London Tips

We're back from London after a long flight. Here're some tips from one foreigner to another:
- Drink Unnis & Gunn. This is a Scottish brew which seems to be available only in UK and east coast. It's a great sipping beer with caramel and oak nuances.
- Don't use Dot2Dot. This is the London equivalent of an airport shuttle. Unfortunately they seem to be reliably unreliable picking people up to the airport. Heathrow express to Paddington and tube or cab seems to be the best bet.
- Get an Oyster card. Everything in London is expensive, including the public transportation. Oyster card provides some discounts and pays for itself in three trips.
- Use the tube. Taxis are really expensive (but very comfortable).
- Fish & Chips come in really big portions (generally speaking), so you can definitely share with your friend.

Turkey trip

Hey all,

Leslie and I just did a 7 day excursion in Turkey. Our itinerary:

- 3 nights in Kusadasi, at hotel Fantasia. The hotel is nice but it is all inclusive, which means you eat a lot and you do not leave the hotel very much. We tried to walk around to digest some of the delicious food we had, but the area around the hotel did not have a lot to see. We got to see the ancient ruins at Efes which was great.

- 3 nights in Bitez, at Okaliptus. The hotel was ok and Bitez is very nice. I would suggest anyone in the area to stay here rather than Bodrum or Gombet. You must also see Gumusluk, the best snorkeling spot.

- 1 night at Pamukkale, at Lycus River Hotel. Great spa, they have many pools as well as a natural thermal pool with mineral water that makes your skin soft. We also saw the Hydropolis and travertines.

Overall tips: After September 20, most hotels clear up so you can get really good deals. Make sure you negotiate. Do not stay at an all-inclusive.