Tips on Learning a Second Language

Hola, Bonjour, Guten Tag, Sawadee....

I am just not gifted when it comes to learning another language. I can remember random facts about Komodo dragons, I can remember meals I ate at restaurants years ago and I can recite many a song lyrics word for word. But for some reason, I find it hard to contain words in my memory that are not in English. I don't know if it's my fear of being embarrassed about speaking and pronouncing something wrong, or if my brain is just not molded for foreign sounding words and sounds. I really want to be proficient in another language (French) but until I find the dedication to spend an hour every night, I just don't think I will ever become fluent. I wish it was easier. I better get studying.

Here are some tips Lonely Planet put together to help you learn a second language.

1. Throw Pride to the Wind
You won’t learn a language if you have an ego. Learning a language means being embarrassed every day you speak it: sputtering out a request for a bus ticket, mispronouncing an innocent word to mean something naughty, or the very worst – receiving a blank/confused look after delivering what you think is a flawless sentence. Yes, you sound like a two-year-old on laughing gas. Some people may even take you for a lunatic. Who cares? It’s all part of the fun. Embrace it!

2. Immerse yourself
Seriously jump all the way in. Watch TV, listen to the radio, eavesdrop while on public transportation, strike up random conversations with strangers, whatever. It will all help you.

3. Ask for correction
In most cultures it’s rude to correct someone’s speech. You’ll unwittingly keep making the same mistakes unless you straight out ask for people’s help. After they correct you, repeat it back (as many times as possible without scaring people away) to train your ear.

4. Befriend, befriend, befriend
Join clubs, introduce yourself to neighbours, go out to pubs. Having friends who don’t speak your native language are the best (more practice for you!).

5. Be Realistic
Learning a language takes time. A lot of it. It takes decades to master, years to converse without brain frizzle, months to say approximately what you mean, and days to well, get by – if you use LOTS of body language.

Happy Studying,
BikehikeI

120 years of National Geographic Magazine at your Fingertips

I have a problem. I like to collect things, especially books and magazines. I find it really hard to borrow books from the library. One of my favourite past times is browsing through used book stores and leaving with full hands. I am running out of room in my house. Bookshelves are overflowing with books and magazines and look like they are about to topple over. A good chunk of the reading literature that is overflowing my bookshelves is 10 years worth of National Geographic Magazine. They are about to make my life easier.

On November 1, National Geographic is issuing a six-disc DVD set featuring every page of every issue from 1888 to 2008. The cost is a mere $60 US. I can't wait. The problem is I'll purchase the DVD set to view past issues I don't own, but that won't stop me from getting the new issues in print and still collecting them on my bookshelves.

One of the cool things is that all the ads that have been in the magazine over the years will also be in the DVD set. It will be interesting to look at ads from 100 years ago, to see what was being advertised, what products still exist, etc. The collection will also include over 300 maps, thousands of photos (digitally reproduced in high resolution), 8400 articles, and trivia games. All of this can be found using a comprehensive search function that allows you to search by subject, destination, month, year, etc. Okay, enough of the advertising...just buy it, it's a great investment that will allow you to further your quest for knowledge.

You can learn more at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/completeng/.

Happy reading,
Meghan

Tips for Being a Responsible Traveller

BEFORE YOU GO…
-Educate yourself about the customs of the place you are visiting and the local people (eg: body language, eating habits, traditions, etc).
-Learn a few phrases of the local language.
-Read over the pre-departure information we send at time of booking, watch movies and read books related to the destination, search the internet, etc. The more you know about the place (history, politics, religion, etc) the more you will enjoy it while there.

ON TOUR…
-Respect cultural differences and adhere to local dress codes.
-Eat at local restaurants and sample the local grown food and specialties. Support local artisans and shop at local markets.
-Be careful when buying souvenirs and make sure they are not made from endangered species.
-Be considerate when taking photos and always ask beforehand. We don’t recommend giving money for photos as it can encourage a begging culture.
-Reduce your waste (use a reusable water bottle, bring your own shopping bag, bring or buy products with minimal packaging to avoid unnecessary garbage, etc). Don’t litter.
-Be mindful of your energy consumption. Remember to turn off the lights when you leave your room. Be aware of your water consumption and use bio-degradable products for washing in rivers and lakes.
-If on a trip with snorkeling, avoid touching or standing on the coral reef.
-Follow the motto “leave no trace”.
-Do not hand out pens, candy, etc to local children as this can help contribute to a begging economy. If you wish to bring something, please contact us for advice before hand on what to bring and how to best distribute it.
-When bargaining for goods try not to haggle aggressively, rather you should have fun with it. Think to yourself “Is it really important to save those extra few pennies”? Remember what you save can be someone else’s shortage.
-When viewing wildlife, adhere to the park rules, never feed the wild animals, keep your distance from nests, and try to make as little noise as possible to not scare the animals.
-When trekking, stick to the local trails to prevent erosion.

UPON RETURN FROM YOUR TRIP...
-Look for ways that you can help the community you have just visited or even the community where you live.

Basics of Buying Hiking Boots

When it comes to buying your next pair of hiking boots, you should always have a few goals in mind: you want your boots to be as light and comfortable as possible while keeping your feet dry, warm, and well-protected. Below are some basic tips to help during your next shopping spree.

1. Fit before Style
The latest design or features might look cool on the shelf, but do they feel comfortable when on? You want to make sure you are buying a shoe that feels right, not just looks cool.

2. Bring your own hiking socks
Bring the socks you would wear hiking with you. It's better to try on shoes with the same socks you would wear hiking, so you can get a more realistic idea of how they will fit.

3. Don't be shy, walk around the store with them on
Walk around the store and see how the boots feel. Look for stairs, inclines, etc in the store and test the boots on that as well. Look for a snug comfortable fit without feeling any pressure points. Kick at the ground to see whether your toes jam against the front of the boot. If they do, don't buy them.

4. Water Resistant
Make sure the boots are waterproof, that is if you don't like soggy feet when hiking. The only downfall to Gore-tex boots is that they can be toasty on the feet and not as breathable. The upper part of the shoe should be made from as few pieces as possible. This translates to better water resistance.

5. Pay attention to the little details
Research the brand and make sure it has a good reputation (Merrell, Asolo, Saloman, etc). It is better to spend the money on boots that will be comfortable and last longer. Look at the little details...is there any excess glue visible? Does the stitching look solid? Are the laces think and solid?

6. Take a 15 minute walk before trying on the boots
There is a difference in the shape and size of your feet in the morning compared to your feet in the afternoon. We recommend taking a 15 minute stroll before trying on the shoes.

7. Think what type of hiking will you be doing
The lighter your boots, the easier your walking will be. A general rule however, is that the greater the load you carry, the heavier your hiking boots should be. If you are just doing short day hikes, a lightweight shoe should be suitable. For backpacking trips, a sturdier boot would be better.

8. Gusseted Tongues
Most hiking boots have gussets connecting the tongues to the upper part of the shoe. The gussets make sure that water, dirt, and debris are not able to enter your shoe.

9. Don't get caught up in your past shoe size
Shoe sizes differ greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from style to style within the same company's line. It is best to try on a wide range to see what feels the most comfortable.

10. Break your shoes in before going on a hiking trip
Don't buy the shoes the day before your trip. You want to make sure they are well broken in. You don't want to be hiking in Nepal and realize your shoes are causing you major blisters.

Cheers,
BikeHike

10 Unwritten Rules Of Plane Etiquette

The Flight Centre compiled a guide on the unwritten rules of plane etiquette and how to behave appropriately when soaring at 30,000 feet. I am still always amazed every time I fly how many people break the rules. If we could only all work together, it would make flying that much more enjoyable.

Here is the Flight Centre's compiled list of unwritten rules to help minimize in-flight grievances.

1. Boarding and disembarking by row
Boarding your flight is straight forward – simply join the queue when invited, not before!

Once aboard, carry your luggage directly in front or directly behind you, as luggage carried to the side will leave a path of destruction (and more than a few headaches) among the aisle-seat dwellers who have already occupied their positions.

When it’s time to disembark, don’t try to beat passenger 1A to the door if you’re seated in row 50. The passengers in rows 2 to 49 just won’t let it happen.

2. The overhead bin
This humble storage unit is now prime real estate, as travellers cram more into their hand luggage to avoid checked baggage charges, reduce the risk of lost luggage and pave the way for a fast airport getaway.

Ensure your bag is within the required dimensions, only bring one and, wherever possible, stow it in the locker directly above you. Don’t deposit your bag above seat 3 and then proceed to your seat at the back of the plane.

3. The arm rest
Let’s face it; the middle seat doesn’t have a lot going for it. As you settle into your window or aisle seat, spare a thought for the disadvantaged middle seat dweller.

4. Chair reclining
On short flights (under two hours), reclining should be kept to a minimum and avoided completely during meal times.

On longer flights, it's a bit trickier, but the meal time full recline is still definitely frowned upon.

5. Boundary crossings
Space is an extremely precious commodity in the economy cabin.

Don’t attempt to cross your neighbour’s border (unless invited) by stretching the legs or extending the arm span to read a fold-out map or a newspaper. Changing the channel on your neighbour’s entertainment screen, stealing peanuts and reading over the shoulder are also frowned upon.

6. Footwear
You’re in close proximity to your neighbours. If there is any suggestion or past history of odour issues, footwear should remain on. If you do slip off your shoes, keep them tucked away under the seat in front of you.

7. Mindless chatter
Before engaging in mid-flight banter with your neighbour, look for the obvious clues that point to a reluctant chatterer. Headphones on or face buried in a book means “I don’t want to talk”.

8. Knees in the back
You’re in a confined space, so the occasional bump to the seat in front is inevitable. Regular knees in the back are, however, akin to a declaration of war.

9. Hands off the headrest
Like knees in the back, pulling on the seat back in front of you is frowned upon.

Avoid the temptation to pull the headrest in front for extra leverage when standing. The consequences of a thoughtless headrest shake can range from rude awakening to severe red wine spillage.

10. The bathroom
Reaching the bathroom without breaching one or two of the rules above can be challenging.

So, if you’re likely to be a regular bathroom visitor, request an aisle seat and empty the tanks before boarding to avoid the rush that inevitably occurs once the fasten seatbeat sign is switched off. On arrival at the bathroom, “fast and clean” are the rules.

And lastly my own rule based on prior experience.

11. No tossing your long hair around
If you have long hair, don't fluff it out and let it hang over the back of your seat. This could annoy the person in front of you and cover up their personal entertainment system. It makes it awkward when they have to politely ask you to "please move your head of hair to your own seat".

Happy flying!
BikeHike

Free Walking Tours with Expert Locals

What better way to explore a city than through the eyes of a local? Chances are they know what restaurants to try, what museums are not to be missed, the best and most efficient way to get around, and weird and random tidbits on the local lore. Next time you are heading to a foreign city, check out the Global Greeter Network (www.globalgreeternetwork.info) to see what is available and to make the most of your visit. This association offers free city tours to small groups and individuals by friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers who generously share their passion for their city. The tours generally last a couple of hours and combine walking and public transportation to get around the city. Here are some cities with services:

Buesos Aires, www.cicerones.org.ar
New York, www.bigapplegreeter.org
Paris, www.parisgreeter.fr
Melbourne, www.thatsmelbourne.com/au/greeter
Chicago, www.chicagogreeter.com
Toronto, www.toronto.ca/tapto

Happy exploring,
BikeHike

10 FIRST AID TIPS WHEN TRAVELLING

Accidents can happen, sometimes far from home. Below are some tips to keep in mind when planning your next adventure.

1) Pack your medical kit to fit the environment you are going to (for example, if off to the Amazon, pack insect repellent. If off to the desert, pack oral rehydration salts). What you need for Paris will be different for what you need for Bangkok. Don’t forget to check the expiry date on the medicines in your first aid kit.

2) Go to a travel clinic before hand to see what vaccinations are mandatory or recommended. A good resource site for up to date information is www.cdc.gov. If your doctor gives you an antibiotic, take it only as prescribed or if experiencing symptoms.

3) If you are experiencing pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Get it treated right away. Try to prevent minor injuries like cuts and scratches from becoming major ones (be especially cautious in tropical countries where infections are more susceptible).

4) If you travel frequently in the backcountry, it’s worthwhile to take a wilderness first aid course. This intensive course is generally 2-4 days in length, and covers a wide variety of content from wound management to spine assessments.

5) Make sure you have international medical insurance. Check what the coverage is and make sure it covers all the activities you will be doing.

6) Before drinking the tap water, make sure it is safe to drink. When in doubt, use bottled water. In most developing countries bottled water is readily available and cheap. If you have a sensitive stomach, use bottled water for brushing your teeth as well.

7) If eating at food stalls, check to make sure the food is being stored properly, especially if it needs to stay cool. Avoid salads, as well as fruits that can’t be peeled as they could have been washed in untreated water. The same goes for ice cubes (with this said, some of the best food I have had when traveling was street food. Don’t avoid food stalls just use caution when choosing which one to dine at).

8) The Sun. Never estimate the strength of the sun and don’t be fooled by an overcast sky. I will never forget being in a supermarket in New Zealand and a stranger coming up to me to lecture me on sunscreen and how the sun is much stronger in New Zealand in comparison to other places. I guess my nose was looking particularly like Rudolph that day! Make sure you have the appropriate sunscreen with you and use it. Also don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses.

9) If traveling to high altitude, take it easy your first few days, eat light meals and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Be aware of the signs of altitude sickness, and if need be, proceed to a lower altitude.

10) If in mosquito zones, use insect repellant and cover your arms, legs and feet with a layer of clothing (that is if you don’t want to have bites all over you). This can also prevent you from getting mosquito-borne diseases.

Safe Travels,
BikeHike

Tourist Scams Around the World

When travelling in a foreign country it’s easy to become a target for scammers. You might look lost or confused or be experiencing culture shock; all of which can lead to letting your guard down and people taking advantage of your situation. It’s common for travelers to not realize they are being scammed, or have been scammed, until the scam is over and you’re left standing their feeling dumbfounded and foolish. Below are some popular tourist scams around the world.

1) Paris: Gold Ring scam. The last time I was in Paris I was strolling along the Seine minding my own business, when a young girl walked by and picked up something from the ground. It was a “gold” ring which she assured me was 18 karat gold. My first thought was that some poor person lost their wedding band. The girl said it was my lucky day and that I should keep it. I didn’t feel comfortable taking it. What if the owner was running frantically around retracing their steps looking for the ring? The girl kept persisting I take it and I kept insisting no. She finally gave up, walked away, and then asked me for money for food. I politely declined. Three hours later, while strolling on the other side of the Seine, the same thing happened again. That’s when I realized something fishy was going on. I came home and googled “gold ring Paris” and sure enough loads of information came up on this popular tourist scam. To me, it seems an awfully round about way for someone to ask for money, but I guess it works for them. I must have seen over 10 gold rings lying on the ground during my walk that day! It’s a good thing I don’t like gold jewelry. It saved me from being scammed.
2) Bangkok; Gem scam (also happens in Turkey for carpets, etc). Be weary of people who approach you on the street giving directions (if you look lost) and then offer you a tour in their friend’s Tuk Tuk or taxi, which will conveniently (for them) stop at a gem stop along the way. If you don’t want to buy anything at the gem shop, it can become uncomfortable as the shop owner will keep pleading for you to buy something before leaving the shop. They will tell you it’s the best price in town, etc. At this point, its best to politely leave the store and find your way back to where you need to go. Keep in mind, however, if someone does begin to talk to you on the street offering help it is not necessarily a scam. But if something doesn’t feel right, politely excuse yourself and walk away. Use your gut instinct in this situation.
3) Mustard scam (all over the world). This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Someone discreetly spills mustard or some other goop on you then points it out and offers to help clean it up. While cleaning up the stain, they clean out your pockets at the same time.

For your next trip, do some research before hand and see what scams exist that you need to watch out for. Keep all your belongings in a safe spot and leave your fancy jewelry at home. Try to blend in with the locals as much as possible to avoid standing out as a target.

Chances are you won’t be caught in a scam, but if it happens, take a deep breath, remain calm and try to enjoy the rest of your vacation. Remember, it can happen to anyone, even seasoned travellers.

Travel smart!
BikeHike

Highlights from Walking with the Nomads

I am still trying to digest everything I experienced on my latest trip, it was THAT good. I spent a week with a nomadic family from the Ait Atta tribe in the Jebel Saghro region of Morocco, and followed them on their semi-annual migration. Words can't describe the experience. Without sounding cliche, it was so unique, special, and humbling. I will never forget this adventure.

The days started around 6:30am with the flock of 200 sheep and goats, 3 camels and 4 donkeys letting us know the sun was coming up. After breakfast, we would hike anywhere from 4-6 hours with the herd of animals and the nomad family. We would arrive into camp at lunch and then have the afternoon free to relax, watch the flurry of activity at camp, help bake bread, play with the kids, go for an optional hike, etc. There was never a dull moment. The family was so welcoming, friendly and had a great sense of humour. Under the starry skies at night, we were treated to delicious 3-course dinners and red wine before heading to bed and the serenading sounds of camels constantly chewing.

Some of the memories that stand out for me are:

1. Watching a way of life that over the years has been passed down from generation to generation and probably hasn't changed much. I somewhat envied their lifestyle living in a world where they have no idea what twitter, facebook or a blog is.

2. The diversity in the landscapes from high mountain passes and shady oases to vast desert moonlike landscapes and fields of date palm trees.

3. The tea breaks throughout the day. I was always amazed how much sugar they put into one teapot. As David described on our trip, the block of sugar was the size of his car! Well, that's exaggerated, but it was at least the size of my palm.

4. The comraderie at camp with the nomad family (it was apparent how important family is to them) and singing and dancing with them at night.

5. Walking while carrying baby goats and lambs. The little lamb I became attached to was a bit of a whiner. She was always at the back of the pack so I helped her along by carrying her some of the way. I found out after that this poor little lamb was abandoned by her Mom (who was somewhere in the herd of 200) so she relied on the goats' for milk.

6. The children. At first they were shy of us, but by the end they liked to sit near us, get their pictures taken and were all smiles. Some of my fellow travellers brought balloons for the kids. Little Mohammed, the 8-year old camel herder, loved them. For the next few days, he did all his chores with a balloon in his mouth. Like all kids, he liked the farting noise the balloon made when the air was let out :) Unfortunately, within a few days, all the balloons had popped!

7. Learning to make lemon chicken tagine. The secret is olives, olives and more olives! (and plenty of spices, red onion and tomatoes)

And so much more...the constant sounds of the animals, not hearing a plane overhead the entire time, finding a rock to perch on and watching the flurry of the camp below, Fatima putting henna on my hands, sitting around a warm campfire with the family and learning about their way of life, cracking almonds with the family for their daily snack, eating spicy tagines under a full moon, etc.

You can view the itinerary on BikeHike Adventure's website at http://www.bikehike.com/morocco/morocco_trip02a.html

Happy Travels,
Meghan

How to Lift the Stress Out of Your Morning: 7 Quick Tips

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it well and serenely…”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Another morning. Another day begins.

You get up too early, stumble into the shower and in somewhat of a haze try to get things together and get work or school on time.

But by applying a few simple tips you can make not only the morning but the whole day more relaxed and smooth.

1. Plan the night before. Choose the 2-3 most important tasks and put them on a to-do list. By choosing just the most important stuff instead of a dozen things you are less likely to start procrastinating or realize at the end of the day that you filled it with less important tasks.

2. Pack your bag the night before. This very simple habit can alleviate quite a bit of stress in the morning. If you pack your bag before you go to bed then you don’t have to run around in your house half panicked tomorrow while looking for your books or some important papers.

3. Make your lunch the night before. Pack the leftovers of your dinner in a container and put it in the fridge. Just don’t forget to put it in your bag in the morning. You may even want make an extra serving so you can quickly heat up dinner when you get home from work/school. Doing this the night before will save you a bit of time and possibly a bit of money.

4. Don’t forget to just relax. You can’t get much done if you never get any rest and revitalization. Well, you can for a while but soon you’ll start to feel run down, stressed out and fill up with all kinds of negative emotions pretty much all the time. So take some time to just relax. Meditate in one way or another. Take a warm bath. Take a walk in the woods. Listen to relaxing music. Have some fun with friends and/or family. Release pressure, stress and tension that can come from a hard day’s work so you don’t carry all of that into the following morning.

5. Get enough sleep. It’s tempting to stay up a bit longer and let the “morning-you” take care of the problems – I do for example become more likely to revert to old behaviour patterns such as negativity and being easily stressed – that come from lack of sleep. But be good to yourself at least some days during the week. Go to bed a bit earlier and catch up on your sleep.

6. Use a morning routine. What you do early in the day often sets the context for your day. We have a tendency to want to be consistent with what we have done before. So if you have the time – or are willing to get up a few minutes earlier – then a nice morning routine can be a great way to start a day. I do for example get up and drink a glass of water, pull the blinds from my windows to let in the sun, eat breakfast and drink a cup of green tea, brush my teeth, make my bed and declutter for a few minutes. Read more about my morning routine and the routines of many of the readers right here.

7. Keep everything in its place. If everything has its own place then it is whole lot easier to keep your home reasonably ordered and decluttered from day to day. And to find the keys as you are heading out the door.

What is your best tip for creating a better start to the day?

Information taken from "The Positivity Blog" http://www.positivityblog.com/