7/31/2011

The Great Wall of China, Lonely Planet


The Great Wall of China
Emily K Wolman
Lonely Planet Author, http://www.lonelyplanet.com

No matter what you think it’ll be like the Great Wall will still blow you away. You can’t prepare yourself for the awe, but you can prepare for experiencing this ultimate historical hotspot. Here’s how: When to visit

The best departure point for main sections is Beijing.
Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and have great light for photos.
Avoid weekends, especially in summer.
Places to visit the wall Badaling

The most touristed section of the Great Wall. Lots of hawkers.
While not as ‘pristine’ as other parts, it’s best for older travelers, families with small children, those who don’t love sheer drops and those short on time.
Leave Beijing early and do it as a half-day trip.
If you take the Tourism Bus (tel 8353 1111) – direct to and from, but no guided tour attached – you’ll have about two hours to visit.
This is often coupled with a visit to the Ming Tombs, making a full-day trip.
Simatai

One o f the wall’s steepest and most beautiful points.
Best for fit folks with sturdy, good-grip shoes and a penchant for stunning views – and the requisite steep climbs.
Bring a day pack (you need your arms free for the climb).
Drinks are very pricey and food is scarce, so bring your own.
Unless you really want a souvenir, avoid eye contact with the aggressive vendors.
Jinshanling

Remains relatively undeveloped.
It’s the starting point of a 10km steep, stony hike to Simatai. Arriving at Simatai, you may have to buy another ticket.
You can do the walk in the opposite direction, but getting a ride back to Beijing from Simatai is easier than from Jinshanling. Make arrangements with your driver to pick you up.

Tours

When choosing a tour, check that the tour goes to where you want. If you don’t want to go to the Ming Tombs, don’t pick a tour that combines Badaling with the Ming Tombs.

Some tours make detours to jade factories, gem exhibition halls and Chinese medicine centres (where tourists are diagnosed with bogus ailments that can be cured only with high-priced Chinese remedies, supplied there and then). When booking a tour, check that such scams and unnecessary diversions are not on the itinerary.
If you want to spend some significant time at the wall our recommended partners have three or ten day hikes.

4 Great Tours recommended by World Travel:

1 Great Wall of China at Mutianyu Full Day Tour including Lunch from Beijing...Read More!

2 Great Wall of China at Badaling and Ming Tombs Day Tour from Beijing...Read More!

3 2-Day Beijing Art and Architecture Small Group Tour including the Great Wall of China...Read More!

4 Great Wall of China Small Group Day Trip from Beijing...Read More!

BANGKOK NAMED WORLD’S BEST CITY 2010 & 2011

From Leisure + Travel
BANGKOK NAMED WORLD’S BEST CITY for 2 years in the roll 2010 & 2011
BLACKBERRY FARM IN TENNESSEE IS TOP RESORT IN U.S. AND CANADA
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VIRGIN AMERICA RATED NO. 1 DOMESTIC AIRLINE

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Recommend Tours and Activities for Bangkok, Thailand



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CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires
AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST Singita Kruger National Park South Africa

Recommended Tours and Activities by World Travel!

Chiangmai Hotel Recommendation and List
Chiangrai Hotel Recommendation and List
Bangkok Hotel Recommendation and List
Phuket Hotel Recommendation and List
Central and North of Thailand Hotel Recommendation and List

Chiangmai, Chiang rai, Mae Hong Son, Pai , Nan, Sukhothai - Thailand:
Taxi, Tour services and Trip Advisor
Contact Person: Patrick 081 617 2116 (oversea call ++66 81 617 2116)
เพ็ญนภา (แก้ว) 081 498 0613(จากต่างประเทศ ++66 81 498 0613)
E-mail: neomart@gmail.com

7/30/2011

ออกเดินทาง ท่องเที่ยว

ท่องเที่ยว ออกเดินทาง ไปพบสิ่งใหม่ ๆ ทำให้หัวใจของคนเติบโตขึ้นอีกนิดหนึ่ง เดินทางบ่อย ๆ หัวใจก็เติบโตตามไปเรื่อย ๆ และคนโสดมักได้โอกาสเหล่านี้มาครอบครองง่ายกว่าคนมีครอบครัวแล้ว ส่วนจะไปเที่ยวในประเทศ นอกประเทศนั้น เลือกได้ตามความสะดวกของกระเป๋าสตางค์ และรสนิยมเลย ถ้าประหยัดก็ดี ถ้าฟรี ยิ่งดี ท่องเที่ยวได้เพลิดเพลิน อารมณืดี

เหงา - Peacemaker


เคยรู้สึกไหม เวลาไม่มีใครแล้ว
จะมองไปทางไหน ไม่มีใครให้พูดจา

ไม่มีเลยซักคน จะหันมองมองและเข้าใจ
คนๆนี้ที่มันไม่มีอะไร

นี่คือเหงา นี่แหละเหงา นี่คือความจริงที่ได้เจอ
เจ็บปวดทรมาณลึกลงข้างในใจ
โอ้ความเหงา มันช่างหนาว มันช่างยาวนานและทุกข์ทน
รอคอยใครบางคนมาหยุดมัน

มันจะอีกนานไหม เวลาคงไม่หยุดแล้ว
เวลาจะพาคนไหน ให้ผ่านให้พ้นเข้ามา

ไม่มีเลยซักคน จะหันมองมองและเข้าใจ
คนๆนี้ที่มันไม่มีอะไร

นี่คือเหงา นี่แหละเหงา นี่คือความจริงที่ได้เจอ
เจ็บปวดทรมาณลึกลงข้างในใจ
โอ้ความเหงา มันช่างหนาว มันช่างยาวนานและทุกข์ทน
รอคอยใครบางคนมาหยุดมัน

ไม่มีเลยซักคน จะหันมองมองและเข้าใจ
คนๆนี้ที่มันไม่มีอะไร

นี่คือเหงา นี่แหละเหงา นี่คือความจริงที่ได้เจอ
เจ็บปวดทรมาณลึกลงข้างในใจ
โอ้ความเหงา มันช่างหนาว มันช่างยาวนานและทุกข์ทน
รอคอยใครบางคนมาหยุดมัน

นอกจากการออกเดินทาง วิธีคลายเหงา
http://guru.google.co.th
อีแร้งแก่ 19 ก.ค. 2554

…..1. หาหนังสือดี ๆ อ่าน รวมทั้งหาสถานที่อ่านหนังสือดี ๆ ไว้นั่งอ่านด้วย เดี๋ยวนี้มีร้านอาหาร ร้านกาแฟ ที่ตกแต่งร้านเตรียมไว้สำหรับคนรักการอ่านหนังสือโดยเฉพาะ ทั้งบรรยากาศสบาย แสงไฟสว่าง หอมกลิ่นกาแฟ – ขนม เราเลยอยากชวนคุณไปอ่านหนังสือดี ๆ ในสถานที่ดี ๆ เหล่านี้แทนการหมกตัวอยู่ในห้องที่มักจะทำให้ดีกรีความเหงาเพิ่มขึ้นอย่างรวดเร็ว
…..2. หาโอกาสใกล้ชิดธรรมชาติบ่อย ๆ เช่น ถ้าอยู่คอนโดมิเนียมใจกลางกรุง หลังเลิกงานกลับมาที่พัก ลองแวะไปเดินเล่นที่สวนหย่อมส่วนกลางที่มีอยู่บ้าง หรือไปว่ายน้ำที่สระของโครงการดูบ้าง การได้สูดอากาศบนชั้นสูง ๆ รวมถึงได้เห็นวิวไกล ๆ แทนการอุดอู้อยู่ในห้อง ก็ช่วยให้รู้สึกดีได้เช่นกัน
…..3. ทำอาหารรับประทานเอง อย่าให้สื่อโฆษณามาเป็นตัวตัดสินภาวะโภชนาการของคุณ บรรดาอาหารกล่อง อาหารแช่แข็ง อาหารสั่งด่วน อาหารสำเร็จรูปทั้งหลายที่ดูน่ารับประทานนั้น นอกจากจะแพงแล้วยังอุดมไปด้วยไขมัน และคาร์โบไฮเดรต ไปจ่ายตลาดทำอาหารรับประทานเองดีกว่าค่ะ นอกจากจะใช้เวลาว่างให้เกิดประโยชน์แล้ว เชื่อเถอะว่า สิ่งที่คุณซื้อกลับมาทำครัวนั้น ดีต่อสุขภาพมากกว่าในภาพยนตร์โฆษณาหลายเท่าตัว
…..4. ฝึกทำงานฝีมือ ไม่จำกัดว่าจะเป็นผู้หญิงฝึกได้เพศเดียว ผู้ชายก็ฝึกได้ แถมบางคนทำจนยึดเป็นอาชีพก็มี เดี๋ยวนี้มีร้านตามห้างสรรพสินค้าหลายแห่งเปิดสอนเป็นเรื่องเป็นราว จบชั่วโมงเรียนยังได้ชิ้นงานกลับบ้านไปใช้อีกด้วย
…..5. ไปเป็นอาสาสมัครเสียเลย เช่น ไปอ่านหนังสือให้คนตาบอดฟัง เอาอาหารไปให้สุนัขในสถานสงเคราะห์สัตว์ ไปสอนเด็กกำพร้าทำการบ้าน หรือไปช่วยแพ็คของช่วยผู้ประสบภัยน้ำท่วมก็ยังได้
…..6. ปฏิบัติธรรม ดำเนินชีวิตตามคำสอนของแต่ละศาสนา หากเป็นชาวพุทธ การได้นั่งสมาธิ สวดมนต์ ในบรรยากาศที่เงียบสงบ ก็เป็นเรื่องที่น่าทำ และคนโสดอยู่คนเดียวก็ทำได้ง่ายกว่าคนมีครอบครัวเยอะมาก
…..7. ทำอะไรสนุก ๆ เช่น ไปสวนสนุก ไปดูหนัง ไปทะเล ซื้อที่เป่าลูกโป่งมาเป่าเล่น หรือไปสมัครสมาชิกชมรมต่าง ๆ ที่คุณสนใจ เพื่อจะได้ใช้เวลาไปกับการทำในสิ่งที่ชอบและได้หัวเราะ
…..8.แต่งบ้าน จัดห้อง จัดบ้านเสียใหม่ จากห้องสีพื้น ๆ ลองไปเลือกวอลเปเปอร์ลายเก๋ ๆ มาติด ปัดกวาด เช็ดฝุ่น หาต้นไม้มาปลูกในกระถาง สีเขียว ๆ ของต้นไม้ช่วยให้รู้สึกสดชื่นได้อย่างดาย

7/26/2011

Reviews of Li River Cruise Full Day Tour of Guilin and Yangshuo Tour

Li River Cruise Full Day Tour of Guilin and Yangshuo

Take a day trip from Guilin along the impressionable Li River, twisting and turning through lush Chinese landscape that will have you 'snap happy' with the camera for the majority of the sightseeing tour! After some local, fresh catches for lunch on the way to Yangshuo, you will have the opportunity to indulge in a bit of shopping and maybe pick up some real bargains in pearl and jade, or fine Chinese paintings...Read More!

Reviews of Li River Cruise Full Day Tour of Guilin and Yangshuo Tour

Great trip.
Reviewed by: Burton B, May 2011

The Li River Cruise is lovely and Yangshuo is so beautiful with breath-taking scenery. It is definately underrated and undeservedly placed in the shadow of the more famous Guilin. My big criticism was that this is a full day tour yet when we arrived in Yangshuo, we were only given 1 hour to browse round or we had to pay extra for activities to fill the afternoon. This is extremeley cheeky bearing in mind the amount of money we had already spent on the trip. Because we chose not to pay extra, our tour was cut short and we were taken home earlier. I thought that was terrible.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, February 2010

This was the first day of 3 in Guilin, and it definitely set the tone. We loved the cruise, our tour guide who was both hilarious and knowledgeable, and the visit to Yangshuo. Even the bus rides had great views. You will stand in awe the entire day. This day alone made us fall in love with Guilin. Seeing the exact view that's on the 20 Yuan was surreal. I couldn't say enough about this trip. If you get a chance to take a country tour while in Yangshuo, I recommend it.
Reviewed by: Michelle C, Canada, June 2009

boat ride was smooth even though it was pouring rain very scenic
Reviewed by: Allen W, China, June 2010

Very beautiful cruise, but as we paid for a FULL day, it's unacceptable to learn that the afternoon is empty unless if we pay additional money!!!!
Reviewed by: Yves S, France, October 2008

Best Bangkok river cruises for overnighters



Best Bangkok river cruises for overnighters
Leave the landlubber boutique hotels behind and drift downriver on a restored rice barge
By Karla Cripps 4 July, 2011


For most travelers, the words “Bangkok river cruise” bring to mind painful recollections of drawn-out evenings trapped aboard one of the many cheesy dinner boats that putter up and down the Chao Phraya River.

Though prices and experiences vary, there are usually two certainties: a live band that blares timeless "classics" such as "YMCA" and a buffet filled with vats of mediocre Thai food.

But Bangkok’s floating boutique hotels, set in refurbished rice barges, cook up a different plate of Thai cliches, recalling a time when the Chao Phraya River was the lifeline of the city and skyscrapers were non-existent.

Most of these Bangkok river cruises stop at tourist-heavy attractions, like Bang Pa-In and Ayudthaya.

But there are some lesser known spots on itineraries, too. Here are the four top overnight Bangkok river cruise offerings.

Read more: Best Bangkok river cruises for overnighters | CNNGo.com

Bangkok Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River
Treat yourself and your loved ones with a 2.5 hour evening cruise along Bangkok's Chao Phraya river. Watch river life go by and feast on a Thai dinner feast as the band on board entertains you.

This will be a memorable night on board one of Bangkok's most luxurious restaurant boats relaxing in modern comfort and dining like King Rama V on a variety of Thai dishes. As you cruise slowly along the Chao Phraya River you will pass The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and the Grand Palace complex which both provide sensational twilight photo opportunities. It is also a great vantage point to watch the life along the river as people slowly start to unwind or head home after a busy day.

Throughout the cruise the on board band will also keep you entertained...Confirm Availability!

Reviews of recent Travelers

We were unfortunate that a hour before the dinner there was torrential rain which eventually subsided. Nonetheless, we had a brilliant time on board ... the food was excellent, and the service was very good ... definitely worth doing.
Reviewed by: Joanne A, July 2011

We had a great night picked up on time and service was great,Beautiful views a must do!
Many thanks..Mark
Reviewed by: Mark R, July 2011

Great night out, very entertaining and beautiful ship, highly recommend!!!
Reviewed by: Jessica C, July 2011

The whole experience was fantastic.The food was wonderful,the music was great.It was a well organised trip.Recommended.
Reviewed by: Phillip C, June 2011

Chiangmai Hotel Recommendation and List
Chiangrai Hotel Recommendation and List
Bangkok Hotel Recommendation and List
Phuket Hotel Recommendation and List
Central and North of Thailand Hotel Recommendation and List

Chiangmai, Chiang rai, Mae Hong Son, Pai , Nan, Sukhothai - Thailand:
Taxi, Tour services and Trip Advisor
Contact Person: Patrick 081 617 2116 (oversea call ++66 81 617 2116)
เพ็ญนภา (แก้ว) 081 498 0613(จากต่างประเทศ ++66 81 498 0613)
E-mail: neomart@gmail.com

The best southern Thai dishes



7 top southern Thai dishes and where to eat them in Bangkok

Overshadowed by Bangkok's ongoing love affair with Isaan food, the flavors of the Thai south deserve equal recognition for their spicy contrasts and flavors
By Mark Wiens 21 June, 2011


Highly underrated due to a lack of exposure, southern Thai food in Bangkok is often overshadowed by the city's obsession with northeast Thai cuisine.

Nevertheless, southern Thailand has a few culinary heavyweights that could put up a fight in any Thai food battle.

In the south, Thai food collides with intensity. When cooked to code it should be deeply spicy. Not that sharp bite of chili that burns for a few seconds and then dissipates, but that internal inferno, like a fireplace lit in your stomach.

But heat is not the only prominent flavor of southern Thai food. Dishes are marked by a natural abundance of herbs, local provisions of coconut cream and the ever present rich spice blends of turmeric, galangal, garlic, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.

Highly recommended by World Travel, whenever you and your family visit Thailand, don't hesitate to join Thai Food Class...one of the best Thai Food Class in Bangkok is Banpai Cooking School. Also pick up the best choice to your interest tours and activities in Thailand.

Here are seven of Thailand's most popular southern Thai dishes, followed by a few restaurants that serve them.

1. Gaeng som pla

Called "gaeng leung" in Bangkok, gaeng som is the ultimate bigwig of southern Thai comfort, a soup with such potent delicious flavor it's a culinary wake up call -- like a bowl of orange juice set on fire.
In Thai, it means "sour curry," though it covers a much larger range of tastes. The soup is usually made with a liquid fish base combined with curry paste and turmeric, which turns it into a yellowish orange color.

Gaeng som is commonly cooked with bamboo shoots, green papaya or slices of pineapple.


2. Gaeng tai pla

Admittedly, this one isn't a hit the first time most people taste it. But remove a southern Thai from their cuisine for too long and gaeng tai pla is likely the first thing their mouth will demand.
It's a thick fish soup, more like a multidimensional stew with layers of complex flavor. The ingredients are a combination of fish viscera, grilled fish, fermented shrimp paste, eggplant, pumpkin, string beans and bamboo shoots.

Just like in a lot of southern Thai food, it's the dried chilies, garlic, red onions, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal and turmeric that give gaeng tai pla that invigorating push.



3. Kua kling

I'm a sucker for sauce. I often treat Thai sauce as a beverage rather than a condiment. However, kua kling is one dish where extra flavoring is just not essential.
Kua kling is a southern Thai dry curry that is commonly made with pork, beef or chicken. Lacking the liquid coconut sweet curry (like many other Thai curries), the dry meat is like a sponge that absorbs a high concentration of spice.

The meat is injected with curry paste, chilies, garlic and shaved lemongrass before being sprinkled with a handful of thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves, and sometimes full pepper corns. Each bite is a piquant powerhouse that begins with a spicy kick and ends with a trace of lime.



4. Tom som pla krabok


Another sour fishy soup that is popular in southern Thai cuisine is tom som pla krabok.
Overall, it's not quite as fiery as gaeng som, but it just might be one of the sourest soups that Thailand has to offer.

Every spoonful is a tongue smack of acidity that results in an outward frown, but internal delight.

Along with the delightful sourness, the soup is a fusion of turmeric root, shredded ginger and tamarind juice.


5. Gaeng sataw

Any combination of food made with sataw, which translates to “stink bean,” is a sure sell-out at any southern restaurant.
The bean, which certainly lives up to its name, is both delicious when cooked and extremely healthy.

Stink beans are often stir-fried with a choice of meat or pre-made in a variety of curries.


6. Khao yam

One of the qualities that makes southern Thai food so embedded with rich herbal flavor is that spices, roots and herbs are often minced so they can be ingested entirely (instead of boiled to extract flavor and thrown out).
Khao yam is a fragrant rice salad where grated coconut, dry shredded shrimp and a host of herbs are the dominating ingredients.

Micro-sliced kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, pennywort and turmeric leaves are among the blend of herbs that complete khao yam. The rice salad is mixed together and dressed with a slightly sweet fish sauce.



7. Nam prik goong siap

Nam prik goong siap is one of the more popular nam prik (spicy sauce) variations that originate from the lower portion of Thailand.
The intricate paste is a pestle pounded mixture composed of dried shrimp, fermented shrimp paste, fiery chilies, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce and a sprinkle of brown sugar to level things off.

Made correctly, all ingredients should even each other out in a harmonious sauce that is not too shrimpy, just sour enough, and perfectly balanced. Nam prik goong siap is served as a dip along with a garden of freshly cut vegetables.

Where to Stay in Bangkok


Where to find Southern Thai food in Bangkok

Some southern Thai food is available within Bangkok's local market stalls that sell khao gaeng, (rice and curries) but it can be challenging to locate authentic southern Thai restaurants in the city.

Areas near Siriraj Hospital and across the street from Ramkamhaeng University are hotspots for Bangkok's southern food scene. Here are two of my favorite restaurants.

Lan Ahan Puk Tai Dao Tai
: 508/26 Phran Nok Road, Bahng Koug Noy, Bangkok. +66 (0)2 412 2385. Open 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

In Thai: ร้านอาหารปักษ์ใต้ ดาวใต้ 508/26 ถ.พรานนก บางกอกน้อย กทม

Lan Khao Gaeng Bak Tai Loong Kaun: Ramkamhaeng Soi 29, opposite 7/11, Bangkok. +66 (0)84 660 3278. Across the street from Ramkamhaeng University.

ร้านข้าวแกงปักษ์ใต้ลุงคอนเข้าซอยรามคำแหง 29 ตรงข้่าม 7 Eleven

For something more upmarket, Phuket Town in Thonglor has been getting great reviews from southern Thai food fans.

Items on the menu include southern classics like sataw phad kapi goong (stir-fried stink beans with shrimp), and kanom jeen nam ya poo (rice noodles with crab).

Phuket Town: 160/8 Thong Lor Soi 6. +66 (0)2 714 9402. Open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Chiangmai Hotel Recommendation and List
Chiangrai Hotel Recommendation and List
Bangkok Hotel Recommendation and List
Phuket Hotel Recommendation and List
Central and North of Thailand Hotel Recommendation and List

Chiangmai, Chiang rai, Mae Hong Son, Pai , Nan, Sukhothai - Thailand:
Taxi, Tour services and Trip Advisor
Contact Person: Patrick 081 617 2116 (oversea call ++66 81 617 2116)
เพ็ญนภา (แก้ว) 081 498 0613(จากต่างประเทศ ++66 81 498 0613)
E-mail: neomart@gmail.com

Read more: 7 top southern Thai dishes and where to eat them in Bangkok | CNNGo.com

7/25/2011

Thai Food the Most Delicious Food 2011 by CNNGo


World's 50 most delicious foods

Some foods you eat to stay alive, others you eat because not to would be a crime. Here are those foods worth traveling the world to gorge on

By CNNGo staff 21 July, 2011


Hot on the heels of the world’s most talked-about restaurant – NEXT by chef Grant Achatz turning from Escoffier into Thai Restaurant , CNN has now named THAI MASSAMAN CURRY as the world’s most delicious food, beating out arguably more ‘famous’ dishes like PIZZA, SUSHI, CHOCOLATE and PEKING DUCK (#2 – #5 respectively)!

In fact, Thai Food features prominently on the list with the ubiquitous “TOM YUM GOONG” coming in at #8, “NARM TOK MOO” (literally ‘Waterfall Pork’ because of the Pig’s Blood dressing) , a favorite of yours truly, at #19 and SOM TUM , aka. Papaya Pok-Pok ( onomatopoeic name for the sound of a pestle beating up on the mortar ) at #46.

็Highly recommended by World Travel, whenever you and your family visit Thailand, don't hesitate to join Thai Food Class...one of the best Thai Food Class in Bangkok is Banpai Cooking School. Also pick up the best choice to your interest tours and activities in Thailand.

1. Massaman curry, Thailand


Emphatically the king of curries, and perhaps the king of all foods. Spicy, coconutty, sweet and savory, its combination of flavors has more personality than a Thai election.

Even the packet sauce you buy from the supermarket can make the most delinquent of cooks look like a Michelin potential. Thankfully, someone invented rice, with which diners can mop up the last drizzles of curry sauce.

“The Land of Smiles” isn’t just a marketing catch-line. It’s a result of being born in a land where the world’s most delicious food is sold on nearly every street corner.

8. Tom yum goong, Thailand


This Thai masterpiece teems with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves.

Usually loaded with coconut milk and cream, the hearty soup unifies a host of favorite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet. Best of all is the price: cheap.


19. Nam tok moo, Thailand


Grilled pork combined with lemon juice, green onions, chili, mint sprigs, fish sauce and toasted rice.

Legend has it the blood from the meat along with the dressing inspired some happy carnivore to name this brilliant dish “waterfall (nam tok moo) meat.”

46. Som tam, Thailand


To prepare Thailand’s most famous salad, pound garlic and chilies with a mortar and pestle. Toss in tamarind juice, fish sauce, peanuts, dried shrimp, tomatoes, lime juice, sugar cane paste, string beans and a handful of grated green papaya.

Grab a side of sticky rice. Variations include those made with crab (som tam boo) and fermented fish sauce (som tam plah lah), but none matches the flavor and simple beauty of the original.

1 Massaman curry, Thailand (แกงมัสมั่น)
2 Neapolitan pizza, Italy
3 Chocolate, Mexico
4 Sushi, Japan
5 Peking duck, China
6 Hamburger, Germany
7 Penang assam laksa, Malaysia
8 Tom yum goong, Thailand (ต้มยำกุ้ง)
9 Ice cream, United States
10 Chicken muamba, Gabon
11 Rendang, Indonesia
12 Shepherd’s pie, Britain
13 Corn on the cob, global
14 Donuts, United States
15 Kalua pig, United States
16 Egg tart, Hong Kong
17 Lobster, global
18 Kebab, Iran
19 Nam tok moo, Thailand (หมูน้ำตก)
20 Arepas, Venezuela
21 Croissant, France
22 Brownie and vanilla ice cream, global
23 Lasagna, Italy
24 Champ, Ireland
25 Butter garlic crab, India
26 Fajitas, Mexico
27 Montreal-style smoked meat, Canada
28 Pho, Vietnam
29 Ohmi-gyu beef steak, Japan
30 Goi cuon (summer roll), Vietnam
31 Parma ham, Italy
32 Ankimo, Japan
33 Fish ‘n’ chips, Britain
34 Maple syrup, Canada
35 Chili crab, Singapore
36 Texas barbecue pork, United States
37Chicken parm, Australia
38 French toast, Hong Kong
39 Ketchup, United States
40 Marzipan, Germany
41 Stinky tofu, Southeast Asia
42 Buttered toast with Marmite, Britain
43Tacos, Mexico
44 Poutine, Canada
45 Chicken rice, Singapore
46 Som tam, Thailand (ส้มตำ)
47 Seafood Paella, Spain
48 Potato chips, United States
49 Masala dosa, India
50 Buttered popcorn, United States

Read more: World’s 50 most delicious foods #3 | CNNGo.com

Chiangmai Hotel Recommendation and List
Chiangrai Hotel Recommendation and List
Bangkok Hotel Recommendation and List
Phuket Hotel Recommendation and List
Central and North of Thailand Hotel Recommendation and List

Chiangmai, Chiang rai, Mae Hong Son, Pai , Nan, Sukhothai - Thailand:
Taxi, Tour services and Trip Advisor
Contact Person: Patrick 081 617 2116 (oversea call ++66 81 617 2116)
เพ็ญนภา (แก้ว) 081 498 0613(จากต่างประเทศ ++66 81 498 0613)
E-mail: neomart@gmail.com

Information recap by http://sfreelife.com

มัสมั่น อาหารที่อร่อยที่สุดในโลก จัดโดย CNN Go (World’s 50 most delicious foods 2011)
Posted on 23 กรกฎาคม, 2011 by kajarp
เว็บไซท์ CNNgo.com (21 July 2011) จัดอันดับ อาหารที่อร่อยที่สุดในโลก 50 รายการ โดยที่ แกงมัสมั่น ของไทย เป็นที่หนึ่งในโลก

นอกจากนี้ยังมีอาหารไทยอีก 3 รายการ คือ ต้มยำกุ้ง ติดอันดับ 8, น้ำตกหมู (หมูน้ำตก) ติดอันดับ 19 และ ส้มตำ ติดอันดับ 46

ชวนให้นึกถึง กาพย์เห่เรือ บทหนึ่ง ที่ต้องท่องจำในสมัยเรียนชั้นประถม
พระราชนิพนธ์ โดย พระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธเลิศหล้านภาลัย รัชกาลที่ ๒
พระราชนิพนธ์ให้ สมเด็จพระศรีสุริเยนทราบรมราชินี หรือเจ้าหญิงบุญรอด

• เห่ชมเครื่องคาว

๏ แกงไก่มัสมั่นเนื้อ นพคุณ พี่เอย
หอมยี่หร่ารสฉุน เฉียบร้อน
ชายใดบริโภคภุญช์ พิศวาส หวังนา
แรงอยากยอหัตถ์ข้อน อกให้หวนแสวง ๚

๏ มัสมั่นแกงแก้วตา หอมยี่หร่ารสร้อนแรง
ชายใดได้กลืนแกง แรงอยากให้ใฝ่ฝันหา
๏ ยำใหญ่ใส่สารพัด วางจานจัดหลายเหลือตรา
รสดีด้วยน้ำปลา ญี่ปุ่นล้ำย้ำยวนใจ
๏ ตับเหล็กลวกหล่อนต้ม เจือน้ำส้มโรยพริกไทย
โอชาจะหาไหน ไม่มีเทียบเปรียบมือนาง
๏ หมูแนมแหลมเลิศรส พร้อมพริกสดใบทองหลาง
พิศห่อเห็นรางชาง ห่างห่อหวนป่วนใจโหย
๏ ก้อยกุ้งปรุงประทิ่น วางถึงลิ้นดิ้นแดโดย
รสทิพย์หยิบมาโปรย ฤๅจะเปรียบเทียบทันขวัญ
๏ เทโพพื้นเนื้อท้อง เป็นมันย่องล่องลอยมัน
น่าซดรสครามครัน ของสวรรค์เสวยรมย์


กาพย์จาก หนังสือ : ประชุมกาพย์เห่เรือ กองวรรณคดีและประวัติศาสตร์ กรมศิลปากร
ข้อมูลสรุปโดย http://etatjournal.wordpress.com

แนะนำ โรงแรมดีๆ ของจังหวัดเชียงใหม่

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แนะนำ โรงแรมดีๆ ของกรุงเทพ



แนะนำ โรงแรมดีๆ ของจังหวัดภูเก็ต



แนะนำ โรงแรมดีๆ ของภาคเหนือและภาคกลาง



เชียงใหม่ เชียงราย แม่ฮ่องสอน ปาย น่าน สุโขทัย - บริการเที่ยวทั่วไทย แท็กซี่ จัดทัวร์ พร้อมทั้งให้คำแนะนำสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวต่างๆ จองตั๋วเครื่องบินราคาถูก จองที่พัก

ติดต่อ เพ็ญนภา (แก้ว) 081 498 0613
อีเมล์: neomart@gmail.com

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7/23/2011

Top 10 holiday destinations

Looking for holiday ideas? Our editors – The Sunday Times travel writers David Wickers and Mark Hodson – have revealed their top 10 holiday destinations.

These are the most popular destinations with our readers, along with our own personal recommendations. We also have the latest Government data on the numbers of UK visitors travelling abroad.

If you are travelling with children, see our family holiday ideas. If not, search holiday ideas for couples. Or visit our sister sites for 101 honeymoon ideas and 101 short breaks.

If you know when you plan to travel and are looking for ideas of where to go, see Best Time to Visit...check World Travel Tours and Activities around the World! http://www.partner.viator.com/en/5838



1. Spain
Spain has long been a favourite of British holidaymakers, and it remains our number one holiday destination. In particular, the Balearic islands of Mallorca and Ibiza are perennial big-hitters, along with Canary Islands such as Tenerife and La Palma. Other great beach destinations include the Costa de la Luz and Catalonia.

But there’s a lot more to Spain than beaches. There are great walking holidays in Northern Spain and cycling in Catalonia. The rise of low-cost airlines has benefited city breaks in places like Palma and Seville – both of which are rich in culture. Meanwhile, lesser-known islands such as La Palma in the Canaries are well worth a visit.

You can also explore Spain on a luxury rail holidays using the superb state-run trains such as the Transcantábrico and La Robla.

2. France
The relationship between the British and French may have had its ups and downs over the years, but our love of all things French shows no signs of abating. From the Channel ports to the islands of the Mediterranean, Francophiles are never short of new destinations to discover.

Among our favourite holidays are the beaches of the Atlantic coast, Corsica and the Ile de Ré. You can visit Monet’s Garden in Giverny, take a cycling holiday, a walking break or a battlefield tour.

In the French Alps you can ski on a budget, or with a family, plus they make a great destination in summer. Other highlights include Normandy, Paris and boating on the Canal du Midi.

You can also try a horse-racing holiday in France or watch the Monaco Grand Prix in May.

3. Great Britain
No list of holiday destinations for UK travellers would be complete without mentioning our own great country: not just England, but Wales, Scotland, Northern Island and some of our lesser known islands such as the Scilly Isles, Lundy Island (in the Bristol Channel) and the Isle of Wight.

The UK’s most popular tourist destinations include Devon and Cornwall, the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Dorset and Scotland.

Britain offers many interesting holiday experiences. You can rent a lighthouse keeper’s cottage or stay in a tipi in Cornwall, or go boating on the Norfolk Broads.

Explore more UK holiday destinations.

4. Greece
Holidays in Greece are all about simplicity. Despite a recent profileration of five-star hotels, it is the whitewashed villas, the friendly tavernas, the hot sun and blue seas that keep us coming back year after year. Even Greek food is a masterpiece of simplicity, both traditional and healthy.

It is the islands that attract the most visitors. Corfu’s villas never lose their appeal. If you’re looking the quintessential small Greek island, we recommend Paxos, which has no airport and is a great place for lazy days, boat trips and lovely villas.

If you fancy being slightly more active, the Lakitira Beach resort on Kos, just off the Turkish coast, offers a wide array of watersports. Or learn to sail in Greece.

Crete is the largest and arguably the most interesting of the islands. Steer away from the tacky resorts and stay at one of these stylish houses for rent or family villas.

Mainland Greece offers a wonderfully diverse range of holiday options. Relax by the pool at the beautiful Sani Asterias Suites or soak up the unrivalled culture in Athens and the stunning new Acropolis Museum.

See David’s pick of the best Mediterranean holidays.

5. Italy
Ancient culture, great beaches, fantastic food and beautiful weather – it’s no surprise that so many of us decide to holiday in Italy. For a taste of la dolce vita, head to the wonderful cities of Rome, Florence and Venice – for an extra dash of old-school glamour, travel there on the Orient Express.

Umbria is a beautiful area of Italy, boasting medieval market towns, wonderful vineyards and great works of the Renaissance – and largely untouched by tourists. Beach lovers will be blown away by the 500 miles of coastline in stunning Puglia, not to mention the traditional architecture and terrific food and wine.

The Italian Lakes attracted some of the first package tourists from the UK and they continue to be popular for their beautiful setting, mountain views and great transport links for visiting local sights.

The lesser-known area of Le Marche offers everything you would expect from Italy – great beaches, historic palaces and galleries stuffed with masterpieces. The island of Sicily combines historical sites with a gorgeous coastline, while Sardinia has the country’s best beaches, and the Amalfi Coast is a fantastic base from which to visit Sorrento, Capri, Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.

6. USA
Britain’s much-vaunted special relationship with America doesn’t stop at politics – it also extends to tourism. It may sound like a cliche, but a country as large the United States really does have something for everyone.

The beautiful resort of Cape Cod gives visitors a taste of old-fashioned American seaside resorts, or you can rent a car for some fly drive California, taking in everything from Beverley Hills Napa Valley vineyards.

On a budget? Hit the road in a rented car, staying each night with Motel 6, which offers clean, smart rooms in great locations across North America. It also has a free journey planner at Goin’6.

For an unrivalled splash of glamour, nothing comes close to the glitz of Las Vegas, or for a taste of the Wild West head to a dude ranch for a hands-on holiday.

Florida, with its theme parks and beaches has long been a favourite of British families, while Miami is a fantastic mix of beaches and city bustle.

Find David’s pick of the best holidays in America.

7. Turkey
Turkey has benefited from its exclusion from the Eurozone. Although it suffers from inflation and isn’t as cheap it was 20 years ago, it still compares favourably to its western neighbours.

With its endless Aegean coastline, Turkey has some of Europe’s finest beaches, many of which remain relatively unspoilt. And you’re rarely far from a slice of ancient culture. Although most summer sunseekers head straight to the coast, a short break in Istanbul should not be missed, ideally in spring or autumn.

You can also explore the coastline of Turkey on a magical gulet cruise.

8. Egypt
It’s difficult to know where to start with the historic treasures that Egypt boasts, but a great way to explore them is on a Nile Cruise. Float in luxury between the temples of Karnak and Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, and Aswan. The capital Cairo is home to the Egyptian Museum where you can see King Tutankhamen’s solid gold death mask, and just outside the city are the iconic pyramids and Sphinx.

For a more laid-back experience head to the sparkling waters of the Red Sea resorts which offer some of the world’s best snorkeling along with luxurious, good-value hotels.

9. Croatia
The pristine coastline of Croatia is one of the most beautiful in the world – and one of the most unspoilt in Europe. Either stay in one of the beautiful resorts that dot the coastline.

The historic city of Dubrovnik has been beautifully restored in recent years. Originally built by the Venetians, the Pearl of the Adriatic has some great food and is a wonderful base from which to take the ferry to surrounding islands.

10. Thailand
Thailand, the Land of Smiles, continues its meteoric rise from backpackers’ haven to mainstream holiday favourite. The appeal is obvious: beautiful countryside and beaches, great food, friendly people and low prices. But Thailand also has a fascinating unique cultural heritage, enfused by Buddhist ideals. And Bangkok, the capital, fizzes with energy.

It’s the islands that attract the most attention, however, with Phuket bringing in most visitors. Most of its hotels are world class. Not far away, in the Gulf of Siam, the idyllic island of Koh Samui has some delightful small luxury hotels, and its neighbour Koh Phangan is on the up. Thailand is also a great destination for a spa break, most notably at Chiva-Som.

There are many ways to explore Thailand, include aboard a tall ship on a traditional sailing trip.

Need more inspiration? Try out fun holiday quiz. Just answer 10 simple questions and we’ll give you personalised recommendations.

Just outside the top 10…
With so many great places to visit around the world, how could we possibly restrict ourselves to just 10? There are many great countries that didn’t quite make the list, which we just have to mention…

The Arabian Gulf is a fast-growing destination served by great airlines and offering guaranteed winter sun. The glittering city of Dubai is a proven winner and many people are discovering its fascinating, culturally-rich neighbours, Oman and Abu Dhabi.

The growth of the Maldives shows no sign of slowing. With each resort on a private island, it’s obviously a great destination for honeymoons, but is also getting into the family market.

Canada has stunning scenery. We’re huge fans of the Rockies where you can jump on board one of the world’s great trains, the Rocky Mountaineer. It’s not just railways – you can take a wildlife tour, a fly-drive or a cruise.

We couldn’t ignore Australia where the must-sees include the golden triangle of Sydney, Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef. Neighbouring New Zealand has some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes from this nature cruise in Milford Sound to a 21-day Tasman Rail Odyssey.

South America is a part of the world that many Brits don’t know at all, yet it’s rich in culture, beaches, adventure, has fantastic food and wine, great places to stay, vibrant cities and pristine wilderness. We particularly love Chile, Argentina and Brazil.

Reviews of A New Low Price Kindle 3G


Kindle 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology - includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers

A hesistant buyer rejoices on his choice, September 2, 2010
By Mr Goodwrench (Colorado)

This review is from: Kindle, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology (Electronics)
I researched the purchase of a Kindle for a long time. I couldn't decide whether or not it was worth buying a dedicated e-reader. Boy am I glad I made this purchase. The downside to Amazon's online selling of Kindle 3 is that the customers don't get to see it in person. It is much better in person. This may sound stupid, but when I got my new Kindle, I thought there was a stuck-on overlay on the screen containing a diagram of the unit's buttons, etc. I actually tried to peel it off. Doh! The e-ink on this unit is THAT good. I didn't realize that I was staring at the actual display. I also didn't realize that no power is required until the display changes. (thus the great battery life) I do a lot of reading, but was facing the prospect of reading less or buying large type books because of my variable and deteriorating eyesight. The new Kindle has been a godsend. Now, I can decide the size of type I need depending on my level of fatigue among other things. The weight and ergonomics are very good. For someone, like me, with neuropathy in his hands, it is extremely easy to manage and enjoyable to own. To me, it is easier to read than print books. The ease of navigation is great as is the speed. The battery life, so far, has been extraordinary. It easily connected to our home Wi-Fi, which by design does not broadcast an SSID. It downloads books so fast that I almost thought they were not completely received. I did not buy the 3G version because of the price difference and the fact that there is no coverage where I live. If you are not constantly traveling, I don't see the need to spend the extra bucks, but that is a matter of personal choice. For those who have no Wi-Fi at home, remember that you can always download the material to your computer and transfer it via USB. Just today I was watching an interview with Tony Blair on TV. He was talking about his new book, which sounded interesting. I picked up the Kindle and downloaded a free sample before the interview was over. I have only read the preface so far, but will probably buy the book. Now THAT is a great way to buy a book! I haven't used online browsing extensively yet, but find it reasonable for what the device is. This is primarily a book reader, not a laptop or notebook. They are great for what they do, but can't match the e-ink display, or the light weight. For those of you worrying about the wait for the new Kindle, let me end with, "It is worth the wait" This new Kindle is all about the quality of experience. There are many format choices for electronic reading. If you want the best experience, go with the Kindle.


Not the perfect "do-it-all" device, but very close to being the perfect e-reading device!, August 26, 2010
By C. Vincent (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Kindle 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology (Electronics)
I woke up to a nice surprise this morning: a new kindle as a gift. I have an iPad and a Kindle DX, but I guess someone heard my complaints of them being too heavy and difficult to do extended-reading on. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my iPad and DX, but this new generation of Kindle is perfect for reading outside and for long periods of time. The iPad gets completely washed out in sunlight and often irritates my eyes staring at it for more than a couple of hours. The DX was my go-to device for those extended/outdoor reading periods, but now I have a new friend for reading novels. Instead of a replacement, this one seems more like a companion to the other devices and is a different class. The iPad works great for web browsing, shopping, productivity, games, etc while the Kindle falls short in those areas. The Kindle works great for reading novels, where the iPad falls short. For those that love to do extended-reading of magazines, newspapers, research articles, etc, I find that the DX is the go-to device.

Without a doubt, the size and weight of the new kindle is the biggest draw for me. It's smaller than the last edition by a significant margin. I've played around with the Kindle 2 and was impressed, but now looking at the size of the new Kindle, I'm blown away. It's the absolute perfect size. Smaller would be unmanageable and larger wouldn't feel nearly as good. This is a device that you can hold up, read, and just forget that it's there. Compared to other e-readers I've tried, it's much smaller and much lighter.

One of my biggest complaints about the previous generation Kindles and the DX is the speed. It sometimes takes a while after you push `next page' for it to actually change. In addition, the web browsing feature was so slow and clunky that it is really unusable in my opinion. Two additions to the new Kindle have helped attenuate these issues. First, the pages do flip quicker (albeit, still slow in my opinion), and the addition of wifi has allowed faster connection for wireless activities (much better than only relying on 3G). I still can't see myself using the Kindle as an internet browsing tool or really doing much online aside from purchasing reading material, but the faster connection at least opens up the possibility - something that would only frustrate me on previous editions.

The new Kindle also offers a better contrast than previous editions and it looks fantastic compared to every other e-reader I have seen. I have no trouble seeing the screen in dim light or in bright sunlight - it really opens up the ability to read almost anywhere you are. Of course, you'll still need a separate light for extremely dark areas.

Another big addition to the Kindle 3 is that it offers double the storage compared to Kindle 2. I've never had a problem with the amount of storage since I can't possibly see myself filling up that much space (I don't put mp3's on it), but perhaps in the future, if certain applications or media files are put on the kindle, it could have been a problem. The additional space in the new model is definitely a welcome addition, but bringing back the memory card slot that was included on Kindle 1 would have been an even more welcome addition in my opinion.

Among e-readers, I definitely recommend the Kindle 3 if not just because it has a better size/form-factor, contrast, battery life, and speed compared to every other e-reader I have tried. On top of that, you get the wonderful amazon buying experience and selection for all your literature and can keep your kindle library intact between whatever other device you want to download a Kindle application onto.

The question of whether you need a Kindle vs another type of device for reading becomes a little more tricky and really comes down to what you want to use it for.

Do you want a device to read novels on, perhaps read outside, and have something very light that you almost forget it's there? Buy the Kindle.

Do you want something to lie in bed with for short periods of time while surfing the web? I might suggest going with the iPad, a different tablet, or a netbook.

Do you already have a Kindle 1 or 2? That's a tough one.... I don't think the new edition has enough `new' to it to warrant the upgrade in my mind, but some might value the new size and wifi capabilities even more-so than I do. For me, the new Kindle was a welcome addition to my family of devices since I didn't have anything anywhere near its form factor and convenience.

Should you get 3G + Wifi or just Wifi? I think this question can be answered simply by asking yourself if you travel a lot. Being able to buy books and access wireless content on the road is an indispensable option and well worth the extra money in my mind. Keeping the device mainly at home or near wifi hotspots really negates the need for 3G though.

Overall, I have to give the Kindle a 5 star rating because it does what it was designed to do very well, and in my opinion better than any of the competition. While the new features and capabilities aren't game-changing and truly outstanding, it is smaller, more capable, and better than any other e-reader out there. If you want `one device to handle it all', this isn't the place to look, but If you want a fantastic device solely for reading books, this is what you want.


Solid Improvements! Check out my video review!, August 27, 2010
By spg (Boston)
This review is from: Kindle, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology (Electronics)

Length:: 2:31 Mins

I just received my new Kindle, and my early impressions are very positive - it's definitely a solid step up from the previous generation Kindle. Check out my video review to see/hear more!

UPDATE 9/7/2010: Hey guys - based on the comments received there are definitely some questions that people are interested in that I didn't touch on in my video review - so I wanted to take some time to answer some of those questions here. Hopefully this is helpful!

Q: Is the Kindle 3 backlit? If not, then how do you see it at night?

A: The Kindle 3 is not backlit. For the Kindle 2 I used a leather case with a reading light clipped to it. For the Kindle 3 Amazon produced a leather case that has a built-in reading light. I've been using it since day 1 and I love it.

Q: How well does the new joystick control work?

A: The new Kindle replaces the old five-way navigation joystick with a center button surrounded by a thin 4-way directional control. After messing around with both of these approaches, I don't really have a strong personal preference one way or another - they both work fine for me.

If you have big hands then I can definitely see having a bit of trouble getting used to the new joystick. The directional control is very thin, and if you're going to have trouble with any button on the Kindle... that's definitely going to be the one.

Q: How is viewing PDFs on the Kindle 3? Are they easy to upload onto the Kindle?

A: Uploading PDFs to the Kindle is very easy. You just connect your Kindle to your computer via USB cable and then drag and drop the PDFs. Totally simple. Viewing them is pretty decent, but the major problem is that most PDFs aren't designed for a 6 inch screen. You might have to do a lot of zooming and panning to see the content you want. If you plan on viewing a ton of PDFs, then you may want to check out the Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G, 9.7" Display, Graphite, 3G Works Globally ' Latest Generation.

Q: How well does the text-to-speech work?

A: It's ok. You definitely won't mistake it for a professionally produced audiobook, but it doesn't sound as bad as you may think it will. Also note that text-to-speech is not available for every book. You can see on the product page for each Kindle book if text-to-speech is enabled or not.


K3 Even Better than its Predecessor, August 28, 2010
By MikeCG "MikeCG" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Kindle 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology (Electronics)
It's no longer necessary to write about how desirable the Kindle is (or, for that matter, e-readers generally). Books and text and reading are with us to stay; only paper is becoming unnecessary. What we can discuss is how well a device performs its intended task(s), and how it compares to its competition on an absolute basis and for the price.

My wife and I share a last gen 6" Kindle and just received a new 6" display K3. I know, Amazon doesn't call it that, but how else can users refer to it? In twenty words or less, it is an improvement over an already excellent product. Smaller, but not too small to be held comfortably. Same size display, but sharper and crisper, better contrast. Easy to use, somewhat smaller keyboard that takes a little, but very little, getting used to. It took me a few hours to stop accidentally pressing some neighboring keys, but now using the keyboard is second nature. And the page turning buttons are silent, but have sufficient tactile feedback, excellent feel.

I found it very easy to duplicate our library from our older Kindle to our new K3, and to activate our home wifi. I don't like to say I "transferred" our books because that could be understood to mean they were taken from our old Kindle to our new one. I say "duplicate" because they reside on both Kindles. The instruction manual is detailed and somewhat lengthy, but very understandable. (It's 200 pages, but don't let that scare you; it's easy to find the parts you need, and you will never need more than a few pages at one time.) The manual is published on the device, as in the past, and can also be downloaded to your computer as a pdf file so you can read the instructions from your computer as you apply them to the K3.

If you have wifi at home, which we do, when you are in range of a wifi that you have activated in your K3, it automatically uses that wifi, instead of connecting to the 3G AT&T network, assuming, of course, you have a 3G+wifi K3. It works faster on my home wifi than on the 3G network, so much so that if I had really thought it through before I bought it, or if I were to buy another, I would probably go wifi only and save $50. The only reasons to get the 3G+wifi model would seem to be if you don't have reliable access to wifi or if you travel a good deal to places that don't have a lot of wifi access, but do have AT&T connectivity AND you have need to download books or periodicals on a regular basis or without delay while you are away from home or office. If you can plan ahead and stock up on a few good books, and you have reliable access to wifi, such as at home/office, McDonalds or Starbucks, I suggest you think twice about whether you want the 3G+wifi K3, or the wifi only.

Each K3 has its own email address and you can send documents to it, including Word and pdf docs, and photos. Of course, the photos are B&W, but very detailed and clear. The K3 permits surfing the web, although I haven't used it much for that purpose and, other than saying it works, I hesitate to pass judgment on how well I think someone who uses it for web browsing would like it.

I can't compare it to other dedicated e-readers because I haven't used them. People seem to be interested in how I think it compares to the iPad, which I don't own but have "played with" somewhat extensively at the Apple Store. My assessment is that there is no comparison. The iPad will do much more, but as an e-reader I think the K3 is superior. I don't need color for reading text, the K3 is a fraction of the cost, and its smaller size makes it much more convenient to tote around. However, what kills the iPad as an e-reader, as far as I am concerned, is its weight. I suspect most of us are the same in this regard, but I tend to read for an hour or two at a stretch. A pound and a half doesn't sound too heavy, but I held an iPad for five minutes, literally, and my hands ached. It is simply too heavy to use as a book reading device, while the K3 is light as a feather. For reading, a cheaper and significantly lighter K3 as a dedicated e-reader is, IMHO, the way to go (compared to an iPad). BTW, a recent (in Aug. 2010) report from Taiwan said Apple in making a 6" iPod, which, depending on size and weight, could change the equation. It will be interesting to see how the e-reader market develops. I said I can't compare the K3 to other competitors, and I won't, but I can say I am completely satisfied with Amazon as an e-book seller. I've only had a few occasions to need support (on my old Kindle), but that has also been entirely satisfactory.

Bottom line: my wife and I both like the K3 very much and recommend it to anyone considering buying an e-reader. I don't think you will regret buying one, with or without the free 3G.


K3 is perfect, August 28, 2010
By FantasyReader "Jody" (Indiana USA)
This review is from: Kindle 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology (Electronics)
When I first unboxed the new K3, I was slightly disappointed. The new 5-way appeared to be harder to used than the little joystick of the K2. I have to say, though, two days later, I'm liking it much better. Since I'm getting used to it so quickly, I think in another day I won't know the difference.

The size is absolutely perfect. In the Amazon cover, it is exactly like reading from a paperback book. It's noticeably lighter and easier to hold for reading, even with arthritis in my hands. The page turn buttons are wonderful. Almost no noise, and you don't have to push them as hard. It should make it much easier for those with weak or disabled hands. I also like have next page and previous buttons on both sides. I didn't think it would make a difference to me, but it really does.

I tried a couple of times to connect the WiFi, but didn't get it to work. Today I had more time so I thought I'd try to puzzle through it. But when I navigated to the wireless menu, it had somehow figured out how to connect on its own. The browser is MUCH faster, and it made buying a book a breeze.

I haven't had it long enough to comment on the extended battery life. But I was honestly fine with the more than 10 days I always got with K2.

And the FONTS! My word what a difference! I can practically read in the dark! I've been able to reduce the font size from 4 to 2. Combine sharper contrast with better fonts and it's an unbeatable combo.

The ONLY thing I would change if I could is to move the Menu button, and especially the Back button. I'm having a little trouble navigating with the down arrow because I hit Back. But I'm starting to get the hang of it.

All in all, I think Amazon hit it out of the park with the K3!
by Amazon...$139.00 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

7/21/2011

How to Shop for a Quality Backpack That Will Last

How to Shop for a Quality Backpack That Will Last
Posted: Jan 07, 2009 |Comments: 2 | Views: 452 |

Luggageguru.com


When it comes to school items for the kids, backpacks seem to be first on the list. In many households, a backpack also tends to show up frequently on the shopping list throughout the school year. Investing in a durable school backpack does not only work out to be much more budget friendly, but saves a lot of time having to run around for a new one.

Backpacks for school

If one considers how much weight the average student has to carry around, it would be wise to spend a bit of extra time selecting the ideal bag that is not only durable but provides comfort as well. The school bag not only holds books and stationery but also items of clothing, lunch and all kinds of other items. This heavy weight has caused back problems for many students.



The strain of a heavy backpack also affects the neck and shoulders. It has been reported by the American Occupational Therapy Association that more than 60% of student aged between 9 and 20 suffer from chronic back because of the strain of the weighty backpack. This has lead to manufacturers of backpacks designing ones that evenly distributes weight. This improvement has lead to much fewer complaints by those that packed their bags correctly. It has also allowed for even heavier weights to be carried with less strain.


Characteristics of a good school backpack

There are several factors to look for when shopping for a new backpack. Shoulders are subjected to the bulk of the weight and therefore shoulder straps should be as comfortable as possible. This means that sufficient padding should be included in order to provide support to the carrier of the backpack. Good shoulder straps should also be made of a non-slip material to prevent the backpack from slipping off. A waist belt is another feature to look for. The waist belt can be connected at (you guessed it) the waist to help evenly distribute of the weight and make heavier loads easier to bear.


Ballistic nylon backpacks have a high denier count (the fiber thickness of individual yarns) and the durability of this fabric should last the school year. A waterproof bag is also recommended in order to protect the contents of the backpack. Reflective patches are a great safety feature and another feature to be on the lookout for. These patches enable motorists to easily identify the child because the light from a car will be reflected off of these patches.


A lightweight bag is an ideal choice as well. The backpack should have various compartments to accommodate books and other items to making them easily accessible. Zippers should be of a good quality and open easily and quickly. Another great option that will definitely make any student happy is a bag with wheels. There are many varieties available and a suitable one should not be hard to find. Backpacks designed specifically for girls have extra pockets for cosmetics and any other accessories that they just cannot be without. Backpacks are also designed to accommodate laptops. As laptops are carted everywhere these days they need to be safely packed. These innovative designs in backpacks can be found amongst the top brand manufacturers.

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Characteristics of a good hiking backpack

The quality of hiking backpacks has improved tremendously over the years. This outdoor activity is practiced globally and the demand for suitable good quality bags has increased considerably. Manufacturers have met the quality standards and now offer ranges that will suit any occasion or purpose.


One of the most improved features of the new designs is the state of the art ultra seam technology. As one of the hiker’s biggest concerns is a waterproofed backpack, newer backpacks are not stitched with needle and thread which, much to the delight of the hiker, will help to keep the content of the backpack dry. The hiking bag is also equipped with a waist as well as a sternum strap to ensure a snug but comfortable fit. A webbing hip belt is also available for this purpose. All these elements have been designed to work together to provide the hiker with the most convenient way of carrying his or her luggage.

Larger capacity hiking backpacks for longer trips are also fitted with an extra bag which can provide extra space and is easily removable as well. The new ultra seam technology bags come in various sizes and accommodate the seasoned hiker as well as the day tripper.

Presently this backpack is not only the most expensive one on the market but also the most sought after. The winning combinations of a high tech design that provides room for every accessory as well as being completely waterproof has made a hiker’s life a lot less complicated.

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Information from articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/