http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20379 www.seanliquorish.co.uk/blog/?p=12.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20379 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20065 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20065 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19073 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19073 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18885 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18885 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18501 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18501 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17287
We did loads of the stuff recommended in it and it helped us meet local people and ensure that our money was going to worthwhile places.

For example: teaching locals to read English (Brother Mouse in Luang Prabang - fantastic place!).

If you fancy a massage, go to the Red Cross in Luang Prabang. It's not luxury - none of your scented candles here - but a great massage and all the money goes to the Red Cross. The brave can even donate blood.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17287 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16385
If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris on the 13th July, find the local Sapeurs Pompiers station from about 22:00 hours.

Pay a voluntary entrance fee (that goes to charity) and enjoy. You’ll realise why they get such a huge cheer at the end of the Bastille Day parade.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16385 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15924
You are placed with a local family to live and experience real Andean life. They also offer superb jungle treks - highly memorable and so rewarding.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15924 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15627
They are a charity so there is no profit involved as with other operators in the area. I have seen where the money goes - new buildings, education, food, clothes, bedding etc for these kids. They are not just in it for the money, they really care.

When I checked out some of the others in Siem Reap they send volunteers to these places but that's where their support ends - Globalteer are also the cheapest so good news all round. Really friendly people working there too.

They take people for three months or even if you are in the area for a few days and want to help they will find a placement for you.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15627 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15402
My massage, with a blind older lady named Janara, was one of the best I'd ever had and only cost US$10 for 90 min (in Sept 2007).

The cafe food also looked delicious. Mainly western stuff like omelettes, cakes, coffee.

Proceeds support Starfish Cambodia www.starfishcambodia.org/
www.canbypublications.com/sihanoukvilleads/starfishbakery.htm]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15402 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15177
You can visit the centre daily in Nairobi National Park. The visit will allow you to get up close to these magnificent animals and see them play.

Sponsoring an elephant or rhino costs $50 US per year. You can sponsor an elephant via: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15177 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14848 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14848 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14492 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14492 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13919
The hostel is impeccably run by the most friendly and welcoming staff who are ready to rustle you up delicious pancakes and coffee.

The Dutch owner set up the B&B as a fundraising venture for the vast amount of street children she now helps. Staff are also on hand to offer hints and tips. Tours of the children’s centre are also recommended to offer you the alternative view of a city which is so dominated by tourism.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13919 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13898
We bought some fresh alfajores (2 round crumbly biscuits with a layer of dulche de leche inside and a bit of coconut flakes on the top) every day we spent in Cusco.

They also have a range of savoury and sweet tarts, hot drinks and breads. Eat in or take away.

The shop is owned by a religious order who looks after orphan girls.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13898 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13373
The restaurant serves French-accented Indochine cuisine in a lovely garden courtyard.

Seemed popular with diplomats when we were there.

Food is excellent and we felt very very full when we left, but very virtuous as we had helped people just by eating!

They also have a cafe and bakery called Baguette et Chocolat]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13373 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11099 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11099 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10902
A short taxi ride later (once Maya finally found our taxi, but that’s another story) we met our other host Betu. Together they run the guesthouse which to the eye is small, modest and comfortable. But Maya and Betu make it so much more than that with their help, advice, good food, ginger tea and warmth.

They arranged taxis for us, helped us to work out what to see and do in Delhi, answered our questions about India and made us laugh until our sides hurt.

In addition to the guesthouse they run a voluntary organization which provides a helpline, counselling and support to women across India who are questioning their sexuality or identify as lesbian. If you consider the usual issues faced by any woman coming out and add to them the cultural expectations faced by women in India you can imagine how important this work is.

Unfortunately it is not currently funded and so by staying at Naari guesthouse you are contributing towards the running costs. Another good reason to visit!

950 INR (approx 11 pounds) per person gets you and en-suite A/C room.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10902 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10077 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10077 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9996 This evening will open your eyes, and you will be swept along by Beatocello's passion for what he does. It will show you that in our world unfortunately one life is not necessarily as important as another in the eyes of International Charities, Governments and Aid Organisations. Children are dying in Cambodia every day from entirely preventable diseases, and Beatocello is devoting his life to trying to stop it.
He asks for blood donations which are desperately needed from the young and money from anyone else.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9996