FAQ – Page 2 – Travels With Miha

Is there really a place called Transylvania? If it is, where is it located? And have you been there?

Michael / July 17, 2013

Yes there is. I have been there a few times and Mihaela, who is from there, is visiting right now. Transylvania is a large province that takes up much of western Romania. If you ever have a chance to visit, you certainly should and now is the time to do so. Once a communist country in Eastern Europe, Romania now has open borders and the tourists are coming in. Within the province of Transylvania are historic cities and villages like the fortified citadel of Sighisoara, founded in the 1100’s and birthplace of Vlad Tepes (Dracula). Sibiu, another beautiful city in the Transylvania region was awarded “Europes Cultural Capital” in 2007. You can visit the castle in the town of Bran, commonly referred to as “Dracula’s Castle” (although it was not, and the prince of the royal family whom it belonged to lives in the outskirts of Boston, MA today. It was not Dracula’s castle, however he sought refuge from the Turks there at one time, and it is the one seen in the movie “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.” The whole country is dotted with old forts and castles and a mix of architecture and history from centuries of different occupations. It is easy to get around by train or car, and certainly worth the visit. I know – the simple answer was just a “yes” but why not share a little info? Hope this helps. There are number of pictures and information available on our web site, just click here to go to the Romania home page and then view the galleries under each post. Feel free to email if you want more info. Video regarding Prince Charles’ place in Transylvania, Romania:

ECUADOR, FAQ, South America

How much does it cost to live in Ecuador?

Michael / July 16, 2013

Recently traveled the country from north to south, staying with local residents through the couchsurfing program and meeting a lot of expats living in different areas. Of course, where there are more foreigners, the prices are higher. But here are two examples: – Baños de Aguas Calientes – 2 story house with large fenced in yard just outside of town a little bit: When the resident found the place she wanted she was told $700 for rent. She countered with $200. They accepted. Her local friend told her she should not have paid more than $150. – Another in Vilcabamba which is loaded with foreigners; large house with 6 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, courtyard and gated parking $600 month. Food is cheap. Had plenty of meals throughout the country for $1.50 -$3.50. Groceries are cheap. Fast food chains at the malls or more expensive than local restaurants. Bus fees average out to about, roughly, $1 per hour (not charged by the hour but seem to come out that way). A large city like Quito will of course be more than other towns. I do not know your age but they do have a retirement type plan if you qualify, based on income and savings, and there is an entire criteria with a few factors that come in to play that will have an effect on your health insurance costs if that is a concern. Hope this helps.

CENTRAL AMERICA, Central America, FAQ, South America, SOUTH AMERICA

Which Latin American country would be best to live in?

Michael / June 27, 2013

Choosing from these countries: Bolivia, Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Nicaragua. I am looking for: – Safety – Not too expensive – Good climate (never gets too cold – rarely under 14C/57F, yet is not unbearably hot – rarely over 35C/95F) – People are friendly, happy, open, accepting of foreigners, welcoming, hospitable etc – Interesting country – Good food Response: Of those listed I have only lived in Costa Rica. One can pretty much pick the micro climate they want there by location, and the rest of the criteria fits. However it has become expensive, but there are still deals to be found and you can still live inexpensively there if you know/ learn where to go and how to go about it. In some areas, it is easily more expensive than the US, however in others much cheaper. Never lived in Nicaragua but know some who have and some who have recently moved there – so it will not be inexpensive for long, but now may be a good time to take a look. Ortega apparently rules with an iron fist when it comes to crime, and surprisingly you will find many sites that actually rate Nicaragua as the safest place to live in Central America right now. I see Uruguay mentioned. Never been there but worked with colleagues there and read up on it for investment, part time living and future retirement, and it rates well additionally. Check out some of the sites below, but keep in mind they may be somewhat biased for their own interests. Let me know where you end up. I am looking for my next location. http://www.internationalliving-magazine.com/ http://vivatropical.com/

Europe, EUROPE, FAQ, GREECE

What to do and where to stay in Mykonos, Greece?

Michael / June 27, 2013

I am planning a trip to Mykonos this August and I would appreciate any information or tips about what to see there and where to stay. Response: We stayed at a place a little up the hill – but very easy commute – to Mykonos center. the name of the place is Hotel Jason and I have provided some links below where you can read additional reviews check pricing. We did find Mykonos to be a little more expensive than some of the other islands (not terribly, just a little more). Book ahead because August is busy. We went in late September and there were not a lot of rooms available on the island. If you are going to be there a while, I might recommend you also travel to and stay at some of the other islands within a couple hour ferry ride away, or even further. For example; Paros and it’s little neighbor Antiparos is not far away and nice. This would also be approximately a half way point if you then wanted to continue on to the famous Santorini. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g189430-d309918-Reviews-Hotel_Jason-Mykonos_Cyclades.html www.hostelbookers.com www.hostelworld.com

Europe, FAQ, Luxembourg

I have 7-day holiday. Where should I go?

Michael / June 26, 2013

Trier (Germany), Luxembourg, Metz ( France ), Maastricht and/or Cologne? After a 2-week business trip in Frankfurt, my company grants me a 7-day holiday before I need to fly back. A friend suggested these cities to me: Trier Luxembourg City Metz Maastricht Cologne My travel plan is undecided except the last day , when I will take a Rhine cruise from Cologne back to Mainz. Then from Mainz to Frankfurt Airport. Which cities should I go in the other 6 days? Please give me suggesions, thanks Response: Luxembourg and Trier are not far from each other. You could spend a day in Luxembourg walking the town, hitting the underground La Grunde and walking through the Casemates. Luxembourg is cool because even with all of it’s foreign companies and modern living, the fortress is very old and the caves are only open during the summer months. There are also some great restaurants in the old stone caves. Belgium and the beer gardens if interested is very close. From Luxembourg you could also take a river tour and see and learn about the Robber Barons and their castles, former toll sites along the river and them hop off at your next location for a day or two. A full day to two days at a few different locations would be good so you get to see more, and it is all easy to get to via train.

FAQ, Florida, General Travel Related, NORTH AMERICA

What other things are there to do in Orlando besides Disney World?

Michael / May 30, 2013

There are of course many theme parks and tourist attractions, however if you wish to get away from that and enjoy something a little less crowded, maybe one of these suggestions will be interest: – Visit the town of Celebration, kept ultra clean and almost like a movie set, not far from Disney – Visit the town of Winter Park just north of downtown Orlando, a favorite among locals and visitors – Take an air boat ride on Lake Jessup, Boggy Creek or others and see alligators in their natural habitat – Canoe on the river from Wekiva Springs State Park and see wildlife in natural habitat – Go to Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney if you have not done so – Visit Kennedy Space Center (on the Atlantic Coast, but not far from Orlando) Feel free to send me an email and let me know what interests you and I will try to make some suggestions in the that light.

Europe, FAQ, ROMANIA

What is Transylvania now Called?

Michael / May 4, 2013

Question: What is Transylvania now called? I know it’s a part of Romania, but what is the newer name? We were told it’s still called Transylvania, and it’s a Hungarian speaking region of Romania Response: It is still called Transylvania. It is a large western province of Romania dotted with fortified churches, castles, and historic places. Transylvania is also host to some of Romania’s most interesting cities, like Timisoara, Arad, Sibiu, Brasov, and Sighisoara, to name just a few. It is not Hungarian speaking, however does have a few Hungarian villages, some of which speak primarily Hungarian.

FAQ, North America, USA

I wanna go on a road trip but I don’t know were to go?

Michael / May 1, 2013

6 of my friends and I are planning a road trip here in California, but we don’t know were to go or what to do. We live in San Diego , we don’t want to go somewhere far but not too close. 6 hours away max an at least 3 hours away. Response: Have you traveled north along the coast, like up through Laguna Beach, into the LA area and then continuing north to places like the J. Paul Getty Museum, Santa Barbara, Hearst Castle, San Luis Obispo, and Bugs Bunny’s sought after destination – Pismo Beach? Or if you prefer mountains then maybe a trip to the Big Bear Lake area east of Los Angeles or Yosemite? The greater Los Angeles area itself is loaded with interesting things to do if you are in the know. Hard to say without knowing your interests. Hope this sparks a few ideas.

ECUADOR, FAQ, South America

Lima or Guayaquil for tourism?

Michael / April 30, 2013

I`ll be for business in both countries having a free day in between. Where should I stay for my free day? Guayaquil or Lima? Thanks! Response: Guayaquil is good for a day – a full day. We just recently spent a day and a half in Guayaquil. We stayed at the Manso Boutique Hotel on Simon Bolivar in the Malecon District (main street along the boardwalk by the river). We had a private room with a loft and view of the boardwalk and river for $32 night with a continental breakfast included. Behind the hotel is the central park and plazas. Walk south down the boardwalk to an old historic district that was once in shambles. It has been renovated in old colonial style. Each building has a before photo framed and hanging on the exterior so you can the before and after. Cobblestone streets with colonial architecture, residences, art galleries, shops, restaurants, homemade empanadas, lighthouse and church at the top with a lookout over the river and entire city. Guayaquil presents a balanced mix of old colonial and modern and prices are reasonable. Note: Guayaquil is warm and humid, and there are 442 steps to the very top of the colonial town, so dress accordingly and I might recommend visiting this area in the morning or evening.