A Touch of Turkey in my Bathroom!

I love Moorish and Ottoman architecture. I have travelled extensively across North Africa, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and into the Middle East to marvel at such sights. I could never take enough photos of Moorish buildings with their elegant archways, domes, large wooden doors (I love doors!) and most of all, the beautiful tiles that graced nearly all wall space available – and then onto the ceilings.

Not long ago one of our bathrooms needed a complete renovation from its 1967 ‘purple’ decor. We knocked out a wall and completely opened it up, allowing more light in. I had already decided it was going to be a brighter, cheerier bathroom and decorated with two panels of tiles from Turkey. One has been placed above the tapware of the bath (see photo) and the other set into the wall cavity of the shower to be a useful shelf. I love this new space and now, I think of Turkey and my time travelling whenever I enter that bathroom!

What do you have in your home, that reminds you of some wonderful travel destinations you’ve visited? Please leave your comments below…

Words that vary between British and American English

During your travels, readings or even taking part in the world-wide arena of social media, how often have you seen words that are expressed that don’t quite seem right? Then you realise it’s the expression used from another part of the world. There are a number of differences that can be isolated between both British and American English.

I have compiled a short list of the words that immediately come to mind. Some of these have recently been reinforced after seeing my American travel Tweeps on Twitter use such expressions. Yesterday was a great example. As we move into Spring here in Australia, everyone in the States and Canada were embracing the arrival of ‘Fall’ – we refer to Fall as Autumn. Can you add to the following list?

BRITISH – AMERICAN
autumn – fall
band aid – plaster
biscuits – crackers
boot (car) – trunk
bureau de change – currency exchange
cafe – diner
caravan – trailer
chemist – drugstore
cheque – check
cupboard – closet
dummy – pacifer
footpath – sidewalk
holiday – vacation
injection – shot
jumper – sweater
kilometers – miles
lolly – candy
mobile phone – cell phone
nappies – diapers
petrol – gas
phone box – telephone booth
post code – zip code
roundabout – traffic circle
rubbish bin – trash can
tap – faucet
taxi – cab
travellers – travelers
travelling – traveling

“Divided by a Common Language” has numerous positive reviews as a great travel companion.

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Travelling With a Guide Book

I started much of my epic travelling before the internet and mobile phones were readily accessible. Therefore, I did rely heavily on the travel guide book for the information I required about destinations, accommodation, means of transport, local customs and pretty much everything to be reasonably well informed.

Being from Melbourne, also the home of the world renowned ‘Lonely Planet’ Guide Books, I was a loyal Aussie traveller that set off to travel the world with my Lonely Planet book under my arm – well shoved in my day-pack actually!

I now have a great selection of travel guides for various countries and continents that I have collected or borrowed during the years. These guide books are now all piled on my desk as reference points for my Blog, providing factual information or reminding me of my travels to various destinations. Many of them have notes scribbled inside them or bits of memorabilia collected that were once used as bookmarks.

I am more than aware that travelling has probably changed somewhat and the young-one’s are now backpacking with mobile phones, access to internet cafes and possibly even carrying a notebook (laptop). I wonder do they ever really experience that sense of remoteness and adventure?

For two and half months I travelled North Africa and was only able to phone home once. A couple of other times were tried at Central Post Offices but my money was sapped up in connection fees and generally being plain ripped off. I’m interested to hear from you if you are a young traveller, travelling with modern technology – do you ever truly experience that sense of remoteness and adventure? Do you bother with travel guide books? Please leave your comments below…

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A List of Currencies of the World

One of the many things I love about different travel destinations is that other than crossing borders, experiencing different cultures, the currencies of each country really lets you know that you are in foreign territory. The familiarising yourself with the local currency can sometimes be testing. Some are not that unlike what you have at home and may even be called by the same name (Dollars are very common) and others are so completing different in every possible shape or form, that it really can be difficult to get your head around the conversion rates.

Some currencies are quite beautiful in design and colour. Being an Australian I feel very proud of our notes and believe they are some of the most attractive you’ll find. In particular the $100 is quite stunning and frankly, I would like to see many more of them…in my purse!

Argentina – Peso
Australia – Dollar
Brazil – Real
Canada – Dollar
Chile – Peso
China – Yuan
Denmark – Krone
Eygpt – Pound
Fiji – Dollar
Great Britain – Pound
Hong Kong – Dollar
India – Rupee
Indonesia – Rupiah
Israel – Shekel
Japan – Yen
Jordan – Dinar
Laos – Kip
Malaysia – Ringgit
Mexico – Peso
Netherlands – Guilder
New Zealand – Dollar
Peru – Nuevo Sol
Phillipines – Pesos
Russia – Rouble
Saudi Arabia – Riyal
South Africa – Rand
Singapore – Dollar
Thailand – Baht
Turkey – Lira
Vietnam – Dong
United States – Dollar

A world currency converter I rely on:
Universal Currency Converter

I’ve not been to Europe for some time and certainly have not travelled there since the introduction of the Euro. I feel a bit sad that many of the currencies of these countries have been phased out but I am sure it would make travelling Europe so much easier. What’s your thoughts’ about the introduction of the Euro? Please leave your comments below.