Travel n Work

Qype: Zippori National Park in Nazareth

Thursday, October 30, 2008

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Nazareth

Spending 4 weeks working here during a summer excavating will has endeared me to this place. The sun is hot and shade is cool like most of Israel. The history is long (1st Century BCE) and yet there are have been significant excavations that have exposed significant remains.

Through the heart of the park runs a roman road. There are intricate mosaics and underground cisterns to be explored. An ascent of this hill will reveal an ampitheatre carved into its northeastern side. There is a crusader church at the top also, demonstrating the sites occupation over a very long period of time.

With Nazareth only about 4 miles to this west this is an excellent diversion that will shed light on the way that people lived and worked nearly 2000 years ago. As this was the largest city near Nazareth it is likely that men, such as Jesus the carpenter, would have come in search of work.

The park also has a snack bar and gift shop. Additionally, for those looking for a little more, tours and workshops are available
Check out my review of Zippori National Park - I am travelnwork - on Qype

Qype: Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis

Chablis - Travel & Hotels - Hotels

We drove the two hour or so journey from Versailles to Chablis for an evening arrival. This was our first nights on a tour through burgundy. The hotel is non assuming from the street, blending well with the tan stone structures native to the region.

Inside, the decor is dignified, if not a little dated with 26 rooms on offer. They provide a relaxxing laid back atmosphere, appropriate for this quiet small town.

The restaurant however is the element worthy of note. The selection of wines from the region is varied for any budget and can be chosen to complement the well prepared cuisine. At our table trout was ordered and it came with the head still intact so all the flavor was still there too. There is an excellent view through the glass wall onto the well maintained garden.
Check out my review of Hostellerie des Clos - I am travelnwork - on Qype

Qype: River Terrace Cafe in London

London

My experience here was very brief. In mid-September I enjoyed a latte with some colleagues. The cafeis located just inside and to the right of the main entry to Somerset House. Service was efficient and it was a reputable drink.

The location is what is fantastic about this little cafe. There is some space within the large lobby to enjoy for snack and drink. Else, step out onto the fabulous terrace that overlooks the river two stories below. It is a peaceful moment away from the hustle and bustle of the Strand and Victoria Embankment below. Terrace seating under sum umbrellas is available or stand along the stone balustrade.

If you enter by foot off of waterloo bridge take note of the perforated rusted steel sculpture just at the corner where the terrace joins the bridge and the stairs down to Embankment below.
Check out my review of River Terrace Cafe - I am travelnwork - on Qype

Foreign Travel Currency

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

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Prior to our recent travels back home to the United States we were trying to get the best exchange rate for several thousand British Pounds. I tried utilizing the banking establishments I use -- HSBC & Nationwide, however I wasn't impressed with how much lower their rate was -- 6 to 8p, than what was being published by XE. They claimed to offer their rates directly from Travelex without taking any commission. So I went directly to Travelex to verify this and was pleasantly surprised to see that the rates direct from their website were even better!

We were able to purchase the currency online and then pick-up at Heathrow Terminal 5 just behind the check-in kiosks. Additionally, if you are a British Airways Executive Club member you will accrue points for the money you exchange.

Travelex has developed a very useful innovation in travel currency -- The Cash Passport. This is a prepaid card loaded with the currency you intend to you use. It can be used wherever VISA is accepted. Additionally, for a 4.50 fee it can be used at an Cash Machine. Using this card when traveling back to the USA was much easier than carrying lots of cash or travelers cheques.

Qype: Auberge le Jeanne d'Arc III in Langres

Langres - Travel & Hotels - Hotels

Our most memorable event at this hotel was the waitress serving us in the restaurant. We speak almost no French and I was trying to understand the menu. She gracefully quacked like a duck so I could understand. It was one of the sweetest things that have been ever been done by a server.

The hotel is located well, in the heart of this small midieval town. On the morning we checked out there was a fresh food market in the square just outside the hotel. A few pieces of fresh fruit made for great snacks in the car ride to Rheims.

Our room was only memorable because it felt worn and poorly decored. It was clean, but the windows opened onto a small common courtyard between several buildings. But for the price you shouldn't expect much more.

If you are looking for an inexpensive place to stay in the middle of Langres with a pleasant dining experience this would be a fine place to stay.
Check out my review of Auberge le Jeanne d'Arc III - I am travelnwork - on Qype

DSA Drivers Theory Test - UK Driving License Part 1

Monday, October 27, 2008

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As an immigrant, my U.S. drivers license is valid for one year from the date I began residence in the U.K. Had I been from the European Union or the Commonwealth I would have been able to exchange my license for no cost. Alas...I am American and we only know how to drive on the right side of the road. Therefore I must obtain a full UK driving license. So I readied my bank account for the cost, applied for my provisional driving license and began to prepare for the first part, the DSA Theory Test. I passed on the first try with about two weeks of preparation and follower are tips for your benefit.

Background: I have about 15 years of driving experience, having held licenses in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. I had rented a car in the UK on at least two occasions prior to moving to London. Additionally I've been navigating the British road system for the past year on my U.S. drivers license.

Provisional Drivers License: First order the form. You can do this online in theory, but because you will likely have a foreign passport, you will still need to have a paper copy of the form and visit your nearest DVLA Office.

Theory Study & Prep: I chose not to mess around and purchased The official DSA complete learner electronic pack (3 CD's) from TSO Online Books. Though it will set you back £34.10, you get all the materials you need to know to pass the theory test and to help prepare for the practical. The full highway code is no fun to read, but it is important to be familiar with the material -- such as how to deal with pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and even accessible carts on the road. The Hazard Perception DVD provides 10 practice videos which will prepare you to take that portion of the theory test. Though it would be hypothetically possible to pass this portion if you are an experienced driver, practicing will give you the confidence about how they want you to interface with the computer and what the exam requires of you.

The Exam: I had scheduled the appointment for 3:15 pm and was given a seat in the computer testing centre following a very short wait. There are 50 questions, of which you must get 43 correct. Also there are 75 possible points in the Hazard Perception portion of the exam, of which you must acquire at least 44. I was surprised how few exam questions related to actual road signs. Most of the questions test your logical sense of driving and how to deal with situations.

If you are approaching a narrow bridge that you cannot see across what should you do?
If you come across a motorcyclist in the road who has fallen off and become unconscious what should you do?
If you approach a roundabout and a person on a horse is on your left side, what should you expect the horse to do?

I studied in the evening for a couple of nights -- probably about 10 hours total study time. I passed the questions 47/50 and the hazard perception 5?/75.

Costs: (as of this posting)
Provisional Driver License: 50
Driving License Photos: 3
Car Theory Test: 30
Car Practical Test: 56.50
Study Guides: 34.10
Practical Lessons: 96

Total Cost: 269.60

You may also find these websites worth browsing
theory-test.co.uk

Qype: British Airport Transfer in Wembley

Sunday, October 26, 2008

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Wembley

I booked online through their website about one week in advance of my pick-up. I booked a return trip to Heathrow Airport from Stanmore (HA7) for an 8 passenger van at a cost of 100 pounds.

The driver arrived to our home about 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time which allowed us to load up and depart on time. He had the reserved car seats available and installed. He was also very courteous and both careful and efficient in handling our luggage. He provided a safe and swift service to Terminal 5. After helping us to unload we gave a tip and went our merry way.

The return journey was not quite as smooth. I schedule the pick-up time for 8:00, however our plane was delayed almost an hour. BA Transfer claim to check the status of flights prior to dispatching their drivers. However our driver arrived at around 7:00 and then left a few minutes before we exited the International Arrivals around 9:00 a.m. True to their word though there was no additional charge for the length of wait. This driver did not have the correct car seats for our journey home and did not seem as competent as the first driver. We did however arrive home safely.
Check out my review of British Airport Transfer - I am travelnwork - on Qype

Qype: Tim's Barber Shop in Philadelphia

Philadelphia

I was back in the States visiting my parents and was in desperate need of a haircut. I thought I would try the local barbershop and the results are mixed. A woman working there cut my hair, but it seemed more like it was being knawed at with a pair of hair clippers. She restyled the way my hair layed though I didn't ask for it.

In the end, I was happy to have my hair short again. My wife and sister like the cut, so from that standpoint it was a success. $11 for a cut is a very fair price. Also, when I walked in on a Friday in the middle of the day there was only a minutes wait. Also, the small tv sitting on the stand is tuned into a sports channel with constant updates -- a bonus for those not interested in talking while getting your hair cut.
Check out my review of Tim's Barber Shop - I am travelnwork - on Qype

Qype: Giraffe in London

London

After completing check-in we were in search of breakfast. Though we had never experienced a Giraffe for breakfast or with children we were pleasantly surprised by both.

The breakfast menu is thorough with traditional english breakfast, pancakes or waffles and many other options. The latte was mediocre.

The children were each given a plastic giraffe replica about 10cm tall. Additionally they colored on the menus.

The restaurant has open views over the jetway outside, as well as the shops below. The whole feeling is very open and transparent. It creates the sense that you are outside inside -- very bright and cheery.
Check out my review of Giraffe - I am travelnwork - on Qype