Travel Talk

DISCOVER ANCIENT EGYPT - A VIRTUAL TOUR OF LUXOR

PLancaster — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Are you planning a trip to Egypt and looking for a preview? Or are you an armchair traveller fascinated by the wonders of Egypt?

Now you can embark on a journey through the ancient Temple of Luxor with an expert Egyptologist. Julius Szekrenyes, President of the Calgary society for the Study of Egyptian antiquities, will take us on a tour of this site.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

6:00 - 7:30 pm

Lower level - Meeting Room 1

I am really looking forward to this program. I developed a fascination with the pyramids and temples of Egypt when I started reading the Amelia Peabody mysteries written by Elizabeth Peters, who is an archaeologist herself. (Crocodile in the Sandbank is the first in the series.) Since I can't afford a trip to Egypt at the moment, this program will be a wonderful substitute.

More on some great reads about Egypt next week!

Drive By Shooting: A Video Adventure Through Europe and Asia

PLancaster — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Join James, Anna, and Colin (Team Canada Too) as they share their adventures from the 2009 Mongol Rally. They drove from England, through Europe and across Asia to Siberia and Mongolia.

The Mongol Rally is a car rally which is about having an adventure at the same time as raising money for a charity. The following is a quote from the website:

"A third of the way around the earth, from Europe to Mongolia via a plethora of countries most people haven't heard of in a car that has an engine no bigger than 1 litre. Starting from England, Spain and Italy, the rally finishes in the Mongolian capital Ulaan Baatar around four weeks and a whole heap of adventure later. It's between about 8,000 and 10,000 miles depending on the route you choose to throw your trusty steed at."

Friday, Mar 05
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
2nd floor +15, John Dutton Theatre

Central Library

616 Macleod Trail SE

Please call 403-260-2620 or click on Programs on our homepage for more information.

No registration required.

TRAVEL FOR GEEKS - THE GEEK ATLAS

PLancaster — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Interested in science? Fascinated by how things work? Are you a mathematician at heart?

A great new addition to our collection, The Geek Atlas says "Every site in this book has genuine scientific, mathematical or technological interest - places guaranteed to make every geek's heart beat a little faster."

Discover where the Enigma code was broken (Bletchley Park) or where you can fly in an actual flight simulator (British Airways Flight Training).

The author says that the 128 places in this book are "a personal list of sites to visit where science, mathematics, or technology happened or is happening." These are places with hands-on experiences or in-depth museums.

Each place has an introduction to the site, an explanation of the science, and practical information on visiting e.g. the Anderton Boat List section tells you about the lift and the science behind the hydraulic press. It includes the fact that you can visit the lift and its exhibition center, take a 40-minute boat trip through the lift, and gives a web site for more information.

A must-read for those with a scientific bent, both for those intending to travel and the armchair traveller!

Staycations Calgary!

PLancaster — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:30:00 GMT

What to do with the kids this February long weekend? There are lots of places to go and things to see in Calgary and surrounding areas.

Red Panda at the Calgary Zoo

Last Saturday, the Calgary Herald had a great article on some of the local attractions which offer free admission or reduced rates on Family Day, February 15th . You can view this article through Newspaper Direct Press Display. Just go the Calgary Public Library E-Library, click on Newspapers and Magazines, and then Newspaper Direct. Choose the Calgary Herald from the title list. You will find the article in the February 6th edition, thumbnail F8. The article mentions some of the well-known attractions such as the Calgary Zoo which is featuring the special attraction Dinosaurs Alive. The article also suggests some less obvious places such as the Remington Carriage Museum which is hosting the Carriage County Fair on Family Day.

Don't forget to take the kids to the library to spend a few hours over the weekend looking for great books and movies to keep them occupied! We are closed on Family Day, though you can visit our homepage for Storytime Anytime or the Teen Zone blog anytime.

Alberta Book of Musts: The 101 Places Every Albertan MUST See

PLancaster — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:00 GMT

We have just received a wonderful new publication, The Alberta Book of Musts by Dina O'Meara.

"From chilling out on the Columbia Icefields, to munching on sweet potato fries at Dadeos, to rappelling through Rat's Nest cave, to line dancing at a free pancake breakfast or rocking out at the Labatt's Blues Festival, this is the MUST list every Albertan MUST have. From buying sausages in Seven Persons to finding the coolest late night eateries in Calgary, it's all here. We also get Albertans--famous and not so famous--from across the province to weigh in with their own MUST lists. Fly fishing guru Jim McLennan, Alberta icon Peter Lougheed, Olympian Melissa Hollingsworth and gold medal chef Hayato Okamitsu all have secret places you simply MUST visit, as do Gwyn Morgan, Catherine Ford, Crystal Plamondon and Holger Peterson. This is the ultimate insider MUST list. If you love Alberta, you simply MUST have the Alberta Book of Musts." Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

This book covers arts and festivals around the province and then discusses the must-see places by area, with such interesting headings as "Late-night Eats" in Calgary and "Ride the Eddie" in Edmonton.

A great book to check out and start planning for your Alberta adventures!

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL - LEARNING ABROAD

PLancaster — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Learning abroad is another wonderful way to spend time in another country and to become familiar with the culture and language.

As a university student, you might think about studying for part of your degree in another country. My niece took the third year of her university degree in Spain, and managed short-hops all over Europe and even a trip across the Mediterranean to the desert, as well as improving her Spanish and becoming immersed in the lifestyle.

Any of us, regardless of age, might spend a period of time studying a language abroad. There are organizations through which you can arrange a visit to another country combined with language learning.

You might even go abroad for a cooking course. There are some fabulous cooking vacations offered in such countries as France and Italy. There is an interesting article "Learn a Skill and the Lingo" from the 2008 Sunday Times which discusses the concept of improving a skill at the same time as you learn a language abroad. You can view this article through our E-Library. Choose 'Research Databases from Ebsco' and enter the article title in the search box.

Check out some of these books for information on studying abroad or spending a gap year overseas.

Peterson's Study Abroad, 2008: (nearly 1,500 programs around the world)

Data profiles include information on host, location, academic programs, dates, eligibility requirements, living arrangements, costs, financial aid, and contacts. Book also includes a comprehensive list of study-abroad organizations and resources plus articles containing with guidance and advice on studying abroad.

Peterson's Short-term Study Abroad, 2008 9780768924138

Same as above, only for short-term study.

The Exchange Student Survival Kit by Bettina G. Hansel

The Exchange Student Survival Kit has become the essential guide for young people traveling abroad, helping them better understand the unique experience of international exchange programs. More important, it shows students how to avoid many common misunderstandings and problems that can occur in the course of their adjustment to a new culture, a new family, a new school and a new community

The Study Abroad Handbook by Anna Lidstone

The Study Abroad Handbook leads you through the process of turning prospects into reality, from the initial stages of defining your priorities, to your experience in your chosen country of study, through to coming home and marketing your new global outlook.

Adventures Abroad: the Student's Guide to Studying Overseas by Stephen E. Loflin

The book consists of three basic sections: before departing, during, and after returning. It features invaluable practical information, real-life stories, anecdotes, and advice about traveling and studying overseas. A detailed discussion of the rewards of and options for study abroad.

The big trip [2008] : your ultimate guide to gap years and overseas adventures

This Lonely Planet guide has essential information on pre-trip planning, including health and safety, budget, tickets, packing, the latest technologies for keeping in touch, and even tips on how to choose travel companions. This guide is primarily aimed at 18-25-year-olds planning a significant overseas trip, perhaps working or volunteering along the way.

Work Your Way Around the World by Susan Griffith

A unique guide for the working traveller that explains how to find all types of temporary work around the world not only in advance but also on the spot while travelling.

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL - LIVING AND WORKING ABROAD

PLancaster — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:30:00 GMT

Working and living abroad is a great way to learn about another culture and to become familiar with another country. You have an opportunity to become immersed in another locale, to experience the sights, the sounds, the smells. Whether you choose to go for a short period of time or for a gap year, Calgary Public Library has a variety of books which will help you make the most of your experience.

Immersion Travel USA:The Best and Most Meaningful Volunteering, Living, and Learning Excursions by Sheryl Kayne

This book explores internships and short- and longer-term job opportunities as well as volunteer opportunies in the United States.

Get Ahead by Going Abroad: A Woman's Guide to Fast-track Career Success by C. Perry Yeatman

The book is mainly composed of personal stories. These stories make the book feel like a group of mentors guiding the reader through deciding to go, getting there, and navigating cultural difficulties while distinguishing oneself on the job. (Library Journal Review)

Summer Jobs Worldwide (2008): Make the Most of the Summer Break

Staying Safe While Abroad: Travelling, Working and Living in a Post-911 World by Edward L. Lee

Lee, a retired U.S. diplomat and former federal agent for the U.S. State Department who formed the security consulting firm Sleeping Bear Risk Solutions, enumerates the risks to which travelers are exposed today and serves up a combination of common sense and cautionary tales that covers everything from volcanic eruptions to hostage incidents. (Library Journal)

The library also has a number of books about living abroad, such as:

Living Abroad in South Korea (2010) by Jonathan Hopfner

Jonatan's experience as a journalist, investor, husband, and homeowner has taught Jonathan the ins and outs of living in South Korea--from the banking and business realities, to the immigration and business procedures.

Living Abroad in Australia (2008) by James M. Lane

Moon Living Abroad in Australia is packed with essential information and must-have details on setting up daily life including obtaining visas, arranging finances, gaining employment, choosing schools, and finding health care.

There are organizations and programs that can assist you if you are thinking of working abroad. One example is SWAP, which offers programs for Canadians who want to go abroad to work and travel.

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL - GO GREEN

PLancaster — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:30:00 GMT

Eco-travel! Can you reduce the footprint that you leave while travelling and still have a great holiday?Calgary Public Library has some great books with information on how to go green when you travel.

The Eco-travel Guide: The Worldwide Way to Go Green...Resorts, Hotels, Adventure (2009)

By Alastair Fuad-Luke

Clean Breaks (2009): 500 New Ways to See the World

A Rough Guide. By Richard Hammond and Jeremy Smith

This guidebook has unusual holidays and alternative ways to travel, with everything from camping with the Bedoin to staying in tipis with Native American Indians.

Code Green: Experiences of a Lifetime (2006)

A Lonely Planet guide. By Kerry Lorimer

This guide covers responsible travel choices, everything from budget backpacking to luxury travel, giving each experience eco-travel credentials. It has beautiful photographs from all over the world.

Fodor's Green Travel: The World's BEST Eco-lodges & Earth-friendly Hotels (2008)

This guidebooks features 100 environmentally responsible accommodations, giving social and environmental ratings. It also includes practical information on getting to your destination.

Thinking of Europe, Italy or France? Calgary Public Library also has information on eco-travel in particular locales.

Flight-Free Euope: Great Breaks by Rail, Road & Sea (2008)

Time Out guidebooks.

Go Slow Italy (2009): Special Local Places to Eat, Stay & Savor

By Alastair Sawday with Jackie King

30 Eco-Trips in Florida: the Best Nature Excursions (and How to Leave Only Your Footprints) (2005)

By Holly Ambrose

Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay: Green Europe (2009)

Traveling Naturally in France

(We also have guides which discuss eco-travel as a means of viewing nature and wildlife, but that is a whole different story.)

ACROSS RUSSIA ON MY OWN - PROGRAM

PLancaster — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Gerry Burger-Martindale will be sharing photos and adventures from her solo trip from Moscow to Mongolia by plane, train and camel, with detours to St. Petersburg and Uzbekistan. The program will take place on Tuesday, January 26th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at the Central Library, 4th Floor N Meeting Room. You can register in person at any branch of the library; online by clicking on Calgary Public Library; or, by phoning 403-260-2620.

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL - VOLUNTOURISM

PLancaster — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:30:00 GMT

Volunteering while travelling abroad is one of the best ways to become familiar with other cultures at the same time as you help to make the world a better place. What better form of thoughtful travel could there be? Calgary Public Library has many books to help you discover the joys of voluntourism while avoiding the pitfalls. Some of our newest books on this topic are:

Frommer's 500 Places Where You Can Make a Difference (2010)

By Andrew Mersmann

This book gives long- and short-term choices, as well as providing contacts, pricing and general advice on volunteer vacations.

"This book aims to...awaken your imagination and point out a few projects that might turn you on to listening to your heart and find a way to make a real difference in the world." (p. viii)

Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others (2009)

By Bill McMillon, Doug Cutchins, and Anne Geissinger

This book lists many different volunteer possibilities around the world with indexing by such things as organizations that are family-friendly and senior- friendly as well as length of time and cost.

"Volunteer vacations can change your perspective on the world, teach you new skills, and greatly affect the lives of others." (P. xvii)

The 100 Best Volunteer Vacations to Enrich Your Life (2009)

By Pam Grout

This book describes volunteer vacations that cover everything from protecting loggerhead sea turtles to teaching music in Ghana. There are fairly detailed descriptions of the opportunities, which are organized by continent.

"This book is for everyone who believes a better world is possible and feels a better, more loving, more peaceful world rising up." (P. 7)

Alternatives to the Peace Corps: Guide to Global Volunteer Opportunities (2008)

By Caitlin Hachmyer

This book, published by Food First Books, has listings for over 100 organizations with tips on choosing organizations and advice on budgeting, etc.

"The organizations and programs listed here seek volunteers who are interested in learning about local culture and desire to support efforts by local grassroots organizations." (P. xi)

The Give-back Solution: Create a Better World with Your Time, Talents, and Travel (Whether you have $10 or $10,000) (2009)

By Susan Skog

Susan Skog discusses volunteer opportunities based on the types of volunteering. She also has included great information on how to navigate the world of volunteering abroad and how to have a safe and successful trip.

"Helping others reach for a new day rejuvenates us in ways that a margarita-soaked vacation, more stuff, a fatter resume, or a super-sized house can't begin to." (P. xvii)

Volunteer: A Traveller's guide to Making a Difference Around the World (2007)

Lonely Planet has chapters on choosing your volunteer experience, the practicalities, organized volunteer programs, do-it-yourself volunteer placements and coming home.

"Volunteering abroad should be the best thing you've ever done, but the onus is on you to act responsibly, do the research and find a volunteer program that works both for you and for the host community." (p.9)

Wildlife and Conservation Volunteering: Complete Guide 2009

By Peter Lynch

This Bradt travel guide focusses on environmental conservation volunteering. Lynch uses a scoring system to compare 50 organizations with regards to such factors as cost, safety and credibility.

"Maybe we can't change the world on our own, but a small contribution from millions of individuals can have a significant impact. So get out there and do something - make a difference." (P. vii)

Check out these great guides to thoughtful travel through voluntourism!

Pilgrim in the Palace of Words

PLancaster — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:30:00 GMT

Calgary author Glenn Dixon has travelled to the four corners of the Earth to investigate how the development of language molds societies. Glenn takes us on a video journey to the four corners of the earth, from Egypt to Belize, from Spain to Guatemala.

Glenn has published travel articles in major publications such as National Geographic, the New York Post, The Walrus, the Globe and Mail, and Psychology Today. An expert on language with an M.A. in socio-linguistics, he is currently a language consultant with the Calgary Board of Education. He lives in Calgary.

You can view a preview of Glenn's presentation through his video on Youtube.

Join us as we visit exotic lands with Glenn.

January 19th, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

4th Floor N Meeting Room

Central Library

616 Macleod Trail SE

You can register in person at any library branch, on-line through our home page, or by phone at 403-260-2620.

There is no charge for the program but you do have to be a member of Calgary Public Library. A library membership is the best deal in town. For $12 a year, a Calgary resident gets access to books, book CDs, MP3s, DVDs, e-books, music CDs and many fantastic programs.

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL - AS A POLITICAL ACT

PLancaster — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:30:00 GMT

"One of the world's most famous travel writers shows how international travel can foster cultural understanding, peace and help individuals tackle their own insecurities and fears." (Calgary Public Library catalogue)

Rick Steves has produced travel guidebooks for 30 years and hosted travel shows on television for the past 20 years, focusing on the logistics of travel, where to stay, what to see and how to get the most out of your trip. He has always emphasized travelling to connect with local cultures. He has now written a book, Travel as a Political Act, which expands on his philosophy that thoughtful travel can provide powerful lessons.

Steves talks about his philosophy and then gives some examples of ways in which various travel experiences have enriched and broadened his own view of the world. For instance, one chapter relates his experiences visiting the former Yugoslavia after the war, and the lessons he learned. The final lines of this chapter are: "Traveling in war-torn former Yugoslavia, I see how little triumphs can be big ones. I see hardscrabble nations with big aspirations. And I see the value of history in understanding our travels, and the value of travel in understanding our history."

Steves then gives specific examples of how others can become more thoughtful travellers, how they can turn their own travel into a political act. He states that "travel only becomes a political act if you do something with your broadened perspective once you return home".

This is an interesting and thought-provoking book which suggests that, as well as having a fun and relaxing vacations, travellers can have vacations which will expand their views of the world and allow them to make a difference as a result.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be discussing resources available through Calgary Public Library that promote other types of thoughtful travel such as eco-travel and voluntourism.

Winter Staycations - Jasper and Maligne Canyon

PLancaster — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Looking for a great winter staycation. Why not visit Jasper in all its snowy glory?

Think about downhill skiing at the Marmot Ski Resort, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, ice skating on a frozen lake, winter hiking and even dog sledding. There's lots to see and do, including Maligne Canyon, beautiful in summer and winter.

To find out about visiting Jasper in the winter, visit Calgary Public Library and check out Lonely Planet's Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks (2008) by Oliver Berry. This guidebook talks about sights to see, places to stay and things to do in Jasper and the surrounding area.

We also have a DVD, Jasper National Park: 360 Degrees of Inspiration which has beautiful footage of the park, its people and its spectacular landscapes.

The Maligne Canyon ice walk offers a chance to see frozen waterfalls and fanciful ice formations. The Jasper tourism site lists the tour companies which will guide you through this frozen wonderland.

The Calgary Herald had an interesting article on the ice walk in their Travel Section on Saturday, December 12, 2009. If you have a public library card, you can find this article by going to our E-Library and clicking on 'Newpapers and Magazines' and then 'Newspaper Direct Press Display'. Select the Calgary Herald for December 12 and then choose F6 from the thumbnails.

Jasper in January is the annual winter festival, taking place from January 15 - 31, 2010. There are many fun activities, including the 1st Annual Bears' Paw Polar Dip.

Jasper, a winter paradise!!

ACROSS RUSSIA ON MY OWN

PLancaster — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:30:00 GMT

We have reached the end of Gerry's travels across Russia by plane, train and camel! Gerry will be sharing more of her photos and adventures in a presentation, Across Russia On My Own. The program will take place on Tuesday, January 26th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at the Central Library. You can register in person at any branch of the library; online by clicking on Calgary Public Library and then Programs; or, by phoning 403-260-2620.

Unforgettable Places

PLancaster — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Calgary Public Library has just received a wonderful new book which is perfect for the armchair traveller, or for the traveller who would like to preview future places to visit.

Unforgettable Places: Unique Sights and Experiences Around the World by Steve Davey, Marc Schlossman, Steve Watkins and Clare Jones.

This book describes 80 different places to visit, from rafting rivers in Zamiba to walking with Wordsworth in England. It includes cultural and historical information, as well as what to expect and helpful tips for your vacation. There are over 2,000 beautiful colour photographs.

You can relax and enjoy an armchair experience with this gorgeous book or start to plan your next big trip!

We also have Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2010, their 5th annual collection of the best places to visit and the best experiences to enjoy. Their staffers have compiled lists, such as the Top 30 Destinations, Top 10 Countries, Top 10 Regions and Top 10 Cities. They also have lists like Ten Magical Marathons and Ten Top Choc Spots (for those chocaholics among us). A great read for those who are planning a trip!

The book includes a 2010 Travel Planner. This month-to-month calendar describes events, starting with the Lowcountry Oyster Festival in Charleston this January and ending with New Year’s Eve in Paramaribo, Surinam.

The Calgary Herald had a great article, "The Best Places To Visit In 2010" in the Travel Section on Wednesday, December 16. If you have a Calgary Public Library card, you can view this article through http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/Elibrary.aspx. Click on 'Newspapers and Magazines' and then 'Newspaper Direct Press Display'. Search the Calgary Herald for this date, and go to page D9 or thumbnail 49.

'Newspaper Direct Press Display' includes newspapers from all over the world and is a wonderful resource to which your public library card gives you access.