Useful Phrases When Driving in French Speaking Countries

Useful Phrases When Driving in French Speaking Countries

Sometimes one wants to ask people how to get to somewhere, or where is this or that, and without knowing how to say it, life can be a little difficult. Here are a series of likely phrases which may help in typical situations.

Excuse me, but can you tell me where I can find a petrol station? ( Excusez moi, mais pouvez vous me dire ou je peux trouver une station service?) Your car may need some attention and you wish to ask: I need a mechanic to look at the car ( J’ai besoin d’un mechanici en a regarder ma voiture)

It may be a Sunday and you want to ask: Is there a garage open on a Sunday here? (Y at-il un garage ouvert le dimanche ici?)
If you have a flat battery you may need to ask: I have a flat battery have you a charger? ( La batterie est a plat avez-vous un chargeur?)

You are on your way to Paris and you want to know how far it is: How long does it take to Paris from here? ( Combien de temps faut-il pour Paris d’ici?)

You may want to be sure they take a credit card: Can we pay by credit card, we have not enough cash?( Pouvons nous vous payer par la carte de credit nous n’avons pas assez d’argent?)

You are looking for a toilet and say: Excuse me are there any toilets near here? (Excusez moi,y at-il des toilettes pres d’ici?)

You see a policeman (un agent de police) and you want to ask him: Is this the right way for the motorway?( C’est bien la direction pour l’autoroute?) Or you may ask him: Is there a motel nearby? ( Y at-it un motel pres d’ici?}.

You have arrived late at the hotel and you want to say: There were a lot of delays on the road ( Il y avait trops de bouchons sur la route) . You may wish to add :
On top of that the car stalled several times (En plus, la voiture a cale plusieurs fois.

The car may be dirty so you are looking for somewhere to have it washed and you ask: Is there a place to wash the car: Y at-il une place pour laver la voiture?

If you see a sign that says: Impasse then it means a No Through Road. You may wish to know that (faire demi tour) means to turn back. Just in case you get a parking ticket, it is called (la contravention) and the traffic warden is called ( le contractuel).
The fog (le brouillard) can be a nuisance and the flood (l’inondation) is another hazard. You may want to know that mud is called (la boue).

When people tell you to keep going straight on, they say (Tout droit).When they tell you to turn left: ( Tournez a gauche, when they say turn right: (Tournez a droite) and when they say turn right at the next lights: (Tournez a droite au prochains feux).

You may need to find a bank and ask, is there a bank here? (Y at-il une banque ici?)

You may need to know the exchange rate (Le cours du change).

Sometimes, one wants to confirm one is on the right road for Paris let us say: Is this the right road to Paris: (C’est bien la route pour Paris?) If you want to say: I am sorry to trouble you: (Je suis desole de vous deranger).
In case you want to know what the rush hour is in French, it is (les heures d’affluence).

You will not need your medical insurance (une assurance maladie) if having the flu (avoir la grippe), but you may, if you have a heart attack ( une crise cardiaque ).

In case you need to find a local pub, you will have to ask for (le bistro du coin).

Paul Dubsky is director of Foreign Currency Exchange & Transfers Ltd. The company is focused on being able to offer really friendly currency exchange rates and international money transfers. We believe we are the only Foreign Currency Exchange company which offers special rates to Senior Citizens.

View from the Right Seat of an Otter

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Each time I travel on business or pleasure, I seem to always try and find something to do for fun that involves airplanes. A trip to Seattle recently was no exception.

As I stood on the Marriott Residence Inn’s balcony overlooking scenic Lake Union, a unmistakable sound began reverberating across the marinas below. What made me grin widely was the wonderful sound of a large radial engine pulling a beautiful yellow and white De Havilland Beaver seaplane off the lake. To me, it was like going to the symphony.

The seaplane airline – Kenmore Air – offers one of the finest views of Seattle, Victoria and the San Juans you can find. Their sightseeing flights fill up, so when I called, I told them I was a pilot/writer and was eager to take my first seaplane ride and then write about the experience here. Kenmore’s Lake Union Supervisor found a way to accommodate me by slipping me into the right cockpit seat of their afternoon multi-stop run from their busy Lake Union Terminal to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and then on to Deer Harbor and West Sound on Orcas Island. It was one of the most awesome trips I have made by air ever…a “media ridealong” I will never, ever forget.

I had my pre-conceived notions about flight in a seaplane, and all were proven incorrect. Pre-conceived notion #1 was obliterated when I assumed the pilot, Chuck Perry would prefer to be called “Captain”, but determined quickly that “captains” drove tugboats, and Alaskans that fly off the water in planes equipped with floats are really just like the rest of us aviators.

The Advantages Of Staying On A Self Catering Holiday

The Advantages Of Staying On A Self Catering Holiday

Self catering holidays have become very popular with holiday makers going on a family holiday. By choosing the self catering option helps to keep down the cost of the holiday and allows holiday makers to choose exactly what sort of meals that they want to eat. This is important when going on a holiday with children because younger children may want to eat at different times to adults. In self catering accommodation you can eat at what ever time is most convenient for you.

By staying in self catering accommodation gives you the option to eat out at local restaurants or to cook back at your self catering accommodation. Some nights you may choose to sample the local cuisine and wine at a local restaurant and other nights you may want to have a cheaper meal. You can also try out local recipes by buying locally grown produce at a local market and then take the food home to prepare it for your own meal. By staying in self catering accommodation gives you the opportunity to sample food that they may well not have tried before.

Another great thing about going on a self catering holiday is the terrific choice of properties available to choose from. You may choose to go self catering on holiday and stay in a relatively small and modest property. However if there is a large group of you going on a self catering holiday you are able to select a self catering property which is much larger. This can be great fun as everybody can have a go at cooking and if you do not want to eat in you can try some local restaurants.

If however your budget is much larger there are some luxurious self catering holidays. You can take your pick from many stunning self catering properties and have a holiday of a lifetime. Some of these more expensive self catering holidays have some superb kitchens full of all of the latest mod cons and gadgets. It is not uncommon for the more expensive self catering holidays to have kitchens full of granite and marble with big American fridge freezers and coffee making machines.

With the growth of the self catering holiday it is now possible to stay self catering in most countries in the world. By staying self catering you are able to experience a holiday that truly allows you to connect to the local culture. You can also get a real flavour of local food and ingredients and the more adventurous cooks will flourish on a self catering holiday.

Self catering holidays also give you a degree of freedom and independence that cannot be experienced on other types of vacation. You can eat meals at whatever time that you like when you choose to go self catering. Not only that, but you can eat as cheaply or as extravagantly as you want on a self catering holiday. It is no wonder that so many families are now choosing to go on self catering holidays to so many different countries around the world.

Romans And The Costa del Sol

Romans And The Costa del Sol

Later in its history, the Romans invaded the Iberian Peninsula and they Romanized much of the area. They built aqueducts, bath houses, temples and many other structures and many of the remains of these buildings can still be found in Costa del Sol.

By the 4th century, Christianity had spread throughout much of Spain and Costa del Sol was no exception. From that time, control of Costa del Sol changed hands a number of times. It was ruled by the Moors from the 8th century up until the 15th century when the Christian monarchs overthrew the Moors and expelled much of their population.

In the 1950s celebrities began coming to Costa del Sol. They were attracted by its beautiful beaches and mild climate, as well as the natural beauty that comes with the combination of beaches and mountain terrain. In the 1960s, tourism really took off when Malaga was connected to other European cities by air transport. Since then, the roads and rail facilities have been built and improved as well. Now, Costa del Sol is a popular holiday destination and the property market is booming.

If you enjoy a bit of sight-seeing, there are a number of quaint Spanish villages near to Costa del Sol. Otherwise, you can find tiny white villages that look like they are attached to the sides of the mountains. Walking up to take a look at these villages will offer a stunning view back down to the sea. Costa del Sol is also a convenient base for visiting some of the major cities in Europe. If you are looking for some recreation time, Costa del Sol offers some of the best golf courses in the world. It is also home to some excellent water sports. It contains a number of luxury spas resorts which are great places to be pampered. In addition, Costa del Sol boasts many excellent restaurants, shops and a vibrant nightlife.

Hotels in Costa del Sol vary in quality from one to five stars, with five star hotels that may contain swimming pools and beautiful gardens. You can also find luxury golf resorts or boutique hotels for those who are after something a bit quainter. Bed and breakfasts are available around the city or you can choose an Andalusia-type rural getaway in the country.

Costa del Sol offers a large number of resort apartments which may suit families with children. They are located near the beach, but are close enough to the city to be able to conveniently go into town to see the sights. It is possible to find a beachside apartment that is within an exclusive private development. The advantage of these is that they may offer their own swimming pools or golf courses.

So, choose the area you’d like to be in and your budget and you will have no trouble finding an accommodation option to suit your needs.

The Pleasures Of Staying In The Country

United Kingdom, UK, Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Travel Destination, Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven town

While the majority of us when we holiday find it hard to get away from the usual tourist destinations, it is highly advisable to do this. To get the best of a country you must head out into the countryside and sample the rural way of life. A hotel in the country will also normally be cheaper than its city counterpart meaning that you will get a better deal and have more money for your trip.

The city may contain the most sites and the more interesting attractions but do you really want to spend your time staying in a hotel located in a hot and stuffy city when you could be in the country, away from the hustle and bustle staying in a charming hotel? The country is also a place to get a brilliant idea of the culture of a nation; after all, cities normally have a persona of their own, disparate from that of the nation. The countryside is often unique, and gives a far better representation of the culture and way of life.

While in the city you may have many modern, purpose built hotels that can often be characterless; whilst the country has many hotels of considerable age and heritage. Just speaking from my experience of the coaching inns in England; these buildings have large amounts of character and are the ideal hotel for exploring the English countryside.

Book a vacation rental instead of a hotel

Book a vacation rental instead of a hotel

Although not a new concept, booking a vacation rental instead of a hotel is becoming increasingly popular as a cheaper alternative to conventional ideas of housing. On the one hand, are available in holiday destinations, as much as a standard hotel, and there are benefits many more benefits. Accommodation in many of the same services, including options for a pool, jacuzzi, and even some working space. More and more people are discovering that they are not used as a host of facilities, because they spend more time to see the sights, shopping and eating in restaurants, and when they do, many opportunities to swim in the use the pool or Jacuzzi are closed for the night.
Above all, a vacation rental is ultimately much cheaper than a hotel, the more people in your group or family, is cheaper. For example, you can rent a five-bedroom house in Florida, which comfortably 12 people for $ 4,000 per week. Say you have twelve people in your group, there will come a little over $ 330 per person for the whole week. Some of the rooms high end can cost a lot more now, and at night there is the week. It also has kitchen facilities, separate rooms, and many pets, which are much better than renting a standard hotel room. As you can see, renting a vacation property can be much cheaper than regular housing.

Riding Under The Summer Sun

Riding Under The Summer Sun

This coming summer will be no ordinary holiday for me, as I intend to experience the ever-popular mountain biking holidays for the first time that many active people enjoy! Mountain biking is best practised during the summer months when the surfaces are dry, no elements are against you and you are less at risk of having an accident. For me the winter periods are best enjoyed with friends or family skiing in the Alps or taking a short spa break away.

Mountain biking holidays are great for people looking for active entertainment with the option of working on your tan at a nearby beach. Some of the most popular places include Chamonix in France, Lake Garda in Italy, the Coast of Andalusia in Southern Spain and even taking a desert ride in Morocco. Many prefer to go trekking to keep active and fit, however, those keen on mountain bike trails will feel the thrill of experiencing a different trail whilst enjoying a different kind of sightseeing.

The Greatest Destinations When It Comes To Diving Around Amazing Wrecks

The Greatest Destinations When It Comes To Diving Around Amazing Wrecks

Scuba diving is a beautiful sport that allows its fans to feel better on both physical and psychological levels. Some of the most adored attractions offered by swimming under the waters are the visits around wrecks. Wreck diving fills the person who practice it with a pleasant sentiment, a combination between curiosity and surprise. Shipwrecks succeed in transporting the divers in time and allow them to feel they touch a part of history. For some divers there is nothing more interesting than swimming around a new shipwreck filled with history. The beauty of the shipwrecks has no limits to them so they constantly choose to practice this type of scuba diving.

The world has plenty of beautiful places where divers can swim around the most extraordinary wrecks but there are some that are more famous due to wreck diving. Palau is one of the worlds’ diving destinations that offer to its divers the most interesting wrecks from the period of the World War II. Because the Japanese occupied the area during the war and the U.S. forces attacked them, we can nowadays discover under the waters of Palau plenty of exciting wrecks. Some of the most popular in Palau are the wreck known as Iro Maru and the destroyer USS Perry that sank in 1944 and was not discovered until the year of 2000.

Australia is very well-known in the divers’ world especially due to the Great Barrier Reef. However, this is not the only beautiful thing that Australia has to offer when it comes to scuba diving. Many divers choose this destination for its wreck diving as its waters shelter old ship wrecks. SS Yongala was a passenger ship that sank because of a cyclone and was discovered by people in 1958. Since then, the extraordinary ship that is used as a home for many sea creatures gets more and more visitors every day. HMAS Brisbane, another famous wreck of the Great Barrier Reef, was used in both the Vietnam War and the first Gulf War and it can now be visited by scuba diving in Queensland’s waters.

Another awesome destination for wreck diving is Cozumel, better known for its drift diving. Felipe Xicotencatl, also known as C-53, is very popular for wreck diving in this area. Since 1999 this ship is a beautiful wreck to be visited by divers, along with other interesting wrecks such as Patzcuaro or Laguna Mandinga. Those who love practicing wreck diving love visiting Aruba too, which is famous for its delightful beaches. The German Antilla, sank at 60 feet, is often visited by those who practice scuba diving in Aruba.

If you are a wreck diving passionate you should also make sure you visit at least once the beautiful shipwrecks of Bahamas’ waters. You will find great dive sites that offer you the exciting mystery of wrecks such as Willaurie or Ray of Hope. Wreck diving is a special part of this sport and if you love it as well then you should not miss any of these beautiful destinations.

Off The Beaten Path: Winter Activities In Jackson Hole

Bison herd in high plateau

The Jackson Hole skiing area is often considered one of the best skiing destinations in the nation. The advanced trails, backcountry thrills and multitude of winter activities make it the perfect place for ski bums and vacationers to hang. Besides the obvious ski trails and mountain resorts, the Jackson Hole skiing area has a lot to offer thrill seekers.

Here are a few options for those ski enthusiasts looking for adventure off the beaten path:

Cross-Country Skiing

The Jackson Hole area offers many groomed and un-groomed trails for all cross-country expert levels. In Jackson Hole, skiing cross-country is more than just a recreational activity, however. It is an amazing opportunity to take in the splendor and beauty of Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding area.

Winter snows bring changes to the landscape and animals migrating or preparing to hibernate are often seen when cross-country skiing in remote areas. Remember, it is healthier for the animals if skiers observe through binoculars or high-powered lenses rather than trying to physically get as close as possible!

Heli-Skiing

Jackson Hole skiing also offers extreme thrill-seekers the opportunity to participate in a relatively new form of skiing called heli-skiing. Expert skiers or snowboarders can experience an amazing helicopter tour as they are lifted high above the valley floor to the untouched snow-fields of the Rocky Mountains. Skiing this pristine snow is often the highlight of any trip to the area. Heli-ski trips are typically exclusive and include a guide trained to find the best snow on the highest peaks and no more than five or six skiers.

Snowcat Skiing

One of the most unusual activities that Jackson Hole skiing offers is called snowcat skiing. For those groups who seek the thrill of heli-skiing but cannot afford its price tag, snowcat skiing is a great alternative. A snowcat is a tracked, truck-like vehicle that can literally climb snowy mountains. Trips usually take up to ten skiers and can cover up to 20,000 vertical feet in a day! It is the perfect way to push your skiing limits without emptying your pocketbook.

Dog Sledding

For some who visit Jackson Hole, skiing is not the only draw. The thrill of riding behind a pack of sled dogs as they twist and turn their way through snowy mountain trails is enough for even expert skiers to put their skis away for an afternoon! Jackson Hole is home to some of the most experienced sled drivers in the world. Several companies offer one-hour, half-day, full-day and even overnight trips to fantastic overlooks or hot springs pools.

Snowmobiling

For many in Jackson Hole, skiing takes a backseat to the thrill and excitement of snowmobiling through the amazing landscapes the area has to offer. Many companies offer guided tours into spectacular Granite Hot Springs, wildlife tours in the Gros Ventre area and even 2-3 day overnight trips. Floating on fresh powder, forging a trail where nobody has been before – these are the thrills that keep people coming back for more!

Jackson Hole offers even more winter activities like snowshoeing, mountain climbing, telemarking, sleigh rides and wildlife tours. It is truly a destination for everyone – families, retirees, extreme athletes and weekend skiers.

What You Can Expect From The Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

What You Can Expect From The Disney World's Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom was the first of Orlando’s Disney parks, constructed in 1971. Here you’ll find Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and the seven dwarves, Peter Pan, Mr. Toad and his wild ride, Dumbo, the Little Mermaid, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey, Goofy and Pinnochio!

Parents feel transported back to their childhood, while children experience the magic of Disney. Unlike other amusement parks, at Disney World Orlando every single detail, be it a sign, a plant arrangement, a costumed cast member or music, has been agonized over to transform the illusion into a very real world.

Once guests pass through the Main Street “opening credits,” as the Disneyworld imagineers call them, Tomorrowland appears to the right. This part of the Magic Kingdom was designed to look like the future, as 1920s science fiction writers imagined it. Space Mountain, a fast-moving indoor rollercoaster, is by far the most popular attraction at Disney, as a whole.

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