone knew everyone else's business. I think I experienced random acts of kindness everyday.
I have been to the park you missed. It would have made you very sad. They have many interesting things in the museum but they do not have any climate control in the building and I could almost see the relics wasting away. The local college has a masters and doctoral program in museumology. They tried to do what they could but money just wasn't there.
Sayaji is the name of the Baroda royal family. They still exist and have a palace close to the park area. They have wealth in the form of jewels, gold, antiques etc. but they have no way of maintaining the grand life style they once had. They are not allowed to leave the country as a family. One of them can travel but the rest of the family must be in India. The government is afraid that they will leave and never return.
I am sorry I have rambled on so long. India is one of my favorite topics. I hope you do get to return. We were back about two years ago. I was happy to see some changes, most for the better. Did you ever try Thumb's Up (a soda) while you were there?

Gayle

ZIMBABWE

From : REUBEN JACOB
Sent : Monday, April 28, 2003
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : Chicken Bus

Hi
I'm African from Dar es salaam, I realy enjoyed your email to your pals in states counting your tour through CHICKEN BUS in Zimbabwe as I came across it through google. You are realy funy. Bytheway you didnt mention about Dar es salaam how did you find it!

I can lough, surpprisingly we don't have chicken bus hahahahaha.......

TANZANIA

From : Etherington, Scott M
Sent : Thursday, April 3, 2003
To : "'chrisandpaige@hotmail.com'"
Subject : Kilimanjaro

Hi Guys,

I'm planning a trip to Kilimanjaro with friends this summer and have being doing some research. I saw your article on the internet and was interested to see what kind of price you got for the trek up Kilimanjaro, and whether this included food, gate entries, camping etc? Just that I have a quote for the Machame route of $650 pp from a tour operator on the net, and am wondering if I could save more by just sorting the trek when we get there.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Regards

Scott Etherington

INDIA

From : vipul kuchhal
Sent : Friday, March 14, 2003
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com

Dear Mr. Drummund and Mrs. Garrett

The account of your travels in India were quite facinating and i find it pleasing that you find my country exciting. But reading your India- part 2, i feel u havent traveled in north india. I live in New Delhi and believe me north of india is also a beautiful place to travel. You can find palaces in rajasthan to peaceful himachal and ofcourse the heart of India, Delhi.

Please reply as i like to interact with fellow travellers of the world.

Vipul


From: "Chris and Paige Farrell"
To: kuchhalv@hotmail.com
Subject: Re:
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2003 23:24:12 +0000

Hi Vipul! Believe me - we would LOVE to travel to North India and have plans to do so one day too. Are there specific places/towns/sites you recommend? New Delhi was the furthest north we went on our trip and we arrived there at the coldest time of the year...which inspired us to head south for some warmer weather! Let me know - I'll definitely put them in our plans!

Thanks for writing!
Chris


From : vipul kuchhal
Sent : Saturday, March 15, 2003
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : Re:

Hi Mr Chris..well i was really surprised with the quick reply..i was not expecting it and not at all so soon..thanks for it.

it would be grt for u to travel to Rajasthan in Winters..the weather is nice and their is a special train names "palace on wheels" which takes u to all the major destinations in Rajasthan and is a good thing if u have time with u..but if u can get away from beaten track than u will will find the land beautiful and people friendly...and u should not use collect calls...lol... coz PCO operators will not understand the meaning...

If u r interested in advanture tourism then there is River rafting in Rishikesh and Haridwar( these cities are in state of Uttaranchal). i think the rapids r of intensity 3.5...well i dont remember corectly..guide told me something like that...and i find the cliff jumping specially interesting.

So when r u planning ur next trip..coz if u want and if u r coming before June this year then i can ask my friends to make arrangements for u in Rishikesh...coz after June i think i will be in Ohio...even then it could be arranged..its just a matter of making a phone call..and yeah i forgot to ask ur asl..so whats the a/s/l s of u guys..and reply plz.

Vipul

MISC.

From : Barbara Hennelly
Sent : Thursday, February 20, 2003
To : <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject : huh?

Hey guys, I just found your writings on your travels on the web. You guys are a trip (pun intended)! When I think I know all there is to know that's wacky about our enigmatic client, it never fails. I can no longer be shocked by things I learn of you. Except perhaps, if by night you are Superman and Wonderwoman.


Then again, I don't think that would shock me either...at least that would explain your supernatural ability or access to some secret portal that enables you to fit a week's worth of living in 24 hours. Christ, I can barely find time to pee.

: ) kiss kiss,
Barbara Hennelly

MISC.

From : Jennifer De Villiers
Sent : Sunday, February 9, 2003
To : <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject : world travel

hey guys!

my husband and i just sold everything we owned, which wasn't much and moved in with mom & dad to finish paying off what little debt we own to take off this late spring or early summer for our around the world trip!

i would love to get your advice and feedback, especially because we are just starting to plan and the first hurdle seems to be the hardest...so here it goes...

which direction to travel - east vs west, following good weather...
where to travel to- we would like to go to the following: tahiti, fiji, australia, new zealand, indonesia, vietnam, thailand, burma, india, nepal, africa, europe, iceland, costa rica, belize, peru, brazil - is it too many places? airline packages don't cover all destinations

we have as long as the trip needs to take and we will be leaving from SFO...

airfare, where to research, united going out of business?

vaccinations, i am anti vaccines so trying to find out what one has to have vs recommended vaccines is hard.

i appreciate any advice you can give...
jen & alan

MISC.

From : darlitia Carlo
Sent : Wednesday, January 22, 2003
To : <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject : I just looked over your web site.

Hi,
My name is Darlitia and I just looked over your website.When did you get back from your RTW? What year? How are you doing on reverse culture shock now?

Thanks,
Darlitia
Anchorage Alaska
Bookkeeper

INDIA

From: jeremie brillant
To: <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: hello...
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002


Dear Chris and Paige,
My name is Jeremie and im a student at UCLA currently studying in Paris, France. Im originally from San Diego, Ca. and i just came across Part 1of your 'INDIA' updates which were as informative as they were entertaining. I myself am leaving from Paris this coming Friday for Bombay and was curious if you could lend me some information as to where i should stay or who i should trust as soon as i arrive. I will be by myself for the good part of the weekend and I truly am skeptical, though not nervous. Hopefully you still check this e mail and will be able to help me out....thanks for your time,

JEREMIE


From: Chris and Paige Farrell
To: jeremie
Subject: Re: hello...
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002

Jeremie,

When we were in Bombay/Mumbai, we stayed at a friend's place, so unfortunately I wouldn't be able to recommend a place around there. Lonely Planet does a fairly decent job of listing lower, middle and upper-priced places to stay based on your budget. You should be able to find a clean room w/bathoom attached for $5-10 U.S., or for $20-$30 get a really nice place (TV, AC, etc.). Now, as far as who to trust...that's a tough one. You can ask around at the airport and find out how much taxis/rickshaws should be to where you want to go, or they probably have a prepaid taxi stand (which are almost always the best bet for getting the correct price).

Not sure how long you'll be there or if you're planning on traveling around; we didn't do Mumbai justice as we were only there for a couple days to buy train tickets and see our friends (we ultimately did no sightseeing, which I'm now upset about because I've since read up on Chowpatty Beach - seems like an incredible experience) before heading off to Goa and Kerala (both of which are LONG train rides away). I wish I could offer more useful information, but you can get a wealth of useful stuff from Lonely Planet or other guidebooks for Bombay. One thing: if you're planning on buying train tickets, there IS a tourist line in Bombay - regardless of what anyone tells you. This will save you hours and hours of waiting...keep asking until someone tells you where it is (it may take a few tries!).

Good travels and thanks for writing/checking out our web site!

Chris

From : jeremie brillant
Sent : Tuesday, October 22, 2002
To : Chris and Paige Farrell
Subject : Re: Re: hello...

Perfect,
thank you for responding with so much info so quickly!!!! Im sure it will be a tremendous help. My lonely planet will arrive in the mail tommorrow so i should be allright. Ill be sure to drop you a line either from India or once I get back.... thanks again!!!

Au revoir!
jeremie

INDIA

From : Shiraz Jayabhanu
Sent : Tuesday, July 16, 2002
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : Andamans

Hi,

Just read through your page on the Andamans, and
wanted to know more about your experience there.
Planning to go there next month, so your inputs would
be helpful.

Also, which part of the year were you in the islands?

Cheers,
Shiraz


From : Shiraz Jayabhanu
Sent : Wednesday, July 17, 2002
To : Chris and Paige Farrell
Subject : Re: Andamans

Hi,

Thank you for your input. I am an Indian citizen planning to go on a trip to the Andamans next month- so I guess the restrictions will be a lot less. I am planning a holiday there, as well as do some groundwork on possibily investing into the tourism sector there at a later stage (they are inviting private players).

Therefore, I would find it useful if you could highlight some of the problems you had in the islands, such that, I can look for improvements and also highlight major problems to the tourism dept – such that they can work on the same. Sorry to hear about your experience with the tourism dept, however - I am pleased to state that they are a lot more responsive today (probably they have woken up from their deep slumber-- to understnad the tourism potential of the region).

Therefore, any input you can give will definitely be very helpful.

best wishes,
Shiraz Jayabhanu


From : Shiraz Jayabhanu
Sent : Friday, July 19, 2002
To : Chris and Paige Farrell
Subject : Re: Andamans

Hi,

Thanks again for your thoughts on Andmans. Gotta say that it was a lot of fun reading through your webpage and it was definitely even more interesting to read your e-mails.

I will surely call on you guys for your input, as and when things roll.

til then good luck and once again thank you.

best wishes,
Shiraz

MEFLOQUINE DREAMS

From : <Jpeggar >
Sent : Monday, July 15, 2002 10:40 PM
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : Book?

Hi Chris & Paige -

I found your site after a short trip my guy and I took to Costa Rica - it left us desperate to see the world via backpack! Instead of satisfying our desire to travel, it only stoked the fire. I'm hooked!!! So I'm starting to do some research, read about other people's experiences, and plan for a much longer trip in a couple of years. Of course, I need to finish a PhD first, get tenure, and get a grant to pay for the trip! So it might be three years instead. But it'll happen. No doubt.

Has your book been published? Is it available for purchase? I'd love to read all 2000 pages of it! :-)

Thanks!!
Julie

From : Julie
Sent : Monday, July 22, 2002
To : chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject : Re: Book?

Hi Chris -

Glad to hear the book is in edit mode! I'm just now at the point where I'm getting publishing advice too. I guess the best thing I've heard to pass on is "Prove you have a market!" So in your case that should be fairly easy. Keep track of the hits on your website and of all the e-mails begging you to publish soon! :-)

Looking forward to seeing it out there in the future - I'll watch the website for news! Good luck!!!

Julie

IRELAND

From : Maureen O'Donnell
Sent : Monday, July 8, 2002
To : <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject : happened upon your page

I hope I don't use all your money reading a stranger's email. I was looking for info on Ireland, and yours was the best I found. Have a great time, if you are still traveling. My daughter travels as you do, but likes it get to beaches.

God Speed and Bless,
Maureen O'Donnell
CT, USA

From: Chris and Paige Farrell
To: Maureen O'Donnell
Sent: Monday, July 08, 2002
Subject: Re: happened upon your page


I wish we were still traveling! We've been home now for almost three years (yikes!) - although I am still trying to keep updating our travel stories/information. We haven't really put too much info. up on Ireland yet - is there anything in particular you were looking for?

Thanks for writing!

Chris

From : Maureen O'Donnell
Sent : Monday, July 8, 2002
To : "Chris and Paige Farrell"
Subject : Re: happened upon your page

Yes,

I was researching a village in Co. Waterford called Glenanore. It is very small and difficult to find info on without visiting, which I may have to do. I am writing a book with my daughter, and it involves Glenanore. My family was from that area, and you might as well write about something that touches your heart.

My daughter Eileen travels as you do, but her countries are very different. She has been to Yemen, Egypt, Thailand, Panama, some very diverse places. She, like you, starts to suffocate when she has not been on a trip for a year.

I hope you travel again soon. From your writings, it looks like it is your soul.

Kind regards,

Maureen O'Donnell

CHILE
From: Rajdasa
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: your page
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 10:39:02 EDT

Hello,

I read your page to find out about Santaigo Chile and summer skiing and sweaters from Chile. (I think we'll go in August.) It's GREAT page! You had a GREAT expedition! Congratulations to you.

Best,

Helen in Bridgewater, NJ, USA


ENGLAND
From: "Bonnie"
To: <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: just to say hi
Date: Fri, 17 May 2002 20:56:41 -0500

Hello from Missouri
I love your pictures they are very beautiful. I just spent some holiday time in UK visiting and siteseeing and i love it there.

Bonnie Arnold


GENERAL
From: Louise & Julian Lowry
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2002 8:10 AM
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: website

i have just read your website and i have foud it a really enjoyable read. i can really relate to what you said about coming home. my husband, julian, and i travelled for 1 year as our honeymoon in 1996 and found it an extraordinarily rewarding experience. since then we have travelled twice more to the indian subcontinent. i share you views on india - the extremes of happiness and frustration all rolled into one!

do you plan to travel again? will you ever return to india. i have loads of questions to ask you but i dont want to seem too intrusive and also i am at work and i dont want to get caught not doing any work!!

Louise Lowry


From: "Chris and Paige Farrell"
To: loujulowry
Subject: Re: website
Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 15:01:39 +0000

Louise - thanks for writing! We DEFINITELY plan to travel again...it's just that we're in the baby mode right now (got a 1 1/2 year old and another on the way), so as soon as they are old enough to strap on a backpack, we're gone again, and again, and again! Please feel free to ask me anything you want - I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions to ask you too. After our three month stay in India, we were both a little oversaturated, but time has definitely healed a lot of those "wounds." Actually, India left us with this intense love/hate affair, but mostly love. More than any other country, we find ourselves thinking about India and talking about going back. Hopefully sooner rather than later. It's difficult to forget the intense feelings and even more intense extremes of the five senses that India pummels you with. Where exactly have you guys traveled? When you say Indian subcontinent, did you also go to Nepal?

Definitely write back!

Chris


From: "Louise & Julian Lowry"
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: Travel
Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 10:26:02

Well, firstly thank for writing back! I can really understand what you mean about the love/hate thing. After we had been there a while the first time we felt the same as you - we couldn't wait to leave. (That was due partly to continued sickness of the diorrhea kind!) We had only been back a couple of week and we were planning the next trip - and within 10 months we were back there amongst it all! We have travelled (in this order) to: Thailand Malaysia Sumatra Singapore (6months), on to Australia for 3 months and then New Zealand for 3 months. That was our honeymoon in 1996/97. Then in 1999 we flew one way to Beijing and overlanded through Tibet (1 month) and onto Nepal where we stayed for 6 weeks) then overlanded to India and stayed there for 2 1/2 months. After 10 short months at home we returned to India and stayed for 3 months before returning to Nepal (mainly as a break from India) and staying there for 6 weeks before flying home and walking Lands End to John O'Groats last summer (10 weeks).

We have been still for 1 year now and the itchy feet are beginning to itch more and more! We have no children so we are always musing about possible future trips. Though we are still interested in Asia as a region. We are not keen to return to Nepal as we have seen that twice and though the views are spectacular and the shopping is excellent, there are other places that we have not been to that we are keen to explore.

Well, that's enough about us for now, what about you? Do you think you will travel soon? How old do you think you children will be when you put their first backpack on them? We met a couple from Australia that were travelling aroung S E Asia with their 2 little girls aged 6 & 7, they were tutoring them as they moved around.

What type of traveller are you? I mean do you long to see beaches, mountains, temples, people or something else? Do you like moving fast and furious of take longer to go from place to place? Did you enjoy the harder countries more or the westernised countries?

I only read the Asia part of your story as that is what I could identify with but now you have replied and we have a correspondence I will read the other bits aswell. That is what I will do now!

Hope to hear from you soon

Louise Lowry


From: "Chris and Paige Farrell"
To: loujulowry
Subject: re: travel
Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 21:44:25 +0000

We haven't really traveled much since we returned - business trips to Europe & China and weekends/weeks around the U.S., but no backpacking yet. We're taking our first international vacation next month, but nothing too exotic: Germany for a couple weeks with our girl. Once our youngest is 5 or 6 I would imagine we'll try a 2-6 month trip to see how it goes. We also met a couple with a five year old traveling through India and had a long discussion with them - they gave us a lot of encouragement!

Generally, we prefer to travel through 3rd world countries; like both the beach and the mountains, although I'm much more of a cold climate person and Paige is the hot climate type. We moved on average about every three days during our trip and that got to be pretty damn tiring after awhile - not sure we'll try to do that again (although it did allow us to experience much more in the time we had). Sometimes you've got to keep moving in order to get to where you need to be, but we generally like to lay out a few blips on the road and determine how fast we'll take in getting there by what's going on at the time. Nothing like playing it by ear! We get a lot of emails from people asking us to recommend itinerarys, and my one piece of advice to them is always, "Plan it when you're there and in the moment, don't plan it now!" We loved that we only had the most general outline of our trip actually planned and everything else, including time, was a factor of how we felt at the moment and what we wanted to do in the here and now. Not sure how that would work with kids though...

We definitely enjoyed the harder countries more than the westernized ones. It was nice to catch a breather every few months or so in a westerninzed environment, but once you get a taste of the unknown, you tend to quickly get bored with the mundane and expected! On our wish list would be a mixture of places we've been and have yet to go: Turkey, Nepal, India, Malawi, Egypt & Indonesia, plus Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam...I guess the list is endless!

You've spent a lot of time in Nepal - we were there for about 2 months and pretty much agree it was our favorite experience on the trip. What kind of treks did you do? Did you find the second time around was different? (better/worse?) We definitely dream of spending another 2 months doing the Anapurna Circuit again before we die...!

Do you guys have a site up?

Chris


From: "Louise & Julian Lowry"
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: re: travel
Date: Tue, 28 May 2002 13:34:33

hello, sorry it has taken a while to reply but I have been off work with chicken pox for that last week and a half, and we don't have a computer at home so all the email messages had to wait!

I do agree with you about 3rd World countries - they are harder at the time but so much more rewarding, especially when you look back. Our first trip (to S E Asia, Oz & NZ) was real shoestring travel, and we really thrived on the hard times. We weren't masochists or anything but we really enjoyed the challenge of travelling on a tight budget. In the 6 months that we were in S E Asia we spent £1700. I don't know exactly how much that is in $ but that was really cheap for us. When we were in India/Nepal, we stepped up the budget one notch because of the hygiene factor being a bit lower. We were not so keen to eat at outdoor eateries on market places, every night. Occasionally we wanted to eat at a mid-range restaurant without fear of dysentary!

We generally prefer the 'natural wonders' of the beach and mountains rather than the 'manmade wonders' of temples etc. Though we do try to mix our experiences so there is a variety of mountains, hills, beaches, lakes, rivers, temples and museums. I must admit that a month of laying on the beach, doing very little, was a real temptation after a month of travelling through rajasthan and gujarat (I am sure you would understand this!)

I definately agree with your 'playing it by ear' theory. The first trip we did was planned very carefully. Only flights were definate but we knew we would spend a few days here then move onto there and spen a few day before moving on etc etc etc. Well that lasted for about 2 hours once we arrived in Bangkok. We had planned to stay for a week, acclimatising to our new surroundings but upon arrival we were so 'culture shocked' that we got a bus out of there as soon aas we could! That was the beginning to the unravelling of our advanced plans. Which is a good thing because is is good to be flexible!

I really enjoyed returning to Nepal. Though Julian (husband) was not so sure. The first time we went to Nepal we did a tour to Chitwan National Park - complete with rafting, elephant riding, rhino spotting and all that. We also trekked to Annapurna Base Camp (we really wanted to do the Around Annapurna Trek but we didn't because a couple of weeks prior to us trekking 2 westerners were killed on that trek - 1 was murdered by his guide! so we opted for ABC Trek and trekked with a couple we met, and remained guideless - incase they tried to murder us!!). We also happened to be there when the Kumari was doing one of her outings on Durbar Square. So we pretty much did everything that there is to do in Nepal on the first trip there. The second time we were there it was more of an escape from India after about 3 months there. We did nothing - no trekking, no rafting, nothing. We chilled in Kathmandu for a couple fo weeks, then chilled in Pokhara for a couple of weeks and then chilled again in Kathmandu for another couple of weeks - it was excellent. And where we were flying home from there, we could do all the shopping we wanted to - and we did! I love the clothes for sale there, all hippy and psychedelic - very groovy. So we stocked up on clothing, nice writing paper, some nice ornaments etc and then came home via a very brief stop in Delhi (3 days). We stayed in Freak Street both times and really liked the run-down atmosphere of the area. The second time we were there though we noticed that Freak Street was changing - it was slowly becoming more upmarket and touristy - like Thamel. Some of the really really cheap places to stay and eat were getting more expensive and salubrious and we wasn't too keen on that. In our minds Thamel was the place for mid-range restaurants that serve food from around the world and show films (that we frequented several times a week), Freak Street was the place for small restaurants that serve only Nepali or Indian food and were really cheap. It is difficult to explain really but I have tried!

Unfortunately we do not have a site up. I have not the first clue on how to set up a web site or anything like that! We kept diaries of all the places we travelled aounds and visited, though putting those diaries on the web strikes me as a really complicated and difficult thing to do. Is it? We have been tempted to write a book about our travels but again, we wouldn't know how to go about it.

Still, there are plenty of excellent travel diaries on the web already (yours included).

So how did you find coming home. Did you slip back into the old routine or did it take a while to adjust? Did you suffer from PTS disorder (Post Travel Stress)? We found it more awkward than stressful really.

This is mammoth - I had better leave it at that for now and get on with some work!
Bye for now

Louise Lowry



GENERAL
From: john chrissy
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: RTW aftermath...
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 06:38:45 -0700 (PDT)

Hey Chris & Paige -

My name is Chrissy and (yikes) a year ago this month my husband and I took off on our own mini RTW trip. Before we left, we did our research via the internet and found your website to be among the best and most entertaining.

I sent you a brief email and your response hinted to the difficulty of adjusting back to "home". This has been the most difficult experience of the entire trip. Sleeping in jungle huts with bats and spiders the size of my face was easy - dealing with people who have everything and complain is worse.

We've been back about 4 months now and at least now we can "talk" to people (at first I had nothing to say, and nothing anyone wanted to hear). Of course we want to run back out into the world and come home only on holidays...but we too are faced with starting a family (and oh yeah, that $ issue).

Anyway, no need to drone on, I think you understand. I just feel a serious lack of people in this country that have the faintest clue what it feels like to experience what we have, or the willingness to learn about the world around them. Or even worse, to make their dreams (whatever they may be) a reality. Just wanted to remember that we are not alone - and neither are you.

I wonder if there are any " post-RTW " mental health groups (oh, how Western thinking of me).

Hope all is well with your family. Thanks again for your website.

Chrissy & John

p.s. We wonder just how small backpacks come - for the
kids...



From: Chris and Paige Farrell
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2002 8:09 AM
To: johnchrissytravel
Subject: Re: RTW aftermath...

Ha! You sound EXACTLY like we did...and still do! It's incredible how parallel our reintegrations back into the first world sounds...where are you guys located? If you're anywhere near Northern California we definitely need to get together and share our stories. I completely hear you. I had a really difficult time coming back around to the mundaneness and routine of work and being stationary - Paige had it a little easier because she had lived overseas on two different occasions and had somewhat of an idea of what she was in store for mentally. I was immersed in a baptism by fire and it took me nearly two years to feel comfortable in my skin again. I was angry at people for not understanding (and seemingly not caring to even try to understand), frustrated, sad, consumed, detached...unable to stop living in the past. We went through the whole "guess what we were doing last year on this day" thing, then moved on to "guess what we were doing two years ago on this day..." it was tough.

During the trip, I diligently kept a detailed journal on a daily basis, always with the intention of compiling a book when we returned. With all my feelings of detachment and being estranged from my friends, I dove into the project about a month after our return and reimmersed myself in the trip on a day to day basis all over again. It was joy and hell. Joy because I felt like I could see, feel, smell and taste the minutia of each experience; hell because I was more attached to the past than ever and was refusing to let go. It eventually took me two years - to the date - to complete the book, and once I finished I was finally able to kind of let it go. Paige and I had always maintained a motto of living in the here and now on the trip, but we weren't living up to it after our return and it took a long time to realize that.

I will tell you this: it sounds like we went through the exact same thing that you're going through - even to the point of the family discussion. We had our daughter, Reese, last year - two years after our return, and that has made ALL the difference in the world. I used to think that nothing could be greater than the life we led on our trip, but Reese has been the most incredible trip of all. Everything we learned and experienced on the trip has shaped the way we interact and raise Reese - and it is awesome! Plus, just like you, our running joke (which is not a joke!) is that as soon as she is old enough to strap on a backpack, we are all gone again on another trip. I frequently research rtw websites and have found many that are run by whole families - it CAN be done. We recently found out that we have another child on the way (woo-hoo!) so now our new saying is "as soon as the YOUNGEST child is old enough to strap on a backpack - we're gone!"

Do you have a website up about your trip? Anyway, thanks for writing - and you guys are not alone either! Congrats on your trip and definitely keep in touch.

All our best - Chris (and Paige)



From: john chrissy
To: Chris and Paige Farrell <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: RTW aftermath...
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 09:15:07 -0700 (PDT)

oh shit...you mean this feeling will not disappear? (just kidding if it did then the trip would have been in vain)

wow - okay, I NEVER email people that I don't know let alone get a response and email back again....

I am sorry to say that we live in the landfill called New Jersey. We are thinking about moving to Vermont.....

Anyway, it is a relief to find other people with the same feelings. I admit that John is the better adjuster than I . I lead a double life - the "enlightened me" that looks at everything in this cosmic world comparison sort of way and the "outside me" that I show to everyone else, acting very excited about things that dont matter and acting upset for people when stupid things (that dont matter) go wrong.

Ahhh......anyway....if you ever end up in the NYC area, let's get together. And the same for us and CA (there is a slight chance we may visit a relative out there in the Fall).

The website story with us is this: we didnt plan to create one, instead we sent a few
emails home to family/friends...very brief - and specific to short attention spans. Then in Thailand we sent everyone a virus (how sweet) So I set up a geocities site: www.geocities.com/johnchrissytravel

However, it is unfinished. VERY unfinished - only to about halfway through the trip. My cute little #$%# MAC can't handle Geocities, but when John gets around to hooking up his IBM I will finish it, more for myself than anyone else.

Incidentally, I think your writing is excellent and better than most other websites. Did you submit your manuscript to anyone? Publishing is a tough business...I know, I worked in it for 7 years! Don't give up. I've scanned the bookstore shelves and there is a severe lack of travel writing. Unfortunately I worked in children's publishing so I don't have a clue about travel writing. Have you tried starting with magazine articles with the hopes of being picked up by a publisher?

I am so impressed by your journal writing. I tried to do it but my journal became a series of bizarre articles about the plight of the Roma , the effects of American culture on the world (why so many NY yankee hats?) and the rampant consumption of ice cream in Eastern Europe. There were a few Larium induced poems and an ode to 10 cent beers in Prague. Otherwise, once we hit Vietnam we lost it (in a very good way).


A big bummer for us was Sept 11th...I worked in NYC and we knew people in the WTC (everyone was ok) We were only a few days away from going to India. We were supposed to meet friend's relatives and they emailed us that it may not be safe there so we bagged India. Of course we regret that! We thought all of the answers would come to us in India. This is why we are still confused.

We got so much crap for being American....did you get the same? That floored me at first, especially when people concluded "you are not really American, we like you too much" We felt like we were on a good will mission for America - then undoubtedly we'd meet ugly Americans and realize we'd have to work twice as hard. Then we decided, screw them - we are what we are

But eventually the negative comments ("you had it coming") at a time when I still didnt know if my family was alright (anthrax in my county) was not what we needed to hear, even if logically it didnt phase me that such a catastrophy struck our country after
traveling through a war torn world. So we cut the trip short by a little over a month.
Looking back, we wouldnt have made that choice, but we'll finish it later!!!

Sorry for the babble, just a little more background from us. I am definitely obsessed by it all. So much that I am going back to school to get a Masters in Anthropology. I want to study more about cultures and someday teach - our country is seeped in culture yet we are still so ignorant about the world. What's up with that?

Congrats on the family!!! We're giving that family thing a whirl right now...if it doesnt take in a year, my plan is to travel the "golden triangle" - then off to Cambodia to adopt.
(yes- I'll even exploit family for a trip)

John is a computer programmer - some day hopefully he can work as a consultant, I will teach and we can take a few months a year to travel (wishful thinking - with the fictional family of course)

or....maybe we'll just pack back up and leave again....

HA!

Thanks again - if you ever need to travel babble, you've got a babble partner...there's so few of us (especially on the East Coast), we must stick together!

Chrissy


GENERAL
From: aporter
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: amazing site
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 15:59:10 -0500

chris and paige,

i came across your website today and i thought it was really well done and informative. you see, i too am planning a round the world trip very soon (april 2003 leaving date)
the two of you did a itinerary very similar to what i hope to do...

i am a little curious if you don't mind my asking how much did you spend? i know the costs are for 2 people...(my trip will likely be alone)...however some indication of costs would be REALLY helpful to me...

i've read easily over 50 travelogues over the last couple of months and i would put yours in the top three i've read...

thanks very much

adam porter


AFRICA
From: Katie Echlin
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: wow, very cool
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2002 17:57:49 -0800 (PST)

HI!

somehow, I just came across your website.. very interesting!!! I`m jelaous!!! I am a 24 year old Canadian, who loves travel and photography more than anything. Currently I am living and working in Japan- half way through a one year contract. This past Christmas, I travelled Thailand, and Malaysia, but, had only a few weeks, so the trip was short, but intense. I`ll manage a trip to China, and hopefully Vietnam before leaving Japan for my next adventures. After Japan, I`m heading to Europe, and then to Africa. Africa has always been my dream, and I am more excited for that than anything!! Do you have any suggestions for me for Africa? I am travelling alone, so I htink a tour is my best and safest bet. I have about 7 weeks to spend in Africa, and my main focus is the wildlife and the culture. I have found some great camping tours, but they seem focused on the white water rafting and bungy jumping rather than the bush walks and game drives. Did you join any tours, or was your Afican adventure a day by day experience?? Do you have any suggestions for my mental preprations? I am so worried about becoming exhausted and sick after 8 weeks travelling europe and another 8 weeks in africa!! But, this is such an incredible oportunity, and hopfully the first major travel adventure of many to come.

I really enjoyed your website, and am going to go through it again! Thanks for posting your stories!!!

Katie Echlin


From: Chris and Paige Farrell
Sent: Wednesday, March 6, 2002 8:09 AM
To: Katie Echlin
Subject: Re: wow, very cool

Hi Katie - thanks for checking out the site - and even more so for letting us know that you liked it! ...I'm not sure what to recommend about Africa - it totally depends on what you want to do. We had NOTHING organized at all, which we found was by far the best (and most cost effective) way to do it. We traveled by chicken bus, train and boat - not sure if that's something you'd want to do (it's pretty extreme), but it is the cheapest way to do it (and an experience you will for sure never forget!) - Also, without knowing where you want to go, take anything I say with a grain of salt since we were pretty much only in eastern Africa. You mentioned interest in bush walks, game drives, wildlife and culture... I would definitely not recommend a Dragoman tour - you're not going to get too immersed in any local culture that way as they pretty much tend to remain isolated in their own bubble. My biggest recommendation would be to pick a couple places you want to visit (countries/cities), go there, and organize everything you want to do once you're there. We found that by networking with fellow travelers and local companies catering to travelers, you have a LOT of leeway to negotiate prices, experiences, places, etc. and will find more of what's actually available as far as choices (treks, hikes, etc.). We organized two safaris for dirt cheap prices by partnering with other travelers, finding local companies who don't/can't/won't advertise (but come highly recommended from people we met on the road), and being flexible with time and places (one we organized in Moshi, Tanzania for the Ngorogoro Crater and a couple other parks for around $80/day, the other we organized in Livingstone, Zambia from our guesthouse - for $25 the guy got us in the local game park and took us around all day). We didn't do too many "hikes" - other than Kilimanjaro and unorganized ones we took ourselves - but Lonely Planet has good books "Trekking in East Africa" etc. which can be very helpful for giving suggestions where to organize walks and such.

We loved Malawi and I understand southern Malawi has great treks, walks, etc. - although we spent most of our time on the lake. Tanzania and Kenya are the big game parks places with Namibia, South Africa etc. as big draws too.

Mental preparedness...that's another tough one - sounds like you are already a seasoned traveler, here's a story about chicken buses: http://www.tarantism.com/mefloquine/chickenbus1.html ...Africa is an incredible place - we didn't find it too difficult to get around or deal with...have cash/travelers checks (not many atms except in huge cities), malaria medication, antibiotics, etc. I don't know what else to recommend. Does any of this help?

Anyway, good travels and let me know if you have any more questions!

Chris


From: Katie Echlin
To: Chris and Paige Farrell <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: wow, very cool
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 17:50:59 -0800 (PST)


HI,
wow!! great response! Thanks!! I wasn`t sure if you were still active with your web site/email !! Great to hear! I love writing, and have pretty much written a book about my travels as well.. a web site is a great idea... maybe I`ll start one up too!

Thanks for your opinions on Africa... after I emailed you, I read through all of your trip.. very intense, very exciting!!! I had considered just arriving somewhere in Africa, and trying to find tours and trips to do, and be spontaneous... but my mother had an absolute fit, and I think will dis-own me if I am not 150 % organized with an exact itinerary... I think she`s just worried about safety!!! Especially as I am traveling alone! Anyways, I have a found a great (I think) tour company called Africa Adventure Travel Centre- located in Cape Town, South Africa. http://www.abisa.co.za I think it`s a group of tour operators all joined together.. there are about 10 tour operators under this one company. The tours are all camping and very hands on, and completely not luxury... they are a great price and look interesting... I`m just not sure it has as much of the wildlife and cultural access as I am looking for. I was wondering if while traveling in Africa, you ran into any people who were doing a trip with this company, or if you have heard of it before. The tour I am interested in is 45 days from Cape Town to Kenya.. very long, very tiring.. but extremely intense and exciting!!! If you know anything about this tour, or company, I would love any opinions/suggestions. Or, do you know of any tours- up to 6 or 7 weeks long, that you would suggest??

My other worry, which maybe you can help me with, is health.. did you have any negative effects from the anti malaria meds? What kinds of shots did you have prior to departure? What kinds of antibiotics did you take with you? Where did you get your water while traveling? Did you get sick at all? I`m worried about getting sick and possibly having to be hospitalized.. hopefully this would never happen, but it`s something to think about...

Again, I think your website is fantastic, and I think it`s wonderful that you and your wife put so much effort into it!! What a great keepsake as well. Thanks again for your response.. very helpful! And I look forwrad to hearing fromm you again!
Katie


From: Chris and Paige Farrell
Sent: Thursday, March 7, 2002 8:09 AM
To: Katie Echlin
Subject: Re: wow, very cool

Katie - unfortunatley I know nothing about tours in Africa...we were adamantly focused on "doing it ourselves" and basically thriving on figuring out how and what to do on the road. However, while we were in Zimbabwe, (Vic Falls to be exact) we did stay in a campsite that was heavily frequented by the Dragoman tour company (I think they're the McDonalds of tour companies in Africa), and it seemed that some of the comments we were heard were that the whole tour experience was great if that was what you wanted and expected, but very frustrating and disappointing if you really didn't want to spend your time with a group of strangers somewhat isolated from the local culture. (Remember, 6 or 7 weeks with people you may not like can detract from an experience; on the other hand, 6-7 weeks with good people could make the experience that much more incredible) And I most definitely would NOT say that these tours are safer than traveling alone; remember, thieves are more likely to seek out the known tourist-hangout places than independent backpackers, and tour companies are a prime target. I hope I'm not freaking you out - whichever way people travel there are safety issues - we all need to be smart travelers!

One thing about this safety issue: Africa is INFINITELY safer than ANYWHERE in north america. I always laugh when people assume that Africa is unsafe...well, let me restate that: in the big cities there is crime like ANY big city, but there aren't too many big cities in Africa! South AFrica is one of the unsafest places in the world...but we did not go there so I cannot speak from first hand experience (just second hand stories). We heard horrible things about Nairobi and Cairo, but found both to be incredibly friendly and totally safe...everybody has different experiences. Perhaps a single woman traveling alone (anywhere) is a concern (although less so in Africa than in North America or most of the rest of the world), but we did come across a number of single woman travelers in our time there. As you can probably imagine, locals are SO happy to meet you, they will always go out of their way to help and make sure you are safe (with obvious exceptions). Anyway - your experience will depend on what you want to do, your comfort level, and your ability to be flexible. I guess I would just recommend to give yourself some leeway to make some decisions on the road since you cannot possibly anticipate what you will run across and want to do!

Health - pick up "Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa and South America" an indespensible book that you should take on the road. Get your doctor to prescribe you Amoxocilin, Ciprofloxicin, take a needle and some pricks (VERY usefull if you think you need to get a malaria test - they are not easy to come by in AFrica and AIDS is very prevelant), Mefloquine (Larium) for malaria - no bad side effects other than interesting dreams! Oh, and a mosquito net too! Mandatory! Great piece of mind.

If you've traveled in Asia, you know all about dietery concerns, water etc. - same with AFrica. Food sucks, but it's pretty easy to eat safe foods. Tell your doctor which countries you'll be in and they will tell you what shots you will need (probably yellow fever, etc.).

Good luck - hope this helps!

Chris



From: Katie Echlin
To: Chris and Paige Farrell <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: wow, very cool
Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 20:43:53 -0800 (PST)

Thanks sooooooo much! You really have been a great help!!! If I have any more questions, I hope I can contact you again. Thanks so much for your wonderful responses and suggestions!!! Happy traveling!!

Katie



ENGLAND
From: "john williams"
To: <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Much appreciated
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 10:17:09 -0000

Hi There,

I just wanted to say that your comments about my oft maligned city were much appreciated. Good luck on your future journeys..

Best regards

John Williams
http://www.merseymouth.com
Liverpool Tales from the Mersey Mouth


SE ASIA
From: "steve law"
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: hi
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 22:08:43 -0500

Hi

I came across your page in the net, and I have fun reading it. I am surprised that you guys discovered quite a bit about malaysia, I think your point of views are rather interesting. As a malaysian chinese who has working/studying experience in foreign country, I can see the way you guys think about the country.

By the way, how do you have so much time for travelling? :)

Rgds

Steven


From: "Chris and Paige Farrell" <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 16:48:24
To: Steve
Subject: Re: hi


Thanks for writing - I hope we didn't offend you - we loved Malaysia and were really trying to comment on the ridiculous nature of the media wherever you go (because NOTHING is worse than the U.S. media!). We had a blast during our time in Malaysia and will surely be going back again someday.

We don't really have time to travel now (unfortunately), but when we took that trip we both just quit our jobs and traveled for about 13 months...that was before settling down, kids, house, etc. So now we're planning on going out again once the kids are old enough to strap on a backpack!

Thanks for taking the time to write and check out our page!

Chris



From: "steve law"
To: "Chris and Paige Farrell" <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: hi
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 04:03:03 -0500

Hey

Cool..I enjoyed reading it actually as I like to travel a lot...

No worry, you did not offend me; as a malaysian chinese I feel quite a bit of the way you feel :) but may be in a different way, but we are get used to that since young, hence chinese here have to work 10 times harder to get what we want. On the other hand I consider myself malaysian, not chinese actually as I am born and grow up here...you know...it's different from chinese from china. Well, I think someone has to be in another one's shoes to understand it all.

Well, which part of united states areyou in? I worked in bay area for like 2 years before, and I quite enjoy it, especially the mexican food :)

ok, I think I talk too much.

Cool page.

Steven


AFRICA
From: "Zambia Students Christian Movement"
To: <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: website
Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2002 17:35:58 +0200

hello again it seems you have your travels on internet hey
ZAMBIA STUDENTS CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT
P.O BOX 32834
LUSAKA - ZAMBIA
TEL: 260 -1 - 235315/097-848320
E-mail: zscm@zamnet.zm
www.zscm.org

RAISING LEADERS FOR ZAMBIA


GENERAL
From: rammy
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: great story
Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2001 10:08:08 +1000

Thankyou for a great read. I came across your story by accident and you wrote so well I had to read the entire piece. You will remember this forever. Perhaps you should now try the land down under, in Oz. (Australia)


GENERAL
From: Anne Fearon-Wood
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: information for a RTW trip
Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2001 21:13:27 -0800

Hello Chris and Paige,

Thanks for your informative website on your world travels. My husband and I are planning our world trip departing in April 2002. We plan on starting in Europe where we will rent an RV for three months, then with just our backpacks, travel through Greece, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and finish in Cook Islands before returning home to Victoria, British Columbia.

We have planned this trip for the past eight years and are very excited about our upcoming adventure. However, we are a stickler for a well-thought out budget and hope that we can live within our means for the year that we are travelling. I am interested to know how much you budgeted for your trip in the various countries per day. We plan to stay in budget accommodations with a private bath and hot water - if possible, fan and screened windows. Any recommendations for price and places to stay??

Also any recommendations for "must see places"??

Thank you and hope to hear from you,

Anne Fearon-Wood


From: Chris and Paige Farrell [mailto:chrisandpaige@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, July 05, 2002 10:28 AM
To: Anne Fearon-Wood
Subject: Re: information for a RTW trip

Hi Anne - congratulations on your impending adventure! I tried to lay out our financial strategy based on expected 1st, 2nd and 3rd world budgets - check out this link: http://www.tarantism.com/mefloquine/overview.html

For recommendations in general, we found that Lonely Planet had the best ideas (both quantity and quality) as they usually give recommendations in three different budget ranges: low, medium and high, plus they explain all about hot water/comforts/etc.

Of the countries you listed, we only visited Greece, Turkey and Thailand - and all in the low season (meaning, we didn't see a single beach or island in Greece or Turkey), but from what we DID see, I'd definitely recommend Olympia in Greece, as well as Areopolis and the Piros Dirou caves (all of which are on the Peloppenese); in Turkey, you can't go wrong seeing all the "touristy" stuff in Istanbul - it's a magical city, so make sure to allocate enough time to explore around. Bursa was a great town to get a real Turkish Massage (Istanbul is a little too touristy for this and Bursa is well known for its series of underground hot springs), and then of course Cappadoccia is incredible - gorgeous and breathtaking.

We kind of burned through Thailand - we learned that there are hundreds of islands off either the east or west coast that you can get to and spend next to nothing to relax in the lap of luxury. However, one recommendation I have to pass along is to seriously consider slipping into Cambodia and going to Angkor Wat - we weren't able to do it but we've had friends who have done it (as well as met numerous travelers who did it) and all wholeheartedly agree that it was the single most incredible thing they've laid eyes upon in their entire lives. Don't know how safe land travel is (might be OK but check it out), but I know that there are short flights from Bangkok to Penom Pehn (sp?).

Anyway - thanks for writing - let me know if there's anything else I can help with! Good luck and good travels!

Chris


INDIA
From: "Smith, Matt"
To: "'chrisandpaige@hotmail.com'" <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Andaman islands
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001 12:11:48 +0100

I was looking at your website, great by the way, and wondered if you could give me some advice/information on the Andaman islands, i plan to visit them in early 2003 as part of a round the world trip, anyway:

- The boat you got from Madras, what was the cost, and is it difficult to get hold of tickets?

- What individual islands did you visit, and did you see the elephants crossing between islands?

- did the boat trip include a return, or was it two separate crossings?

- Can you get to the Andaman islands from Thailand?

- Would you recommend a visit?

Thank you


From: Chris and Paige Farrell [mailto:chrisandpaige@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 03, 2002 5:26 PM
To: Matt Smith
Subject: Re: Andaman islands

Hi Matt - happy to try to answer your questions (memory permitting!):

- The boat you got from Madras, what was the cost, and is it difficult to
get hold of tickets?

I don't remember the exact cost...it was significantly cheaper than flights. They have two or three classes: cabin (tiny, roachy, but private), belly dorms (huge area with endless bunk beds - we heard it was pretty hellish), and then many people just strung up hammocks on the outside decks (which was nice enough but watch your belongings at all times). We were lucky enough to get cabins (very much in demand, and very finite amount available) and maybe we paid around (I'm guessing here) $50-$70. That could be high. It IS difficult to get hold of tickets. In Chennai be at the ticket windows long before they open to sell for a particular date - ESPECIALLY if you want a cabin. They will probably put tourists in their own line, so you shouldn't have too much a problem getting on board, although getting what you want is a different story. I guess you can also go from Calcutta too. I think you need to go to the Director of Shipping Services...or something. Check Lonely Planet India - they give general information. Apparently at times they make you get a special visa beforehand (along with extra copies of your passport, Indian visa, etc.) - but when we were there it wasn't necessary.

- What individual islands did you visit, and did you see the elephants
crossing between islands?

We went to South Andaman (the one with Port Blair), Neil Island, Havelock Island, Ross Island, and then a couple random ones on a diving trip. Highly recommend Neil Island, Havelock was great, Ross is an excellent day trip, and Port Blair is mandatory for all (get your 30 day visa there - in and out stamps, organize any and all overnight stays anywhere else at the tourist office, etc.). We heard heading north to either middle or north andaman might not be worth it - hours and hours of chicken bus ride on horrible dirt roads, but we didn't experience it ourselves. Be prepared for the ultimate in Indian bureaucracy when you attempt to organize overnight stays on other islands... We did not see elephants - aren't they way south in the Nicobar islands? Didn't hear much about that. India only allows non-Indians to visit like 5 islands - everything else is totally off limits.

- did the boat trip include a return, or was it two separate crossings?

The boat trip did NOT include a return. Thank god too. It was hell. After 3 days of cabin fever, the LAST thing in the world we wanted to do was do it again back to the India mainland. We weren't alone either - it seemed that all of the budget travelers would do it one way and then sack up and shell out money for a flight the other way. Flights were around $175-$250 one way (25% discount if you're under 30 years old) for tourists. I gotta tell you, I highly recommend padding your budget enough to handle a flight at least one way. That boat trip is a lot harder than you might think. However, it does go both ways between Chennai and Calcutta.

- Can you get to the Andaman islands from Thailand?

Yes, but only to dive. There are no boats or flights to the Andamans from anywhere other than Chennai and Calcutta. Dive excursions leave from Thailand to dive around the Andamans, but I don't think they generally even stop at the islands; just dive and sleep on board.

- Would you recommend a visit?

Of course! The beauty is incredible. The remoteness is wonderful...it's truly amazing. Just a word of caution though...it can be very frustrating being a tourist on the Andamans. They pretty much give Indians free reign to do whatever they want, but tourists are restricted in almost every regard...it's a tough reality. For example, there's one place to stay on Neil Island, so you make reservations with the tourist office at Port Blair for a week, take the 6 hour ferry over, and then 3 days into your stay you can be told to leave immediately because an Indian "V.I.P." needs your room. This VIP is probably just some random Indian person who greased a palm somewhere down the line. I guess my advice would be to have thick skin - you might not have any weird situations, and if that's the case the Andaman Islands are perfect. Highly recommend: Neil Island beaches and Mampy and Pinky's fish curry, Havelock Island and a small little shack restaurant by the dock owned by a guy who calls himself "brother!", Ross Island, the circular jail on Port Blair, the Chinese food restaurant in Port Blair (there's only one) and order lobsters ahead of time, renting a moped whenever you're in Port Blair (easy to get around, cheap, and way better than rickshaws or taxis), and staying in the Holiday Hotel (about $6/night).

Anyway, hope this helps...I would LOVE to hear what your thoughts are after you come back - keep me on your distribution list!

Chris Farrell


GENERAL
From: Sam McKinley
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: few questions...
Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 12:15:25 -0400

Hi,

I came upon your page when I was looking up info about Machu Piccu. I read your story with great interest and admire the trip you guys made and the guts it took to do it. By the way, I'm a 22 year old french-canadian, my name is Sam...

Anyways, if it's not to personal, I was wondering if you could let me in on your estimated total cost of such a trip and how long you guys prepared for it before departing...

I appreciate you taking the time to read the message of a complete stranger and look forward to hearing from you...

Sincerely,

Sam


From: Chris and Paige Farrell
Sent: Friday, October 5, 2001 8:09 AM
To: Sam McKinley
Subject: Re: few questions

Hi Sam,

We really appreciate you taking the time to write - we LOVE getting emails from people checking out our site. Take a look at this link: http://www.tarantism.com/mefloquine/overview.html I put this up on our site because we get asked about our financial planning for the trip pretty frequently; there's also quite a bit of stuff here talking about our planning and research for the trip.

Hope this helps - please feel free to call on us for any more questions - I assume you've got a trip of your own in the works?

Take care and good travels!

Chris



From: Sam McKinley
To: "Chris and Paige Farrell" <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: few questions...
Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 11:18:25 -0400

Chris,

I've just read your entire page... Always as interesting... Actually, I've been thinking about leaving for a about 2 years or so. I've checked out South America, and would really like to see Asia (which is a little over priced for a young graduate like myself). I want to do the adventure thing, I figure I could always see Europe when I'm a little older. Right now, the only traveling I've done is Banff... Anyways, enough with me. I just wanted to congratulate you guys on such an accomplishment and tell you that after reading most of your notes and updates, I think it's safe to say that I'm pretty jealous and can only wish to do the same thing one day, soon.

Sincerely,.

Sam

P.S. Sounds corny, but you guys are quite the inspiration!


NEPAL
From: "JENNIFER PORTER"
To: <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Nepal
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2001 19:03:52 -0500

My name is Jennifer Porter and I am a student at Texas Tech University in Lubbock Texas. I am currently doing research on Nepal and the issue of a liquor ban. I am having a lot of trouble getting sources to communicate with me and give me some information on Nepal. Like what type of liquors are served there and where are they served? Can you buy liquor anywhere? I would really appreciate any comments you could give me. It will help me a great deal.

Thanks for your time,

Jennifer Porter


From: Chris and Paige Farrell
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2001 10:04 AM
To: Jennifer Porter
Subject: Re: Nepal

Hi Jennifer - I'm intrigued to know how you stumbled upon our site...! Well, without knowing a thing about Nepal's liquor laws, our experience was very similar to that in India...actually, I'd say that liquor was even more readily available in Nepal than in India. As with anywhere (including even some of the strictest Muslim countries - and sometimes even during Ramadan!) you can always find liquor (hard liquor, beer and wine) at all the upscale touristy hotels. But in Nepal, beer seems to be available at every hotel who has an attached restaurant. In Kathmandu we stayed in the Thamel district which is considered to be very touristy; alcohol is EVERYWHERE. It's like a college party town. Every other business seems to be a bar and happy hour(s) finally lives up to its name. We had a blast there. You go into the local areas and you are less likely to find alcohol, but we never got the sense that it was taboo or anything. As most of the population is Hindu, alcohol just isn't a way of life for most people. But Hindu societies don't typically ban something just because it's not part of their religion (unlike Islam), so there are no hang-ups about people indulging. I may be taking a leap of faith here, but I would say the perception towards alcohol is much more relaxed than that what we experienced in East Africa (Zimbabwe, Zambia, etc.) where it's available, but locals are either complete teetotelers (the norm) or raging drunks - no in between. However Nepalese people seem to know how to drink "socially" (have a beer or a glass of wine with or after dinner or whatever) because unlike Africa, interacting like that is pretty normal in Nepal.

Hard alcohol is a different story - it's pretty difficult to find anywhere except at the most upscale tourist hotels. Beer and wine are at most grocery stores, although you might have a difficult time finding fresh bottles in the more local neighborhoods. From Kathmandu we trekked for three weeks up in the Himalayas, and beer was available at each of the Tibetan tea houses we stayed at. Granted, they are only attracting trekkers (each town is anywhere from a couple families to a hundred people or so and supplies can only be brought in our taken out by mule - sometimes taking weeks to get to Pokhara, the nearest town of any size in Eastern Nepal), but it wouldn't be abnormal in the least to see a local drinking a beer. Most (all) homes in this part of Nepal make their own beer - chhang - which is basically unfiltered beer, a thick, chunky, and surprisingly very tasty drink that is heated up and served hot, sometimes with some lemon. The first couple sips might be strange (as it looks like you're drinking chunky, dirty laundry water), but it's really sweet and soon that little buzz kicks in and it is fantastic. Since everyone makes their own, each one is slightly (or extremely) different from the last one - the ones we tried at the tea houses were very different.

I think you probably read our story about finding a fully-stocked bar at one trail-side restaurant in Jomsom - a TOTAL anomaly. Hadn't seen that much hard liquor since I can't remember when; it was very out of place. But it wasn't an anomaly because it is taboo or illegal, it was an anomaly because you were a week from the nearest road, on the trail, in the middle of the deepest valley in the world with mules as your only trail companion...it's a strange reality. Apparently (from what we read/heard) many Nepalese make their own hard liquor too (rakshi - sp?), using whatever fruit/fermentables they have readily available.

One day near the town of Marpha, we stumbled upon a tiny distillery right there off the trail that had been there for 100+ years - the owner invited us in and showed us around - very interesting. She brought us to the roaring oven/fire room, showed us where and how the alcohol was being distilled in nearby rooms, and then insisted that we try whatever we wanted, dipping a giant ladel in various buckets of brandy (apricot, apple, orange, etc.). Good stuff (even first thing in the morning!) - we bought a bottle, but it's not like she had a stock of bottles or anything. She had a shelf of recycled bottles (cleaned/sterilized of course...I hope) and just filled one up for us. For a buck or so, we were on our way with a bottle of apricot brandy.

Lastly, Pokhara is a beautiful town set right on the lake at the base of the Annapurnas, "segregated" somewhat similar to Kathmandu with a totally touristy area and local neighborhoods. Alcohol is everywhere - another party town as far as we were concerned - we had a blast there too.

In retrospect, I'd say that Nepal was a country where alcohol is more a way of life than most/all 3rd world countries we went to on our trip. Check out Lonely Planet's Nepal book because they always have a section on alcohol in each of their publications (I think they even have a recipe for chhang in there too!). Hope this helps!

Chris


From: "JENNIFER PORTER"
To: "Chris and Paige Farrell" <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Nepal
Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 14:18:16 -0500

Chris,

Thank you so much for writing me back. I was just wondering if I could possibly get your occupation and title. Sounds kind of weird I know, but I would really like to use your letter as a source for my research. And the state which you live would also help me out. Thanks again, you were a big help.

Jennifer Porter


INDIA
From: "Al Reid"
To: <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: india
Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001 22:52:37 -0000

God!!! I just read your trip from agra to jaipur. I've been planning a trip for next year that includes a month in Rajasthan. But we're taking our 8 and 11 year olds. After reading that I am having second thots. Please reassure me.

Al Reid

Victoria BC

(note - sorry, I lost my response to Al - be assured I highly recommended India because it will always be in my blood, but I also hopefully balanced my enthusiasm with reality…)


INDONESIA
From: "Bali Lombok Global" <lombokglobal@mataram.wasantara.net.id>
To: <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Copy pictures
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 12:00:55 +0700

Hello Chris,

I would like your picture in Lombok

You agree I'll copy address http://www.tarantism.com/mefloquine/19indonesia.html for your picture Robert, Me & Paige at the lake in Rinjani's crater that very good photo !!

Thanks
Budi


From: Chris and Paige Farrell
To: lombokglobal@mataram.wasantara.net.id
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2001 4:06 PM
Subject: Re: Copy pictures


Absolutely! Are you a tourism company or is it just for personal use? (it doesn't matter to me - I'm just interested because maybe next time we come to Lombok we can see the picture!)

Thanks for checking out our site!

Chris


From: "Satya Budi" <lombokglobal@mataram.wasantara.net.id>
To: "Chris and Paige Farrell" <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Copy pictures
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2001 09:55:17 +0700

Hi Chris again,

Thank you very much for the fast reply your e-mail, I'm Balinese and was born Lombok 1968 Yes.. I'm tourism company for personal use and click ! BALI & LOMBOK GLOBAL, SASAK TOURS and SWASTIKA TOURS I'm as programmer web design for free geocities, oh yeah.. maybe can you speak Indonesia click http://www.geocities.com/thebestweb/ I would like to take your pictures for my porters Bohari from on the foot of mt. Rinjani, he can speak english little bit and he funny, you can try see him for new site with http://www.geocities.com/rinjanitrekking/ My favorite Mt. Rinjani, yes when I'm offer three to make me crazy, crying and make me finally understand the best and beautiful view.

Again, thanks and warm regards,

Satya Budi


GENERAL
From: Thomas Fuller
To: "'chrisandpaige@hotmail.com'" <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: RTW Trip!
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 11:15:10 -0400

Hi guys...

I'm just getting started into your website. My wife and I are leaving next July for a one-year trip. Well, hopefully a full year. We'll see what our money situation is after 10 months.

I've been reading tons of sites, (PathLessTraveled, 2GoGlobal, Wired2theWorld, etc) and have actually gotten together with a couple who live here in Atlanta (Kelly and Rich of 2GoGlobal) and have picked their brains.

I hope you don't mind me bombarding you with silly questions over the next year, but hey, you stuck your site out there, so you must not mind, right? Seriously, it's a great service you've done unto those of planning a trip. I hope you'll excuse me learning from your misfortunes and avoiding the pitfalls you experienced!

I'll probably start putting together my website in the next month or so. I'm still researching the best way to do it. I don't plan on taking a computer with me on the trip because 1) don't want the weight 2) don't want to worry about losing it and 3) I'd rather spend the money on traveling longer. So, I'll be planning a website best-suited for having someone post updates from the road for me. Sounds kinda like what you did.

Anyway, here's my first questions:
What did y'all think of your backpacks? Did you like the removable day-pack? Did you have enough room in them? Who invented liquid soap, and why? (Sorry...obscure movie reference!)

I look forward to "chatting" with y'all.

Take care...

Thomas


From: Chris and Paige Farrell
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2001 8:09 AM
To: Thomas
Subject: Re: RTW Trip!

Yes, please - pick my brain! We still live very much in the past in relation to our travels and love to have any excuse whatsoever to talk/write about them. Along those lines, if you ever make it out to No. California - we'd love to have you pick our brains in person if you want - we did the same thing with a couple before we left and it was perhaps the single most reality-based hunk of valuable info/recommendations that we were able to obtain. Sounds like you already did that there in Atlanta, but again, we just want an excuse to talk about our trip!

Loved the World Journeys, highly recommend them. In fact, we consistently compared our packs to fellow travelers around the world (and purchased in U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, etc.), and I still think our World Journeys were far and away the best. Very strong (no rips or tears the entire time - no busted zippers or anything), durable, packs very well, distributes weight very well (my wife even got the female World Journey, designed to fit her shape better), good distribution on hips, back or both, and they're pretty cool looking to boot. We couldn't have lived without the breakaway for many reasons. I don't think it was ever even zipped up on the main pack the entire trip - we would carry the essentials in our small packs for travel (current paperback we were reading, travel guide, therma-rest compact pillow, money belt stuff (when we weren't wearing it around our waist), CD discs, pen, journal, etc., which made it REALLY convenient. We never took any pack when walking around town however because there are too many stories of tourists standing out like a sore thumb and getting those babies ripped off in no time. Pockets or nothing in that case. Still, they were essential because we spent WAY too much time in travel limbo (as I assume you will too) and they were great. One recommendation: buy lots of little zipper-sized combination padlocks (so you don't have to carry keys) for safety, and buy a combination cable lock (REI has them) so you can cable your packs to train/bus seats, or to anything at all when you're storing your packs either in your room or checking them with a guesthouse when you're out and about (this will happen all the time when you have to check out early and your bus/plane/train doesn't leave until later that evening). Anyway - hope this helps.

You're right on with the computer thing - I would imagine that people who bring computers are counting the minutes until it gets stolen, and that's so not fun. Besides, no joke, there are cyber cafes EVERYWHERE you go, wherever you go. And they're dirt cheap too. And usually air conditioned...a huge plus.

Yes, write back - and congrats on your impending travels!

Chris


IRELAND
From: "Sonny Barber"
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: enjoyed Mother England Father Ireland
Date: Sun, 08 Jul 2001 22:50:04 -0600

I just finished reading the above article and it warmed my heart. My husband is giving me a trip for our 20th aniversary in Oct 2002 (the trip we had to cancel last year for his kidney transplant).

We have chosen Ireland but really have little idea where to go from there. We love the green and don't mind the rain in the least. Enjoy bike riding but not more than 10 miles or so a day. Would like to be near the ocean. And we will have 2 teenagers to keep happy. I saw an add for a cottage in Portsalon Co in Donegal that seemed to fit the bill but there are so many questions and what ifs.

I wondered if you could write a short response pointing to a choice county that we should consider? Understand if you are to busy.

Thanks.

Bewildered in Boise.
Brenda



From: "Chris and Paige Farrell"
To: sonnybrenda
Subject: Re: enjoyed Mother England Father Ireland
Date: Mon, 09 Jul 2001 15:05:36

Hi Brenda,

That trip to Ireland was the only time I've ever been; my wife had spent some time around the Ring of Kerrie (sp?) and absolutely loved it (biking, etc.), but when we rolled into Dublin on this trip we stopped in at a tourist office and explained that we wanted to go someplace different with good biking. She laid out a number of options that were less touristy, and when we got to the bus station the next bus out was heading to county Donegal - the place the agent had highly recommended as great biking, wonderful scenery (sparse!), and very few tourists since it's basically the furthest from Dublin. We absolutely fell in love with Donegal. It is gorgeous rolling green hills, ragged spectacular coastline, wonderful bed and breakfasts, and VERY few people; tourists OR locals. Donegal itself is a great town, as well as Letterkenny (we arrived there during a huge festival, although this was also when the Omaugh bombing occurred 60 km away - frightening and sad), but the ten or so other little towns we visited/stayed were really tiny which is what we wanted. I don't know exactly what you and your family like or want to do, but Donegal is ideal for biking (as long as you don't mind getting a little wet!), stunning in its beauty and isolation, and there is so much to experience. Every town has wonderful pubs and live music; we rented our bikes in Donegal and looped around for a week or so. In Letterkenny we hitchhiked out to Glenveigh National Park - a phenominal castle set on the side of a lake with a huge expansive garden - awesome.

Anyway, I'm rambling. Loved Ireland, loved Donegal county, but have a difficult time comparing it to other parts of Ireland because I've only been there, the Aran Islands off Galway (again: highly recommended!) and Dublin (basically just like any other big city - smoggy, busy and yet lots to do and see). I'm not sure if this sheds any light on your plannings, but I can for sure say this: Donegal is wonderful. You and your family will love it.

Good travels!

Chris

From: "Sonny Barber"
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: enjoyed Mother England Father Ireland
Date: Mon, 09 Jul 2001 22:37:23 -0600

thank so so VERY much for your quick response to my query. Donegal sounds ideal, if we can get back into shape for the exercise, off the beaten track. We do our best to leave the big cities behind when we travel. We heard of some cottages in Portsalon, Co in Donegal that are near the beach that seem like they might be a nice "home base". Besides biking there is scuba diving and snorkeling horseback riding, etc. Enough to keep our teenagers occupied I am thinking. I was really surprised to hear of you and Paige hitch hiking. I haven't felt safe doing that in the states since the 60's. Is it safer there in that respect?

Anyway, I really appreciated your response and we wish you "happy traveling"

Sincerely, Brenda Barber


AFRICA
From: "Emily Garber"
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: Malawi
Date: Tue, 05 Jun 2001 01:59:52 -0400

Hello,

My mother just emailed me a link to your page about Malawi. I have got to tell you that it has brought me back reading your words and looking at the pictures. I travelled in Southern Africa in 1996 with my mother and sister and I fell absolutely in love with Malawi. We also had the same experiences in a rest house in Monkey Bay, on the Ilala, and trying to get off the Ilala on Likoma Island.

Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that I loved seeing those pictures and so clearly identifying with your experiences.

Let me know if you have other pages about Malawi or anywhere for that matter.

Take Care.

Emily Garber

To: <chrisandpaige@hotmail.com>
Subject: Hello from Jordan
Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2001 23:32:37 -0700

Hello,

I was browsing the net, and I dont know how the heck i got to your hompepage, but i did! I found it interesting since im from Jordan and thought of reading the content to see what the page was about. http://www.tarantism.com/mefloquine/10syria.html It was funny and true at some points, but disapointing and sad at others. I had a big laugh when i read about your ride in the smoky bus. Its realy true. :-) But was sad when I read your idea of how women are treated, and jordan as a country. I dont know which cities you have visited but to tell you the trueth, in most cities..or lets say villages you may and will see that not a lot of women walk in the streats. Arranged merriages are common in jordan as they are in all the arab countries. And the husbends tend to hate the idea of letting his wife have her own life and career. Since he wants her to take care of the kids and have dinner ready on time on a daily bases.

I also dont know which countries you have visited in the middle east, but jordan is not the most strictly islamic country. When i went home this summer, i was amazed to the extent on how leberal women got. My friends, girls in the city. They all dress realy short skirts and show a lot of skins. More than i see here in utah! Jordan and Emerates are known to be the most libiral countries in the arab world. We are by far not strict, which is some how sad to see our society take Only the bad habbits of other societies.

About that family you guys visited, it was funny too because yeah its common for wifes to hate it. Hell everybody hates it there! Kind oof:-) But the thing about her not getting work because she palestinian is becasue of a racial thing between us jordanians and palestinians. Not because her husbend wont let her work. A lot of women work in jordan, my mother works, all my relatives work (women) so it depends on which area yuo went to in jordan, and i assure you that they were a minority. Aqaba is a weird place. Trying to mix western culture with the local is realy hard (since its a tourist city). About men thinking that all western women are slutts, yeah somehow. But wont just take that. People always want to look at foreigners, because there different. Your wife is blond, she is thin and wearing cloths that show her figure, unlike women who live in rural areas. So she was different, so they tend to look ( more then enough i think). And yeah some men look with lust. As all men do around the world! I was disapointed that you didn't get to see the true face of jordan. Both the people and the land. You shoudl come back and visit it again sometime and spend more time to see whats worth seeing, not just the down sides.

Hope this email finds you in good times and health.

Best Regards,

Hassan Zraikat

From: Chris and Paige Farrell [SMTP:chrisandpaige@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2001 9:46 AM
To: hassan
Subject: Re: Hello from Jordan

Hassan,

I couldn't agree with you more. We absolutely need to go back and are definitely planning on returning some day. Our perception of our brief time in Jordan (less than two weeks!) was entirely based on where we'd been (hard travel for the past 5 months) and where we were going (more hard travel for 8 more months) - when we said "the strictest Islamic country we'd visited so far," remember, we'd only been to Turkey at that point! We ended up going to six Islamic countries on our trip (Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Israel/Palestine, Malaysia & Indonesia), and while of those six I still think Jordan's culture was more aligned with Islam than the others, you're right: it's a LOT more liberal than most other Middle Eastern countries. It's all relative I guess. It's true my wife felt uncomfortable in Amman, but I really liked it and only felt welcome. Obviously it was a male/female thing. We come from a society where people are EXTRA sensitive about political correctness regarding men and women being equal, so to suddenly find that she sticks out like a sore thumb even when she's covered up (she was never wearing tight or "sexy" clothes - quite the opposite - we always tried our hardest to represent ourselves with respect to the local culture)...it was a hard transition for us. Plus, she had been groped in Turkey in a market, so I think she was on her guard a little. Nothing like that ever happened in Jordan, but we saw few women outside in the streets in Amman and I think that made us both a little nervous. Still, I hope we represented the fact that we LOVED Jordan and totally realize that while we are visitors in any country, we try very hard to show respect for the local culture. Our interpretations of our experiences are based on who we are and how we were raised.

You are totally correct about foreign cultures picking up bad habits from other societies (relying on other cultures for music, tv, movies, entertainment, etc; big business dominance such as McDonalds and Coca Cola, the general homoginization of the world...), but there are obviously some great aspects to this too. The exchange of information and the Internet, better awareness of gender and racial injustices, education...two steps forward and one step back.

Anyway - thanks for writing! What are you doing in Utah? Maybe you could give us some recommendations for places to visit and things to do next time we're in Joran?

Best regards,

Chris

From: "Hassan Zraikat"

Emily Garber

From: "Victor Yap"
To: chrisandpaige@hotmail.com
Subject: Coffee Lover from Singapore
Date: Fri, 01 Jun 2001 11:23:51 +0800

Dear AMERICANOS

I stumbled upon your interesting acticle on Singapore coffee scene while doing
some reserach on cafes. I am actually a food supplier with UNILEVER BESTFOODS
food service company.

I enjoy drinking coffee al fresco & eating out at the food courts. Being alocal
here, there a hell lot of coofee joints in Singapore that you can go to try out.


Do frop me a line when you are free 7 look forward to hearing from you.

GOD bless YOU & AMERICA !

Victor Yap

From: "Sunil Godithi"
To:
Subject: Hi hi
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 14:28:32 -0000

Hi,
My name is Sunil and as you probably can tell I am an Indian. I used to live in US (1991 to 1999) and now living in Iceland. I am thinking of taking a six month sabbatical but since I spent all my money in the bars here in Reykjavik, only option I have is a cheap place like India. This may get me back to my roots a little too since I have not been there for more than a week at a time since 1991.

I have become a lot more westernised than usual Indians do. I definitely would love to hear more of your stories on India... Particularly on GOA and Andaman Islands. I keep thinking/toying with the idea of maybe opening a small inn with restaurant catering to foreigners (only maybe) on one or more of the Andaman Islands. I have never been there and I plan on visiting the place in either April or September.


I really enjoyed reading about your travels and experiences. I could relate to quite a few things you have experience both in Africa as well as in India.

regards,
Sunil

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris and Paige Farrell [mailto:chrisandpaige@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2001 8:43 PM

Subject: Re: Hi hi


Hi Sunil - great to hear from you! How did/do you like Iceland? That was initially going to be the first stop on our trip, but when we found out that it was almost as expensive as Japan...we decided to save it for another time. I hear the beauty there is phenomenal.
I wouldn't know where to begin to pass along more stories about Goa and the Andamans - there's so much to say... I would imagine that your experiences in the Andamans would be infinitely different than ours because you're Indian - the Indian government appears to really limit foreigners in comparison to Indians. Still, the beauty of the place cannot be denied (except maybe Port Blair which is rapidly becoming similiar to most other Indian cities of any size). I am jealous of your impending trip! We often dream about returning...some day maybe. I am planning on posting a whole slew of new stories on our site sometime soon, and you can be sure that our Indian experience will be well represented.
Are you a chef? (thinking about opening up a restaurant?) Forget opening an Indian food restaurant in India - open it in our neighborhood!!! Indian food is undoubtedly our favorite, but ever since we left India two years ago, we haven't been able to find a single decent Indian restaurant. Most seem to try to "dumb down" the menu with Westerninzed versions of authentic dishes...we really need the real thing. Oh well, just another shining reason for us to return to India I guess.
Good luck on your impending travels - let us know what you decide to do because we may be patronizing your restaurant sooner than you think!
Chris

Chris,
Sorry for replying so late. AND THANK YOU for your opinions. Did you know that the question you asked is the most common question asked in Iceland to foreigners (that is, How do you like Iceland?). They even have jokes about it. The place is great, just expensive, very expensive. I guess it is cheaper now that the dollar is going up against the krona for visitors.
 
I am not a cook or a chef (YET). Well, I always wanted to cook but ended up being a programmer instead. :-) I am thinking of taking some training and then setting up a small enough place which can run by one or two people to begin with. I am definitely going to India in the middle of August (after a 18 day trip to France). I think I will spend some time in Goa and in Andaman & Nicobar islands before I decide on my future plans.
 
Talking about Indian Food in you neighborhood, do you think a fastfood place like the pav bhaji stands on bombay streets would work?
 
And again, thanks for your wonderful email. I really appreciate it.
 
regards,
Sunil

From: Scott
Subject: Re: Africa trip
Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 15:43:58 EDT

Hi,

Thanks for all that information. That was great! We were originally planning to camp out for 10 weeks but then a woman I work with told me her neighbors did that in July and their 10 year old daughter was killed and eaten by hyenas that came into her tent at night! We definitely don't want to camp now, but don't want to spend a fortune on lodges. The info you gave was very helpful. I put a post-it on the Lonely Planet bulletin board but all the responses came from tour operators in Africa telling me to book ahead (they just really want the money now). While we're still home (NY) we were thinking of going to EVERY national park, but you