Disney Vacation Club Mouse
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Magical Mountain - Disney Vacation Club News | Columns | Travel | Forums | Emporium Disney Company News Disney Travel Center Magical Disney Forums Disney World Columns Theme Parks & Water Parks Disney World Resorts Disney World Dining Disney World Reviews Disney World Photos Downtown Disney Disney Cruise Line Disney Vacation Club Mouse | Tunes™ Podcast New Products Apparel Art of Disney Books Disney At Home Movies Music Disney iTunes Disney Pins Prints/Posters Theme Park Products Disney Auctions Disney Movie Reviews Disney Company Stock Magical Mountain Gear Countdown Clock Gear Mouse | Tunes™ Gear Enter Arrival Date 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 05 06 Enter Departure Date 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 05 06 Magical Mountain Toolbar Magical Countdown Clock Countdown Clock Member Area About Us Magical Mountain News Syndicated Content Scrapbook Advertising Contests Emporium Policies Privacy Policy Terms of Use Contact Us Disney Vacation Club Become part of the magic by owning a part of Disney through Disney's time-share, The Disney Vacation Club. Lastest DVC Resale Properties: Beach Club--150 Points--$12,750.00 Old Key West--230 Points--$16,560.00 Old Key West--84 Points--$4,200.00 Old Key West--62 Points--$5,208.00 Saratoga Springs--200 Points--$15,600.00 Boardwalk--100 Points--$8,400.00 Boardwalk--150 Points--$12,750.00 Old Key West--210 Points--$15,960.00 Beach Club--120 Points--$10,200.00 Beach Club--320 Points--$26,200.00 View All DVC Resale Properties So what is The Disney Vacation Club? Well it basically is Disney's versionof a time share. There are a number of benefits to joining the DVC. First, the value of the pointsthat you purchase will never change. The same value you receive today, will be thesame value you receive in 30 years. While the cost of staying at a Disney hotelrises by 5-10% per year, this is a great hedge against inflation.You also receive discounts on your Unlimited Magic Passes, discounts at Pleasure Islandand Disney Water Parks as well as 10% off merchandise at Disney Stores nationwide. The Vacation Point System When you become a Disney Vacation Club member, you purchase a real estate interestin the club. This real estate interest entitles you to an annual allotment of vacationclub points. The larger the real estate interest purchased, the more pointsyou are alloted. The minimum purchase amount of points allowed for purchase iscurrently 150. Your Home Resort You also have the benefit of being able to reserve at your home resort upto 11 months in advance of your check out date. Your home resort is the resort atwhich you purchased your interest ( Old Key West , Beach Club Villas , Boardwalk Villas , Vero Beach, Saratoga Springs , Hilton Head Islandand Villas at Wilderness Lodge ). You can reserve up to 7 months in advance at any other Disney Vacation Club location. For more information on a DVC Home Resort please click here to view Shontell Crawford's column about the ins and outs of theDisney Vacation Club. Member Getaways Another perk of being a Disney Vacation Club member is Member Getaways.Through Member Getaways, you can exchange your reserved Disney Vacation Club Resortaccommodations for over 300 fantastic destinations around the world, including selectpremier hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort and Walt Disney World Cruiseline. The member getaways include Internationalresort exchanges, Unites States resort exchanges, World Passport Collection, Concierge Collection,The Disney Collection, and The Adventure Collection. Disney Vacation Club by Resale Want to get a good deal on a DVC Resale? Click here to view Disney Vacation Clubproperties that are for resale by our affiliate partner, DVC By Resale. DVC By Resale is owned by Shontell Crawford, a licensed real estate broker dealing primarily with DVC property. Disney Vacation Club 2005 Annual Dues The following is a listing of per-point annual dues for 2005 Disney Vacation Club properties: Beach Club Villas - $4.26 Boardwalk Villas - $4.41 Hilton Head - $4.03 Old Key West - $3.86 Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa - $3.82 Villas at Wilderness Lodge - $4.35 Vero Beach - $4.86 Discuss the Disney Vacation Club in our Magical Forums Home - News - Columns - Travel - Forums - Emporium - Photos - Contact Us © 2002-2005 Magical Mountain, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Magical Mountain™ website is a hobbyist/enthusiast website for the fans of The Disney Company.Magical Mountain™ is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. Some images are © The Walt Disney Company. No part of this site may be reproduced without permission. Love Bug (Special Edition) Mickey And The Gang: Classic Stories ... 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South America Travel
Backpackers.com :: South America travel forums Home > South America > Forums 28 December, 2005 Browse By Destination All Regions South America » Argentina » Bolivia » Brazil » Chile » Colombia » Ecuador » Falkland Islands (Malvinas) » French Guiana » Guyana » Paraguay » Peru » S.Georgia & S.Sandwich Islands » Suriname » Uruguay » Venezuela Popular Destinations Current Temp: -- Amsterdam °C °F -- Barcelona °C °F -- Dublin °C °F -- London °C °F -- Paris °C °F -- Rome °C °F -- Sydney °C °F -- Venice °C °F -- Find: Whole Site Classifieds Directory Events Forum Hostels Newsletter Forums Select a Category all General Forum Travel Warnings Travel Buddies Select a Destination All Regions --------------------------- South America --------------------------- Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Falkland Islands (Malvinas) French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru S.Georgia & S.Sandwich Islands Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Backpacker Travel Forums Recent Topics -- » Start a New Topic » Narrow down the list by using the "Browse By Destination" box -- [Bahia] any tips of brasil? Jose Luis Porturas [South America] Great Vegas Site with Real Great Deals Janice Edwards [Brazil] help! kelly [South America] Volunteering Steve McElhinney [South America] Panama - Voyager Hostel Nick from Belgium [Buenos Aires] Apartment share in BA Lynne [Venezuela] MISSING astrid dv (Replies: 1) [Buenos Aires] What season to travel in? Jordan Chanler-Berat (Replies: 1) [Venezuela] Information Randy Castilla [Buenos Aires] travel buddies guillermo [Sao Paulo] visa tilia [Panama City] Verry verry Bad Nicolas Lippens [South America] Bewar of ALAN ROOSTER Holger Fuss [Chile] Best Route from Lima to the tip of SA drew (Replies: 1) [Rio de Janeiro] Travel buddy Javier Alejandro Garca [San Carlos de Bariloche] anyone here or headed this way? Anna (Replies: 1) [Quito] Ecotourism Martijn [Peru] What to do? Where to go? Advice please! Josh (Replies: 2) [Brazil] iguazu fall informations fred [Brazil] iguazu fall informations fred [Argentina] Spanish Anonymous [Brazil] recommendations? Anonymous [Brazil] Travel buddy agus [Caracas] TURSIM JOSE CLANDIO COSTODIO [Venezuela] sailing in carib and south america bonja [Iquitos] need some help Yliana Vela [Bolivia] Advice on South America Luke Wright (Replies: 1) [Lima] Travel Companion Barron Reyes [Buenos Aires] Travel companions? Andrew (Replies: 1) [Chile] Travelbuddies for Chile, patagonia and Peru wanted..! Tanja [Rio de Janeiro] Music / Rio 14th Jan to 14th Feb 2006 Stefan (Replies: 3) [Lima] Stay with Peruvian Family OMAR [Sao Paulo] Travel buddy Hanna (Replies: 1) [Salvador] Travel Buddy HANNA [Rio de Janeiro] shared apartment damon farry (Replies: 1) [Mendoza] cervesa por favor alexander kennedy [Brazil] looking to travel inland for quiet, waterfalls, nature Trin [South America] See you in South America. Inti (Replies: 2) [Puerto Iguazu] looking for partners Larish hanna (Replies: 1) [South America] TRAVEL BUDDYYYY adrienne coombs (Replies: 2) [Venezuela] travel buddy and info nick [Peru] Dating Markus Strobel [South America] Mexico to South America - travel buddies and advice needed! Kate Lister (Replies: 3) [Brazil] travel buddies needed- late July 06 Jenny Chang [Ecuador] surfing and paragliding info, PLEASE HELP tommy [Peru] surfing and paragliding spots PLEASE HELP tommy (Replies: 1) [El Calafate] thanksgiving Ronit Schwartz [Rio de Janeiro] arriving on December 21st until Jan 4th looking for a travel buddy Ray (Replies: 1) [Peru] Nasca mummies Rebecca (Replies: 1) [Cusco] travel to Cusco-Peru Doris Gomales (Replies: 1) 1 2 3 4 Next » Start a New Topic Please be considerate to others when posting messages in the Forums. The Forums are a place for travellers to exchange travel advice and personal views, not for abuse and spamming! General Rules Search Whole Site Classifieds Directory Events Forum Hostels -- home | directory | forums | classifieds | events | hostels tell a friend | f.a.q | contact us | your privacy | terms of use | link to us | advertise with us ©1996-2005 Backpackers.com. All rights reserved. Served fresh on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 14:36:57
Europe Travel 101 -
Taking the Train in Europe - Rail Travel Info from Europe for Visitors You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Europe for Visitors Taking the Train in Europe What you need to know about rail travel in Europe. Is taking the train better than taking a car? Well, it depends on what you want to see. Here are a few considerations: Train Travel Plusses Car Travel Plusses Trains allow you to move easily between cities and European capitals. Most train stations are located near the tourist centers and have hotels nearby. No parking worries. With an unrestricted Eurail Pass, you can get on and off when you wish, often without the hassle of dealing with ticketing agents. You can take the train on a rainy day just to see the scenery, without having to worry about the unscheduled expense. You can sleep on the train, saving travel time and some of the cost of a hotel. You can pay full attention to the scenery at hand--or read a book. You can meet with and talk to the locals--or get travel info from other travelers, while you're moving on to your next destination. It's easy to get to small, out-of-the-way towns and hidden romantic getaways. Go where you want, when you want. You don't have to go by someone else's timetable. Visit sites out in the countryside without having to sign up for an expensive tour. When in transit, you can leave your luggage in the car (albeit at some risk!) Many people can travel at the same cost. Train Travel Minuses Car Travel Minuses If you want to experience an event in the countryside, you'll most likely have to sign on to an expensive tour. Usually, two people travel for double what one person can travel for. A large family traveling on a train is usually quite a bit more expensive than renting a car, especially in northern Europe, where train fares tend to be higher. On the other hand, keeping young children entertained may be easier on the train. In a major city, you'll have to deal with parking and related fees, if you can figure out how to get to your destination in the first place. You'll have to deal with the worries involved with driving in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar rules. Young children may not like long journeys in the car. If you're traveling with a large group of people, want to visit small towns, and like to drive in Europe, then it's a no-brainer--you'll want to rent or lease a car . But if you're a single traveler or couple who wishes to visit the great capitals of Europe, then train travel might just be the best bet for you. There are options for people who want both experiences as well. A Rail 'n Drive Pass allows you to use both modes of transport. The EurailDrive ( buy direct or get information ) Pass, for example, allows you four days first class train travel and two full days of car rental over a two month period. Rail Passes If you're intent on seeing many large cities in a limited amount of time it might save you considerable money to purchase a rail pass. Most passes for European tourists require you to buy them ahead of time in your own country. In the '70s the issue was simple. You bought a Eurail Pass or you didn't. The pass was valid for a solid period. In other words, you bought a month's pass and it was good for unlimited first-class rail travel during that month--all you needed to do once you had your pass was to flash it at the conductor and go. Only if you wanted a sleeping compartment did you need to purchase a supplement. Lately the options have multiplied enormously. So have the complications in using and understanding them. See Rail Passes - Which Rail Pass is Right for Your Vacation . Rick Steves' How Railpasses Work is an excellent primer on getting to understand railpasses. Another good resource is The Backpackers Ultimate Guide to Rail Travel in Europe . You can purchase just about any pass you can think of from Rail Europe . And What if I want to see the countryside as well as the major cities? European trains go to many small cities and towns, but for the smaller towns not serviced by trains you'll often find a local bus making a round trip between your city and the town you wish to visit--busses scheduled so the locals can shop in the big city and get back before dark. Your best bet is to check out the bus stations in the city in which you're staying. Local bus lines with an Internet presence can be found at Budget Travel's excellent Europe Bus Transportation page. The other alternative is a tour. Huge, lumbering busses can be seen on all roads in the most remote areas of Europe during the season. Check at the local tourist office or at your hotel check-in desk. For other transportation ideas, see our Transportation links. For scenic train routes, see Scenic Rail Journeys in Europe. For tips on buying tickets and riding the train, see 10 top train tips . From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! 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Chicago Vacation
Chicago vacation tips? | Ask MetaFilter MetaFilter AskMeFi Projects MetaTalk December 28, 2005 2:55 PM PST Home Archives Tags Search Login New User Tags: chicago tourism November 8, 2005 Chicago: I'm visiting Chicago for the first time in a couple of weeks. I'll be there for the weekend with a friend, staying at the Hotel Allegro , and I'm looking for suggestions regarding fun things to do. Where should I go and what should I see? For example: Is the Museum of Contemporary Art worth the trip? Is the Navy Pier a waste? Is the train a convenient way to get around, or am I better off renting a car? What sort of attractions are within a reasonable distance of my hotel (located, I believe, in the Loop). That sort of thing. I've already got tickets to the Second City. Thanks in advance. posted by gd779 to travel & transportation at 5:39 AM PST the responses to my question earlier this year were pretty dang helpful. posted by sluggo at 5:54 AM PST on November 8 The Allegro is right in the Loop and you're right near the trains, so you have lots of options. You're within blocks of shopping (State Street), theaters, and lots of mid to high end resteraunts and bars. Millenium Park is about a 5 minute walk. The Art Institue is about a 15 minute walk away. For loads of shopping Michigan Avenue (the Magnifcent Mile) is 15-20 minutes away on foot. It's all pretty touristy where you are, so it depends what you're into. I've never found anything fun about Navy Pier, but if you're looking for carnival food or overpriced t-shirts that's the place to go. Check Gaper's Block (from MeFite Me3dia) for a look at some of the cooler things happening in the city while you're here. CitySearch and MetroMix have even more things to look at. posted by Slack-a-gogo at 5:56 AM PST on November 8 See also here posted by einarorn at 5:58 AM PST on November 8 Just about any of the museums are a full-day visit, including the Art Institute. If you are using public transportation, Argyle street and Devon make for pleasant international shopping and dining, low key and few crowds. (Red line north to Argyle. Devon is a bus trip.) Public transportation in the central Chicago area is great unless you have plans to get into the surrounding suburbs. posted by KirkJobSluder at 6:19 AM PST on November 8 If you're looking for bars and clubs and things that less touristy check out the Reader . The paper is free and can be found all over the city. It comes out on Thursday afternoons, and from the Allegro you can pick one up at Rock Records, which is exactly one block South on Washington (it's at about the same spot on that block as the Allegro is on Randolph). There are loads of ads and listings, so you should definitely be able to find something to do. TimeOut is also now in Chicago, and you can pick that up anywhere that sells magazines. posted by Slack-a-gogo at 6:19 AM PST on November 8 Oh, I love the Hotel Allegro. I put my maid of honor up there as a thank you when she came into town for my wedding. I think you'll be absolutely fine with relying on the train/buses. If you need to get somewhere that's not really accessible for whatever reason, you'll be able to get a cab really easily. I enjoyed going to Chinatown. You can take the Red Line south a few stops. It's not like San Fransisco or New York, but it's fun. posted by sugarfish at 6:27 AM PST on November 8 The Pier is nice for an hour or so but it's primarilly food and drink. There's the Shakespeare Theatre there if you're so inclined, tho. In the summer Second City runs shows there as well - I saw The Trial of Friar Lawrence there and it was superb. The aquarium is awesome too. I resisted going, having grown up in Miami and with no shortage of great aquatic displays, but went on my most recent visit and it was excellent. Beautiful, well laid-out and well worth the money. The perfomance shows are corny as such things always are, but still neat. Presumably they're done screwing around with the bean so make sure you go see it. It seems like a moronic concept but it's impressive up close. And take a picture . posted by phearlez at 6:35 AM PST on November 8 Whoops - I meant to suggest going to one of the Second City shows while you're there, too. posted by phearlez at 6:35 AM PST on November 8 When I was in Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised that I could get a five day bus/train pass [not including the Metra] for $18. This was definitely the way to go for travelling. There were very few places that I couldn't get to this way, be sure to bookmark their trip planner . posted by jessamyn at 6:36 AM PST on November 8 If you do decide you'd rather not take the Bus or trains, just take cabs. By the time you rent a car and pay for parking you'll come out close enough to even that it's worth it to pay for the convenience. posted by Wallzatcha at 6:41 AM PST on November 8 If you'll be using public transportation, use this site or just call 836-7000 from any Chicago area code and they'll plan your trip for you (i.e. tell you where to get on, get off, and transfer). posted by jtron at 7:11 AM PST on November 8 These may be a little too off the beaten path for your visit, but catching a show by The Neofuturists or browsing the stacks at Quimby's Bookstore will yield unexpected pleasures. If you opt to visit the more readily accessible Shedd Aquarium - may as well walk an extra block and catch the show at Adler Planetarium as well. Great views of the city from out there. posted by tristero at 7:13 AM PST on November 8 The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the greatest Modern Art collections in the world. If you like art, don't miss it. posted by scottr at 7:14 AM PST on November 8 I would recommend Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind The historical society offers tours of the city via the brown and purple lines on Saturday and Sunday. Navy Pier is not a waste if you would like to see an IMAX movie, eat at McDonalds, or buy something that says Chicago on it. I think the art museum and the Shedd are great. posted by srburns at 7:17 AM PST on November 8 The Allegro is great, the restaurant downstairs (320 Grille?) has the BEST scallops appetizer I have ever had. There is a fondue restaurant on the north side called Geja's (I believe it's pronounced "yay-ya's"). It's a good time, celler-like environment, full 3 or 4 course meal. Make a night of it, and expect to spend $50-$75 a person. Also, Mambo Grill on Clark street has amazing latin food. Don't rent a car- it's just too expensive. You can get everywhere you need to go by El or train. Thumbs up on Art museum, thumbs down on Navy Pier, especially in cold weather. The Field museum and Shedd Aquarium are both fun, and farther south The Museum of Science and Industry is amazing. If you are interested in Chicago history, the main building is what's left of what was built for the World's Fair in 1893. Check out " Devil in the White City " posted by bradn at 7:18 AM PST on November 8 The Art Institute is worth seeing, even if the layout is infuriating for the modern works. I like to go there for two hour chunks with a clear idea of what I want to see, in order to avoid museum fatigue (though I can go longer, usually the people I'm with start to whine like babies in the face of all the art. Also, I'm not shy about skipping stuff I think is crap in order to sit for ten minutes in front of the Rothkos. Which you should do.) The Museum of Contemporary Art is usually pretty solid, and can be done in an hour. The Contemporary Photography Museum is small, but absolutely fantastic with its rotating shows, and can also be done in an hour (and is an easy walk from the AI). Aside from that, if you feel like trecking, you can visit the Brookfield Zoo. It's an excellent spot if you're either with kids or on drugs. Or both. Even if you're not, the Rainforest exhibit is worth seeing sooner or later, but I'd be hard pressed to make the trip from the loop that far out just to see it. The Museum of Science and Industry is OK, if you want to feel wistful for the great public works projects of yesteryear, and feel deeply frustrated with the screaming children that decend like locusts to break everything tangible around while their parents ignore them. Most of the really cool stuff is gone, and computer monitors have replaced a lot. Instead of having an emphasis on the sheer achievement and monumentalism that made Modernism so amazing, it's turning into just a large hands-on museum, and one cluttered with the garrish and transient. Though they do have a WWII sub as a last gasp grab towards The History Channel viewers. The Aquarium is top-notch (though I again recommend drugs to push the experience over the edge into truly fantastic), but can have an ungodly wait to get in, especially on the weekends and whichever day of the week is the cheap one. You should see it at least once in you life though, it's really great. My second favorite aquarium, next to the one in Monterey Bay, California (which is totally different in scale and emphasis-- the one in Chicago is just huge and gorgeous, but there's no interaction with the fish). Right next door is the under-rated Museum of Natural History, which I enjoy quite a bit. But I also enjoy looking at the giant rings of trees, dinosaur skeletons and old decrepit mummies, so your milage may vary. For all of those places, you should endeavor to keep a few dollars with you for the plastic models that are die-cast right in front of you. They're probably toxic and cause cancer, but they're so damned cool. I'm working on a full set... If you like music, you should look to Out of the Past records, a dusty anarchic set of vinyl (seriously, no order at all) that has so many hidden treasures that it should be declared on the national registry. It's near the Museum of Science and Industry. Dusty Groove is good too, if you've got some time to kill and are around Wrigleyville. Lots of out-of-print stuff. Totally easy to blow cash there. I dropped $50 like breathing, and I'm a cheapskate... posted by klangklangston at 7:52 AM PST on November 8 Navy Pier will make your soul hurt for a couple of days hence. If you brave Michigan Ave. for shopping or the desire to get your toes stepped on, I'd recommend going to the top of the Hancock. It's a great view of the city and you can have a $12 martini. posted by MarkAnd at 7:53 AM PST on November 8 If you get a chance, try an Ino's burrito-- you won't regret it. There's also a nice little thai place on Michigan Ave. right near the Art Institute that's surprisingly cheap and pretty tasty. Or there's the Chicago Diner, if you go for upper-middle-class vegetarian food. posted by klangklangston at 7:53 AM PST on November 8 Oh, I second the Neo-futurists (or rather, I third it) - TMLMTBGB is the best! The architectural boat tour is one of my favorite things to do in the Chi - it's probably too cold for that, though, so maybe one of the walking tours sponsored by the architects? I know it sounds boring, but it's actually really interesting and fun and pretty. And please eat some pizza. Mmm, pizza. And also, don't get a car, you don't need one, and it would be a pain to park -- public transportation in Chicago rocks (and don't discount the buses, I love the bus system in Chicago). The bar at the top of the Hancock building has great views, too, if the weather is clear. posted by echo0720 at 8:30 AM PST on November 8 As others have noted, if you care even a smidge about art The Art Institute is a must. It's my favorite art museum in the US. Do not miss its spectacular collection of Joseph Cornell's work--the largest one anywhere. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a wide array of tours . If the weather is not abominable I highly recommend the river cruise. Devon street was mentioned--this is a great place to eat Indian food. If you like German food, the Berghof is a classic and very popular at lunch. And much to my chagrin as someone who grew up on the West coast and has been eating MExican food all my life, my hands down favorite Mexican restaurants are in Chicago-- Frontera Grill and Topolbampo . posted by donovan at 10:01 AM PST on November 8 Oh yeah, lemme recommend TMLMTBGB as well. Excellent. posted by klangklangston at 10:31 AM PST on November 8 These are all great suggestions, thanks! posted by gd779 at 10:47 AM PST on November 8 Go to the Hideout . Best music in a city which abounds in beautiful noise. posted by felix betachat at 11:36 AM PST on November 8 MeTa . (Just in case the dates work, gd779.) posted by felix betachat at 12:21 PM PST on November 8 Second the Hideout, definitely. Also second (third/fourth/whatever) the Art Institute, in particular the modern collection -- and the Joseph Cornell collection is, indeed, not to be missed. As for restaurants, I always love going to Reza's when I'm back in Chicago -- the fessenjen (cornish hen in pomegranate sauce) is spectacular. On the fancy-schmancy end, if you're in the mood (and have the means!), Blackbird is stellar -- I had one of the greatest meals of my life there. posted by scody at 12:26 PM PST on November 8 Check out Wicker Park starting with the intersection of Damen, North and Milwaukee. It's still a little piece of heaven in some respects. Record shops, coffee shops, thai food, noodle shops, the Double-Door and all sorts of assorted tomfoolery can be had. The Hideout isn't too far north of there either. You'll be on Randolph street which has undergone a huge resurgence. All sorts of awesome stuff if you get on Randolph and head west. Also, as touristy as it is, the area of Wells and Division has Second City and cool things to see. For Blues, avoid Kingston Mines and the neck-high frat crowd and head over to Rosa's on West Armitage. Of course you could always come to our meetup! ;) posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:39 PM PST on November 8 ON REVIEW: The Out of the Past record store is NOT near the Museum of Science and Industry, despite my visiting it on the same day and somehow believing that it was. Out of the Past is at 4407 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60624. I still recommend you go there. posted by klangklangston at 5:12 PM PST on November 8 I love the area around Clark and Belmont Ave...get off the El at Belmont, walk to Clark, turn left and walk up the street toward Wrigley Field. Lots of cool shops and things there. You should also stop in the Marshall Fields flagship store on State Street. This is nothing like the Marshall Fields stores in the mall. It's a definite experience. Plus the Christmas windows will be done by then, so check those out. : ) posted by SisterHavana at 1:05 PM PST on November 10 « Older I love my lotus lamp. I hate t... | My company has an ISDN2 link w... 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Austria Travel
Ernest H. Robl: Austria travel data Specializing in Travel and Transportation Subjects For More than 30 years Stock Photography / Illustrated Articles AustrianTravel Data (for"The Slow side of the Danube") Where to get additionalinformation Austria (general) For additional information on the Wachauregion on the north shore of the Danube, contact Austrian National Tourist Office (click toconnect to Web site) P.O. Box 1142 New York, NY 10108 or Austrian National Tourist Office 500 Fifth Ave., Suite 2009 New York, NY 10110 (212) 944-6880 Austrian National Tourist Office 11601 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2480 Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 477-3332 Austrian National Tourist Office 500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1950 Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 644-8092 The Austrian National Tourist Office canalso provide some information on rail travel in Austria and theAustrian Federal Railways. Rail Travel Railroads are an important part ofAustria's transportation infrastructure. Austria, about the sizeof the U.S. state of Maine, contains some 3,500 route-miles oftrack -- with most still served by passenger trains. (That's morethan enough track to stretch diagonally across the continentalU.S. from Seattle to Miami.) For general information on rail travel inEurope, including currently available rail passes, contact Rail Europe (click toconnect to Web site) 230 Westchester Ave. White Plains, NY 10604 (800) 4-EURAIL (Rail Europe is a marketing subsidiary ofthe French National Railways, which also represents otherEuropean railroad administrations in North America.) Information on rail travel in Europe isalso available from Forsyth Travel Library (click toconnect to Web site) 9154 W. 57th St. Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-9968 1-800-FORSYSTH (1-800-367-7984) or (913) 384-3440 (This company specializes in sellingEuropean rail passes, a wide range of travel literature[guidebooks, maps, etc.], and travel accessories.) Keep in mind that brochures available fromthese organizations (and your local travel agents) emphasizeconnections between major cities -- and that most maps containedin them depict highly-simplified versions of route systems. Rick Steves: Europe through the back door (clickto connect to Web site) Rick Steves, best known for his Europeantravel programs shown on PBS stations, also offers extensive railtravel information and European rail passes through his own Website. Steam Trains Information on special steam excursiontrains in Austria is available from larger stations. Ask about orlook for posters advertising "Nostalgie" or"Dampf" trains. Or, mention your interest in thissubject when inquiring with the Austrian National Tourist Office. Schedule Information If you travel on secondary lines inAustria, a copy of the comprehensive Austrian rail schedule bookis a good investment. It's about the size of a paperback noveland contains about 1,000 pages of thin paper. Schedules are easy to decipher, even if youdo not read German. The introductory material includes a sectionin English which also explains symbols used in timetables. Afold-out map shows route numbers. Schedules are arranged by routenumber. The book is available at ticket counters atmost rail stations in Austria. Ask for the "InlandKursbuch." An appendix even includes schedules for theDanube steamers. You'll have to purchase this book (about$9) after you get to Austria; it is not available in the U.S. The Austrian Federal Railways(sterreichische Bundesbahnen or BB) have an excellent scheduleinquiry Web site . You canfind connections and complete schedules for various routes byclicking on the above link. ###ehr ### Returnto Danube travel feature. Returnto travel feature main page. [Business] [Transportationdata] [Stockphoto newsletters] [Ernest H. Robl Home Page] [Feedback(e-mail)]