Train Travel Insiders Tip - Luggage

Dragging your luggage through the coach especially very heavy luggage can be very frustrating when you are not used to navigating down the aisle while the train is moving. It can also be very difficult to throw your luggage above your seat if it is large and the train is moving. Instead as soon as you board the train slide it into one of the openings for luggage near the entrance of the train. It means you only have to carry what you need with you to a seat and you don’t have to try to balance with a million different things in your hand. Every entrance has these openings and typically areas where you can place luggage that are not as high as the bins above the train seats.

Episode 2: Adventure Getaways - NW Surfcamps

Tune into Episode 2 of the Escape Together Girlfriend Getaways podcast to hear about the Northwest Women’s Surf Camps in Oregon. The Northwest Women’s Surf Camps mission is to bring to the North Coast of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, an opportunity for women of all ages to learn how to surf in a supportive, progressive, learning environment.

Lexie Hallahan, Director of the NW Women’s Surf Camps, shares information with our listeners about the NW Women’s Surf Camps and their unique girlfriend getaways packages.

This is the first episode in Escape Together’s series focusing on adventure trip ideas for girlfriend getaways. Learn more about the Northwest Women’s Surf Camps and their programs at http://www.nwwomenssurfcamps.com

Fun atmosphere for Asian dishes in DC

Q: I am looking for a good inexpensive Asian restaurant for a dinner with friends that is located in DC. Suggestions?

A: Located a few blocks between Dupont Circle and Farragut North, is a fun restaurant for Asian cuisine called Nooshi. Here is a list of my favorite dishes and reasons why this is a great pick:

Favorites Dishes

1. Vegetable Spring Rolls
2. Firefly Calamari
3. Pad Thai
4. Crabmeat Wonton
5. Hawaiian Roll - Spicy Salmon, Pineapple and Cucumber
6. Grilled Lemon Chicken
7. General Tao Chicken
8. Ginger Salad
9. Drunkin Noodles
10. Fresh Salmon and Scallion roll

Why choose Nooshi?

• Happy Hour Monday-Friday 5-7 includes half price drinks and appetizers.
• Fun cocktails like a champagne mojito and apple martini’s
• Outside seating for people watching including heating lamps in the winter
• Fun atmosphere that allows for conversation and great quick service
• Great food with generous portions at a reasonable price

Nooshi
1120 19th Stree NW (between L & M)
Washington DC 20036

202-293-3138
www.nooshidc.com

Want to know what others think of Nooshi? We have added an Urbanspoon counter to provide you with a real time answer.

Top 5 Tips for First Time American Travelers to Rio de Janeiro

1. Get a map from the hotel on the first day you arrive.
   

This will help you get your bearings in Rio and know what is immediately near your hotel. If you are in Copacabana or Ipanema you will probably do a great deal of walking. It is easy to get turned around but if you have the hotel map you will know the streets and landmarks around your hotel and hopefully be able to get back without looking incredibly lost.

1. Find a convenience store to buy bottled water but buy your caipirinhas  and juice drinks from the beach bars
   

Rio is hot, even in the winter and you will probably find yourself drinking tons of water. Save a little money by finding a convenience store where you can buy bottles of water instead of buying from the hotel or beach bars. You can easily go broke buying bottled water otherwise! I found bottled water for 2 Real (approximately one dollar) in a convenience store directly behind the Luxor Regente Hotel. The beach bars were charging 4 Real for a much smaller bottle. But don’t miss out on the Brazillian traditional Caipirinha or a fresh squeezed juice offered by the many beach bars. There is nothing better than getting a passion fruit or mango “suco” fresh squeezed before your eyes when you are relaxing in the heat.  Many of the cheapest and best Caipirinhas will be found along the beach at any of the beach bars. During a recent trip my best Caipirinha was at the beach bar across from the Sofitel on Copacabana.

1. Shop the night markets on Copacabana for your souvenirs.
   

Every evening vendors set up a market in the middle of Av. Atlantica in Copacabana. If you need gifts to take home but want to spread your funds wait until dusk and then get the coconut shelled earrings or Brazil mug for your best friend or co-workers. The prices are better than we found in most stores for souvenirs.

1. Use the hotel front desk for your currency exchange and find an HSBC ATM.
   

So you need to change Dollars to Reals! Don’t head to your nearest bank or currency exchange. Most hotel front desks will exchange bank notes (sorry no coins) to the local currency without a fee. You will save money and get an even exchange based on the daily rate. If you need more money try to find an HSBC ATM if you can not read or understand Portuguese. The HSBC ATM’s have an English option and accept most Plus and Cirrus bank cards.

1. Find a “Kilo” or “Quilo” restaurant for lunch and splurge at dinner.
   

Most likely your breakfasts will be included so find a “kilo” or restaurant that you pay by the weight of your food for your lunches. You will be able to sample a variety of Brazilian dishes and other cuisines very inexpensively. You can have as little or as much as you like and can typically be full for less than 20 Real. You will also find things you know from home so it is a great place for people that are not feeling adventurous or for those unable to speak or read the language. Unlike in many other dining establishments you don’t have to read a Portuguese menu to order but can choose from the variety of food before your eyes. A great choice when traveling with groups with a mix of dietary needs and requirements! Since you have now spent so little at lunch you can try the many churrascarias or barbeque houses or splurge at other restaurants throughout Rio for dinner!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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