Posts Tagged ‘Taxi Driver’

Buenos Aires – Dirt Cheap Days are Long Gone…

October 23rd, 2008 Tushar Mathur

I love coming across new blogs written by expats living in Argentina. While not “new” per se (they’ve been there for ten weeks or so), Discover Argentina is fun to read… all about a couple from New York City who moved into a furnished apartment in Palermo. My favorite entries are their “Random Observation” entries… picking up on the little odds and ends of Argentina. Some are about the food…

Empanadas are everywhere! They have empanada speciality stores; they’re delivered by the pizza places; sold in diners, grocery stores, pasta stores, etc. I’ve eaten more empanadas in my time here, than throughout the rest of my life. I initially thought all empanadas were the same, and bought them from the supermarket at least once a week, but then last week we had empanadas from Gourmet Empanada and I realized what I’ve been missing. I know now that I will never be able to eat a supermarket empanada again.

While others are about things we noticed and found particularly funny, as well…

As you walk down the street here, you might notice some cars that have jugs half-filled with some type of liquid sitting on top of the roof. We’ve seen this many times and have finally figured out what it means. (Well, ok, we didn’t actually figure it out, we asked our Spanish tutor, Marco, what it meant.) Ready? It means that the car is for sale. Yep, that’s it. I guess a sign in the window is just too simple. The benefit of the jug though is that it is much more visible than a sign when walking or driving by.

So, that sounds kind of odd but we started spotting those, too, and had to ask a taxi driver what that was all about. This was a car we saw for sale in Palermo Viejo:


Now, while the dollar keeps making big gains against the Euro, the Pound, the Argentine Peso and other currencies, things aren’t as cheap as they used to be. More people are starting to notice, too. Inflation in Argentina has been quite heady – causing prices to shoot up. While cheaper that most major cities in the world, the dirt cheap prices of just a few years ago are starting to disappear. In 2006, our favorite BsAs hotel, the Bobo Hotel, used to charge $90/night for their smaller rooms. Today, those rooms will set you back $165/night. Popularity comes with a price, I suppose.

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Travel Tips for Dublin, Ireland

August 13th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

Traveling to the land of the leprechauns is probably the most exciting vacation that the family or the romantic couple will have. But these magical creatures will not ensure that your travel arrangements are ready and waiting for you. You will have to make your own planning for your accommodations, transportation, and the places that you will want to visit and explore. At the same time, there is more to Ireland than the folklore of fantastical creatures. The Emerald Isle, especially in Dublin, is steeped with history, culture, and entertainment. To enjoy the best of Dublin, Ireland, here are some tips that may help.

Transportation tips

The cheapest way around Dublin and the surrounding counties of the eastern coast is through the public mass transportation. But you can also utilize the taxis. When using taxis, you must avoid arranging for pickups because there is a charge for this service, which is separate from the fare. It is cheaper to hail a taxi that comes your way. If your destination is more than 7 miles away, (always check your map) it is best to first negotiate a fare with the taxi driver. A trip that is charged for €80 may be drastically reduced to €50. Then, while riding in a taxi, strike up a conversation with the driver. They have their own unique perspective about the history and politics of Ireland.

Accommodation tips

Ireland is a fast growing destination. Thus, it is foolhardy to go straight to Dublin without prior accommodation arrangements. There are numerous hotels around Dublin and most of them are converted historical buildings. If you are traveling to Dublin to see a specific destination, it is best to choose a hotel that is only a few blocks away. For example, you may want to explore the St. Stephen’s Green where public hangings were conducted in the 18th century. The nearest hotels include the Mercer Hotel, the O’ Callaghan, the Westbury, the Camden deluxe, and the Premier Suites. If you can find some cheap flights to Dublin…great!

Packing tips

Even if you are visiting Dublin, Ireland in summer, be sure to bring an umbrella and a coat. The skies of the Dublin County will never run out of rain.

Budget touring tips

If you are touring Dublin on a budget, some of the best historical and cultural places to go are museums and parks. The most well-maintained and extensive museums are actually open free to the public. These are the National Museum, the National Gallery, the Hugh Lane Gallery, and the Chester Beatty Library, which is located at the Dublin Castle.

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Egypt

April 15th, 2008 Tushar Mathur

Im willing to write about Egypt but its too big to write it in one or two or even 3 posts, and im too lazy to do it lol.
but ill part it to be more easier for me so here it is:

For traveling several benefits is of the view that other countries can tell some things exciting And to be able to tell some things expert on the history of ancient Egypt, we would like to offer you this regard some important information during your way. The Egyptian mentality and traditions inherent and platforms are different ways of life is not comparable to that in your country. Egypt welcomes your hospitable welcome visitor at all times and therefore they please grateful for this welcome by accepting to the customs and way of life of the country hosting you. As there are some difficulties that can be easily avoided, such as some problems with the Customs Department or some harassment with the taxi driver, during your knowledge of the rules and regulations of customs or knowledge of tactical systems for dialogue with others. Please invested some of your time so precious opposite avoid any unpleasant surprises

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