Thanks to my LP Comet email subscription I just found one more reason to invest in a Playstation Portable (PSP). Yes, the same device used for gamers can now be used by travelers ready to discover weekend getaways in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Prague and London. The fully interactive, portable and up-to-the-minute ‘Passport To’ city guides will feature details on 250 of the hottest bars, clubs, hotels, shops, services, and attractions. In addition to the same material you’d find in the old paper LP guidebooks interested takers will visually receive three off-the-beaten track audio tours and essential language phrases with audio. Sounds like a good investment so far. Not to mention the PSP unit is easy to carry and multi-functional. I’ve handled one here and there on various occasions and was quite impressed. This however, ices the cake. Check out the website dedicated to the ‘Passport To’ series and learn more about PSP.
Paris Too Hardcore for the Japanese?
Oui… This news seems almost too hard to believe, but I’m not Japanese nor have I traveled to Paris, so I’ll need the help of some Gadling readers on this one. I’ve noticed several sites reporting news that the romantic French city of Paris leaves many Japanese tourists feeling beat up and have gone as far to say that they need psychological counseling upon their return. Huh? The New York Post states that Japan’s Embassy has sent four people back home this year, including two women who thought their hotel room was bugged. That sounds quite over the top if you ask me. Reuters reports that the Japanese flock to Paris with high expectations of this dream world, a dream city and later find that the French character is extremely opposite of their own. In Japanese shops customer is king and in the French shops they barely pay you a glance. All of these mixed city feelings are classified as Paris Syndrome. The source of these reports comes from the French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche.
So tell me is there anyone out there aside from the Japanese who have had Paris Syndrome or any Japanese out there that can provide their two cents?
Spa-Addicts Frolic in France Sweepstakes
Here I was minding my own business, looking for cheap hotel rates on sidestep.com when I was distracted by an advertisement. Loud, hot pink, bright yellow text all grabbed my attention and next thing I knew I was being directed away from the travel search engine. Oh joy! But wait, it gets better… So I’m taken to this Spa-Addicts website, which I’ve never been to and here they are having a sweepstakes inspired by the newly released Sofia Coppola film, Marie Antoinette starring Kirsten Dunst. Now let me just say three things: One, I’m not a big fan of Kirsten Dunst; two, I do like Sofia Coppola; and three, I’m a complete addict when it comes to sweepstakes. Who cares about the taxes you might have to pay if you win, it’s still a whole heck of a lot cheaper than paying for their package deal in full. And now, surely, you must be curious to know what these Spa-Addicts are offering in their sweepstakes?
The so-called world’s premiere spa guide is giving you the chance to win roundtrip economy class airfare to Paris, France for two, four nights accommodation for two in a furnished luxury apartment, two Le Grand Classique Treatments at the Yon-Ka Spa in Paris and Two Soin Velours Treatments at the Yon-Ka Spa. Sound dazzling enough to enter? Head over to Spa-Addicts now. Who knows you may very well win a trip to Paris, but if my voluntarily spreading the word and good karma works in my favor, then I could be landing in France soon. (Be sure you read the official rules as always.)
Good luck!
The House At..
You really got to love Wallpaper* for keeping us tuned into design drenched destinations. After playing catch up and reviewing some of their recommendations I decided to point artists and lovers of rural retreats to this beautiful creation. Simply called the House At, the so-called bucolic bolthole was a two-year project in the making designed as a place for rest, retreat and rustication. The once ramshackle farmhouse is located in France at Hautefage and this could very well be a bad assumption on my part, but as amazing as it seems for an artist’s retreat I’m thinking it won’t fall in the price range of starving artists like me. I couldn’t find price quotes on their site, but it sounds out-of-sight.
In the attic you’ll find a couple of Ueli Berger Sofas, the five bedrooms are bare brick with white tile (only some walls are lined with Eley Kishimoto wallpaper) and service is dictated by the guest. If you wish to make a dash for the French market you are welcome to do so or you may want to have someone do both the shopping and cooking. I can give this place no justice here. Perhaps after a week-long holiday there myself I’ll have more to say, but in the meantime highly interested parties should invest some time on the House At site. Go directly to the gallery.
GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of October 8
Happy Friday the 13th all! Time for a little weekly deja vu… Nothing to be scared or panicked about, just relax and review.
5. Dying to Travel:
If avian flu and pandemic disease worry you dare not look at this plug on the interactive risk maps based off the Maplecroft Avian Influenza Risk Index. They might just reveal that avian flu is closer to you than you think. Or you could just be paranoid.
4. Miracle Camping Tub:
Not going to lie – I want one of these. While trying to help his own friend’s overcome some of their camping woes like showering and staying clean, he points us to a spectacular $6,000 gear piece called the Dutchtub and helps all and anyone out that has $6,000 bucks to spend on the equipment. Until that day arrives for me, bird baths it is!
3. Hidden Gems: Crazy Horse:
The Crazy Horse Memorial found in South Dakota’s Black Hills isn’t the most hidden of gems and I’m sure you may have heard of it at some point in your life, but have you been? If your answer is no then my question is what on Earth are you waiting for? Check out this Native American great in this Hidden Gems review.
2. Slum Tourism:
Some of us avoid slums by all means while others are out with video cam in tow. Could touring someone’s poverty stricken life be the latest in tourist trends or a insensitive means of dropping in and getting out when things get too real, too terrible, and too poor? Check out the story Erik directs us to and see what side of the picket-fence you’re on.
1. French Say NON! to Smoking in Public Places:
I think this one says it all! Cheers to good health prevailing! But, oh, yes, there is that part of French culture you have to worry about as Erik mentions in his blurb, that one must think about and hope isn’t necessarily ruined by the no smoking in public places rule. I think it’s marvelous and the French, they’ll be okay.