Set in a gorgeous colonial building next to Granada's market, you will get rooms that may be a bit dark, but in beautiful surroundings. They provide a kitchen, but most of all it is a safe place.

The couple that owns this place, and knows every customer, will be on their rocking chairs, with their radio. Somehow in a city where other places have armed guards, their presence is a better protection.

Calle Atravesada in front of the market.

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While you are in Granada and if you are tired of Gallo Pinot, the ever present rice and beans, maybe you should try Pususas from Don Ramon.

It is a typical dish from Salvador that Don Ramon and his wife dish out from a grill located in the main street, Calle Atravesada, one and a half blocks up from the market.

At around 50 pence these pancakes can be served with a traditional filling of cheese, frijoles, or chicharon, or more modern ones such as spinach.

If you ask nicely they will explain to you how to make it, from scratch, and you will make your own one if they don't have many customers waiting.

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If you are looking to experience Costa Rica's rainforest, but like to be away from hordes of tourist, this may be your place.

Set just outside Braulio Carrillo National Park getting there is part of the adventure. A very easy bus ride to Horquetas followed by a two hour jumpy tractor ride and another two hour walk through the forest.

Their accommodation goes from extremely basic, in the Casa de Guias, set 200 metres in the middle of the forest, with no electricity to a much more comfortable Lodge.

The walks around, guided by bilingual locals, or volunteers, are through some deep jungle and are everything you would ever should expect in this environment. You will hear a lot of noises, and you may see some birds, and your guide may find some snakes, monkeys, frogs or pacas. However, always remember animals are and should be shy of humans.

This is not Manuel Antonio, a tiny park where animals can't hide, this is proper jungle, but still showers, great food, beer, and some card games after trekking for a day... and if you are brave you can swim in the cold waters of the waterfall.

www.rara-avis.com/
This is my account of the day: adegreeaday.blogspot.com/2009/08/rara-avis-spiders-and-other-thrills.html

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I have just returned from doing the Tongariro Crossing in the North Island.
This company provides a guided crossing in the winter, when the snow requires a guide for all of those but the most experience. In the summer they will take you to the base camp and pick you up on the other side.

As oppose to other agencies they have got a concession from the maori iwi that allows them to do the full crossing. Be aware of other agencies that may take you to the top but you will have to return the same way back

www.tongariroexpeditions.com/

My account of the day

adegreeaday.blogspot.com/2009/07/mount-doom-and-one-ring.html

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If you are looking for clean no frills accomodation in Chaing Mai 'Nice Appartments' will be a good choice. Ms Chon is an easy going landlady who will provide clean rooms at a very affordable price, throwing in free tea and Thai bananas for a good meassure.
She will also allow you to leave your bags when you go off on a trek, even if it is a three day trek, and will put away your valuable possesions on a security lock. She will make you sign several forms for that and seal your possesions, but I felt better for that.
There is a 1AM curfew, so if you are here partying this may not be your place

www.adegreeaday.blogspot.com

Off the main road just by the main gat
15 Soi 1 Ratchadamnem Road

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Whenever I have been abroad I have always followed Travel Guides recommendations to avoid eating in tourist traps. However, in Thailand I have just been eating from the street stalls or the local cafe with some plastic tables. Keep your wits and see who is eating there. If you see women and children it is a safe bet. Meals tend to be around B25 -30, that is just between 50 pence and 65 pence and they are the real thing... just make sure you don't get frog like I did unintentionally.

www.adegreeaday.blogspot.com

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I love Bangkok but sometimes is a difficult city to navigate if you want to avoid tuk tuks. However, there is a great official tourist booth just by Khao San Road where they know everything. From the bus number you have to take to the train station, its price or where is the closest gym

West side of Khao San Road on the opposite side of the police station

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I have done over 4000 km in Indian trains over the last six weeks. I have not had one single problem with the food bought from the official IRCTC stands or guys going around. Look out for people with uniform shirts.
Some of the food was actually excellent

Any station

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If you are travelling around India, do not book an air con train, they are far too cold. I have done over 2000km on the train system ad I recommend the no air con. Also the in the air con you keep the windows closed, and they are filthy so you don't see anything

www.irctc.coin
wwww.adegreeaday.blogspot.com

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As the name indicates this is a restaurant. It actually only have one dish, the local Thali, but it was amazing. Several locals were eating there, and we were the only westerens
Meal for two was less than GBP3

Ahmedabab
adegreeaday.blogspot.com/

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The Indian Railways online ticket system. Don't even think about queueing to buy a ticket, just go online and buy it there. It only has one major problem, you either need a local card or a AMEX... Otherwise it is a godsend, no endless Indian queues

adegreeaday.blogspot.com/
irctc.co.in/

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