Travels

You will find in that section some information about the countries I have been to: stories, tips, pictures, links.

So far, the East Coast of the Usa and very soon India. If you have been to those countries and want to share your experience or if you just need more specific details, feel free to contact me.

I. The East Coast of the USA

I have been living in the Big Apple for more than 8 months. There is no denying that it is a very exiting city and I enjoy a lot being here.
Yet life is so hectic: the rat race with many good times as well.
Loosing 2 hours a day commuting is not the most pleasant thing but it is a small drawback compared to all the fun.

New York City is made of huge diversity and surprises. For instance, one can quite often run into a traditonnal old church right in the middle of ultra-modern skyscrapers.
As far as New Yorkers are concerned, they are so friendly and helpful: open your map and you will see immediately someone offering to help you to find you way.


New York City - a few tips and recommandations


-  Accomodation: Finding a place to sleep is not a problem provided that your wallet is not empty. Hotel rooms are quite expensive ($300 for a middle-range hotel in Manhattan). The best option are the youth hostels, hotels in other boroughs than Manhattan or... the Brooklyn Bridge.

For a stay of several months, here is my secret: find your home in New Jersey. Only 15/30 minutes commutes to Manhattan (even closer than many places in Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens..), less noice and traffic, and above all, cheaper rents (twice cheaper than in Manhattan). The cities to remember: Union City, Weehawken, Hoboken.


- Safety: Today, New York is one of the safest cities in the United states. There are so many Cops from the NYPD that you will feel more secure than anywhere else in the world. So it is no use buying a bullet proof vest prior to coming.


- restaurants and night life: "the city that never sleeps" is plenty of bars, restaurants with all types of food, night clubs.... watch your purse! A regular dinner (entree + dessert + drink) easily reaches $25 to $50. Tips and taxes make the check even bigger. Anyway, it is worth it!



The places that should be not missed if you stay on the East Coast .


- Florida: paradise on earth. Wonderful beaches, addictive islands (the Keys), alligator nests (Everglades), indian reserves... 75 degrees in winter... so hard...


- Upstate New York: near the Canadian border, you will enter the endless Adirondack Forest. If you are a nature lover, you will find happyness. In Fall, this is the foliage season. Red-orange leaves are incredibly beautiful.


- Vermont: this state is the home of the largest ski areas of the eastern part of the USA (Killington, Okemo, Mount Snow...) Vermont is famous for the long slopes going through the forest.

- Chicago: a beautiful city located next to Michigan Lake. An original architecture, many museums et parks, and above all, the oustanding "stuffed pizza" (thick and melting...)


- And, the historic cities of Philadelphia, Boston, Washington.

II. South India

Chennai, also known as Madras, is located in south-eastern part of India. I have the opportunity to get there in June 2006 to attend MBA classes in Loyola Institude of Business Administration.

 

 

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