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/19627 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19627 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18947 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18947 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18808 24 hours beforehand, the bull is shut in a dark wooden box, denied food, and weakened and disorientated by having the ends of his horns painfully cut off.

At the moment of the bullfight, the bull is released from the darkness straight into the arena. Blinded and disorientated by the light, he looks for a chance to escape. But here he will be tortured with a 45cm-long spear tipped with a conical blade to cut the muscles at the base of his neck, force him to lower his head, and start the blood loss.

Then, in the same part of his body, ‘banderillas’ (harpoons of 8cm in length) will be thrust in and left there to painfully sever nerves and muscles with every movement the bull makes. Finally, a sword of 80-100cm in length is plunged in, which penetrates the bull’s body, perforating his heart, his lungs, his diaphragm or liver, causing him to die.

The horses too are the victims. Often gored and disemboweled, their wounds are hidden by the long blankets they wear. Their vocal chords are cut, so that you are unable to hear their cries. Do not encourage the torture of animals: Spain has many bloodless festivals that demonstrate it is possible to enjoy yourself without being cruel. 75% of Spaniards are against this practice but it is the financial support of tourists that allows this butchery to continue.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18808 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16355
In the fields you can see people with their beautiful vardos engaged in old crafts - horse shoeing, embroidery, wooden peg making and have your fortune told. In the evening watch the horse and buddy races and throughout the day you can watch the washing of the horses followed by the horse parade. Go to church and witness a travellers wedding or baptism.

Great to be surrounded by beautiful countryside with a community long forgotten by mainstream society.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16355 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14148
If staying overnight, you'll be allocated a family home to stay by the island council or elders. This is to ensure income from tourists gets spread fairly.

You can buy the fruit on the edge of Lake Titicaca, and just give it out to islanders you encounter walking up from the boat and in the town.

If you would like to visit the school, go with your guide to ask to donate stationery for/to the children.

You may find it one of the most rewarding aspects of your trip.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14148 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13141 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13141 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13116
A hammering will lead you to a courtyard where gigantic tureens are made for weddings. In some streets you will see braid being made. Men also perform kaftan embroidery.

Unlike Marrakech, the Fes medina has no mopeds or vehicles, just mules carrying anything from gas bottles to wet sheepskins, and with a cry of Balek! (Arabic for 'get out of the way', the mules wear rubber soles for grip so you don't hear them).

In the tannery you are right back in the middle ages, where you can see, and more importantly smell, the entire process of flensing to washing to dyeing. The skins are cured with dog and pigeon poo amongst many other revolting things.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13116 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10425
Around are traditional houses with orchards, gardens, peace and clean air.

Suit family with children and animals as the place is safe and has a terrace under the elevated on stilts house.

A much better option of staying in Bangkok than the town centre, with its noise, pollution, traffic jams and crowds of tourists.

In a Taling Chan home-stay you will immerse yourself in a traditional lifestyle and learn a little bit about Thai culture and customs. Walks through the fruit orchards and flower groves make a very challenging experience.

You can feel here like living in a traditional thai village - yet five minutes walk is 7/11 shop, cash machine and a daily street market. A short ride there is a famous traditional thai floating market in Taling Chan by the Chakphra Canal.

There are several nice homestays in that area - old thai teak wood houses on stilts just overlooking slowly moving canals. You are in the middle of verdant and vast, lush gardens.

There is nothing comparable to it in the whole of Thailand - a dream student home stay or a holiday accommodation.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10425 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10300 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10300 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9361
Better yet, you can browse the air-conditioned gift shop of beautiful creations at the end.

I learn something new everytime I go!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9361 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3088 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3088 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1976