HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: potekhin@vxcrna.cern.ch (POTEKHINE,MAXI./PPE)
Subject: Re: Caracas stopover + Margarita
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    
Organization: European Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 17:46:00 GMT

Hi,
  there's an EXTREMELY helpful tourist/info agency in the airport.
Options: go to Caracas, or go to Macuto, which is somewhat closer.
The agent is going to advice you on the price range.
Bargain hard on taxi fare though !
     Margarita is a tourist trap. Nothing-in-the-middle-of-nothing.
Some salt water though.
     Spending a night in the airport is no fun AT ALL.
Good luck,

                     **********************************************************
Maxim Potekhin,      *     The lizards on a certain hillside have reported    *
Columbia U / CERN    *     that the stones expect God to manifest Himself     *
(212) 222 33 29 NYC  *     among them in the form of a stone                  *
      767 84 34 GVA  **********************************************************
Newsgroups: rec.travel
From: joel@math.toronto.edu (Joel Chan)
Subject: Re: Visa for Hong Kong and China
Organization: Department of Mathematics, University of Toronto
Distribution: na
Date: Sat, 19 Dec 92 19:14:52 GMT

Hi folks.

In article <1gtnb2INNh4k@LEOPARD.ZOO.CS.YALE.EDU> yan-dicky@cs.yale.edu (Dicky Yan) writes:
>alie@csl.dl.nec.com (Andrew Lie) wrote:
>
>>Does anyone know whether a tourist visa is required (she carries US passport)?
>>If it is required, could someone provide the phone numbers of both the
>>HK and China's consulate?
>
>Hong Kong Consulate does not exist at all. Hong Kong is a British colony; it 
>is not a country. I guess you should check the visa question with the British
>Embassy nearest to you. That is a question I also want to know. I would
>expect you need to apply for a visa or some kind of permission,
>since HK nationals need to have a visa to come into the US. 

With US or Commonwealth Passports, visas are not needed for entry into
Hong Kong.  All you need to do is fill out that form during your flight
to Hong Kong and you're done.  I believe it is also the case that for some
countries you need proof of vaccination, but for the US and Canada it is
not required.  You are allowed entry for 3 months without a visa.  If you
need to stay longer, contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department to
apply for an extension visa.

For entering China a visa *is* required.  You can apply to the Chinese
Consulate nearest you (I believe it is in the rec.travel FAQ), or if
you are going into China from Hong Kong, you may apply for your visa there.
I believe the China Travel Service is responsible for accepting visa
applications in Hong Kong.

Cheers and have a Merry X'mas everyone.

Joel
-- 
Joel Chan, Department of Mathematics	  	 joel@math.toronto.edu
Toronto Blue Jays: 1992 World Series Champions
"History: Those who ignore it are condemned to repeat it.  Math, too."
				    -From the comic strip "Betty"
From: P.Jennings@frcl.bull.fr (Philip Jennings)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Car rental in U.S.
Keywords: car, rental, USA
Date: 14 Dec 92 13:26:59 GMT
Reply-To: P.Jennings@frcl.bull.fr (Philip Jennings)
Distribution: usa

Could someone supply me with addresses and telephone numbers of car rental
companies in the U.S.? I'm interested in the following companies (plus any
other national companies which I may have forgotten) :

Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, Thrifty, Dollar.

Please don't give me 1-800 telephone numbers, as I can't use them from
France. Anyway, I'd prefer the addresses.

I'd prefer replies by e-mail. Thanks in advance.
-- 
Philip JENNINGS		<P.Jennings@frcl.bull.fr>
From: graeme@hart.actrix.gen.nz (Graeme Hart)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Re: [Q] Malaysia (KL) shopping - computer parts
Date: 17 Dec 92 6:12:25 GMT

jstark@mcshh.Hanse.DE (Jens Stark @ Point of Presence & MCS Hamburg) once wrote....
>HI !
>
>Any chance to buy computer equipment in KL ?
>( HDs, SIMMs etc... )
>
>Jens
>

Yes, but it has a tax (around 25% I think) on it, so Singapore is probably 
better.
----
Graeme Hart                                     Telephone:  64 4 3829124  
graeme@hart.actrix.gen.nz                       Snail Mail: PO Box 11865    
                                                            Wellington       
                                                            New Zealand

Xref: sparky rec.travel:16629 rec.railroad:9850
From: rnewman@bbn.com (Ron Newman)
Newsgroups: rec.travel,rec.railroad
Subject: Italian railways--is 1st class worth it?
Date: 14 Dec 1992 20:11:49 GMT
Organization: Bolt, Beranek & Newman, Inc.
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: spcsun25.bbn.com

I will be travelling to Italy in a few days and expect
to ride one or more of these routes: Milan-Rome,
Rome-Florence, Florence-Venice, Venice-Milan.

Is it worthwhile to buy a 1st class ticket on any
of these?    What would I get that I would not get
in 2nd class?

Also, are there any particularly interesting views from
any of these trains?

-- 
Ron Newman		rnewman@bbn.com
Newsgroups: rec.travel
From: gei058@cck.coventry.ac.uk (/\/\anc)
Subject: Re: Canaries in February?
Organization: Coventry University
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 11:27:37 GMT

In article <1gk5nrINNlpl@pollux.usc.edu> tsudik@pollux.usc.edu (Gene Tsudik) writes:
>Gentlefolk:
>
>I'm trying to gather some info on Canary islands in the winter.
>What I have in mind is mid- to late February. 
>The tourist brochures claim that both air and water temperatures 
>linger around 20-22 Celsius. I wonder is there is any truth to this?
>What's the weather like in general at that time of the year?
>
>Lanzarotte (spelling?) is the place that looks mildly attractive but I'm 
>open to other suggestions, e.g., Tenerife or Gran Canaria. 
>
>Any other details about Canaries would be much appreciated.
>Snorkling any good? Mountain biking? Hiking? Running? (I figure that 
>windsurfing must be great as they get lotsa wind.) Any experiences
>with small kids (we've got a two-year-old)? 
>
>Also, rumor has it that Canaries are overrun with Germans in the winter
>sorta like Americans swarm the Carribean. I've no problem with that
>other than, well, I'd really like to stay at a place with some 
>multinational flavor. Any comments?
>
>
>Thanks a lot,
>Gene
>
>-------------------------
>screw all disclaimers...
>
>-- 
>----------------------
>Gene Tsudik, Member FDIC

I can only say things about Tenerife as that is the only one that I have been
to. You are right about the windsurfing.....the Canaries do get wind and thus
the windsurfing is good. Sometimes the winds/waves are good enough for 
surfing. I believe that all the major islands are good for the kids as most
hotel/apartment complexes provide pools and entertainment for them and the 
rest of the family. In respect to the over-running by the Germans....
...you can guarantee that they will have their towels out before you all year!
One bad point though...all the airports are pretty diabolical and charge 
absurdly high prices....we spent over 10 pounds for four cans of coke and two
sandwiches so I would advise you to take some form of food/drink just in case
you get delayed as is usually the case!

Cheers

Alan

PS have a ggod holiday anyway

-- 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
| Name: A C Garner  |   Remember.......we ARE the chosen people.........     |
| Alias: /\/\anc    |   email: gei058@uk.ac.cov.cck                          |
From: yan-dicky@cs.yale.edu (Dicky Yan)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Re: Lockers at Schipol Airport
Date: 18 Dec 1992 18:30:06 -0500
Organization: Yale University Computer Science Dept., New Haven, CT 06520-2158
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: leopard.zoo.cs.yale.edu

Sandip Kundu (kundu@watson.ibm.com) wrote:

: I am planning a little stop over in Europe on my way to India.
: I have no intention of carting my luggage (32" samsonite
: soft-side) around and would like to stow it away at Schipol
: airport, Amsterdam. I called a KLM customer service representative.
: She told me that there are lockers available at Amsterdam airport
: but she has no idea if they are large enough to hold such
: suitcases.

: I will appreciate answers from those who have availed this
: service at Amsterdam. Do they have full-service concierge
: available, if so how much do they cost ?

: Sandip

I have used the lockers at Schipol airport before, but that was
like in the Summer of 1984. I remeber I put my big suitcase into
the locker and put coins in. There was a timer and if I do not put more
money or remove the suitcase after X hours (X is a certain number I have
forgotton. I guess X=24??), the suitcase will be removed and I will have
to pay more to get it back. So I think locker facilities exists. But

 * you may need coins

 * you may not be able to keep it there for too long

But that was 8 yrs. ago. Things may have changed.
Dicky


Organization: Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 17:59:27 -0500 
From: David Gay <dg3i+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Princeton NJ

Hi,

I'm considering relocating from Pittsburgh to Princeton and
was interested in hearing people's opinions on the Princeton
area.  Things of interest include cost of living, population
density, camping/hiking areas near by, trips to NYC, Phily,
etc.  Please respond to these  addresses: jts@csssun1.pgh.wec.com
or jtstringer@cis.wec.com.

Thanks,
Jeff
Newsgroups: rec.travel
From: vlue@cadence.com (Vincent Lue)
Subject: New Year's Eve in St. Petersbufy/Tampa
Organization: Cadence Design Systems
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1992 23:53:35 GMT

I plan to stay New Year's Eve in St. Petersburgh/Tampa area in Florida. 
Any suggestion on where to go for that night ? (club, party ... )

Thanks in advance !!

Vincent 
Cadence Design System
555 River Oaks Pkwy.
San Jose, CA 95134

Newsgroups: rec.travel
From: delphine@riemann.math.mun.ca (Delphine Au)
Subject: Anyone hear of "PROMOTIONAL TRAVEL"?
Organization: CS Dept., Memorial University of Newfoundland
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 00:12:45 GMT

Hi,

I just got a terrific offer from this company (based in Florida) called
Promotional Travel.

It includes 4 days in Orlando and 2 days at Daytona Beach for $429 US
for 2 adults and 2 children.  It includes hotel and breakfast only.

Have anyone ever heard of this comapny?

What are your thoughts to this offer?

Thanks,

Delphine

-- 
| DELPHINE  AU     | delphine@garfield.cs.mun.ca                         |
| Computer Science | Memorial University of Newfoundland                 |
|        Smart     :  When you only believe half of what you hear...     |
|        Brilliant :  When you know which half to believe!!              |
From: liu@cs.ucsd.edu (Haining Liu)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Visiting grand canyon etc next week
Date: 15 Dec 92 10:42:31 GMT
Article-I.D.: sdcc12.42579
Distribution: na
Organization: =CSE Dept., U.C. San Diego

A few of us will visit  Grand Canyon, Sedona, 
Glen, Zion and Bryce canyon areas.
Coming from So. Calif, we have 
no idea how bad the road conditions might be in above areas.

Questions:

Do we need bring iron chains for the tires?

Is it ok to drive the minivan to into areas
such as Glen canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and
Nautral Bridges? 

Are roads in highway 163, 89 , 191 hard for winter driving?
From: zaffar@pender.ee.upenn.edu (Nauman Ahmad Zaffar)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Re: Lockers at Schipol Airport
Date: 18 Dec 92 21:37:31 GMT
Organization: University of Pennsylvania

I made use of the lockers available at Schipol in 1991. There are at
least two sizes available and I am sure the larger of the two will hold
your 32" samsonite. The amount (as I remember it) was not more than
eight guilders/day. It was probably less than that.

Hope it helps and that you enjoy your little stop over. 

-Nauman

Newsgroups: rec.travel
From: jim@specialix.com (Jim Maurer)
Subject: Re: London Gatwick -> Denmark (not air!)????
Organization: Specialix Inc.
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 01:47:27 GMT

anders@buast7.bu.edu (Anders Jorgensen) writes:

>My travel agent can get me a cheap ticket (cheap for buying it this
>late I think) to Gatwick (less than half the price to where I'm going
>in DK (Aalborg)).  But I'm going to northern denmark. Anyone knows
>anything about the ferry connections from england to denmark (The ones
>arriving in Esbjerg), and how to get to the ferry from Gatwick? I am
>scheduled to arrive at Gatwick at 7:50AM dec 22.

>               Thanks,  Anders / anders@bu-ast.bu.edu  / Boston, MA

The DFDS ferry runs from Harwich to Esbjerg.  I understand British
Rail has train service to Harwich.  DSB has a train the meets the
boat at Esbjerg (Havn) station that goes to Copenhagen, it's called
the Englaender.  (No extra fare, but reservations required.  I got
to ride in the cab of this train from Fredercia to Esbjerg once! :-)
You can then change to a train to Aalborg at Fredercia.  (I hope I
spelled that right.)  Either that or you can get a train from
the regular Esbjerg station to Aalborg.  You can catch a city bus
at the ferry dock.

God Jul!
goes f
From: puerta@mcs-next-10.stanford.edu (Angel Puerta)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Re: Italian railways--is 1st class worth it?
Date: 14 Dec 1992 20:37:15 GMT
Organization: Stanford University
Distribution: world
Reply-To: puerta@camis.stanford.edu
NNTP-Posting-Host: mcs-next-12.stanford.edu

In article <lipqk5INN8c0@news.bbn.com> rnewman@bbn.com (Ron Newman) writes:
> I will be travelling to Italy in a few days and expect
> to ride one or more of these routes: Milan-Rome,
> Rome-Florence, Florence-Venice, Venice-Milan.
> 
> Is it worthwhile to buy a 1st class ticket on any
> of these?    What would I get that I would not get
> in 2nd class?

In 1st class you would get a *chance* at travelling with some comfort. In 2nd  
you will get for sure a very uncomfortable ride (cramped and most likely,  
smelly). High-speed trains usually have a much higher quality of ride, but I do  
not know if they are yet available on these routes.

BTW, I'm not knocking down the Italian railways, this comment applies to most  
of Europe.

Another thing, you may be required to pay an additional sum to get your first  
class seat after purchasing the ticket. That is because some railways require  
you to make a *reservation* that costs more money. This really depends on  what  
type of ticket you have. But in any event, pay it.

--
Angel Puerta
puerta@camis.stanford.edu
From: kwp@wag.caltech.edu (Kevin W. Plaxco)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Travel in Former Soviet Union
Date: 13 Dec 1992 00:27:01 GMT
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
NNTP-Posting-Host: sgi1.wag.caltech.edu
Summary: What? Where? When?
Keywords: confusion.

What's happening in the former soviet union?  Anyone have any 
idea what the visa and travel regulations are?  Do the pertinent
embassies have any idea?  Which embassies are the appropriate ones?

I'm trying to research a trip from Turkey, through the Ukraine to 
Moscow, and then south-east to Kazahkstan and into China. I've 
heard from several folks who've done some part or another of this
trip, but almost all of them traveled with Russian companions as
invited guests.  Anyone have any idea if truely independent travel
is possible?  Do I need to finagle an invitation?  Do intourist prices
still hold, or all all prices locally set?  There isn't a Kazahkstani 
embassy in the US, and the Russian consulate won't answer the phone.
Can you help me?

-Kevin


Newsgroups: rec.travel
From: eris@fluke.tc.fluke.com (Chris Beckmeyer)
Subject: SCOTLAND-BOUND?
Keywords: M.O. KNITS SOURCES
Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 15:32:47 GMT

I've been looking for a Fair Isle knit vest for some time now with no luck.
I hope this newsgroup is an OK place to ask this... anyone travelling to
to scotland in the next 6 months or so?  if you run across any shops that carry Fair Isle knits and do mail order, would you mind jotting down the name and
address? send it to me when you get back?

thanks a bunch, happy holly-

chris
From: freeman@cs.ucf.edu (Holly Freeman)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Cancun Hotel Question?
Summary: Any Info
Keywords: Las Perles
Date: 15 Dec 92 16:16:36 GMT
Distribution: rec
Organization: University of Central Florida

A Friend of mine is traveling to Cancun December 28 and the 
travel agent set her up in the Hotel Las Perles... The Travel
Agent could not tell her anything about this place :P She
was wondering if anyone has stayed here or had some info as to
what this place was like ie location, ammenities, size and
anything else..   Also, any recomendations for other activities
while she spends her honeymoon :) there.  Thanks for the help
freeman@eola.cs.ucf.edu
From: grob@chorus.fr (Lori S. Grob)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Re: Italian railways--is 1st class worth it?
Date: 15 Dec 92 11:06:18 GMT

In article <1gir9sINNqms@morrow.stanford.edu>, puerta@mcs-next-10.stanford.edu (Angel Puerta) writes:
> In article <lipqk5INN8c0@news.bbn.com> rnewman@bbn.com (Ron Newman) writes:
> > I will be travelling to Italy in a few days and expect
> > to ride one or more of these routes: Milan-Rome,
> > Rome-Florence, Florence-Venice, Venice-Milan.
> > 
> > Is it worthwhile to buy a 1st class ticket on any
> > of these?    What would I get that I would not get
> > in 2nd class?
> 
> In 1st class you would get a *chance* at travelling with some comfort. In 2nd  
> you will get for sure a very uncomfortable ride (cramped and most likely,  
> smelly). High-speed trains usually have a much higher quality of ride, but I do  
> not know if they are yet available on these routes.
> 
> BTW, I'm not knocking down the Italian railways, this comment applies to most  
> of Europe.
> 
> Another thing, you may be required to pay an additional sum to get your first  
> class seat after purchasing the ticket. That is because some railways require  
> you to make a *reservation* that costs more money. This really depends on  what  
> type of ticket you have. But in any event, pay it.
> 
> --
> Angel Puerta
> puerta@camis.stanford.edu

This is no doubt true someplaces but is certainly not true
in France or Italy.

In general most people travel 2nd class. This includes
not only students but doctors, lawyers and engineers.
There are some kind of trains that are all 1st class
and there are certainly times when I have travelled
1st class. 

As a rule the intercity trains are quite comfortable
in both places. Since you need a reservation for a seat
on these trains there is no issue of being crowded.
There are fewer seats in the 1st class compartments,
but in general 6 people to a compartment is hardly
crowded.

The fact that you need a reservation is independent
of the type of ticket that you have and totally dependent
on what kind of train it is. 

You may have to pay an additional surcharge on your ticket
as well, to take some of the faster trains. This is
independent of the reservation.

You can deal with all of this either in the US
which will be more expensive but less fuss for
you. Or in Italy at the train station which
is the cheapest but most fuss option. Or
at any travel agent in Italy that has an Italian
Railroad sticker in the window. 

Train travel in France and Italy is a wonderful experience
and aside from this poster I have never heard it discribed
as cramped and smelly. I have taken slow "express" trains
in the summer, in the south and found them crowded but
the crowded, smelly, bumpy experience that the previous 
poster is describing is just something that is not
usual. Especially not for someone going between major cities.
Perhaps he or she should stick to driving. 
--
L.S. Grob
Chorus syste`mes			phone +33-1-30-64-82-17
6 avenue Gustave Eiffel			fax   +33-1-30-57-00-66	
F78182 Saint Quentin-en-Yvelines	email grob@chorus.fr	
--------
From: yan-dicky@cs.yale.edu (Dicky Yan)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Re: Italian railways--is 1st class worth it?
Date: 14 Dec 1992 16:47:56 -0500
Organization: Yale University Computer Science Dept., New Haven, CT 06520-2158
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: tucan.zoo.cs.yale.edu

In article <lipqk5INN8c0@news.bbn.com>, rnewman@bbn.com (Ron Newman) writes:
> I will be travelling to Italy in a few days and expect
> to ride one or more of these routes: Milan-Rome,
> Rome-Florence, Florence-Venice, Venice-Milan.
>
> Is it worthwhile to buy a 1st class ticket on any
> of these?    What would I get that I would not get
> in 2nd class?
>
> Also, are there any particularly interesting views from
> any of these trains?

I used to live in London and have traveled in the continent using
the inter-rail pass. IMHO, there are very big differences between trains
in different countries in Europe.

I think the intercity trains in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France 
and England have very comfortable 2nd class seats. I have been in Norway too.
It was excellent. (Okay, sometimes there are diesel trains e.g. 
in England. Of course,
these are not so comfortable. But IC trains are usually good.)
I found the trains of most countries acceptable except ITALY!!

Firstly, the trains in Italy are never on time. So don't bet a single
dime on making a connection to another train. It will not work. 
(Unlesss you make an allowlance of > 2hours.) Secondly, I found that
it could be very crowded and difficult to find a seat. 

I did take 1st class in Italy once. I think it was from Pisa to Rome.
That particular train only had 1st class. The seats were better, cleaner,
whiter. It was a morning train (like 8 to 9 am) and we were the only 
passengers in the train. If you stay in the second class, you will come
across all kinds of people. It happened to my friend once that
in his cabin, in the middle of the night, a fellow passenger took out
a long knife and cut out the "pillow" from the seat, because he felt
it was getting "in his way". And then that guy threw the "pillow" out of
the window. My friend was a bit scared.... (My experiences with 
the Italian railways was based on traveling between Pisa, Rome, Florence,
Milan and Venice.)

Once is enough. I will not do it again, if I can avoid it [Italian trains,
that is.] Remember, don't rely on any connections. Only take (and reserve
your seat) for direct trains.


Dicky.
From: bellutta@ohsu.EDU (Paolo Bellutta)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Re: Italian railways--is 1st class worth it?
Date: 15 Dec 92 17:20:58 GMT
Article-I.D.: ohsu.1992Dec15.172058.20237
Distribution: usa
Organization: Oregon Health Sciences University

In article <1givedINNrad@TUCAN.ZOO.CS.YALE.EDU> yan-dicky@cs.yale.edu (Dicky  
Yan) writes:
> Firstly, the trains in Italy are never on time. So don't bet a single
> dime on making a connection to another train. It will not work. 

That's because you misunderstood the meaning of "orario" (=timetable).
It does not list the times at which the train is supposed to leave,
it is just a hint for the passengers ;-)

--
La miglior arma inventata dall'uomo e' stata la parola
 _   /|  | Paolo Bellutta ---------- bellutta@ohsu.edu
 \'o.O'  | B.I.C.C - Oregon Health Sciences University
 =(_o_)= | 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd. - Portland, OR
    U    | tel: (503) 494 4804 --- fax: (503) 494 4551
From: kwp@wag.caltech.edu (Kevin W. Plaxco)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Geoff Crowther
Date: 21 Dec 1992 02:51:11 GMT
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
NNTP-Posting-Host: sgi1.wag.caltech.edu
Summary: Not dead

In responce to a recent rumor, direct from the horses mouth.
Actually, just direct from L.P. publishers, which I assume
is almost as good as direct from the horses mouth:

>Geoff Crowther is currently in Kenya, and is still very much alive.
>I'm not sure how these travellers' rumours get started but a couple of
>our authors have allegedly died many times over the past 10 years. For
>several years we kept hearing that Tony Wheeler had died in India,
>then it was Geoff Crowther in a bus crash in South America, then he
>died in Africa ... and so on.

And so it goes.

-Kevin