30.Oct.2009 My #1 travel tip
I’m a pretty light sleeper. Normally, this isn’t so much of a problem. But when I’m staying in a hostel next to a construction site, or travelling on a 30-hour intercontinental bus, it can be horrible. Not to mention the fact that if I get less than eight hours, I look like a herion addict [...]
17.Oct.2009 How to dress like a French woman: An outsider’s observations of French style
(Françoise Hardy)
People the world over consider French women to be among the most stylish beings to walk the planet. But why?
I’ve lived in France for nine months now, and seen bits of the country from the north to the south and in between. And of course, it would be a huge generalisation to say that [...]
09.Oct.2009 Couchsurfing etiquette
Whether you’ve lined up a host on the Couchsurfing website, or you’re staying with a friend, there are some general rules that every houseguest ought to stick to in order to be invited over again. The focus at all times should be on making your stay a hassle-free affair.
Make solid plans
Don’t inconvenience your host by [...]
08.Oct.2009 10 ways to save money while travelling
Travelling can be a huge drain on your financial resources. Not only are you spending money on transport, accommodation and food, but you probably aren’t earning any money either. But it doesn’t have to be ridiculously expensive – there are ways in which you can save money when on the road.
1. Couchsurfing
Here’s the deal: sign [...]
02.Oct.2009 How to beat homesickness and find ‘home wellness’
(Paris at night, photo by me)
I’ve been living in France for almost nine months now. Being away from family and friends for an extended period of time, in a new city or country, can be a huge challenge and one that leaves some completely overwhelmed with homesickness. I’ve seen it happen plenty of times – [...]
30.Sep.2009 How to be negative without being a drag
(Photo by wadem)
Can postive thinking have a negative affect on our lives? According to sociologist Barbara Ehrenreichs, it certainly can – and does.
The positive thinking movement has been around for a while now – The Secret, anyone? – but Erhenreichs wants to change that, with her new book Bright Sided, which looks at “how the [...]
28.Sep.2009 The Fit: How to look stylish, no matter what your style
Open any fashion magazine and you’ll find a wealth of advice – and sometimes out and out insistence – on what to wear. Pants are out, dresses are in! Shoulders are bigger! It’s all about biker chic/bohemian nostalgia/power dressing!
It’s overwhelming.
Eventually a choice must be made: 1) to follow someone else’s advice mindlessly, looking at last [...]
