A few travel tips for visiting Incredible India

So I have been to Gujarat India a few times! I also have seen Bombay, New Delhi, Agra, Goa and Rajasthan. I came across some notes I kept to share with you all from my trips!

- Do you have germ-a-phobia? If so don't bother to go, you won't survive.
- Bring plenty of insect repellent. Avoiding a mosquito bite could save your life. Use the type of repellent that has Deet. My doctor said it's the first defense against disease.
- A Fly swatter could help take care of Mosquito when they take over the car or outhouse.
-If you are American Bring toilet paper or small packs of tissue. You can buy it here but it's not a common item. You will need it at least until you get used to using your hand. Also with using your hand pick one and stick with it, you need the other hand to eat.
-Remember a plug adapter, I forgot mine and it was a huge pain in the butt to try sharing
one.
- Wear flip flops or sandals that don't require much effort to take off or put on. Indians don't wear shoes in homes or most stores.
-Learn a couple words in the local language. I didn't and was lost in most conversations. I was also very limited because I had to wait for someone to translate for me to use the toilets or shop. I did plan to use a translator app but my tablet has been dead for a few days now...back to my tip about a plug adapter!

- When going shopping know that Indian people are into presentation, you will be there a while. Sit down, cross your legs Indian style and get comfy.
- If you have big feet or are plus size don't bother going shop to shop looking for things the selection will be very limited just get it made. There are at least two tailors on each block. They can make clothes or shoes in 24 to 48 hours turnaround time. Its not very expensive either considering $1 is equal to about 54 rupee. I wear a size 10  shoes which translates to a size 41 in India. I did end up finding shoes but it took forever to find. I really wanted a dress but it was hard to find a nice one in my size. When I did find one the pants to it where to small to cover my lady lump.
- Taste the flavors of India. I was worried about finding food. I ended up liking almost everything  I tried. Most Indians are vegetarian but I did find some chicken! My favorite dish was Kaju Curry. That's cashews cooked in curry seasoning. You can eat it with roti or rice.

My room at Le Kleber Hotel in Paris

Hello Friends,
I know its been a while since I have posted. Sometimes you are moving so fast you forget to stop and smell the roses or take a deep breath and appreciate all of the beauty surrounding you. This year I made first trip to Montreal Canada and Amsterdam, Netherlands! I have also been back to both Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire and Paris, France twice. I enjoy every excursion but the most rewarding trip was the one to Paris in May. Why you ask? My mother always dreamed of going to Paris and I was so proud that I could make that dream come true! A weekend in Paris just so mom could lay her eyes on the Eiffel Tower and celebrate her 67th birthday!!! We stayed the beautiful Hotel Kleber; a cozy, lavish, old town style, fairy-tale like hotel near Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower. The place was a bit pricey considering I am normally a budget traveler and can always find a couch to crash on! It ran about $150 usd a night with is fair for Paris especially for a double room with a Jacuzzi and a balcony! I didn't mind because I just wanted mom to be comfortable. They had great customer service, it was very clean and the decor was breathtaking! Continental breakfast was included with my room. The dining areas tables were set with glass dishes and silverware! There was a huge spread to choose from american style and European style breakfast variety!  Checkout their website HERE! Check out the pics below... You can also watch my video from youtube https://youtu.be/qELgpfNvYrs

The Lobby!

 The bathroom with a Jacuzzi! (above)

 Just half of the breakfast spread! (above)






The night view from the corner where my hotel stood! (left)










I love Paris and my mom had a fabulous trip. I will be making more postings soon! In the meantime click My Youtube Channel for videos from my Travels Across the World!
Thanks for stopping by!
Toodles for now,
Anjera

The Pearl Hotel New Delhi

I just got back from Incredible India! There so much to see and do there! I traveled around the country quite a bit in two weeks. One of the places I stayed was the the Pearl Hotel in Paharganj, New Delhi. It's a 3 star property with a lot of charm! I had a great stay at this hotel the staff was friendly and helpful. I booked this hotel on booking.com. They hotel called me direct the same day to find out if I needed the free pick up from the airport and immediately arranged for a driver. They also let me know I would be responsible to pay the parking fee for the driver. My cell service was not very clear but the hotel staff did the courtesy of texting me to confirm someone would meet me upon arrival. The driver was there waiting for me at The Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. He was very resourceful giving us tips on things to do and places to shop. When we arrived at the hotel the bell man came and took the bags inside before I could get all the way out of the van. We were greeted well by the front desk and escorted to our room. The bell man had a hard time setting up the free wifi for us he went back downstairs three times until it worked. The staff was very good about making sure our needs were met!

exuL Voyage Tours in West Africa

Bonjour!!! I haven't been doing much writing but I have been doing a lot of traveling! Check out my video playlist from Cote D' Ivoire (Ivory Coast) West Africa!!! From fabric making in the village of Bomizambo in Yamossoukro to the process of making the Ivorian dish Attieke in Blockhauss! Enjoy!!! Interested in touring West Africa? Contact exuL Voyage online at https://www.exulvoyage.com/!!! 

Abidjan travel tips

My travels have taken me to Abidjan in the Ivory Coast  (Cote D'Ivoire) of West Africa! I am on a tour with Exul Voyage travel company! I ran into a few stumbling blocks along the way. I hope your experience will be seamless so here are some tips to help you along the way!

For US citizens  make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months pass your date of entry. A visa is required! Try to do your Visa application at least three to four weeks in advance. Click here for passport requirements!  (Non US  passport holders please check requirements for your country online.) I did it one week in advance and ran into some minor issues. That cost me a day of my vacation. Making changes to your flight reservation can be very costly! You can save time and possibly money to get your visa upon arrival but you will need to do the application process online before arriving. Click here to learn more about visas upon arrival! Exul Voyage is more than happy to set up the visa and yellow fever vaccination on arrival. 

Get Yellow fever vaccination one month in advance. Your primary care provider, travel medicine clinic or local urgent care may be able to administer it. Also check with your medical insurance to find out if they will cover yellow fever vaccine. Mine did and that saved me from $125 -$350 dollars.
You must bring your yellow vaccine card to prove you have received it or you will be forced to take one in the airport upon arrival.

Learn a few French words, it will help tremendously because most Ivorians don't speak English. No matter where in the world you go a Hello, goodbye or thank you shows respect and goes a long way!
The currency is CFA; $100 USD = about 60,000 CFA ( yes, when you exchange money you'll feel rich!) It's best to exchange money in Cote D'Ivoire. Your host would be able to help with getting the best exchange rate!
When shopping Negotiate!!! You can get a better price if you try. Never settle for the first price you are given.

What to Pack
Tissue, it always comes in handy! (I like the small packaged ones that are normally sold in a bundle of six)
Washcloths (Like many other places in the world they don't use them)
Insect repellent
Hand Sanitizer
Luggage lock (pilferage is common in France and Africa)
Lightweight clothes (it's always hot in Africa)
Have suitable shoes, sneakers for walking, flip flops for the beach, dress shoes for dancing, etc. Africans are some of the most fashionable people I know and you will have a couple nights out on the town!
Don't bring your brand new sneakers many places you walk will be in the dirt.
A pouch or purse that goes around your waist or over your head so you can keep your valuables close when shopping in the market place.
Bathing suit and beach towel.
Snacks

Be prepared to wash your clothes out by hand if you want to wear them again. There are very few options for public laundry. Most clothes are washed by hand and laid on ground or hung on clothing lines to dry.
Let me mention that part of the tour will include a visit to a small school at Brahimakro Villiage. They operate without electricity or running water. As a donation please bring school supplies for the children there each classroom holds 30 - 40 students. Any donation is greatly appreciated!

I hope these tips will put your mind at ease as you prepare for your trip!
Happy Travels!!!

Psst...Take an all inclusive tour of West Africa with Exul Voyage! Click the link to book your vacation!!!