Note: Much of Sonoma County typically is not a good place to grow stone fruits or melons – exception to this are the Crane Melons which need certain micro climates. Any fruit or vegetable that requires a lot of heat will typically not do well in most of Sonoma County – especially West county and near Santa Rosa/Petaluma. Leafy green things you can eat – grow best in the mild growing conditions of this country. Some farms, ranches, and orchards … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Farmers Markets
Numerous farmer's markets are located throughout Sonoma County. Unlike in the southern part of the state where year round farmer's markets are the norm, seasonal farmers markets far outnumber the year round ones up here. Seasonal smaller markets tends to have live music while the year round (often larger markets) do not always use music to liven up your shopping experiences. We have visited all of the farmers' markets in Santa Rosa and Sonoma … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Annual Events
This is only a partial listing of events. Music, arts, wine and food. Common themes. In addition to the annual events listed below, a number of seasonal events are held in Santa Rosa throughout the year. Looking no further then downtown, the weekly Wednesday night market is held from early June to early September. Vendors fill and pedestrians fills some of the space at Old Railroad Square and part of 4th Street is closed to vehicular traffic. … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Hotels
The following list is only a partial one, but it provides a sampling of the wide range of places to stay in Santa Rosa. While some hotels are spread out around town, there are two main concentrations of hotels, the most being along Santa Rosa Avenue and then others along Cleveland/Hopper Ave. Most of the hotels in Santa Rosa are located fairly close to the 101 freeway. America's Best Value Inn & Suites is rated 2 stars and is … [Read more...]
Nepal – Travel Facts
All foreign nationals except citizens of India need visas. Single entry visas are issued for up to 30 days. However, they can be extended for up to 3 months. Trekking permits on the other hand are needed if you plan on hiking in the Himalayas. These permits can be obtained from immigration offices in Katmandu. The time zone is GMT/UTC plus five hours and 45 minutes. Electricity is 220 volts. Weights and measures are in the metric system. The … [Read more...]
Nepal – What to Bring
Besides the medication and medical kit there is quite a bit that the trekker can bring. If you are going to hire a porter, put what you can into your bag and worry less about the weight. If you are going to carry your own pack you must prioritize what is really important to you on backpacking trips, and consider weight as a factor. If you are not planning on backpacking this list will still help you in your packing. Some of these items may be … [Read more...]
Nepal – Sanitation
The sanitation both in Nepal and on the trail in the Himalayas leaves something to be desired. I would say that most members of our 16 party group had some sort of food poisoning or upset stomach due to the food. There is a lack of sewer systems which results in a much higher degree of diarrhea. No water in Nepal should be trusted by the Western traveler. Even the tap water in Katmandu is suspect. There are certain ways around drinking the local … [Read more...]
Nepal – Food
This was the important part of the trip for me. I like to eat! However by the end of the trek I could barely stand the sight much less the taste of the Nepali Himalayan food. First of all let me describe how the food is cooked and the process of a hungry tourist trying to get food. After a long day hiking on the trail you arrive at the lodge, more often then not, in the dark. There will be a few tourists or maybe none at all depending on the … [Read more...]
Nepal – The Trek
This is a short story about a 12 day trek I took in the Himalayas. This was the trip that turned me on to International travel and was the direct inspiration for starting Dave’s Travel Corner, i.e., this website. Sometimes people speak of “a trip of a lifetime” – for me, Nepal was that trip. Be prepared to read – this is a long one! We were delayed in the Katmandu airport for some reason. Our guide speculated that someone had paid more money … [Read more...]
Nepal – Katmandu
Katmandu, for all its poverty and dilapidated buildings, is a relatively safe city. In all my walks and travels through the neighborhoods I never once felt unsafe. In comparison, many times I felt unsafe walking through Bangkok, Thailand or even cities in California. The people in Katmandu were very friendly and easy going. This was the first city that I have ever seen that appeared to be crumbling to the ground. There were few paved streets, … [Read more...]