text:
Ailsa Craig

Ailsa Craig (Gaelic: Creag Ealasaid) is an uninhabited island in the Firth of Clyde, 9 miles off the coast of Ayrshire. It measures about 3⁄4 of a mile north-south by ½ a mile east-west, and rises abruptly to 1120 ft (340 m). Its distinctive pyramid can be seen from afar in good weather. It's nowadays a birdlife reserve, though its granite is still quarried to make curling stones.

Understand
Ailsa Craig is a pluton, a volcanic upwelling from about 60 million years ago, along with similar hills on the nearby island of Arran. Typically a pluton has no erupting volcano, but magma wells up and shoulders aside pre-existing rock. It then cools very slowly into coarse-grained granite that is hard-wearing, so it persists long after surrounding features have eroded away. Plutons have formed throughout Earth's existence and this one arose in the Palaeogene, formerly called the Early Tertiary. In that period the continents came close to their present positions, the global climate cooled, and dinosaurs suffered mass extinction to be replaced by mammals. Then followed the ice ages, which scraped and polished the surface of Ailsa Craig, and transported boulders from it as far away as Pembroke and Donegal. Any Stone Age person stranded amid the frozen wastes would be sure to think: "Hey, what a colossal ice rink and helluva curling stone".

The island has fresh water but almost no topsoil, and it's a long way to bring sheep for grazing, so only intermittently was it inhabited. Around 1400 it was owned by the Cluniac monks of Crossraguel, and has been a bolthole for fugitives and landing-beach for fishermen and pirates. It's always been a nesting place for seabirds and stop-off for migratory flocks: the solan geese were hunted into modern times. Yet this remote spot once had a gasworks and two railways.

From the mid-19th century Ailsa Craig was quarried for its distinctive granite "Ailsite", a form of riebeckite (formula Na2(Fe2+3Fe3+2)Si8O22(OH)2, since you were wondering). The floor of the Chapel of the Thistle in St Giles Cathedral Edinburgh is an example of Ailsite granite. The railways - really just wagon haulways - were built then, and the visiting freighters brought rats, which set about the island bird population. A lighthouse was built by the Stevensons in 1886, and automated in 1990, when its keepers the last island residents left. Ailsa Craig has no safe all-weather harbour and the quarry was unprofitable for mass extraction of building stone, but found a niche use as a source of curling stones. Curling is the sport of sliding stone bowls over ice towards a target area, and the curl is induced by the spin of the bowl as it travels, offset by brushing the ice to speed and straighten its path. Curling emerged in the 16th century in Scotland and the Netherlands; it's not agreed which was first, but both had freezing cold winters and strong trading links. At first, any hefty flat-based stone would serve, then the sport was regularised and a handle became standard. Ailsa Craig is the traditional source, fashioned into stones by Kays in Mauchline near Ayr. Trefor quarry on the Llŷn Peninsula in Wales exports stone to the Canada Curling Company. The stone has a concave base, so all the contact with the ice is on its rim. The ice is not flat but "pebbled" by frozen droplets of water for a faster running surface. This means that the contact is highly concentrated, so a completely impervious stone is necessary, otherwise water would be forced in at microscopic level, would then freeze and crack the structure, and the stone would soon become pitted and unusable. Kays only quarry once every few years, taking 2000-ton batches of three Ailsite varieties (green, blue, and a little bit of red) back to the mainland for storage until required for manufacture. These amounts aren't going to diminish the island any time soon.

The island is now a bird sanctuary managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). In 1991 the rats were eradicated by poison: they had been especially damaging to puffins, which nest in easily accessible burrows, where eggs and chicks are unguarded while the adults fish. The rabbits are also an introduced species but are much less damaging and their presence is tolerated. Puffins soon re-colonised the island, and all species showed a rebound in numbers.

Get in
There are no scheduled ferries, and most visitors get here on a boat trip. Most trips are non-landing, circumnavigating to view the wildlife. Ailsa Craig is also within sea-kayaking range, but you're nine miles out, think about the changing conditions and the getting back.

Girvan is the usual point of departure for trips, see that page for details. McCrindle the main boat operator advertises year-round sailings. In reality, the weather and lack of customers make trips unlikely in winter.

Cruises of the west coast and Hebrides sometimes approach Ailsa Craig. One example is the Waverley, the world's last sea-going paddle steamer, which ranges around the Firth of Clyde in summer. This elderly vessel has had long spells hospitalised for repair, and it's a wonder she keeps going.

The landing jetty on Ailsa Craig is on the sheltered east side, just north of the lighthouse.

Get around
Walk everywhere. You need stout boots.

See

 * The railway ascends from the landing area to a winding station, then forks to the lighthouse or to the gasworks. It's 3-foot gauge, with the initial gradient cable-hauled and the upper sections worked by horse or hand. The gasworks stand in what had been a kailyard, with a stone wall to keep goats off the crops. Until 1911 coal-gas was made to power the lighthouse and the compressors which piped air to the island's north and south foghorns - some stretches of pipeline remain. Foghorns were discontinued in 1987.
 * was completed in 1886. It's near the landing jetty on the only stretch of flat land, so it can be seen from the Ayrshire coast and inshore channel, but not from out in the Irish Sea. It used oil- then gas-burning lamps, which in 1911 were replaced by incandescent lighting. It was connected by telegraph in 1935: until then the keepers relied on carrier pigeons. On stormy nights when pigeons couldn't fly, urgent messages (for instance to send a doctor) were indicated by signal fires. The lighthouse remains active: it was automated in 1990 and converted to solar power in 2001. Attempts to sell off the keepers' cottage for exclusive accommodation have so far come to nothing, as has a far-fetched plan to develop an outpost of Trump Turnberry Resort here.
 * The quarry railway is now only marked by a trackbed round the south end of the island. It was a fairly basic horse-drawn haulway for tubs of stone.
 * is a typical Borders turret of circa 1500 that finds itself somehow marooned here. It was refurbished in the 1580s when war with Spain was expected. In the event, a string of calamities drove the 1588 Spanish Armada right around the tip of Scotland to the Atlantic coast, but none of the stricken ships tried to land here. There were attempts to use the island as a bolthole for Catholic fugitives of persecution (which didn't end well for the Catholics) and as a forward base for another Spanish incursion (likewise a fiasco played out elsewhere). The castle ruins stand 39 ft (12 m) tall, approached by the steep path towards the summit.
 * marks the island summit, with breezy views west towards Mull of Kintyre (with Sanda Island just off it) and the Antrim coast (with Rathlin island just north).

Do
Wildlife spotting: the skies are especially full of sea birds during the nesting season of spring and early summer.

Eat and drink
Bring everything you need with you, as there is no food or drink on the island.

Sleep
There is no accommodation on the island, and camping is not permitted.

Stay safe
Boat trips are generally open or only partly covered, so you need warm, windproof and waterproof clothing, at any time of year.

The cliffs are dangerous and the ground nearby is often slippery from drizzle and bird-poo.

Connect
As of Oct 2022, the island has no mobile signal. Consider leaving your phone somewhere safe ashore, rather than risk a soaking or breakage in a stumble.

Go next

 * Girvan is probably where your boat trip will return you. It retains its character as a fishing village rather than a "Costa Clyde" beach resort.
 * Ayr is particularly associated with the poet Robert Burns, who grew up in Alloway 3 miles south. A further six miles south near Maybole is the ruin of Crossraguel Abbey, which once owned Ailsa Craig.
 * Mauchline 12 miles east of Ayr is the home of Kay's, whose curling stones are sold world wide - reckon £300 for a new one, but you need a set, and think about the cost of postage. Robert Burns farmed awhiles unprofitably at Mauchline, as he did at Maybole and Tarbolton, but the only mementoes of those times are plaques and graves of his boozing companions and lovers.

title: Ailsa Craig


text:
Ainsa

Ainsa is a city in the Aragon region of Spain. Besides the surrounding mountain landscape, the 12th-century Iglesia parroquial de Santa María church and the 11th-century castle are the main sights of the town.

See
Ainsa has a nice medieval old town. Park your car in the lower parts and walk up to the old centre. Splendid view towards the mountains and the lake. Very touristic in summer but not a tourist trap.

Do
Canyoning is a thing to do in the area.

Drink
Lots of terraces in upper town.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Ainsa


text:
Ainu phrasebook

Ainu (アイヌ・イタㇰ, Áynu ıták, Айну итак) is the language of the Ainu people, who are indigenous to the island of Hokkaido in Japan, as well as Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands in Russia. Today, the Ainu language is extinct in Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, and moribund in Hokkaido, where it is only spoken by a handful of elderly, virtually all of whom are also able to speak Japanese. As a tourist, you are most likely to encounter the Ainu language only in cultural performances.

Basics

 * Hello. : Irankarapte. ( )
 * Hello. (informal) : He. ( )
 * How are you? : E=iwanke ya? ( ?)
 * Fine, thank you. : Ku=iwanke, iyairaykere. ( )
 * What is your name? : E=re hemanta ya? ( ?)
 * My name is ______ . : K=ani anakne ______ ku=ne. (  _____ .)
 * Nice to meet you. : Irankarapte. ( )
 * Please. : . ( )
 * Thank you. : Iyairaykere. ( )
 * You're welcome. : E. ( )
 * Yes. : E. ( )
 * No. : Somo. ( )
 * Excuse me. (getting attention) : . ( )
 * Excuse me. (begging pardon) : Ku=yayapapu. ( )
 * I'm sorry. : Ku=yayapapu. ( )
 * Goodbye (for those who leave) : Apunno paye yan. ( )
 * Goodbye (for those who stay) : Apunno oka yan. ( )
 * I can't speak Ainu language [well]. : [ ]. ( [ ])
 * Do you speak English? : Amerika-itak ku=hawean eaykap ya? ( ?)
 * Is there someone here who speaks English? : ? ( ?)
 * Help! : ! ( !)
 * Look out! : ! ( !)
 * Good morning. : . ( )
 * Good evening. : . ( )
 * Good night. : . ( )
 * Good night (to sleep) : . ( )
 * I don't understand. : . ( )
 * Where is the toilet? : Asinru hunak an ya? ( ?)

Problems

 * Leave me alone. : . ( .)
 * Don't touch me! : Somo tempa! ( !)
 * I'll call the police. : . ( .)
 * Police! : Keisatu! ( !)
 * Stop! Thief! : ! ! ( ! !)
 * I need your help. : . ( .)
 * It's an emergency. : . ( .)
 * I'm lost. : . ( .)
 * I lost my bag. : . ( .)
 * I lost my wallet. : . ( .)
 * I'm sick. : Ku=sieye. ( .)
 * I've been injured. : . ( .)
 * I need a doctor. : . ( .)
 * Can I use your phone? : ? ( ?)

Numbers

 * 1 :sine ( )
 * 2 :tu ( )
 * 3 :re ( )
 * 4 :ine ( )
 * 5 :asikne ( )
 * 6 :iwan ( )
 * 7 :arwan ( )
 * 8 :tupesan ( )
 * 9 :sinepesan ( )
 * 10 :wan ( )
 * 11 :sine ikasma wan ( )
 * 12 :tu ikasma wan ( )
 * 13 :re ikasma wan ( )
 * 14 :ine ikasma wan ( )
 * 15 :asikne ikasma wan ( )
 * 16 :iwan ikasma wan ( )
 * 17 :arwan ikasma wan ( )
 * 18 :tupesan ikasma wan ( )
 * 19 :sinepesan ikasma wan ( )
 * 20 :hotne ( )
 * 21 :sine ikasma hotne ( )
 * 22 :tu ikasma hotne ( )
 * 23 :re ikasma hotne ( )
 * 30 :wan ikasma hotne ( )
 * 40 :tu-hotne ( )
 * 50 :wan ikasma tu-hotne ( )
 * 60 :re-hotne ( )
 * 70 :wan ikasma re-hotne ( )
 * 80 :ine-hotne ( )
 * 90 :wan ikasma ine-hotne ( )
 * 100 :asikne-hotne ( )
 * 200 : ( )
 * 300 : ( )
 * 1,000 : ( )
 * 2,000 : ( )
 * 1,000,000 : ( )
 * 1,000,000,000 : ( )
 * 1,000,000,000,000 : ( )
 * number _____ (train, bus, etc.) : ( )
 * half : ( )
 * less : ( )
 * more : ( )

Time

 * now :tane ( )
 * later : ( )
 * before : ( )
 * morning :kuneywa ( )
 * afternoon :sirpeker, tokap ( )
 * evening : ( )
 * night :kunne ( )

Clock time

 * one o'clock AM : ( )
 * two o'clock AM : ( )
 * noon : ( )
 * one o'clock PM : ( )
 * two o'clock PM : ( )
 * midnight : ( )

Duration

 * _____ minute(s) : ( )
 * _____ hour(s) : ( )
 * _____ day(s) : ( )
 * _____ week(s) : ( )
 * _____ month(s) : ( )
 * _____ year(s) : ( )

Days

 * today :tanto ( )
 * yesterday :numan ( )
 * tomorrow :nisatta ( )
 * this week : ( )
 * last week : ( )
 * next week : ( )

 * Sunday : ( )
 * Monday : ( )
 * Tuesday : ( )
 * Wednesday : ( )
 * Thursday : ( )
 * Friday : ( )
 * Saturday : ( )

Months

 * January :toetannecup ( )
 * February :haprapcup ( )
 * March :mokiwtacup ( )
 * April :sikiutacup ( )
 * May :momawtacup ( )
 * June :simawtacup ( )
 * July :moniyorap ( )
 * August :siniyorap ( )
 * September :urepokecup ( )
 * October :suneancup ( )
 * November :kuekaycup ( )
 * December :ciwrup ( )

Colors

 * black : ( )
 * white : retar ( )
 * gray : katuwa ( )
 * red : hure ( )
 * blue : ( )
 * yellow : ( )
 * green : hu ( )
 * orange : ( )
 * purple : ( )
 * brown : ( )

Bus and train

 * How much is a ticket to _____? : ( )
 * One ticket to _____, please. : ( )
 * Where does this train/bus go? : ( )
 * Where is the train/bus to _____? : ( )
 * Does this train/bus stop in _____? : ( )
 * When does the train/bus for _____ leave? : ( )
 * When will this train/bus arrive in _____? : ( )

Directions

 * How do I get to _____ ? : ( )
 * ...the train station? : ( )
 * ...the bus station? : ( )
 * ...the airport? : ( )
 * ...downtown? : ( )
 * ...the youth hostel? : ( )
 * ...the _____ hotel? : ( )
 * ...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate? : ( )
 * Where are there a lot of... : ( )
 * ...hotels? : ( )
 * ...restaurants? : ( )
 * ...bars? : ( )
 * ...sites to see? : ( )
 * Can you show me on the map? : ( )
 * street : ( )
 * Turn left. : ( )
 * Turn right. : ( )
 * left : ( )
 * right : ( )
 * straight ahead : ( )
 * towards the _____ : ( )
 * past the _____ : ( )
 * before the _____ : ( )
 * Watch for the _____. : ( )
 * intersection : ( )
 * north : ( )
 * south : ( )
 * east : ( )
 * west : ( )
 * uphill : ( )
 * downhill : ( )

Taxi

 * Taxi! : ( )
 * Take me to _____, please. : ( )
 * How much does it cost to get to _____? : ( )
 * Take me there, please. : ( )

Lodging

 * Do you have any rooms available? : ( )
 * How much is a room for one person/two people? : ( )
 * Does the room come with... : ( )
 * ...bedsheets? : ( )
 * ...a bathroom? : ( )
 * ...a telephone? : ( )
 * ...a TV? : ( )
 * May I see the room first? : ( )
 * Do you have anything quieter? : ( )
 * ...bigger? : ( )
 * ...cleaner? : ( )
 * ...cheaper? : ( )
 * OK, I'll take it. : ( )
 * I will stay for _____ night(s). : ( )
 * Can you suggest another hotel? : ( )
 * Do you have a safe? : ( )
 * ...lockers? : ( )
 * Is breakfast/supper included? : ( )
 * What time is breakfast/supper? : ( )
 * Please clean my room. : ( )
 * Can you wake me at _____? : ( )
 * I want to check out. : ( )

Money

 * Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars? : ( )
 * Do you accept British pounds? : ( )
 * Do you accept euros? : ( )
 * Do you accept credit cards? : ( )
 * Can you change money for me? : ( )
 * Where can I get money changed? : ( )
 * Can you change a traveler's check for me? : ( )
 * Where can I get a traveler's check changed? : ( )
 * What is the exchange rate? : ( )
 * Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)? : ( )

Eating

 * A table for one person/two people, please. : ( )
 * Can I look at the menu, please? : ( )
 * Can I look in the kitchen? : ( )
 * Is there a house specialty? : ( )
 * Is there a local specialty? : ( )
 * I'm a vegetarian. : ( )
 * I don't eat pork. : ( )
 * I don't eat beef. : ( )
 * I only eat kosher food. : ( )
 * Can you make it "lite", please? (less oil/butter/lard) : ( )
 * fixed-price meal : ( )
 * a la carte : ( )
 * breakfast : ( )
 * lunch : ( )
 * tea (meal) : ( )
 * supper : ( )
 * I want _____. : ( )
 * I want a dish containing _____. : ( )
 * chicken : ( )
 * beef : ( )
 * fish : ( )
 * ham : ( )
 * sausage : ( )
 * cheese : ( )
 * eggs : ( )
 * salad : ( )
 * (fresh) vegetables :  ( )
 * (fresh) fruit : ( )
 * bread : ( )
 * toast : ( )
 * noodles : ( )
 * rice : ( )
 * beans : ( )
 * May I have a glass of _____? : ( )
 * May I have a cup of _____? : ( )
 * May I have a bottle of _____? : ( )
 * coffee : ( )
 * tea (drink) : ( )
 * juice : ( )
 * (bubbly) water : ( )
 * (still) water : ( )
 * beer : ( )
 * red/white wine : ( )
 * May I have some _____? : ( )
 * salt : ( )
 * black pepper : ( )
 * butter : ( )
 * Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server): ( )
 * I'm finished. : ( )
 * It was delicious. : ( )
 * Please clear the plates. : ( )
 * The check, please. : ( )

Bars

 * Do you serve alcohol? : ( )
 * Is there table service? : ( )
 * A beer/two beers, please. : ( )
 * A glass of red/white wine, please. : ( )
 * A pint, please. : ( )
 * A bottle, please. : ( )
 * _____ (hard liquor) and _____ (mixer), please. : ( )
 * whiskey : ( )
 * vodka : ( )
 * rum : ( )
 * water : ( )
 * club soda : ( )
 * tonic water : ( )
 * orange juice : ( )
 * Coke (soda) : ( )
 * Do you have any bar snacks? : ( )
 * One more, please. : ( )
 * Another round, please. : ( )
 * When is closing time? : ( )
 * Cheers! : ( )

Shopping

 * Do you have this in my size? : ( )
 * How much is this? : ( )
 * That's too expensive. : ( )
 * Would you take _____? : ( )
 * expensive : ( )
 * cheap : ( )
 * I can't afford it. : ( )
 * I don't want it. : ( )
 * You're cheating me. : ( )
 * I'm not interested. : (..)
 * OK, I'll take it. : ( )
 * Can I have a bag? : ( )
 * Do you ship (overseas)? : ( )
 * I need... : ( )
 * ...toothpaste. : ( )
 * ...a toothbrush. : ( )
 * ...tampons. : . ( )
 * ...soap. : ( )
 * ...shampoo. : ( )
 * ...pain reliever. (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen) : ( )
 * ...cold medicine. : ( )
 * ...stomach medicine. : ... ( )
 * ...a razor. : ( )
 * ...an umbrella. : ( )
 * ...sunblock lotion. : ( )
 * ...a postcard. : ( )
 * ...postage stamps. : ( )
 * ...batteries. : ( )
 * ...writing paper. : ( )
 * ...a pen. : ( )
 * ...English-language books. : ( )
 * ...English-language magazines. : ( )
 * ...an English-language newspaper. : ( )
 * ...an English-English dictionary. : ( )

Driving

 * I want to rent a car. : ( )
 * Can I get insurance? : ( )
 * stop (on a street sign) : ( )
 * one way : ( )
 * yield : ( )
 * no parking : ( )
 * speed limit : ( )
 * gas (petrol) station : ( )
 * petrol : ( )
 * diesel : ( )

Authority

 * I haven't done anything wrong. : ( )
 * It was a misunderstanding. : ( )
 * Where are you taking me? : ( )
 * Am I under arrest? : ( )
 * I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen. : ( )
 * I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate. : ( )
 * I want to talk to a lawyer. : ( )
 * Can I just pay a fine now? : ( )

title: Ainu phrasebook


text:
Aioi

Aioi (相生) is a small port city in western Hyogo.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site. Its Pamphlet section has a guide map in English.

Get in
Aioi Station is served by the Sanyo Shinkansen. The JR Sanyo Main Line and the Ako Line also run through Aioi.

Go next

 * Ako
 * Tatsuno
 * Kamigori
 * Taishi
 * Himeji
 * Bizen
 * Setouchi
 * Wake
 * Akaiwa

title: Aioi


text:
Air courier

Travelling as an air courier was a way to get cheap air-fare by giving up most or all of your luggage allowance. You generally had to organize ahead of time, but sometimes, last-minute deals were available. As a means of delivering urgent parcels and freight, splitting the checked baggage allowance from a passenger ticket in this manner is in decline. A handful of air courier assignments still exist, such as Air Charter Service, but there are few bargains to be had.

Increasingly, parcel carriers are deploying their own cargo-only air fleets. As airlines improve their own cargo operations to shorten delivery time, the need for urgent packages to travel as checked passenger baggage is disappearing. Heightened security post-September 11, 2001 is also a factor in the decline of air courier travel.

How it worked
Courier companies are well paid for delivering things quickly. Frequently, time is very important with business documents, merchandise or spare parts for an urgent repair. On some routes, the larger companies have their own planes, but for other routes and smaller firms there was a problem. If they sent things by air freight, on some routes it may have taken days to get through unloading and customs. The only way to get it through faster was to send it as checked luggage. Airline regulations will not allow them to send luggage without a passenger, which is where you come in.

Courier companies routinely booked one seat each way, every day on flights between two major business hubs, for example from New York to Hong Kong. These are always economy class, generally on major airlines, and usually a flight that departs in the evening. Of course, the airlines give them a very good price.

You can occupy that seat at a discount, provided you accompany their stuff. A courier representative will meet you at the airport with your ticket, the shipment (which is checked in for you) and the shipping documents (which you carry). Another rep will meet you at the other end to take delivery. You just deliver the documents, and they do the rest. In no case, do you have to help with carrying their luggage load.

Sometimes, someone will also meet you in the middle, e.g. on a Sydney-London courier flight, you stop in Tokyo, where you drop off the Sydney-Tokyo stuff and pick up Tokyo-London.

Discounts were often substantial, 20% and up, although this gap has narrowed with the increasing prevalence of discounted tickets from other sources. Once the company knew you as a regular and reliable courier, deals sometimes got even better. If someone cancelled and they were stuck, they occasionally offered a last-minute free flight. In other words, someone else paid dearly for your free trip!

A few years back, courier travel was possible within North America or Europe. That has been eliminated by air express companies such as FedEx and DHL which have their own planes or long-term contracts with the airlines.

Nowadays, the few remaining courier flights are almost all intercontinental, and are diminishing in number for various reasons — tighter airside security, more business documents transmitted on-line instead of hand-carried, better efforts by airlines to co-operate efficiently with cargo firms. In rare instances, FedEx may still have a passenger hand-carry a courier package on a commercial flight as a premium service with end-to-end tracking, but this is becoming an uncommon, last-resort option as cargo-only flights are increasingly operated by parcel companies using their own aircraft.

Restrictions
Courier travel was not for everyone, as there are serious restrictions:

 * Destinations were limited to major business routes. If you didn't live near a major international airport, that was your problem. A few courier companies might have sold connecting tickets, but you'd have paid the difference and expected long layovers to avoid any chance of missing the main flight.
 * Your luggage is severely limited. Some companies allowed one checked bag. With most, you flew with carry-on luggage only. Occasionally, one may have had a full luggage allowance on the return trip only. That meant buying new luggage or a large, sturdy box at the destination. Of course, this baggage was subject to customs duty when you arrive back home, so it wasn't a good idea to overdo it.
 * You needed to book well in advance for popular routes or seasons.
 * You paid the fare, or at least a deposit, at time of booking.
 * Most courier tickets were for a round trip, usually with a stay between 7 and 30 days.
 * If you cancelled close to your flight time, there would be no refund.
 * Visas, if required, were your responsibility.  However, countries which required a visa solely because you're a courier were few in number (if any).
 * You needed to report to immigration and customs at your destination that you flew as a courier. There was nothing at all unusual about this, as they encountered it every day.
 * The courier companies booked a daily flight with one airline, months in advance. You could not change anything — airline, route or even flight.
 * You may or may not be able to get reward miles for the trip.
 * If you wanted to travel with a friend (both having courier fares), each needed to travel on a different day or for a different company.

If you cannot live with these restrictions, see the Air travel on a budget article for other options, such as charter flights or airline consolidators. Fares will likely be a little higher, but there is more flexibility.

Booking through an agency was generally worth the small fee of joining the agency, as they are given most access to the flights. They may be able to offer flights that you could not find as a freelance courier.

Demise
Not very long ago, taking a position as a commercial airline courier was an attractive way to travel on a small allowance. You essentially were contacted to transport a parcel from one city to another and your carry-on baggage allocation was “rented.” You were then rewarded with a low fare for the trip. This type of agreement isn’t as prevalent anymore, due to the fact that companies don’t rely on couriers as much as they used to, because air shipping is faster than it ever was before.

These days, few companies can offer someone the chance to serve as a courier. Although in the 1970s one would pay a token passage as a courier, by the 2010s, courier passengers barely saved 15 to 50% off the full ticket price. These types of ticket prices are regularly sold to the general public by other means, such as seat sales.

As individual routes disappear (either through airlines improving their cargo operations or courier companies flying their own cargo-only flights), many of the agencies which provided lists of available flights have gone off-line and many popular beaten-path destinations are no longer available. The few seats which remain available may be going to some rather out-of-the-way points as there are plenty of other means to get an urgent package from (for example) London to New York.

Stay safe
If you prepay any money for participation as a commercial airline envoy, you are being given the run around.

You need to be very careful about the legitimacy of the jobs you take. The last thing you want is to be caught transporting contraband (or worse) on a plane. A good way to avoid this is to use an agent (usually a representative of the service you are working for), who will take you through customs and clear the contents. Always check the reputation of the courier company before booking. None which are reliable and legitimate would ever try to ship anything hazardous or illegal.

If you do decide to become a courier, you won’t receive many options in where you can travel. You go to whatever location they need you to visit, whether it is the Middle East, North America or another location. You obtain a last minute permit for the trip and are oftentimes restricted as to the number of bags you are approved to have with you. Chances are, you will get better discounts by finding reasonably priced flights using other means.

title: Air courier


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Airdrie

There is more than one place called Airdrie:

Canada

 * Airdrie - A town in Alberta.

United Kingdom

 * Airdrie - A town in central Scotland.

title: Airdrie


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Airdrie (Alberta)

Airdrie is a city of over 61,000 people (2016) in Calgary Region.

Understand
Airdrie was established as a railway siding in 1889 during the construction of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway. It was named for Airdrie, Scotland. In 1901, the first farmhouse and barn were built, followed by a post office and store in that same year. Today, Airdrie is a bedroom community and industrial centre.

By plane
Airdrie is served by the Airdrie Airport, a private airport with no scheduled flights. The closest major airport is the Calgary International Airport.

By car
It is north of Calgary in the Calgary–Edmonton Corridor at the intersection of Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2) and Highway 567. Highway 567 provides access to Cochrane to the west and Irricana to the east. Highway 72 intersects Highway 2 just north of Airdire and alternate route between Calgary and Drumheller.

Get around
Local bus service is provided by Airdrie Transit, $2.25 (Apr 2018). Airdrie Transit operates three local routes on a 30-minute frequency during high demand morning and afternoon times, and a 60-minute frequency at all other times.

See
Airdrie's primary cultural venues include the Nose Creek Valley Museum and the Bert Church Live Theatre.

Eat

title: Airdrie (Alberta)


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Aireys Inlet

Aireys Inlet is a small town in the South West Coast region of Victoria, Australia.

Get in
Aireys Inlet is serviced by the V/Line bus between Geelong and Apollo Bay, which forms part of the larger Great Ocean Road service to Warrnambool. From Melbourne, take a Geelong line train and connect with the appropriate bus at the station. The service runs four times a day each direction on weekdays, and twice-daily on weekends. The town has two bus stops; the main one in front of the post office in the centre of town, and the others further to the west at the intersection with Bambra Rd, not far from the lighthouse. There is also a bus stop each in Fairhaven and Eastern View, right next to the arch.

title: Aireys Inlet


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Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach (or Airlie) is a town in Queensland, Australia and is the closest port from which to access the Whitsunday islands on the Great Barrier Reef. With around 25,000 residents, it is developed to cater for almost every kind of tourist and backpacker, and is the major hub for trips out to the Whitsunday islands and Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Abel point marina is the location for taking boats out to islands, and is a brisk 15-minute walk from Shute Harbour Road, Airlie's High Street, around a renovated seaside boardwalk.

Understand
Airlie beach used to be a backpacker haven but has now been discovered by Australians and has consequently become more commercialised. Still plenty of good cheap accommodation and an excellent stop off on the East Coast of Australia.

Orientation
The main strip of Airlie where most of the backpacker resorts and pubs are is usually known as Airlie Beach proper. Cannonvale is the section west of the strip to where the developments peter out. Beyond that is Cannonvalley and Strathdickie - more rural areas where the housing is more acreage style or farming land. Other suburbs in the area are Jubilee Pocket and Shute Harbour, where the ferries to the Whitsunday Islands depart from.

By plane
Flying to Proserpine Airport, also known as Whitsunday Coast Airport, in Proserpine is the easiest way to reach Airlie. The two main airlines flying to here are Virgin Australia and Jetstar. It has upgraded facilities with full baggage collection, hire car and service desks and a small bistro area.

There is also Hamilton Island airport which is just off Airlie Beach. Do your research though as you have to get off Hamilton Island and this could be expensive.

By train
There is a train station in Proserpine for those travelling up the East Coast.

By bus
Greyhound and Premier coaches stop at Airlie on their trip between Brisbane and Cairns.

There are also tours that travel up the East Coast and visit Airlie Beach.

HitchHiking is rare but it can be efficient.

Get around
A number of buses serve the airport terminal, and drive to Airlie beach or other locations but all but one must be prebooked. The tickets cost a flat $15 per person one way and can be purchased in a queue at a clearly marked booth just inside the arrival gate. The bus driver mans the booth, and when everyone has got a ticket (about 30–40 minutes wait from arrival) the bus gets going. Another option is to take a taxi, for which there is also a booth inside the arrivals gate. However taxi rides seem to match the bus price, and cost $15 per person. Also, there may not be any taxis waiting. The ride to Airlie beach is smooth and takes about 40 minutes. The driver will ask where you are staying and take you to the door of the hostel or hotel in Airlie Beach.

Do
On Saturday morning there is a charming market along the waterfront, with a range of locally produced foods and souvenirs.

Swimming
Despite its name, Airlie Beach is not the best place for the beach. The few near Shute Harbour Rd are small and pretty, but the presence of jellyfish (there are signs up detailing different species near the beaches) means people do not swim in the water from around October to around May. There is a new man made beach Port of Airlie which has a larger beach than Airlie beach proper and it also has a shopping area and boat marina. A swim in the water requires a stinger suit - made from rash top type material. However more than making up for this, Airlie has a fantastic man made lagoon. This is around 200 m long and 50 m wide, landscaped with a bridge and grass to lie on surrounding. It is watched by lifeguards during the day and security at night, and because it is open to swim in at all times the lagoon makes relaxing in Airlie pure delight.

Day trips
Transfers to cruises and daytrips to the Whitsunday Islands and Outer Great Barrier Reef are popular in Airlie. See the Whitsunday Islands for information.

Hiking
Airlie Beach features several hiking trails of different length. One starts at the end of and leads in about 90 minutes up through the national park to a beautiful lookout over the harbour and the Whitsunday Islands.

Eat
Airlie has many varied restaurants, both budget and more expensive, and a range of takeaway places with specials catering to the backpacker market.

For those foodies out there, Deja Vu at Water's Edge Resort is beautiful and Capers at the Airlie Beach Hotel is always reliable.

For those on a budget, Morocco's, Beaches or Magnums offer good pub-style meals, with some of the sailing trips offering meals there included as part of the trip cost.

Drink
Airlie has a great nightlife with bars concentrated on the main road.

Connect
Hostels and hotels provide internet access, some for free but most at a cost of a few dollars per hour or day. You can also check 'The Whitsunday Central Reservation Centre' at the end of main Street Airlie Beach ($1 for 30 min; 30 min free if you're using AI's Laundry opposite the road). Peterpans travel agency on the main street provide Wi-Fi, computers and a printer. McDonald's offers free Wi-Fi.

Go next
For those with access to a car and don't mind a bit of a hike, a trip to Cedar Creek Falls is well worth it. Dingo Beach and Hideaway Bay are also within 30 minutes drive, and the quaint restaurants are a quiet break away from the younger crowd. Quad biking and horse riding are also other options for something to do in Airlie.

Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour are access points to the Whitsunday Islands and cruises around them.

title: Airlie Beach


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Airline alliances

Airline alliances are formed when different airlines agree to substantially cooperate with each other. Advantages for customers include more destinations and more convenient connections, while the airlines benefit by feeding passengers to each other instead of to competitors.

Understand
For travelers, the most obvious effect of airline alliances is codesharing whereby one airline will sell a seat on a flight with its own flight number, but the flight is performed by a different airline. (Note that not all airlines are part of an airline alliance, and not even all airlines within the same alliance do codeshares with each other.)

Although many airlines in an alliance have subsidiaries, the subsidiaries are often not members of the alliance which the parents are part of.

How does this apply to me?

 * Airline alliances tend to coordinate their flights to ease connections, flying intercontinental flights to each other's hubs, adjusting schedules and grouping one alliance's flights at a single terminal at large airports. They code-share and interline (transfer bags) with each other, so that you can travel to many more destinations on a single ticket sold by your local airline.

 * You can collect frequent flyer miles when flying on an alliance partner airline. This means for example that a passenger with Qantas can claim mileage when flying with another OneWorld airline such as British Airways.

 * Additionally, status levels that you have on one airline are generally recognized by other airlines in the same alliance. For example, a 'Morning Calm' status with Korean Air will automatically give you 'Elite' status when flying with another airline in the SkyTeam alliance. Thus, you can check in at the Business Class counter, get priority luggage tags, getting emergency exit row seats assigned to you and priority boarding of the aircraft.

 * Travelers can take advantage of a round-the-world ticket, a ticket with the ability to stop at a few countries around the world for a relatively lower price.
 * If your trip is interrupted by a flight delay or cancellation and has a connecting flight that you will now miss due to the interruption, airline staff may rebook you on another airline's flight from the same alliance to minimize the delay in reaching your final destination.

Oneworld
Oneworld is the smallest alliance counting by the number of airlines. The member airlines are spread evenly around the world, so it is a workable option when planning a long multi-point trip such as for a round the world flight. It was the first alliance to introduce interlining e-tickets.

Members
Oneworld Connect Partners:

SkyTeam
SkyTeam is the latest large-scale alliance to be formed. It has a particularly strong network in Europe.

Star Alliance
Star Alliance is the world's largest airline alliance.

Cooperation includes seamless code share flights and baggage interlining and, as a new trend, an increased degree of co-location in airport terminals.

Members of any Star Alliance frequent traveler program (FT) can credit miles or points flown in many booking classes on any Star Alliance operated aircraft.

"Gold" Star Alliance FT members get an extra 20 kg or "piece" of baggage; reciprocal access to most Star Alliance members' lounges; priority boarding and priority wait listing.

Members
A few airlines are "connecting partners", offering limited perks on flights connecting to ones on other Star Alliance airlines, but without being full members of Star Alliance:

Value Alliance
Value Alliance is an alliance of low-cost Asia-Pacific carriers.

Vanilla Alliance
Vanilla Alliance (French: Alliance Vanille) was created to improve air connectivity within the Indian Ocean region.

Rail-air alliances
In some countries (especially those with extensive high speed rail networks) there are also cooperation agreements between airlines and railway operators, offering trains as a code-shared "flight" or other benefits to travelers. For more on the topic see rail air alliances.

Frequent flyer programs

 * Main article: Frequent flyer programmes

You should choose your Frequent Flyer airline in an alliance carefully. Although you may think it is intuitive to join the airline you fly most, you should be aware that privileges offered are often different and frequent flyer points may be more generous under a different airline in the same alliance.

By way of example, to reach Star Alliance Gold status (affording you priority wait listing and boarding, extra checked baggage allowance and use of lounges even when flying on any Star Alliance economy flight) requires only 20,000 miles in one year with Aegean Airlines' Miles&Bonus program, but some other member programs require 50,000 or even 100,000 miles in a year to be flown before awarding Gold status.

title: Airline alliances


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Aitutaki

Aitutaki (Aye-too-tah-ki) is an island in the Southern Cook Islands. Aitutaki lagoon and its islands are breathtakingly beautiful. The classic picture postcard of small palm tree fringed tropical island, with shallow, warm turquoise waters, corals, tropical fish and blue skies is taken here. The lagoon is large, taking about an hour to cross in a boat.

Understand
It is a 45-minute flight from the capital island of Rarotonga. Tourism facilities are well developed, but are still low key enough not to intrude on the nature of the island.

In 2016, it was home to about 1,700 people.

Geography
The larger island is split into different villages, Vaipae & Tau'tu are the largest and are located on the south east side of the island, Arutanga is often referred to as town and is on the south west side of the island. Arutanga has a center area for shopping, and the Telecom Office (also the Post Office), the Westpac Bank and the Bank of the Cook Islands are located here. Here you will also find the Blue Nun and Wharf. Amuri is a general term for the north end of the island which contains most of the tourist accommodations and less population. The other villages on the island are Uriea, Rearea, Rama, Vaipeka and Nikaupara.

There are several smaller island in the lagoon Akaiami is a small, elongated islet at the opposite end of the lagoon from Aitutaki's main island around 20 minutes across the lagoon from Aitutaki. Akaiami is remote, quiet, charming, unspoiled and surrounded by pristine turquoise lagoon and coral reef, and there is a small lodge there. One Foot Island is a popular stopping spot for lagoon cruises.

History
During World War II, the island was host to American forces who outnumbered the local population of the island at the time. The Americans built the airstrips which are still in use today. The island was built to be the last point of defence in the Pacific, but Japanese advance was reversed and the island never saw action. Some descendants of the American troops stationed there remain on the island.

The lagoon was a stopover point for the TEAL (later to become Air New Zealand) flying boats, which operated to between Tahiti, Fiji and New Zealand until 1960. The remains of the wharf where visitors would disembark for a two hour stopover, often including a swim in lagoon is still in place today on the island of Akaiami in the lagoon. The rocks are slightly submerged.

Get around
Akaiami is a small, elongated islet at the opposite end of the lagoon from Aitutaki's main island. A boat ride of approximately 20 minutes communicates both island. In 2006, there was only one inhabitant to the island (Pare), whose family owned the island and ran a small lodge. Akaiami offers little in terms of entertainment, other than hiking, fishing, swimming and kayaking. Its remote location, far from tourists and technology, is the real asset of this small charming island. Akaiami is essentially a fairly remote, quiet, charming, unspoiled islet surrounded by a pristine turquoise lagoon and a coral reef.

By car/scooter
Car and Scooter (or Moped) hire are the main forms of transport on Aitutaki. This can easily be arranged through any of the rental companies (or better accommodations) on the island. Prices tend to be higher and quality a bit lower than on Rarotonga.

A driver's licence costs $2.50 and can be purchased at the police station in Arutanga (also known as town). You will need to present your foreign driver's licence to obtain this. You are not required to have a motorcycle licence on your licence from your home country to obtain a licence for scooters & motorcycles in the Cook Islands; driving down to the police station is typically your practicum, although very rarely they do short tests. The licence is paper with no photo identification and lasts for a year. An Aitutaki driver's licence is cheaper, easier to get, and faster than getting a licence in Rarotonga and your Aitutaki licence will cover you for the whole Cook Islands. Licences in Rarotonga cost $20 with an additional amount for a practical test. There are sometimes lines in Rarotonga at the licence office so if you can avoid it, and you don't want a laminated photo id, the Aitutaki licence is the way to go.

Prices for cars can vary on which model chosen and which company used but typically $65 to $85 a day is usual with a refundable $40 petrol deposit. Cars typically tend to be automatics and are pretty reliable under the hood but will usually have some superficial damage.

Scooters are much more economical at $25 a day with a $10 petrol deposit. There is some competition with scooters so if you are not happy with yours you have other options. As with the cars, the scooters are typically in good condition and safe to drive, but will not be vespas or straight out of the box. Typically rentals are automatic, but ask and manuals should be available. Manual scooters can be in better condition because they are not rented as often.

By taxi
Taxis are expensive on Aitutaki. Rates are based on how far you are going, anywhere from NZ$10 per person for short trips to $20 per person, booking ahead is highly recommended and you can confirm your price then. There two taxi companies on the island (some restaurants & bars will have their own vehicles for pickups) :

 * Pacifica Taxi - excellent service and reliable.
 * Tropicool Tours - as the name suggests, does day tours around the island, transfers for Lagoon Cruises, and transfers for Cafe Tupuna. It is operated by Nane Herman who is a wonderful resource on island life and usually arrives with flowers for her guests, the only problem is that she can have limited availability for taxi services.

See

 * One-Foot Island is a must see with blue lagoons and white sandy beach. There is a post office (box), one of the most remote in the world. There are beaches for swimming, you can walk around the island.  Best snorkelling seems to be around the island past the rock ledge, towards the reef.

Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa located on its own private island Akitua which is directly on the fabled Aitutaki Lagoon offering the best views from the Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill. Day passes available for visitors not staying at the resort that allow access to water sports equipment, activities, beaches, bars, restaurant and Spa Polynesia. Romantic Candlelit dining with degustation menu in the evening on the beach.

 * Take an island, safari, & walk about tours

Lagoon tours
If the weather is nice, or even if it's not too bad, a lagoon cruise is near idyllic. Aitutaki's lagoon is supposed to rival Bora Bora in French Polynesia for beauty, and all of the lagoon operators are reputable and offer excellent trips. There is not a best operator on Aitutaki for Lagoon Cruises so look around and decide what kind of a cruise you are looking for - smaller more intimate cruises which stay away from One Foot Island during peak periods, or larger slower boats with entertainment and toilets on board. Unless it's a terrible day you can't go wrong.

For those that prefer to "do their own thing" another way to enjoy the Aitutaki Lagoon is to hire a kayak or outrigger canoe from the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa and paddle out to the nearest islet "motu" a few hundred metres away and go as far as is comfortable exploring the uninhabited islands. Book a picnic lunch and find your own beach without another soul on it.

For cruises on a smaller boat try:

Do

 * Scuba diving is available
 * Fishing (either game fishing or fly fishing inside the lagoon). There is a game fishing area by the Wharf in Arutanga where the public can compete in Fishing Contests.
 * Explore the island - rent a bicycle, scooter, or car and drive around the island. Don't be in a rush though as it won't take you long to get around the island. Take your time are enjoy the beaches, and taro on banana plantations. Of course the beach is also beckoning and the water is beautiful. The highest peak, Maunga Pu, offers good birds eye views of the whole island.
 * Experience an Island night
 * Fishing (either game fishing or fly fishing inside the lagoon). There is a game fishing area by the Wharf in Arutanga where the public can compete in Fishing Contests.
 * Explore the island - rent a bicycle, scooter, or car and drive around the island. Don't be in a rush though as it won't take you long to get around the island. Take your time are enjoy the beaches, and taro on banana plantations. Of course the beach is also beckoning and the water is beautiful. The highest peak, Maunga Pu, offers good birds eye views of the whole island.
 * Experience an Island night

The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa offers traditional drum dance show on Monday and Thursday nights featuring Aitutaki's best dancers. Dinner from 6:30PM and show begins at 8PM. All welcome. Bookings essential.

Buy
There is a small store for supplies in town, and two ATMs. The selection is very much what is available at the time, and is quite limited. Sea cargo can arrive in Aitutaki every 3 months, and supplies can be limited before resupply.

On Sundays there is only one store open, the Neibaa Store in Vaipae, and there is only one petrol station next to the airport.

Eat

 * Try the island's Ike mata (raw tuna) with coconut milk. It is delicious! And Poke a Cook Island Banana pudding which usually comes baked in the Earth oven or "Umu" Try not to eat snapper as they may give you ciguatera.

Reservations for dinner are a good idea on Aiutaki, as periodically the more popular restaurants will book up during tourist peak periods.

The Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa has views of Aitutaki Lagoon and offers Pacific cuisine between 11AM and 9PM. The Bounty Brasserie offers casual dining and regular live entertainment. Candlelit dining with a degustation menu and private waiter under the stars is available for a limited number of couples each evening.

The following all serve decent quality food but it definitely leans more to a take away style menu, with hamburgers being a big staple.

Drink
The Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill at The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa offers the best views of the fabled Aitutaki Lagoon as it is located directly on the lagoon on the private island of "Akituta". Enjoy a tropical cocktail as the sun goes down.

Pacific or Islands Nights are also a good option to experience while you are in the Cook Islands. Islands nights usually involve either a buffet or a la carte menu and an island dancing show for a set price. Most island nights will also include a string band before the show as well. While Cook Island dancing is distinct in its own ways and definitely worth watching, it will be of a same vein as Tahitian shows for those more familiar with French Polynesia.

There is also nightlife, particularly on Fridays & Saturdays. The popular venues change every once in a while but are not typically hard to find and will usually be wherever the Island night takes place.

 * Samade's Bar tends to attract more tourists than locals. You will find locals genuinely friendly and open and it is an excellent experience. The only words of caution are that periodically fights can occur after closing among those who've had too much to drink. It can be village rivalry or personal but almost never involves tourists. Closing time is always midnight.
 * Coconut Crusher Bar. A great feed, a great drink and wonderful people

Splurge

 * The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa has its own private island, "Akitua", on Aitutaki Lagoon. Offers overwater bungalows, a Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa and beachfront bungalows. Dining options are covered in "Eat" above. Spa Polynesia offers therapists and a wide selection of spa treatments.

Stay safe
It will be a challenge, if not virtually impossible, to get into trouble in Aitutaki.

Water is filtered but not UV treated, so you may want to drink bottled water whilst on the island. There is a communal water tank in town next to the market with safe water, and it has a tap from which you can fill up water bottles for free.

There are mosquitoes on the island, but there is no malaria. There are stone fish in the lagoon, so wear reef shoes when exploring the reef.

Connect
There are hotspots from Bluesky and Zenbu scattered throughout the island. Bluesky also has a small store that is combined with the post office in Arutanga where you can buy vouchers, or just buy them online when connecting.
 * Spider Co. Internet Lounge - internet cafe
 * Internet access at the Boat Shed.
 * Wireless access (with your laptop) at Koru Cafe.

Go next
The flying boats used on the coral route via Aitutaki are on display in Auckland.

title: Aitutaki


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Aiud

Aiud is a town in Alba County, Romania.

Understand
Aiud (Nagyenyed in Hungarian) is a town of troubled fate; devastated numerous times by Turks, Austrians, Romanians - its history is "a tragedy of blood and soot in several acts". Today, however, it is a small and mostly insignificant Romanian town, with not much to see, and only the central plaza reminding of its old atmosphere.

Having been founded by Germans in the 12th century, Aiud has later turned into a wealthy Hungarian town with its economy based on vine cultivation. With the foundation of a prestigious high school, it became a centre of education, and was dubbed "the Leiden of Transylvania". In 1849, Romanian troops and marauders massacred most of the inhabitants (who were predominantly Hungarian) and destroyed the entire town, including the school and churches. While it has been rebuilt later, it could never regain its prestige and importance.

Get in
Aiud is an important railway hub. The nearest airport is in Cluj Napoca.

Do

 * Fishing

title: Aiud


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Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence (usually simply called Aix) is a small, classically Provençal town. It is famous for being the home of the artist Paul Cézanne. The arrival of the TGV (high-speed train) station has brought lots of vacationers from the north, and Aix has turned into a shopping town with high variety and representation considering its small size. Three universities and several French-language schools for international students produce a very strong student presence.

Understand

Aix has always been a rich city. There is a high contrast between Marseille (only 30 km and half an hour away). Whereas Marseille is one the poorest French cities (but still a unique and not to be missed town), Aix is perhaps one of the richest. People seeking for budget or popular places should continue to Marseille.

Still, Aix has a lot to offer. It is a quiet, clean and comfortable city. The city centre is mostly pedestrian and, though it is quite small (you can cross the centre in 15 minutes by foot), offers long hours of nice walks. As in all Provençal towns, the city centre consists of narrow streets, lined with interesting buildings from 17th-century hotels to paved plazas.

By train
Aix has both a TGV and a regular station and is well-connected to the Paris—Marseille line and (via Marseille) to the Genoa—Nice—Barcelona line.

By bus

 * Nice – Buses from Care Routière Vauban in Nice (via Nice airport) go daily at 06:10 (not Sundays and holidays), 07:35, 09:25 (not Sundays and holidays), 12:00, and 17:15. They take about 3 hr 30 min and cost.

By plane
Fly into Marseille or Nice. Marseille is nearer (just south), but budget airlines such as EasyJet prefer Nice. There is a navette (shuttle bus) that can take you from the airport to the bus station near the center of town.

By car
If you come from anywhere up north you will most likely use the A7 motorway (Route du Soleil) that runs from Lyon to Marseille (whether you come from Switzerland or from the UK via Paris). At exit 27, take A8 (La Provencale) to Aix. From Spain, you'll take A9 (La Languedocienne), then turn onto A54 through the city of Arles (you might consider stopping there), then turn onto A7 and A8 respectively, as described above. From Italy, just take A8 passing Nice and all the posh Côte d'Azur resorts.

Avoiding toll roads can be slow but highly pleasurable, many of the routes nationales offer wonderful scenery that motorways can't deliver (save maybe some parts of the A8 east of Nice).

Parking in Aix can be quite difficult. There is at least one free car park but allow plenty of time to find a space (and the spaces can be quite tight to get into!).

Get around
Aix is a fairly small city and can be easily navigated by foot. Within the city centre, electric microbuses called La Diabline provide service on 3 routes every 10 minutes (€0.60, Oct 2023).

The city bus system is also very efficient and has numerous stops within the city, and connects Aix with nearby villages, towns, and Marseille. The city bus also runs to Carrefour Les Milles, a large shopping centre. Discounted tickets for frequent bus users can be purchased at the main bus station. The ticket office also sells discounted multi-pack tickets for the bus from Aix to Marseille and the TGV station (located between the two cities).

See

Aix is famous for its fountains. The largest and the most popular one is on the Cours Mirabeau, the main avenue through town, as well as a moss-covered fountain which draws its water from a hot spring.

Along with searching out the dozens of fountains sprawled around the city, Aix is known for its architecture. The varied and often intricate doors are a key feature, as well as the bell towers. The bell towers throughout Aix-en-Provence, and Provence more generally, are made of wrought iron. This allows the strong winds of the Mistral to flow straight through them, since solid stone would be destroyed by the force of the winds.

The city market in Cours Mirabeau runs Tu Th Sa mornings (as of Oct 2023), but the largest and most colourful is the Saturday market which includes a flower market at the Place de l'Hotel de Ville and the main food market is at Place Richelme.

It has also become known as the home of Cézanne's later works. You can see his atelier with some of the original objects he painted into his still lives. The Bibémus Quarries allow you to see Mt. St. Victoire, the mountains he captured in many of his paintings. You can also visit the Manor of Jas de Bouffan which houses many of his masterpieces. To see all three, you need at least two days in Aix.

Among the main landmarks in the town are:

Do

Aix is a fairly quiet town, but if you really want to, there can be many things to do. At the tourist office you can learn about the more modern activities include bowling, billiards, pubs, etc.

Another option is to hire a bicycle (for about for five hours) and ride around Aix. This is a very good way to see the town that is outside the center. You can find many interesting places and buildings that you wouldn't have seen other wise. Be careful though when riding in the centre of the town, since it is very crowded most of the time.

There is also a bus that leaves off the Fontaine de la Rotonde for and you get there in ten minutes. Pack a lunch and put comfortable shoes on to do a nature walk or to climb the mountain. At the top there is a monastery where you can stay over night, make sure to bring fire wood.

If you have done too much walking, these three cinemas show some films in the original language (VO), just make sure you speak the language!

Learn
One of the is located in the town.

Buy
Aix has many major fashion boutiques, as well as a plethora of small clothing stores, perfumeries, and touristy souvenir shops. They are complemented by a few open-air markets in large squares, offering home made and grown goods and cafes.

For everyday items, look for various convenience stores, e.g., Monoprix (even on the Cours Mirabeau) with clothing and sundries at street level and a decent selection of groceries, and bottled beverages on the level below.

Eat
Aix has an incredible number of restaurants compared to its small size. Most of them are gathered in a small area in the old city, between Place des Cardeurs and the Rotonde (Cours Mirabeau). Restaurants and bars on the Cours Mirabeau tend to be more expensive though, while some might be considered tourist traps, others are among the best places to eat in the city.

You can try Calissons, a specialty of the region consisting of a smooth, pale yellow, homogeneous paste of candied fruit (especially melons and oranges) and ground almonds topped with a thin layer of royal icing. Calissons have a texture not unlike that of marzipan, but with a fruitier, distinctly melon-like flavour. Calissons are often almond-shaped and are typically about in length.

Budget
Aix en Provence is home to the Erasmus students' food of choice. If you really want to eat like a local and save a couple of euros, a great place to eat is the many corner restaurants that offer doner kebabs. For four euros you get a "sandwich," wrapped in a galette or pita, that includes lettuce, tomatoes, onion, meat, French fries and be sure to ask for sauce blanche. This is very delicious and cheap. There are many restaurants that do their kebabs differently so be sure to try a few!

In combination with patisseries and bakeries, convenience stores (noted under "Buy" above) also offer good opportunities for economical self-catering, even for day visitors.

 * Porzione Capri chain. The fact that many people in Aix say that Porzione Capri is the best pizza may let someone think that the Corsican Mafia, which owns the chain, has paid off the city to promote this place. It is simply well located and cheap. It's not bad but it's nothing to visit the city for so don't buy the hype and you'll enjoy it more.
 * Porzione Capri chain. The fact that many people in Aix say that Porzione Capri is the best pizza may let someone think that the Corsican Mafia, which owns the chain, has paid off the city to promote this place. It is simply well located and cheap. It's not bad but it's nothing to visit the city for so don't buy the hype and you'll enjoy it more.
 * Porzione Capri chain. The fact that many people in Aix say that Porzione Capri is the best pizza may let someone think that the Corsican Mafia, which owns the chain, has paid off the city to promote this place. It is simply well located and cheap. It's not bad but it's nothing to visit the city for so don't buy the hype and you'll enjoy it more.
 * Porzione Capri chain. The fact that many people in Aix say that Porzione Capri is the best pizza may let someone think that the Corsican Mafia, which owns the chain, has paid off the city to promote this place. It is simply well located and cheap. It's not bad but it's nothing to visit the city for so don't buy the hype and you'll enjoy it more.
 * Porzione Capri chain. The fact that many people in Aix say that Porzione Capri is the best pizza may let someone think that the Corsican Mafia, which owns the chain, has paid off the city to promote this place. It is simply well located and cheap. It's not bad but it's nothing to visit the city for so don't buy the hype and you'll enjoy it more.
 * Porzione Capri chain. The fact that many people in Aix say that Porzione Capri is the best pizza may let someone think that the Corsican Mafia, which owns the chain, has paid off the city to promote this place. It is simply well located and cheap. It's not bad but it's nothing to visit the city for so don't buy the hype and you'll enjoy it more.
 * Porzione Capri chain. The fact that many people in Aix say that Porzione Capri is the best pizza may let someone think that the Corsican Mafia, which owns the chain, has paid off the city to promote this place. It is simply well located and cheap. It's not bad but it's nothing to visit the city for so don't buy the hype and you'll enjoy it more.

Drink
Like restaurants there are plenty of bars, pubs, night-clubs in Aix. A nice and relatively cheap place to have a drink is the on Place de la Mairie.

For those who would like to meet with the local student population, the bar might be a good choice. The prices are reasonable, and the ambiance is convivial: most of the regular customers are either tourists, or students. But be sure not to arrive too late, for the place may quickly be overcrowded, and you may have to drink your pint outside, without any chair or table!

Budget

Campers should find a campground establishment, rather than camping alone in a forest for example, as the area surrounding this city is known to have wolves.

Connect
As of July 2023, Aix and its surrounds have 5G from all French carriers.

Stay safe
Aix is a safe city to visit, but crime does occur there. As with all French cities, tourists in Aix should be especially conscious of the risk of pickpockets and theft. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not leave valuables within view in parked cars. Exercise increased caution at night, and use the taxis that leave from the Rotonde fountain if you are returning to the outlying neighborhoods late in the evening. Avoid public parks after dark.

Go next

 * Arles
 * Avignon
 * Marseille
 * Nîmes

title: Aix-en-Provence


text:
Aizawl

Aizawl is the capital and largest city of the state of Mizoram, India. It is situated on a ridge 1132 metres (3715 ft) above sea level, with the Tlawng river valley to its west and the Tuirial river valley to its east. In the summer the temperature ranges from 20-30 degrees Celsius, and in the winter 11-21 degrees Celsius.

Understand
This 112-year-old citadel-like city, with its timber houses is set on a ridge at approximately an altitude of 4000 ft above sea level. The city is spread over several mountain ridges with most houses built on 60%+ inclines. Aizawl is a religious and cultural center of the Mizos. Aizawl lies just north of Tropic of cancer.

With a population of approximately 300,000, it has cloudless blue skies, dewy mornings and sunlit days. These help to ensure the enjoyment of unforgettable holiday pleasures practically all year round. Even the monsoon months are pleasant and gentle.

Get in
Buses, Sumos or aircraft provide access.

Buses run between all the capital cities in the North East states, Guwahati, Shillong and Silchar being the main routes. Mizoram State Transport lists services throughout the state and to Silchar but their schedule is always subject to change. Network Travels has luxury buses from Guwahati. The new bus terminal is located in the suburb of Thuampui area. There is frequent city bus service from the centre but may take up to one hour. Taxis cost ₹200 and up.

Sumos are ten-seat SUV's and provide intra- and inter-state transportation. They depart from various parts of the city, depending on the destination; the Guwahati-Silchar route starts at the Zarkawt area.

Air India flies between Lengpui Airport and Kolkata and Guwahati.

Get around
Aizawl is centred around a mountain ridge which means the roads run more or less parallel to the mountain side. This means if you need to go vertically up or down it will be faster to take a foot path than to go by road. The mountainous landscape also means that the cost of driving a relatively short horizontal distance can be quite expensive and this is reflected in bus and taxi rates.

There are numerous buses routes that connect the various localities and most will run through the town centre (Dawrpui - North to South and Civil Hospital South to North). Bus fares vary and best is to ask the conductor though a relatively short trip of 1 km cost around ₹5 (Jan 2012). One thing to note is that there are no buses that run between the airport and the city.

There are nearly 5000 taxis licensed to ply the roads in Aizawl and are readily available. Rates are extremely high compared to the rest of India. Though there are official published rates, no taxi runs by these rates. The main contention from taxi drivers is that 1 km uphill costs more to run than downhill and with inclines being frequently 30% or more. A relatively short distance of 1 km will cost you around ₹50. A taxi to or from the airport will cost you around ₹800 (July 2012) to/from the central areas of Aizawl. However, the price is liable to go up if petrol prices rise or if a landslide blocks the main road (requiring a longer alternate route).

There is a taxi firm called Sure Taxis that offers a service to find, negotiate rates on your behalf and dispatch taxis to your location and they don't charge anything to you. They also offer rental cars (comes with a driver) such as Altos, Boleros and Scorpios. Their numbers are: 0389 232 2833 & 0389 232 1494

See

Buy

 * Visit Hnam Chhantu Pawl. It has local handicraft items for sale at very reasonable rates. This shop is run by an NGO and is located in Electric Veng, Near Grace Hospital And Nursing, Aizawl. Ask for Champai Sumo counters, the shop is close by, on the second floor of a building. It is a very famous store, so you can ask local people and they will guide you. Alternately, you can reach the store at hnamchhantu@rediffmail.com.
 * The main shopping centres in Aizawl are Bara Bazar, Millennium Centre and Solomon's cave. In these centres, you'll find all kinds of wares available––from garments, cosmetics and shoes to vegetables and poultry. These are the main city shopping centres. For handicraft, Zohanco in Zarkawt has shawls, puan, bags and furnishing materials. For bamboo works such as baskets and khumbeu the finely mizo woven bamboo cap, these are available at MKVI, Sales Emporium, Zarkawt. However, the prices may not be very different from Mumbai or Delhi.

Eat
On Sundays and holidays, almost all stores and restaurants shut their doors closed. Several street venders set up and sell fried vegetables and pakoras during the day. David's kitchen and Hotel Millennium in Zarkawt Main Street may be open in limited hours with limited menu.

 * Curry Pot, Upper Khatla. One can avail of Indian and Chinese food at this restaurant. Food is reasonably priced. Curry Pot also has a branch at Lengpui Airport.
 * David's Kitchen, G-16 Chanmari. One of the most popular restaurants in Aizawl. The food is decent and the service is good.
 * Pemarin Corner, 1st Floor, Shop No.40, Millennium Centre. Pemarin Corner is one of the higher end restaurants in Aizawl and is located in the Millennium Center building which is right in the heart of the city. Millennium Centre itself also hosts some other small eateries which server momos and Chinese dishes.

Drink
The alcohol ban in Mizoram has been lifted, but there are no bars of any description. Licensed wine called Zawlaidi is available for purchase in various departmental stores, though.

Neither has the cafe culture really caught on yet, so there are very few places to have a casual non-alcoholic drink. There are two cafes, both part of a Zote Bakery outlet. One is in Dawrpui near the church and another in Electric Veng. Don't expect a wide range of drinks: It's either milky tea or milky coffee out of a Nescafe machine.

Sleep

The government of Mizoram operates tourist lodges throughout the state, including 2 in the Aizawl suburbs. They are good value starting from ₹600.

Go next
Reiek has a model Mizo village. Entry ticket is ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children. Ask the ticket clerk for someone to show you around, otherwise you won't understand the exhibits––there is no extra charge for such a guide. In December, especially at Christmas time, this place is full of festivities with live music shows atop the mountain, and there is a small stage built especially for the festivities.
 * Pick a picnic basket and head out for Tamdil (Tam Lake). This natural lake is reputed for its fish and prawns and is an 85 km drive from Aizawl. The drive gives you an excellent opportunity to see some of the prettiest areas of Mizoram. Go for boat rides (if they are not closed because the boats are in bad shape) relax by the tranquil waters, and, if you can, take a drive into the nearby jungles, which are home to an assortment of fascinating flora and fauna. You can also stay here overnight. The resort village of Saituai is 10 km away.
 * Surrounded by a vast stretch of thick bamboo forests close to Thenzawl hill station is Mizoram's highest waterfall Vantawng (750 ft high). This popular water body, 152 km from Aizawl, is worth a visit. You can even stay overnight as it has a cafeteria and a cottage for hire.
 * Drive along the fertile plains of Champhai, about 200 km from Aizawl, to enjoy the stunning vista of emerald rice fields bordered by the smoky hills of Myanmar. Champai has the biggest stretch of plains in Mizoram, which are used for rice cultivation. The road from Aizwal to Champai is not very good in some places and it takes about 8 hours one way by a shared SUMO. A privately hired car may take about 6-7 hr; a top speed of only 40 km per hour is possible. But the raw and yet scenic beauty one enjoys along the winding, turning road which goes through thick forests, makes this a memorable experience.
 * One of the finest encounters with Mizoram's splendid vistas is Phawngpui, its highest peak, extremely popular with trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The Blue Mountain, as it is often referred to, is 300 km from Aizawl and close to the Myanmar border. Fragrant herbs and rare species of orchids and rhododendrons are found here.
 * Saiha is an angler's paradise on the Chhimtuipui, Mizoram's biggest river, 378 km from Aizawl.
 * Dampa is a tiger reserve located in West Phaileng district and is 127 km from Aizawl. It is better to book the government lodge well in advance. You need a permit from the forest officer staying in West Phaileng to enter the Dampa forest. This can also be obtained from forest department in Aizawl. You should be careful while visiting the forest on a rainy day as it is infested with leeches. This Sanctuary has different types of birds and animals, like tigers and elephants.
 * Reiek- This is a very nice place near Aizawl and is a must-see. If you hire a full taxi (Maruti 800/ Alto), it would cost you about ₹1300-1400. A hired non AC small car (you never need an AC car in Mizoram!) like Wagon R, Indica, Santro etc., will cost you approximately ₹1800.

title: Aizawl


text:
Aizuwakamatsu

Aizuwakamatsu (会津若松) is the main city in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, in the north of Honshū island, the largest of Japan. With a population of 120,000, Aizuwakamatsu has a rich warrior history, stretching back 1,000 years. Although the city is most known for the Byakkotai, a force of about 300 young samurai (13-17 year olds) in the Boshin Civil War. Nineteen of them committed suicide, declining surrender. Today, sake and lacquerware are the two main industries in Aizuwakamatsu. The Aizu region has spectacular natural scenery. Most visitors also make a journey to Mt. Bandai and Inawashiro for skiing, fishing and onsen.

Tourist Information

 * SAMURAI CITY Aizuwakamatsu is the city's official multilingual guide site.

By plane
Fukushima Airport only has flights to Osaka Itami Airport and Sapporo Chitose Airport. If you're using this airport, there are buses from the airport to Koriyama Station where you can catch a train bound for Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. For most travelers, Sendai Airport or one of Tokyo's airports will be more convenient. Sendai Airport has buses that travel directly to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. If you fly into Tokyo, you can transfer to the Shinkansen or take a bus (see below).

By train
The fastest and most convenient way to access Aizuwakamatsu is to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Koriyama, and transfer to the Ban-etsu Saisen Line. It takes about 3 hours and ¥9480.

Tobu Railway and Aizu Railway also serve the area. Although Tobu Railway runs from Asakusa in Tokyo, it takes a lot more time to reach Aizu Wakamatsu than using JR, so these will be most useful for people in the Nikko/Kinugawa Onsen area or those who purchased travel passes from these railways.

By bus
JR East offers a direct highway bus service to Aizuwakamatsu from Tokyo's Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal (located near the New South Exit of Shinjuku Station) to Aizuwakamatsu Bus Terminal (located opposite Aizuwakamatsu Station). There are also limited connections from Tokyo Station. It takes about 4 hours with 2 rest stops along the way. A one-way ticket costs around ¥2,500 and can be purchased at any JR ticket office.

There are also buses from Niigata and 4-6 departures arrive per day from Sendai. From Nagoya, there is a night bus to Koriyama from which you can catch a train to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station.

From within the prefecture, there are also buses from Iwaki.

Get around
To visit the major sightseeing spots, take the Sightseeing Bus from Aizuwakamatsu Station. You can buy a one-day pass for ¥500. There are two loop buses that go in opposite directions around the same route, so make sure your bus is going in the direction that will get you to your destination the fastest. If you're more adventurous (or if the bus times work against you), it takes about 40 minutes to walk to the castle or Iimoriyama and the Sazaedo from Aizu Wakamatsu Station.

See

Nanokamachi Street
A historic street with a variety of nostalgic buildings and sites related to Hideyo Noguchi, a man who did research in bacteriology and whose face is on the 1000 yen bill, and the Shinsengumi.

Iimoriyama
Mt. Iimoriyama (飯盛山) is famous for its associations with the Byakkotai (白虎隊, meaning White Tiger Force). After being defeated in a battle against the imperial forces, nineteen teenagers of the Byakkotai retreated to this hill. When they saw Tsuruga Castle burning, they thought it had fallen to the enemy and committed suicide. Their graves are on Mt. Iimoriyama where incense is always burnt on their behalf. Visitors can walk up the many steps to see the graves, or take the escalator for ¥250.

Higashiyama Onsen
A picturesque onsen area that is said to have been founded over 1300 years ago by the Priest Gyoki. Higashiyama Onsen has geisha (called geigi). They are famous for their sad dance in honor of the death of the Byakkotai boys. These geisha can be reserved for ¥15,000 per performer for 90 minutes. The water at Higashiyama Onsen is sulfate (specifically sodium-sulphate) which is said to be good for the skin, healing cuts, and high blood pressure. For those who want to enjoy the onsen without staying in Higashiyama, nine of the hotels and ryokan have hours for day visitors to enjoy the hot springs.

Buy
Akabeko (赤べこ) - In the local Aizu dialect, "Akabeko" literally means "red cow". Akabeko has become the symbol of the Aizu region due to two local legends. First, during the construction of Enzo-ji Temple, red cows worked tirelessly to help move wood. Second, children who possessed a wooden toy Akabeko survived a plague that killed thousands of children. Wooden Akabekos similar to those featured in the latter legend can be bought. The most common design features a "bobbing" head mechanism where the head of the cow bobs. A large Akabeko can be found outside Aizuwakamatsu train station. Akabeko can be found at most souvenir shops throughout the city, but for the best variety in terms of number and size options, visit the Akabeko Crafter Bansho (See "Do" above). Okiagari Koboshi (起き上がり小法師, literally "getting up apprentice") - A 400 year old pear-shaped, roly-poly craft with a happy face traditionally found wearing red or blue. Originally, these were purchased at the Tokaichi Market on January 10th as part of Aizu's New Years tradition. The proper way to buy them was to get one for each member of your family plus one more in hopes of blessing the family with a new child. For example, a family of 3 should buy 4 dolls. The Tokaichi Market is still held today, but Okiagari Koboshi can be bought any time of the year at most souvenir shops. A yellow version has also appeared since the 2010s.

Eat
Aizu Wakamatsu is famous for its Sauce Katsudon, pork cutlets covered in a sweet sauce served with shredded cabbage over rice. Eggs are an optional local addition.

Go next

 * Mount Bandai - skiing, fishing
 * Inawashiro - beach resorts, swimming, camping, boating
 * Kitakata - famous for delicious ramen
 * Shimogo
 * Aizu-Misato
 * Yanaizu
 * Koriyama
 * Tenei
 * Yugawa

title: Aizuwakamatsu


text:
Ajaccio

Ajaccio (Corsican: Aiacciu) is the capital of the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, home to 71,000 people (2019). It is a sun-kissed tourist town with frequent visits by cruise ships. It has a boardwalk along its attractive coastline, with excellent restaurants and lots of Napoleon-related sites.

Understand
Although the coastline of Ajaccio and its natural harbour was almost certainly visited many times in antiquity, the development of a proper city did not happen until the late 1400s when the Genoese built a citadel that still stands to this day and serves as a military installation for the French army.

After most of Corsica was conquered by the French in the 1700s, Ajaccio remained a Genoese territory until the late 1760s.

Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleone di Buonaparte) was born in Ajaccio in 1769 just after the city became the capital of Corsica. Although from mostly Italian-Corsican heritage, Napoleon rose through the ranks of the French military to become the leader of France and then Emperor. For a time he also ruled most of Europe.

Ajaccio was one of the last cities to become French in Europe, but it was the first French city to be liberated in 1943 following the fall of the Third Republic in 1940.

By plane

Ajaccio International Airport is 20 minutes by bus of public transport from city center. Expect a taxi to cost €25-30 (Nov 2023). Muvitarra Bus 8 serves the airport and one-way fare is. A cheaper way to go to the city is Bus 12 last stop Capitello (summer 2012) which is 250 m from the airport (continue straight from the airport bus stop of number 8 as if the bus was going straight between the rent-a-car garages, and not turning left to pass between the rent-a-car offices and parking) which runs to the Gare d'Ajaccio (train station), and costs, however it is not advertised by Tourist Information at all.

By ferry
There are direct ferry routes to Ajaccio from Marseille, Nice, Toulon, and Ciutadella. Companies operating ferry boats are Corsica Ferries, La Meridionale. Summer seasons are generally busy, and thus it is advisable to book in advance.

By train
A single railway line connects Ajaccio with Bastia (3½ hours and around ) on the island's east coast via Corte. The main railway station,

By bus
There are frequent bus routes from various destinations in Corsica. Most arrive at the bus station directly adjacent to the main cruise ship and ferry terminal at Quai L'Herminier. Many city bus lines stop in front of the bus station, and it is easily walkable from the main train station.

Do

 * Football: AC Ajaccio were relegated in 2023 so they now play soccer in Ligue 2, the second tier in France. Their home ground (capacity 10,400) is 2 km east of town centre.

Consulates

 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇵🇹 Portugal
 * 🇨🇭 Switzerland

Connect
As of June 2022, Ajaccio has 5G from all French carriers.

Go next
Either head south towards Porto Vecchio or Bonifacio, or inland via Corte to points north.

title: Ajaccio


text:
Ajai Game Reserve

The Ajai Game Reserve consists of 16,600 hectares in Northern Uganda.

History
The land was put under the personal protection of the powerful local chief named Ajai, in 1937. Until 1980 the reserve protected one of the few remaining populations of White Rhinos, that are now extinct in this reserve. Plans are underway to reintroduce the Rhino by the Uganda government.

Landscape
On the west bank of the Albert Nile. Rolling grassland.

Flora and fauna
Today the major animals are Uganda Kob, Common Duiker, Olive baboon, Black & White Colobus, Vervet Monkey, Warthog, Leopard, Sitatunga, Oribi, Hippo, Croc and python snake is commonly seen. Plans are underway to reintroduce Nile Buffalo, Lelwel Hartebeest, Plains Zebra and White Rhinos. Considerable bird life.

Climate
Tropical. Major rains April/May and Oct/Nov.

Get in
6½ hours drive from Kampala or fly from Kampala to Arua airport, the safari company will pick you up.

Fees and permits
US$15 per day

Get around
By foot or safari vehicle.

See
wildlife

Buy
Local crafts

Eat and drink
In the safari camp's restaurant.

Sleep
In the safari camp.

Lodging
www.bahr-el-jebel-safaris.com has safaris that stop at Ajai.

Camping
Restricted to around the reserve's administration building.

title: Ajai Game Reserve


text:
Ajlun

Ajlun (also Ajloun) is a city in Northern Jordan.

Understand
Ajlun is famous for its castle. The archaeological site is popular for tourists. The surrounding hills are cooler and have more trees than elsewhere in Jordan, making it a pleasant area to spend a day or two.

Get in
Buses from Amman leave from Tabarbour (Mahata Shamal) Bus Station to Ajlun whenever they are full. Your best bet is early in the morning, around 08:00 as they become more scarce as the day progresses.

Get around
Ajlun is not a very big town, the bus will drop you off in the center and in order to get to the castle, which is clearly visible from the town perched on a hill, you can either walk the 3 km or take a taxi there. If you plan to travel to Jerash afterward, consider hiring the taxi driver for the full day, or at least make arrangements for the taxi to wait for you or pick you up at a designated time to transport you back to the Aljun bus station. Make sure you set a price in advance.

Do
In case you are staying over night in Ajlun, you can hike most of the sites here. Make sure to have a good map or GPS.

Eat
The hotels have restaurants, and serve food and drinks.

Go next
Take a bus from Ajlun to Jerash, while still having plenty of time to spend at Jerash. Ajlun and Jerash make a good combination day; however, most buses travel from Ajlun to Jerash and not the other direction. From Ajlun Castle to Ajlun take a taxi.

title: Ajlun


text:
Ajman

Ajman (Arabic: عجمان Ajmān) is the smallest of the emirates and a city of United Arab Emirates.

Understand
Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates and is centrally located on the western coast of the United Arab Emirates. The Emirate lies on the Gulf coast where its beach extends for 16 km, and the total area of Ajman is 259 km³. Its population estimate is about 230 thousand as the year of 2004. The area of the Emirate of Ajman is about 460 km2. while the total area including the regional waters is about 600 km2. Ajman City is the capital of the Emirate and lies down at a small creek of 16 km. length to the North East of Sharjah.

The ruling family of Ajman is the AL Nuaimi tribe.

Get in
Ajman enjoys being located in the middle of the Emirates as a whole. The emirate borders Sharjah and is only 10 km away from Dubai in the south and Umm Al Quwain in the north. Many roads lead to and from Ajman from both Sharjah, Dubai, and Umm al Quwain.including Emirates Road. Ajman is near to the ports of neighboring Emirates. It is near the international airports of both Sharjah and Dubai. Ajman is planning to build an international airport in the area of Manama. To get to Ajman you can take a taxi from any airport to Ajman city, or other wise rent a car and drive there through Emirates Highway. Taxis go to Sharjah and Dubai, and also to Ra's al Khaymah and Umm al Quwain. If you are planning to stay there and use it as base to visit Dubai expect traffic jams at rush hours.

By taxi
Taxis are really easy to find and are convenient for getting around in Ajman. Of course taxis can also be used to get to other emirates too. Look for the unmetered Ajman taxi as they offer cheaper prices than the official metered ones, e.g. 10 dirhams to Sharja, 40 dirhams to Dubai (best during the peak times.)

Look out for shared taxis that wait for 4 people to come and take the taxi, where you pay 10 dirhams to Dubai when 4 people are sharing the taxi. These are "unofficial" taxis, located in the Somali area of Ajman.

By tour bus
Guided tour buses can be found at top hotels where can arrange a tour to Ajman and main attractions in it.

See

Beach

Ajman beach is always a nice place to spend the day in with the warm sun, white sands, and clear waters. Dolphin spotting is also a recreation activity enjoyed in the emirate.

Buy
Designer outlets and major brands are available in City Center Mall and consist of a wide variety of food outlets too. In the traditional side, there is always the Iranian souq were you can buy domestic goods and if you are lucky some interesting pottery.

Eat

 * India House (Sheikh Humaid bin Abdul al-Aziz St; mains 4 to 10 Dhs)

 * Lulu Hypermarket has a nice cafe that is not too pricey, average 10 dirhams for a whole meal with a drink, and portions are huge so it is money well spent. A wide selection of smoothies are also available at reasonable prices.
 * Beach front cafe eating is good and cheap. 2 doner kebab style wrap sandwiches in chicken or lamb, with fresh fruit smoothie costs about 15 Dhs.
 * Maramis Cafe is the best place for Shisha in Ajman. Air conditioned and quality service with Internet.
 * Viking Restaurant. A unique medieval-styled restaurant located in the Heritage Area of Ajman. Inside customers can enjoy the live shows, including live music and fire performances, and try dishes, inspired by Viking culture. Interiors are decorated in a medieval style too. As of January 2024 it's the number 1 restaurant in Ajman by TripAdvisor rating and World Culinary Awards.
 * Viking Restaurant. A unique medieval-styled restaurant located in the Heritage Area of Ajman. Inside customers can enjoy the live shows, including live music and fire performances, and try dishes, inspired by Viking culture. Interiors are decorated in a medieval style too. As of January 2024 it's the number 1 restaurant in Ajman by TripAdvisor rating and World Culinary Awards.

Drink
Alcohol is allowed in Ajman and is available easily at hotels and restaurants.

Tap water is considered ok but it has a slightly salted taste. The obvious reason is that desalination plants are used to provide tap water. More to the point, you can safely use it to brush your teeth and prepare tea.

Bottled water is also available in any store around town.

The famous "Hole In The Wall" - located next to the Kempinski Hotel Ajman - was one of the few liquor shops in Ajman. Now moved down the street near the Beach Resort. It is NOT closed.

Mid-range

 * Dana Beach Resort, Arabian Gulf street, +971 6 742 9999. Attractive hotel with rooms facing the beach. Suites also include kitchens for longer stays. Restaurant serves no alcohol. Rooms Dh130, suites from Dh325

Stay healthy

 * Doctors — There are lots of speciality clinics in Ajman. Ibin Sina Medical Centre is affordable and has most of the specialities. The doctors fee ranges from AED 50 to 100. Diagnostic services also available. GMC Hospital is open 24 hours for emergencies. Sh Khalifa Hospital is the public hospital with an emergency department.

title: Ajman


text:
Ajmer

Ajmer, in Rajasthan, western India, is very popular as a gateway to Pushkar, and is connected by road with Jaipur and Delhi.

This city also has an important Islamic pilgrimage site, the shrine of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.

By plane

 * Ajmer Airport - Kishangarh Airport, Ajmer (IATA: KQH, ICAO: VIKG) is a domestic airport in Kishangarh on National Highway 8, 27 km north-east of Ajmer. The airport is well connected by daily flights from Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Indore Belgam and Surat. As of March 2021, SpiceJet and Star Air serve this airport.

By train

 * From Delhi - the Delhi-Ahmedabad Mail is a decent overnight train (slow, but it gives you more time to sleep) while the Ajmer Shatabdi Express is the fastest way to get there. There are passenger trains (second unreserved only—definitely an "experience") in the morning and evening to Jaipur and train links down to Ahmedabad. The city is also connected to Udaipur, of which Intercity Express would be a better option.
 * From Kolkata - The Sealdah station and the Kolkata(Chitpur) station are well connected to Ajmer Junction. Trains like Ananya express (Sealdah), Sealdah-Ajmer Daily Express and Kolkata(Chitpur)-Ajmer express are trains for Ajmer.

By bus
Jaipur is 1½–3 hours by road (depending on the type of bus you take)(the Jaipur-Ajmer expressway also known as national highway 8 is a 6 lane road and is fantastic to drive on). Jodhpur is 4–5 hours in the opposite direction.

By taxi
Various tour operators and travel agencies offer chauffeured car-taxi services; these are charged on a per km, per day basis. You can plan to take one to arrive into the city or take one for sightseeing in and around the city. If you want a decent car for the tour you can hire one from the stand in front of Zilla Parishad Bhawan (district's management headquarters); if you are good at bargaining, it's the best option.

There are also many car rental services which provide chauffeur-driven cars to Ajmer.

Get around
Ajmer is a very limited market place, once you get your bearings. Dargah Bazaar is about 15 minutes walk from railway station, and Ana Sagar ("lake" - which has marble pavilions in a garden and is a wonderful place to sit, especially on hot days) is about 30 minutes' walk. There are some wonderful back-alleys—just wander down small side streets from Dargah bazaar and you'll see some wonderful old architecture and murals before you stumble back across the main street.

Other than on foot, cycle rickshaws, autorickshaws (who are intent on taking you to Pushkar) and horse-drawn tongas are available for hire (the latter on selected routes only). There are also tempos and mini buses which run between bus stand and railway station and covering most over town - fare seems to be ₹10 in 2019.

See

Buy
Ajmer has a women's market (ask for the Mahila Mandi - closed Tuesdays) that sells odnis (traditional veils... they also make nice light table covers) and saris galore. Ornate Lenghas (skirts worn with blouses) are also widely available. Hand tie-dyed turbans (safas) are 9-metre long bands of fabric with various uses and are usually sold wherever fabric for men's clothing is sold.

Eat

 * There are some fast food outlets at India motor circle, this is 1 km from bus stand and railway station.
 * Honeydew restaurant (turn left exiting the station and walk about 2 minutes) has good western and delicious Indian curries in a nice garden and ac restaurant now fully renovated.you can also go there in the evening and eat and wait for your train if its late at night the restaurant closes at 11PM with very friendly and helpful staff.
 * For those who are looking for dhaba style delicious food must go to Mahadev ka Dhaba located opposite to Daulat Bagh, this place is also known as Purana bus stand.
 * Hotel Bhola has great veg thalis. Also pandit bhojnalaya is a famous place for good and cheaper food.
 * There's a dhaba across from the railway station that serves great cheap food. It's tiny and attached to a mosque and painted green - I don't think that there's an English sign - you can fill up on chai, omelet and rotis.
 * There's a great non-veg restaurant in the Dargah Bazaar. about 2/3 of the way in on the left hand side. There's an A/C seating area in the basement. Dishes are ₹50-100
 * Pandit Restaurant is a famous place for good food. It is in front of Daulatbagh. This place is also known as Subhash Park.
 * If you have a hot palate, then you should try Indian snacks (Kachori, Samosa & a special combination of kadi-bhujje, unique to Ajmer), these are available throughout the day, but a great way to start your day as breakfast. Some very famous options are Shankar Chaat at Gol Pyau, Kesarganj Gol Chakkar, Shree Namkeen & Mahadev Chaat at Naya Bazaar.

Drink

 * Do Drink the Lemon Soda during summers in the Dargah Bazaar made by machines which is served in a nice looking bottle and the taste is very refreshing.
 * Also try the famous Dahi-Lassi which is famous in Ajmer because it is made of pure authentic milk and it has an unforgettable taste.

Sleep

 * There are numerous hotels and guest houses near the Dargah. But if you are going during the Urs season, make sure you book your rooms 2-3 months earlier if possible.
 * Hotel Pandit has economical rooms and it is situated in center of bus stand and railway station just opposite to Subhash Park.
 * Khadim tourist bungalow run by RTDC has rooms in economy range and it is very near to bus stand, 2 km from the railway station.
 * Khadim tourist bungalow run by RTDC has rooms in economy range and it is very near to bus stand, 2 km from the railway station.

Go next

 * The town of Pushkar, famous for its camel races, lake and Hindu Brahma temple, is very close by.
 * Jaipur
 * Udaipur
 * Jaisalmer
 * Delhi

title: Ajmer


text:
Ajmer Division

Ajmer Division is in Rajasthan in India.

Cities
The major cities in Ajmer Division are:

 * — popular as a gateway to Pushkar, and has an important Islamic pilgrimage site, the shrine of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti

 * — its Gangaur festival, which is celebrated in the months of March and April, is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Parvati and is celebrated with great pomp and show

 * —the "City of Nawabs" has a beautiful mansion

 * — Kheda village, near Kakod, hosts a life-sized elephant carved of stone

 * — on the shores of a beautiful lake, it has two traditional Hindu temples

See
The Nagaur Fort is an historically important fort with 90 fountains in the gardens and buildings.

Pushkar Lake is a beautiful, sanctified spot said to have been created by Lord Brahma. The lake is surrounded by 52 ghats, or series of steps, which Hindus use to descend to the lake for ritual bathing. The Pushkar Camel Fair (November, during the full moon) is a 14-day fair visited by 400,000 people per year, and by 11,000 camels, horses, and cattle.

The interior of the Mansion of Gold in Tonk is richly ornamented with stained glass, mirrors, stucco, and gilt

title: Ajmer Division