Archive Photo: 'Parisian Afternoons,' Daniel C.
As the real summer approaches, I suggest you get out of town. Seriously boys and girls, just go. Stay off the beaten path when you can. Explore. If you need any travel tips, don't ask me. I just roll with it.
Watching Franz Ferdinand rock the hell out of Glastonbury as we speak. This band kills it. I remember when they came on after Death Cab For Cutie at a gig in Calgary a few years back. All the emo kids ran screaming to the back when Franz kicked off their set with their heavy distortion over dance beat sound. Fists in the air, the girls are still dancing. Good Glasgow stuff.
Back to travel.
Article shared: "Affordable" Paris. I love this gent's articles, but sometimes he is missing the point of the budget travel. He tries to cater to budget backpackers who have never left their parent's 5-star suburban home, and the posh travelers who are just trying to be f$%&#ng cheap because the media tells them they should be cutting back during a recession. Did people not realize that the less spending you do, the worse the world becomes.
Being frugal became trendy all of a sudden, didn't it? I watch me pennies while traveling because I want to see MORE places, and get as much out of being abroad as I can. If one month becomes two - job well done. Saving money for me is for more trips, and for splurging when you feel like it on some endless night in Rome maybe. It should be affordable travel written about here, not frugal travel. I love that the affordability of a major European city is pointed out here, however.
People should not be deterred from going wherever they want to go. If you want to go to Venice, them go. If you want to go to Istanbul, then go. Money shouldn't deter you, and I'm happy people are pointing out the ways in which your dream trip can be put together. I also think it is important to travel close to home.
I'll try to write about some close-to-home Scottish adventures, but today I've locked myself inside, well, at least for the next little while. Rain, grey, rain. Also, I have to start writing these articles before this guy. His words seem to follow my trips around the world, although well after I've done pretty much the same things. I spent late May and June in Paris last year, choosing to pass through as it is the perfect time of year.
The weather is perfect at +22-25, the parks and pathways aren't yet overrun by tourists, you can still find a Velib to take out, and there are actual Parisians around the centre. In this article, I can say he is spot on, except I would never sit beside the grimy Canal St.-Martin. Also, you don't have to buy your wine from a wine bar at 10Euro a pop. Head to any Nicolas wine botique, where they always have a special of the week.
And although I do this (Champagne taste), most Parisians trying to be frugal don't give a f*$# if the Pinot Noir they chose goes well with the duck breast and goat cheese pizza they paid to much for. What? Real Parisian nights just happen.
My best Parisian mate Alexis took me out with his pals on several occasions on my last visit to the city of light, where it was more like Heineken and 2Euro bottles of red wine to wash down pizza hut slices. And we were like the rich kids on the river for buying Heineken. Just kidding, my picnics on the Seine include Champagne, brie, strawberries, and the crustiest of crusty baguettes.
Oh, and just one more point. Couch Surf. This guy wrote an article on CouchSurfing being the future of all budget travel. Or was that me. Right, find a couch host, let them tell you about the hidden treasures of their town and take you out once or twice. And then you do what I'm going to call a couch swap or couch exchange, and you host said person who was formerly a host, but now becomes your surfer.
Follow. Can't wait to show Alexis around Glasvegas. (article)
Love the Hemingway reference and comparison of course in this article. Read this one when I was half asleep when I woke up on this Sunday. Not sure if you need an NYTimes account for this one, bit if you aren't registered, you should be.
Did anyone read my frugal Caribbean travel story? It was butchered, absolutely butchered, by a daft student editor (you heard me punk), but still has some good points.
Also: Is South Africa ready for the World Cup? I say disaster, I really do. Riots and the whole bit I predict. I'm all for Africa hosting the biggest sporting event on the planet, but I'm not sure if they will have the stadiums, hotels and transit links ready in time. Sounds like Vancouver actually.
Watching Franz Ferdinand rock the hell out of Glastonbury as we speak. This band kills it. I remember when they came on after Death Cab For Cutie at a gig in Calgary a few years back. All the emo kids ran screaming to the back when Franz kicked off their set with their heavy distortion over dance beat sound. Fists in the air, the girls are still dancing. Good Glasgow stuff.
Back to travel.
Article shared: "Affordable" Paris. I love this gent's articles, but sometimes he is missing the point of the budget travel. He tries to cater to budget backpackers who have never left their parent's 5-star suburban home, and the posh travelers who are just trying to be f$%&#ng cheap because the media tells them they should be cutting back during a recession. Did people not realize that the less spending you do, the worse the world becomes.
Being frugal became trendy all of a sudden, didn't it? I watch me pennies while traveling because I want to see MORE places, and get as much out of being abroad as I can. If one month becomes two - job well done. Saving money for me is for more trips, and for splurging when you feel like it on some endless night in Rome maybe. It should be affordable travel written about here, not frugal travel. I love that the affordability of a major European city is pointed out here, however.
People should not be deterred from going wherever they want to go. If you want to go to Venice, them go. If you want to go to Istanbul, then go. Money shouldn't deter you, and I'm happy people are pointing out the ways in which your dream trip can be put together. I also think it is important to travel close to home.
I'll try to write about some close-to-home Scottish adventures, but today I've locked myself inside, well, at least for the next little while. Rain, grey, rain. Also, I have to start writing these articles before this guy. His words seem to follow my trips around the world, although well after I've done pretty much the same things. I spent late May and June in Paris last year, choosing to pass through as it is the perfect time of year.
The weather is perfect at +22-25, the parks and pathways aren't yet overrun by tourists, you can still find a Velib to take out, and there are actual Parisians around the centre. In this article, I can say he is spot on, except I would never sit beside the grimy Canal St.-Martin. Also, you don't have to buy your wine from a wine bar at 10Euro a pop. Head to any Nicolas wine botique, where they always have a special of the week.
And although I do this (Champagne taste), most Parisians trying to be frugal don't give a f*$# if the Pinot Noir they chose goes well with the duck breast and goat cheese pizza they paid to much for. What? Real Parisian nights just happen.
My best Parisian mate Alexis took me out with his pals on several occasions on my last visit to the city of light, where it was more like Heineken and 2Euro bottles of red wine to wash down pizza hut slices. And we were like the rich kids on the river for buying Heineken. Just kidding, my picnics on the Seine include Champagne, brie, strawberries, and the crustiest of crusty baguettes.
Oh, and just one more point. Couch Surf. This guy wrote an article on CouchSurfing being the future of all budget travel. Or was that me. Right, find a couch host, let them tell you about the hidden treasures of their town and take you out once or twice. And then you do what I'm going to call a couch swap or couch exchange, and you host said person who was formerly a host, but now becomes your surfer.
Follow. Can't wait to show Alexis around Glasvegas. (article)
Love the Hemingway reference and comparison of course in this article. Read this one when I was half asleep when I woke up on this Sunday. Not sure if you need an NYTimes account for this one, bit if you aren't registered, you should be.
Did anyone read my frugal Caribbean travel story? It was butchered, absolutely butchered, by a daft student editor (you heard me punk), but still has some good points.
Also: Is South Africa ready for the World Cup? I say disaster, I really do. Riots and the whole bit I predict. I'm all for Africa hosting the biggest sporting event on the planet, but I'm not sure if they will have the stadiums, hotels and transit links ready in time. Sounds like Vancouver actually.
7 comments:
Great (and spot on) commentary of Frugal Paris. Frugality is indeed novel and embraced willingly, but with a barely-veiled hesitancy. I like the bottom line – that Paris (and travel) can be affordable – but he gives the sense that frugality means you are sacrificing something, as if you can do the best you can with the dollars (or Euros) you have and still have a good time, but luxury would be better. Kind of misses the point of travel.
My suggestion? Release a Daniel Bach city guide or two. Add pictures.
Great writing, keep sharing.
I always feel tainted when I think of Hemingway, my first experience was 'the old man and the sea' and then the terrible film 'in love and war'. I'm not sure why, but I have a hate-on for him. perhaps it is time to reconsider.
Paris is one of my absolute favourite places to visit. I detest the word 'frugal'.
Five bucks a day is the gig I come from. Definitly not frugal, more like broke!
Find yourself with an extra $500...keep going west for a few more months.
Heineken costs a bit more, so does true love.
John
Oh, I forgot to add:
Re your Caribbean Travel story:
quote
" While in Cozumel, Mexico, I saved money by staying at a quiet hotel off the beaten path"
end quote
You should have added that it really helps to have a kind Uncle living in the towns you visit...
great memories!
Looking forward to our next trip to the far side,
John
Exactly. The whole point of traveling is to hit the road, and let life take you away. If you're worried about the cash all the time, you'll miss the sites - and the experiences.
On my first trip in Europe, 3 months was simple because we were as cheap as we could be, and spent money when we really needed to. Trying not to miss any essential experiences, you just do what you have to.
I barely spent a dime in Istanbul last year because I was invited to dinner parties, and spent my time soaking up the atmoshpere on the streets. Plus the museums are cheap, and void of tourists first thing in the morning (and during prayer times - oops).
I have to say, on my first Euro adventure as well, Little Dan, my best mate and travel guru, would often stay in at night trying to not spend any money. I always had the best experiences with random people, hardly ever spending much. I remember spending a night in the most expensive club in Barcelona, only getting in because I kicked up a fuss when I wasn't on the guest list. Beyond the velvet rope, I made one drink count, and stayed on the beach until 8:00am.
Sometimes sleeping on the floor of a train station (done it) and drinking wine from paper cups (or the bottle) is all just part of the student travel thing. Again, I'm the one with Champagne taste, but I'll sleep on your couch, I'll sleep in the garden. I don't care. 5 star, hostel, the floor.
I slept in a cave on two different occasions in Turkey. Could not have been happier - notebook and pen, a bag of Efes (fantastic national lager) my camera and a pillow.
It's impossible to try to save money all the time. Sometimes you get wripped off, and sometimes you bag a bargain. Travel on down the road, and don't let anything ruin the trip.
Embrace Hemingway as you would Hunter S. He was a brilliant writer, and apart from the suicide and alcoholism, I imagine he was an okay guy. Vision, words - a tortured artist.
Can't wait to see you again in Cozumel soon Uncle John. The bit about you helping us out must have been cut out. Thanks again. Booking Pepitas in advance this year I think. Hey Uncle John, wanna go for a beer? Can you give me a lift to the beach? Haha. Cheers.
The Stadium here in Nelspruit looks great, and soon to be ready for the world cup. Not sure about the transport and Hotels however. I will be lucky enough to have amazing host friends if I return. Couch Surfing Travels!
Hi Charlotte - yeah I watched a few of the matches from S.A. over the weekend, and I think the country will be able to handle this event. The fans were quite good, and I think it can only be good for the country.
Hopefully the media will focus on the matches, but if there is any problems with the health and safety of fans things could change to and audience larger than that for the Olympics.
I refused to watch even a second of the Bejiing games, so I couldn't tell you how the media stuck to covering the games and not showcasing human rights abuses.
As the article mentions, some players claim they were robbed of cash from their hotel rooms.
Actually, thinking on it now, there is no reason why I shouldn't be in S.A. while the World Cup is on. If Scotland can qualify, I'm there in a second.
Put in a good word for me a photographer anyways. Haha, all the best.
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