Category Archives: Tip

What Not to Do in Russia

Posted on November 25, 2017 by smkelly8

My nephew is going to Russia for a semester starting in February. I’ve never been there, but here are some tips for him.

Posted in Experience, Tip | Tagged Russia, What not to do, YouTube find | Leave a comment

Traveling in Asia is a lot different than in North America or Europe. You need to prepare yourself for different bathrooms, traffic, negotiations and foods. There’s a lot to delight in, but you’ll enjoy yourself more if you are prepared. … Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, Beijing, China, Experience, Tip | Tagged convenience, safety, scams, travel tips, what to expect, what to pack | 6 Comments

Seoul’s Cafe Culture

Posted on June 2, 2016 by smkelly8

When I lived in Seoul there weren’t anywhere near as many kinds of cafés. I remember going to a Barbie™ café, but it ran out of business. The lamb café was quite close to where I was when I visited in … Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, Experience, Tip | Tagged animals, café, fun, Hello Kitty, Legos, Seoul, unique | Leave a comment

Jazzin’ at the Shedd

Posted on July 19, 2014 by smkelly8

Since it’s so expensive (usually $36 for adults) I haven’t been to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium in years. Probably 35 years. But a friend enticed me to try the Wednesday night “Jazzin’ at the Shedd” experience, which is just $18. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Activity, Bargain, Experience, North America, Tip, USA | Tagged Chicago, eels, fish, fun, Jazzin, jellyfish, sea creatures, sharks, Shedd, Shedd Aquarium, star fish, summer, Wednesday | Leave a comment

Inspiration Kitchens

Posted on January 24, 2014 by smkelly8

I had a great brunch on Saturday at Inspirations Kitchens’ 3504 W. Lake St, near Garfield Park. It’s a restaurant where homeless people are trained for careers in restaurants. The atmosphere was bright, artsy and cheerful. The service was swift … Continue reading →

Posted in Tip, USA | Tagged Chess pie, Chicago, French toast, Homelessness, Inspiration Corporation, Inspiration Kitchens, Pecan pie, restaurant | Leave a comment

Megabus, Where Were You?

Posted on July 22, 2013 by smkelly8

I tried Megabus for my return to Chicago from Champaign, IL. The price seemed good and the bus would get me in an hour before Amtrak. The bus was to leave at 5:15pm. At the bus station I asked the … Continue reading →

Posted in Tip, Transportation | Tagged Amtrak, Bus, Greyhound Lines, Megabus, poor service | 1 Comment

Insadong

Posted on June 19, 2013 by smkelly8

Insadong is one of my favorite places in Seoul, South Korea. It’s a neighborhood of tea houses, shops, art galleries and cultural demonstrations. It’s just fun to wander around. My favorite way to wind up an afternoon in Insadong is … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Asia, Experience, Place, Tip | Tagged South Korea, tea house, traditional | Leave a comment

Best Western Airport Hotel, Bangkok

Posted on April 11, 2013 by smkelly8

I had a layover in Bangkok so I decided to stay at a Best Western by the airport. Luckily, this was a great decision. The hotel shuttle was easy to find; the hotel personnel were friendly and spoke English well. … Continue reading →

Posted in Accommodations, Asia, Tip | Leave a comment

Night Train to Datong

Posted on April 8, 2013 by smkelly8

I had four days off in a row and took the opportunity to go to Datong so I could see the Yungang Caves and the Hanging Temple. Datong’s off the beaten path and there’s only one train a day there. … Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, Tip, Transportation | Tagged China, rail travel, trains | Leave a comment

Come On

Posted on September 26, 2012 by smkelly8

I followed my orders. I reminded the assistant that she needed to get our return tickets today. I did this first thing. She then replied to my email. Then we called her at 2:30 after the rest time to check … Continue reading →

Posted in Tip, Transportation | Leave a comment