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Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung (高雄; Ko-hiông in Taiwanese, Gāoxióng in Mandarin), with 2.73 million inhabitants in October 2023, is the third most populated city in Taiwan after New Taipei and Taichung. It is located in the south of the island on the west coast. Kaohsiung is known for its harbor, although more for commercial than tourism reasons. Its year-round fine weather and the low cost of living makes Kaohsiung the place to visit.

Understand
Kaohsiung has got Taiwan's largest port. Although the ranking has declined, Kaohsiung is still the world's 14th largest cargo-container seaport as of 2018. The city has high concentrations of heavy industry, including steel production, shipbuilding, and other exports that have led to Kaohsiung's relatively high levels of air pollution (though the situation has improved substantially). Unlike Taipei, Kaohsiung is a planned city with wide streets and slightly less traffic congestion than the capital. The city has made great strides in transforming itself from a primarily industrial city into a modern Asian metropolis, and several areas of the city, such as along the banks of the Love River (Ai He, 愛河), have benefited from major beautification projects under the tenure of former mayor Frank Hsieh. The city is often known as Taiwan's Harbor Capital (港都) because of its close connection and heavy reliance on the ocean and maritime transportation.

Kaohsiung began in the 17th century as a small fishing village named "Takao" (打狗), derived from the local aboriginal name meaning "bamboo forest". The name was changed to "高雄" (meaning: "high hero") by the Japanese in 1895, also pronounced "Takao" in Japanese, as they found the original name of 打狗 ("beating the dog") to be vulgar.

Like the rest of southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung is a stronghold of the Taiwan independence movement.

Orientation
Many visitors coming from the north will arrive by high-speed train at the Zuoying High Speed Train Station, which is far to the north of the city. The city center around the Central Train Station and the Formosa Boulevard Subway Station can be accessed via the MRT's red line.

Another common point of entry is the Kaohsiung International Airport, which is comparatively close to the city. The airport is on the MRT's red line, and the central area of town is a 20 minutes MRT ride away. There is a tourist information office on the ground floor of the international terminal.

Climate
Kaohsiung enjoys a mild tropical climate, comparatively milder and drier than northern Taiwan. The weather however remains hot and sticky in the summer, with June, July and August seeing the most rainfall. Still, the proximity of the sea makes the summer heat much more bearable than in other cities at a similar latitude.

By plane

 * Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport – 40 km west of Taipei, but connected to the country's High Speed Rail (HSR) network. Although Kaohsiung has an international airport, its service is more limited compared to Taoyuan. Taoyuan Airport serves Taipei and the north of Taiwan. It may be a better option to arrive there and use the HSR to Zuoying station in Kaohsiung (2 hr).

By train

Traveling by train is a viable option for getting to Kaohsiung, as the fastest high speed trains from Taipei cover the distance in just 1½ hr on the Taiwan High Speed Rail line (THSR). There are 3 types of tickets: Business Reserved, General Reserved, and Non-Reserved. Reserved are approx. NT$1,500 and non-reserved slightly cheaper at NT$1400. Get Designated Seats if you are traveling with luggage, they are less than NT$100 more expensive.

The stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). Note that the official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone.

The HSR terminal is in Zuoying (左營, also Tsoying) on the northern outskirts of town, and you'll need to connect to the city center via the Red Metro (MRT) line (approximately NT$20–25), bus, ordinary train, or taxi (approximately NT$250–350). The MRT Red Line now extends to Kaohsiung Main Station (#R11) and the HSR Station (#R16) and beyond (see system map). Kaohsiung is also served by the Taiwan Railway Administration's Western Line and Pingtung Line. The city is roughly 4 to 5 hours away from Taipei by normal express train.

By bus
Buses run the length of the island, with stops in major towns. They feature fully reclining seats, baggage transportation and, on most, video game consoles or televisions for each seat. Prices run around NT$1,000 per trip, give or take, depending on the initial and final destination.

Most major bus companies have their office and stops close to the train station. They are located on the same road as the train station, about half a block down the street.

By boat
Because Kaohsiung is also a harbor, transportation by boat will bring you directly into the city.

Get around
A great way of getting around is to use the cheap city bicycles – see below.

On foot
As the sidewalks double as scooter parking areas, caution and awareness are a must when walking through unfamiliar areas off of main streets. Generally, it is best to walk between the scooter parking row and store fronts, rather than between parked scooters and the road. Pedestrians should be especially aware when crossing a road as cars and motorbikes often run red lights. Exploring Kaohsiung on foot is highly recommended, as many of the distances between sites of interest are not far.

By metro
The Kaohsiung MRT has two lines. The Red Line runs from north to south, offering a handy route from the THSR Zuoying station and the airport into the downtown core, while Orange Line runs across the city from the Port of Kaohsiung in the west to the eastern suburb of Daliao. The Metro Line is very clean and offers a convenient way to quickly move within the city. However, as the metro is rather young the network is yet not very dense and often you have to walk a few minutes to the next station. Operation of the MRT stops at about 23:30 for the orange line and as late as 00:30 for the red line. Ask at the information desk to be sure.

Feeder buses are available to bridge network gaps and provide better access to the metro lines. The MRT stations are all well connected to the city bus lines for further transfers. Stations and trains are wheelchair-friendly, but note that when there are multiple exits from a single station, usually only one of these is equipped with a lift.

The K-MRT's ticket gates accept iPass, EasyCard, contactless MasterCard debit and credit cards, UnionPay credit cards, and QR codes from LINE Pay (if you set up your LINE Pay account outside Taiwan, make sure to set the QR code screen to Taiwan to generate a code valid for local use). An ongoing promotion means that MasterCard cardholders get 30% off weekend rides when paying with any contactless MasterCard. There are two separate contactless readers: the lower one is for iPass and EasyCard and the new upper one is for bank cards.

By taxi
Taxis can be an easy way to get to somewhere unfamiliar, and are fairly common in the city. If you have the business card of a location, or the Chinese characters written down, they can easily get you there far faster than most other means.

It is best to get the price in advance, and, if possible, buckle up. Few taxi drivers speak English, and the majority ignore many rules of the road. Do not be surprised if they drive the wrong way, up a hill, through heavy traffic, although this behavior of cab drivers is more rare nowadays in the cities at least. Typically, going from one end of the city to the other should never be more than NT$400.

Do not be surprised if they open the door and spit what looks like blood. In actuality, the taxi driver is chewing betel nut (binlang). This commercially available product is a mild stimulant and is used by many taxi drivers.

By bicycle

Bikes are also common in Kaohsiung, and the large number of locally produced bikes (often rebranded and sold overseas) means purchasing a new bike will often be cheaper relative to its counterpart in other countries (primarily Europe and America).

As Kaohsiung is predominantly flat, a great way to see the city is by bike. There are many bicycle paths across the city, most of which are clearly marked. The city government's website has recommended paths for visitors, together with maps: Sightseeing in Kaohsiung. Riding along the Love River north towards the Art Museum area offers a pleasant ride and some scenery of the old Kaohsiung that is fast disappearing. Pleasant bike routes can also be found around Sun Yet-Sen university and on the coastal side of Shoushan mountain, but expect a few hills to climb. It is best to avoid this place on the weekends when hordes of young Kaohsiung couples head to the mountain for some romantic sunset views of the city and ocean at one of the countless coffee shops. Cijin Island also offers some nice riding around the streets at the northern end of the island. However, it is not yet legally possible to bicycle to and from Cijin as the underwater Kaohsiung Harbor Tunnel to and from Cianjhen District is officially closed to bicycles around the clock, even during late nights when ferries stop running.

By scooter
Scooters are the primary means of transportation within Kaohsiung. With a dedicated two-wheel vehicle lane on most major roads, and with frequent and varied scooter shops around town, renting or purchasing a scooter is very easy; however, see the Taiwan article for legal issues including licenses.

Scooters come in several engine sizes from below 50cc to more than 250cc. Most common are the 4-stroke 100 and 125cc models, which are also suitable to explore the surroundings of the city. The larger scooters, 150cc and more, often include a greater subset of amenities for a second passenger, including a backrest, wider seat, full windshield and footholds and can rival a motorcycle overall size, weight and fuel consumption. Often, they come with larger wheels as well.

All passengers on a scooter must wear helmets by law. Helmets are sold almost everywhere, and start at NT$100. A helmet with visor is strongly suggested.

555 Scooter Rental, Sales & Repair is beside Kaohsiung railway station, has competitive prices for both short- and long-term rentals, and the staff speaks English, Chinese, Japanese and Afrikaans.

Legal issues
Scooters with an engine size of 50cc require a light motorcycle license to drive, and should be insured and registered in the owner's name. If you have a Taiwanese automobile driver's license or a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) you do not need an additional license for these small scooters. Motorcycles with an engine displacement of 51–250cc require a heavy motorcycle driving license. However, foreigners often drive scooters up to 250cc with no license, insurance or registration. Due to a loophole in Taiwanese law, scooters registered to foreigners who have left the country cannot be bought by Taiwanese citizens because the registration cannot change hands, legally. An underground market in "foreigner scooters" allows visitors to purchase scooters without insurance or registration.

City police are often more lenient on foreigners. Short of being towed for parking in a red zone (a stripe of red paint on the edge of a sidewalk or road), foreigners are usually waved through stops, or, at best, ticketed. If the scooter is not registered to you however, it's hard to say what exactly happens when the ticket is sent out. Often the best idea is to speak a language other than English or Chinese, play dumb and hope the officer will get flustered and let you go - that is, if you're the type who likes to break laws in foreign countries.

By car
Rentals are available in various locations across town, but obtaining a license within the city can be a problem. It is recommended you call ahead if you have an IDP, to ensure it will allow you to drive. In addition, license laws in Taiwan fluctuate from year to year for foreigners. You must have an Alien Residence Card for more than a year to take the license examination (2006).

Parking is scarce, but available. The city recognizes this problem, and attempts to make the city more car-friendly by building parking garages and painting designated parking spaces alongside streets. However, for travel within the city itself, or only locally, it is recommended you get a scooter.

By boat
An inexpensive ferry service connects various areas of Kaohsiung City, including Taiwan's nearest island, Xiao Liuqiu (小琉球) - Little Ryukyu - which is a coral island located just south of Kaohsiung and is reachable by ferry from Dong Gang (東港), which is only a 15-minute scooter or taxi ride from Kaohsiung International Airport.

By bus
Kaohsiung has a well-developed bus network, with services generally running frequently. Bus fares can be paid with iPass, EasyCard, or by cash.

If you want to get to Cijin District:

 * Take bus No. 1 at the Kaohsiung Train Station or take bus No. 31 at the Zhuo Iing Bus Station to the Ferry Pier.
 * Take bus No. 35 at the Ciang Zhen Bus Station to Cijin Peninsula.
 * Take Bus No. 12 at the Kaohsiung International Airport to Shiaugang and take Bus No. 14 to ChiangZhen Ferry Station.

Or, you may take a ferry:
 * Gushan ferry terminal (from which one can take the ferry to Cijin island) is an easy 10 min walk from Sizihwan MRT station (you may have to ask for directions though as the route is not that straightforward, but signboards are pretty clear nowadays)

Cijin

The Cijin District (旗津; Qijin) is a slender island in front of Kaohsiung which serves as a natural breakwater for the harbor. The district is filled with seafood restaurants selling freshly caught seafood which can be prepared right after you pick it. If you have only a brief period in Kaohsiung, skip Cijin. If you have more than a day, you will find the island to be a pleasant and relaxing place to take a break. Most of the major sites can be seen within two hours. Cijin is connected to the rest of Kaohsiung City by tunnels, but the transportation of choice is one of the many ferries that traverse the harbor. Fare for the ride is NT$30 per person. Bikes and scooters can be brought aboard, but the fee is higher with a scooter (no extra fee for bicycles). Make sure you use Gushan ferry pier and not the one in front of Warehouse No. 2, as that one is less frequently served and is only for pedestrians. The ferries are wheelchair accessible. Upon exiting the ferry, turn right and head for the lighthouse and the fort, which are located on a hill with great views of the city, the harbor, and the ocean. From there, continue south towards the beach (maybe visit the Star Tunnel) until you get to the plaza with a fountain. Here you can decide: either go into the street that goes back to the ferry and has about two blocks of snack stands, as well as some good seafood restaurants. Or (especially if you rent a bike, either from Youbike or a rental from a shop in Lisyong Street next to Sizihwan station), there is a nice coastal path that goes south along the beach through Cijin Coast Park.

The Western districts
The area to the west of the Love River (愛河; pinyin: Ài Hé) includes the Gushan (鼓山) and Yancheng (鹽埕) districts.

The main attractions in Gushan are:

While all three attractions are within Gushan, the Museum of Fine Arts is located at the Northern end of the district. The first two attractions are better visited together with the Yancheng district.

Yancheng, once a largely sodden, marshy land, was drained in imperial times for salt production. It became part of the modern harbor front. Many of the warehouses there, long abandoned, have been renovated and refurbished as part of the Pier-2 Art Center.

Elsewhere

 * Food, games, and shopping. Try the Liuho Night Market, which is a tourist market. Ruifeng night market, at the corner of YuCheng and Nanping, heaves with locals. Closed Mondays and Wednesdays.
 * Food, games, and shopping. Try the Liuho Night Market, which is a tourist market. Ruifeng night market, at the corner of YuCheng and Nanping, heaves with locals. Closed Mondays and Wednesdays.
 * Food, games, and shopping. Try the Liuho Night Market, which is a tourist market. Ruifeng night market, at the corner of YuCheng and Nanping, heaves with locals. Closed Mondays and Wednesdays.
 * Food, games, and shopping. Try the Liuho Night Market, which is a tourist market. Ruifeng night market, at the corner of YuCheng and Nanping, heaves with locals. Closed Mondays and Wednesdays.

 * Take a nighttime stroll along the promenade of the Love River and enjoy the live music, a coffee or an ice cream in one of the cafes.
 * Go to the top of the 85 Tower, the second tallest building in Taiwan.
 * Hike Monkey Mountain (壽山; Shòu shān) and enjoy the view of the city and the ocean. Beware of the namesake monkeys, who have been known to steal hikers' food, drinks, and even cameras.

Work
For foreigners, work in Kaohsiung usually falls into two branches. The majority of employment involves English as a Second Language (ESL) work in buxibans (補習班, cram schools), kindergartens and schools (public, private or university). Most of the others are businessmen and women in the employ of multinational corporations here to manage, oversee or deploy production in Taiwan for their home company abroad.

Substitute work is easily available for native English speakers and can be obtained through internet groups such as Taiwan Teaching Jobs or through local postings in expatriate hangouts. More permanent teaching work is also available, especially in the summer and around Chinese New Year. Most buxibans require teachers to sign a 1-year contract and provide a work permit and ARC (Alien Residence Card). ARC holders are also covered under national health insurance. Without the proper paperwork - including a 4-year university degree - you cannot get an ARC and will need to leave the country every 2–4 months to renew your visa. You will also be working illegally, which involves a number of other inconveniences (including lack of phone and Internet access). It is also highly illegal for foreigner to work as teachers in kindergartens few provide work permits.

Eat
There are numerous seafood restaurants dotting the main street in Cijin Island, all offering the same fresh seafood for about NT$100-200 per dish. It is a great idea to go in a small group and order a few dishes to try, probably one more dish than the number of people in your group. In the evening, a night bazaar goes into full swing. There are lots of little eats to eat as per Taiwan's night markets, BBQ squid, mochi to name a few are particularly good.

Night markets
Night markets are a great place to pick up cheap local foods, including stinky tofu, barbecued squid, red bean pancakes and the like.

A more local, food-oriented night market is Rueifong Night Market (瑞豐夜市), straight outside exit 1 of MRT Kaohsiung Arena. It is open Tuesday and Thursday to Sunday, but if you are uncomfortable in crowds you should avoid the weekends. A similar night market is 青年夜市 near MRT Da-Dong.

Budget
Lunchboxes are common throughout the city, and a choose-your-order buffet take-out are typically NT$50-100. The food is typically fried, with a mix of vegetables and meats.

The ubiquitous 7-Eleven stores have tea eggs, hot dogs, packaged beverages and junk food. Lunchbox style microwavables are also available, including dumplings, spaghetti and curry rice.

Mid-range

 * Smokey Joes offers Tex-Mex, including fajitas, tortillas and other Western staples at affordable prices (NT$170 and up). The menu is in English and the staff usually understands some English as well. They offer a 'VIP' card for people who spend over NT$1,000 on 20 separate meals which gives the holder at 10% discount at any store operated by Amy (the owner of Smokey Joes). This includes Mama Mia's, an Italian restaurant located downtown.
 * The Pantheon serves traditional Greek and Mediterranean food at good prices. They are known for their Gyro lunch (around NT$200), qne hey also offer a 20% discount on takeout.
 * Escape 41 a little bit hard to get to without your own transportation (if you are sporty, a bicycle will do, but don't be afraid of uphill-riding, cab might drop you off there as well) though you'll be rewarded. Its located directly on the coastline behind Zhongshan University, far off the cities hustle and bustle. Great at sunsets, big terrace; western food, not cheap but ok. 41–2, CaiShan, Gushan District (07) 525–0058.
 * Michino Diner, serving popular breakfast and brunch. You can choose between burgers, sandwiches, salads, omelettes and real American breakfast and brunch at NT$150-300, phone: +886 216-2290 Address: #79 Datong 1st Rd (高雄巿新興區大同一路79號) Hours: Tu-Su 10:00-22:00
 * Escape 41 a little bit hard to get to without your own transportation (if you are sporty, a bicycle will do, but don't be afraid of uphill-riding, cab might drop you off there as well) though you'll be rewarded. Its located directly on the coastline behind Zhongshan University, far off the cities hustle and bustle. Great at sunsets, big terrace; western food, not cheap but ok. 41–2, CaiShan, Gushan District (07) 525–0058.
 * Michino Diner, serving popular breakfast and brunch. You can choose between burgers, sandwiches, salads, omelettes and real American breakfast and brunch at NT$150-300, phone: +886 216-2290 Address: #79 Datong 1st Rd (高雄巿新興區大同一路79號) Hours: Tu-Su 10:00-22:00

Splurge

There is also a Ruth's Chris, an Outback and several steak houses in town.

Drink
Two local beer companies, Tsingtao and Taiwan Beer, are ubiquitous throughout the island and can be purchased by visitors cheaply with little hassle about age restrictions. Most major soft drinks are available, and tea stands on almost every corner offer concoctions of fruit, yogurt, green tea, the Taiwanese specialty "bubble tea," and a variety of other flavors.

While tap water is most certainly not potable, good reverse osmosis filtration will remove bacteria and heavy metals, and is considered safe for consumption. Water dispensers, which resemble gas stations, are present throughout the city. However, they, along with many of the bottled water brands, are suspect. Both have been found, in the past, to simply bottle or distribute tap water. To avoid ingesting non-potable water, only purchase bottles that are sealed with an expiration date clearly printed on the bottle. Often, it is easier to simply purchase green tea at a stand or a convenience store, or a soft drink. Restaurant water is safe, with the exception of some lunchbox eateries and stands on the street.

Stay safe
Kaohsiung's crime rate is much lower than probably any city of comparable size in the West, so tourists need not be too worried. Theft tends to be the most common form of criminal activity encountered by foreigners, and expensive bikes and scooters are frequent targets.

As a major seaport, organized crime has also become an increasing problem in the city, and a fair number of businesses are nothing more than a front for local gangs. That said, the gangs do not resort to random violence or theft.

In general, Kaohsiung offers a very safe environment as long as you mind your own business and don't get involved with local rivalries. Violent crime is very rare, and visitors should not encounter any problems - though, like any major city, it is always wise to err on the side of caution.

Also please remember: tap water is not potable.

Go next

 * Tainan is to the north. It can easily be accessed by train or car. There is a regular train service from Kaohsiung Central Train Station. The journey takes around 30 minutes, which makes Tainan an attractive day-trip or even half-day destination.
 * Pingtung County is to the south. All the way to its southern end is Kenting.
 * Taitung County is to the east. However, the Southern Cross-Island Highway (Tai 20.svg Provincial Highway Number 20) has been closed mid-way since 2009 due to the Typhoon Morakot, so you have to take a very long detour via the South-Link Highway (Tai 9.svg Provincial Highway Number 9) if going by road.
 * Penghu – An outlying island archipelago, with a saturated turquoise sea around and coral sand, so pack beach wear.

title: Kaohsiung


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Kaokoland

Kaokoland is an area in the NW corner of Namibia's Kunene Region. It remains the most 'untouched' and remote part of the country, much of it still only accessible by 4x4 on hardcore tracks - not for the faint-hearted! The main town in the area is.

Understand
The local people in Kaokoland are mainly Herero and Himba. These two tribes are closely related and both speak Otjiherero. However, Kaokoland is known for the Himba people (singular: OmuHimba, plural: OvaHimba), some of which still live a traditional lifestyle. Genuine OvaHimba (those not assimilated by Western culture) can only be found in Kaokoland.

Talk
Many Herero people, particularly younger ones, speak good English and Afrikaans. Amongst traditional OvaHimba however, you are unlikely to find any that speak other languages. If you are looking for help or advice, aim for a younger person in Western dress.

Get in
Due to the scarcity of other options, most travellers will arrive by car. The main town Opuwo is about 720 km north-northwest from Windhoek.

There are no major airports in the region but a lot of small airstrips, suitable for 2 and 4 seaters.

Get around
The C35 from Kamanjab to Ruacana and the C41 to Opuwo are tarred roads. All other C-roads are rough, heavily corrugated gravel roads that are just about passable with an ordinary sedan. With few exceptions, district (D) roads require a 4x4, as do all roads without official designation.

The 100 km wide coastal strip between Terrace Bay and the Angolan border is restricted and may only be visited with a certified tour guide that holds the relevant concession. Expect to pay the guide around N$ 1,000 per day for the privilege, even if they are just a passenger in your car. If you do plan to enter this area you need to contact the concession holder well ahead of time, as you are unlikely to find one just by driving around. Contact the Hospitality Association of Namibia or the Namibia Scientific Society for advice.

Public transport is non-existent. To get the best out of Kaokoland, come in a 4x4 and be prepared to camp. Driving during the rainy season can be challenging - there are frequently deep rivers in flood and a lot of mud which even the strongest 4x4 can easily get stuck in. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with a strong tow rope and a shovel before you leave, and always carry plenty of water and food in case you do get stuck for a while. When faced with a river in flood, best advice is to wait for someone else who know what they're doing to come along and follow them! Do not attempt to cross a really deep river (wade in and if it's above your knees at the deepest point, then think twice) - rather camp for the night and wait for the water level to drop - it can do so in a few hours. Local people will be able to advise - if you can find any English speakers!

Decent 4x4s can be hired in Windhoek, with full camping kits if required. However, do enquire beforehand if the car hire company approves your intended route. Only few of them will allow travelling Kaokoland on untarred roads, and none will rent out a car for you to travel to Cape Fria, or attempt Robbie's Pass. Likely there is a clause in your rental contract stating that you lose all coverage (insurance, rescue) in such case.

Please drive in existing tracks - driving offroad causes lasting damage to local flora and fauna and tracks can remain visible for many years.

See

 * Marienfluss - amazing valley running north-south, known for its grass fairy circles. The north end reaches the Kunene River which forms the border with Angola.
 * Hartmannstal - valley running north-south parallel to Marienfluss, also reaching the Kunene. Driving the entire valley and back (there's no bridge across the river, thus also no border post with Angola) from Puros is very scenic but impossible without extra fuel supplies. The last petrol station is in Sesfontein, 400 km from the end of Hartmannstal. Deep sand doubles your fuel consumption, so you need to have petrol for more than 1,600 km! The alternative is the route from Opuwo, half the distance. This one will take you via van Zyl's Pass, see below.
 * Onjuva - beautiful scenery, lies on route between Puros and Marienfluss.
 * Onjuva - beautiful scenery, lies on route between Puros and Marienfluss.

Do

 * Game drives and wildlife viewing - in many places, a local guide can come along in your car for a game drive and take you to the best places for game viewing, usually along dry riverbeds. Kaokoland has everything - elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, as well as the more common zebras, giraffes and antelopes.
 * 4x4 driving - Kaokoland has many scenic routes and daring passages, many of them only, and some only barely, passable by 4x4. See the Kunene section of our article Off-roading in Namibia.

Visit an OvaHimba village
There are two ways to do this, both will teach a lot to the visitor and are valuable experiences:
 * 1) Visit a Living Village - Living Villages are local, often communal, enterprises where OvaHimba, well, act as if they were themselves. Tourists are invited to join for anything between a few hours and a few days and learn the OvaHimba lifestyle in the form of a crash course. Typical activities are building a hut, going on a nature walk, taste the food, even sleep in a traditional homestead. You'll find such villages around Opuwo and at all tourist destinations and campsites. Many tourists to Namibia feel that visiting these traditional villages is somewhat 'voyeuristic' - but it is the Himba people's choice, and their only source of income.
 * 2) Alternatively you can visit a real OvaHimba village, you just have to ask. A village is wherever you see traditional huts, you can spot them from the road. These huts are part of a homestead, and a few hundred meters away there will be another homestead, and so on. All the homesteads in one area form a village. Himba people are very friendly and accommodating, and if you are able to stick to their basic rules of behaviour (see below) they will happily allow you to pitch tents right in their homestead, sit on their fire, and exchange views about life and everything else with you. To achieve this, you need to find a local guide. They are everywhere where OvaHimba settlements are - ask around for someone speaking English, and that person is the guide, or can organise one. Of course the guide as well as the hosts expect something in return. The guide will expect money; a fair rate is 100N$ per hour, or 500N$ per day. Ask in advance and be prepared to bargain. The villagers also take money but more valuable are food items that are relatively expensive in village shops: maize meal, sugar, cooking oil, tinned fish, tea. Also basic kitchen ware like soap, knives, cups or bowls are welcome presents. Luxury items are sweets for the children and tobacco for the adults; a small pack (12.5g) of tobacco costs about 10N$ in Windhoek, and you should have a dozen or so for the times when you need to show your appreciation.

Eat
Once you leave Opuwo and head into remote parts of Kaokoland, you won't find a restaurant or cafe anywhere (except perhaps the lodge in Sesfontein). Absolute basic food supplies (rice, pasta, stock cubes, sugar, tea, some canned food) can be purchased in village shops (Puros, Onjuva, Sesfontein, Warmquelle) but don't count on finding anything beyond basic necessities, or anything that requires cold storage. Best to bring all required food along, stock up in Opuwo before you leave. Firewood can usually be bought at campsites.

Drink
Cool drinks and beer can sometimes be found in local village shops - see above. Also available at some campsites.

Stay safe
Crime is virtually non-existent amongst local people in remote parts of Kaokoland, but be sensible and lock up your vehicle etc. The Chinese labourers working at Onjuva Marble Mine have gained a reputation for being a bit light-fingered, so watch your possessions if they are around!

The greatest danger with Kaokoland is its remoteness - if your car breaks down or if you get stuck, help can be a long way. Have an itinerary ready, and share it with friends and local guest houses. A satellite phone is highly recommended, as well as plenty of food and water.

The Kunene River has crocodiles and hippos. It is not safe to swim there. Outside the settlements it is not safe to even go near, as hippos are both aggressive and territorial and can easily outrun a human on land.

Respect
Unsurprisingly, OvaHimba want to be shown respect. Do understand that many of them could live a Western life but consciously choose not to do so. Furthermore, many of the villagers are in no way poor: A healthy head of cattle is worth 10,000N$, and an OmuHimba man eligible to marry might own well over a hundred of them.

Age before beauty - Age and seniority are important notions to many Namibian indigenous people, including OvaHimba. The head of the homestead expects you to talk to him first, even if you both know you will not understand each other. You recognise him by the four insignia of elders: chair, hat, stick, and knife. In a homestead, he is typically the only one sitting on a proper chair, all others sit on tree stumps, tyres, drums, or in the sand. The head will always eat first, do prepare a portion for him if you camp there. When he is finished he will give the remains of his food to the first wife, so make sure his portion is really generous.

Do not take pictures without asking - You must not take pictures of people in front of their huts. The reason is that the set of huts is the homestead, and the hut itself might be the sleeping room, the kitchen, the shrine. Nobody wants to be photographed in their pyjama, on their way to fetching breakfast or getting properly dressed. OvaHimba are not stupid and know what a drone is, and what a telephoto lens does. There have been reports of tourist cars being pelted with stones by bystanders, mostly children. The reason for this treatment is not, as normally reported, that begging children were ignored but rather that tourists intruded the private life of the villagers.

Ask to take pictures, and be prepared to pay a small fee - The reason for the payment is that villagers will get dressed especially for you. Attire is very important, and the right ornament at the wrong place might portray a married woman as single, or a teenage boy as an elder. To have such picture published is an extreme embarrassment to the family of the person.

Please don't give to begging children - this is becoming an increasing problem in Kaokoland, and if tourists give in and hand over food or money, it just encourages a very indignified culture of dependence. If a child does something for you like opening a farm gate for you to drive through, or directing your car through a flowing river, then you may give something. And yes, you should have a bag of loose sweets ready for the situations where you really cannot get rid of them in any other way.

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

title: Kaokoland


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Kaolack

Kaolack is a city in Senegal.

By car
Kaolack is the transport hub of the country. You can get to any point in Senegal in a day's travel. There are two transport stations serving the city. Garage Dakar services areas to the West and North such as Dakar, Thies and St. Louis. Garage Nioro services the South and East with locations including Tamba, Kolda and the Casamance.

By bus
Most people get around Senegal by sept-places but there are buses that pass through here heading from Bamako to Dakar and vice versa. There are also minicars which tend to leave only when full but are a cheaper option.

Get around
Taxis (between 700 and 800 FCFA) are the main way to get around Kaolack or you can take a moto if you are brave enough.

See
Most of Kaolack's glory is in its past as it is rumored to have had some of the best mangroves in Africa but any evidence of these has long since disappeared. Kaolack has one of the biggest covered markets in West Africa. The market has a good selection of wax fabrics as this is where smaller buyers come from around the region to purchase fabric. You can easily get 2 meters for 1500 CFA or 6 meters for 3500. Another site to be seen in the market is the "gris-gris" market where vendors sell everything from skins to shells for the local charm makers.

The stone circles at Wanar is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Work
There are plenty of NGOs (or ONGs as they say in French) with offices in Kaolack. If you are looking to volunteer, there are plenty of options. Being able to speak French is a plus.

Buy
You can visit the Village Artisianal to find a selection of arts and crafts. As mentioned earlier, Kaolack has a great selection of Wax fabric available in the covered market. Most of the fabric sellers are located in the outer ring of shops.

title: Kaolack


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Kapalai

Kapalai is famous reef and a private over-the-water resort, known worldwide as a great place for underwater macro photography in Sabah, Eastern Malaysia. Divers come there to spot strange critters like the mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttle fish, blue ring octopus, and ghost pipefish.

Do
The most famous dive sites are the Jetty or Mandarin Valley where you can find the wonderful Mandarin fishes during a night dive.

Kapalai has also amazing snorkelling opportunities.

title: Kapalai


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Kapalua

Kapalua is in a resort community located along the west coast of the island of Maui, Hawaii. Situated 20 minutes from Lahaina town and bounded to the North by Honolua Bay.

Get in
Kapalua Resort is a world-class destination in West Maui.

Kapalua Resort offers a free shuttle service to and from this Airport. Car rental services are offered at the Kapalua-West Maui Airport and also at the Ka'anapali Car Rental station on Halawai Drive, off Honoapiilani Highway. Kapalua Resort is located from Ka'anapali Beach Resort and  from historic Lahaina Town.

Additionally, Maui's main airport Kahului Airport is approximately 45-60 minutes' drive from Kapalua Resort. All major car rental companies are offered within the Kahului Airport complex on Mokuea Place.

See
From the summit of the mountains at Pu'u Kukui to the Bays of Pi'ilani at the coastline, Kapalua Resort is a natural wonderland of beauty, rich in history and culture. Its 22,000 acres (8,900 ha) are filled with lush valleys, verdant peaks, towering pines, lava rock promontories, picturesque bays and protected coral reefs. The resort is surrounded by working pineapple fields and a diversified farm.

Kapalua Resort is encircled by a necklace of five pristine bays and beaches. All offer a variety of water sports activities, general beach relaxation and some picnic facilities.

On the slopes of the West Maui mountains, Kapalua Resort offers scenic hiking and walking trails in the Kapalua Trail System, a Mountain Outpost featuring Kapalua Adventures' Zipline & Adventure Tours and Maui's only Pineapple Farm Tours.

Do
From world-class golf, tennis and spa to one-of-a-kind adventure tours and a network of free hiking trails, Kapalua Resort offers something for everyone:

Buy
Kapalua Resort features a distinct array of shopping experiences for the resort, adventure, sports and casual shopper:

Drink
Entertainment options and happy hour specials are happening around Kapalua Resort year-round.

Merriman's Kapalua features island music on weekends; Pineapple Grill offers live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights. Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar is popular for Karoake singing and drink specials on Thursday and Friday nights.

The Ritz-Carlton features Hawaiian contemporary musicians in the Alaloa Lounge nightly and Pacific-Asian music in The Banyan Tree restaurant Wednesday-Saturday.

title: Kapalua


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Kapan

Kapan is a city in Southern Armenia.

Understand
Surrounded by steep mountains, built along the river, Kapan is full of pink Soviet apartment blocks, some of them creeping up the mountainside in steps. The scenery in this part of Armenia is very nice, and quite different than other parts, though few visitors ever make it down this far.

By bus

 * Yerevan – Schedule not known, but at least one marshrutka, passing by Goris, going further to Meghri and even across the international border to Iran in the south. 6-7 hr from Yerevan.
 * Goris – Additionally to the Yerevan one(s), there exist at least two more from near the amusement park on Komitas St. in Goris. One at 12:00, continuing to Meghri and Agarak. And another one at 15:00, with no connection further south. 1,500 dram, 1½-2 hr.
 * Meghri – Once a day, 1.5 hr. It connects from Agarak. From Agarak or Meghri it costs 2,000 dram.

It's possible to catch a local bus heading towards nearby villages such as Shikahogh, Srashen, Tsav or Shishkert.

By road
Hiring a car, or taxi, or renting one is a good option too. A fascinating journey from Yerevan will take around 4-5 hr (with stop-over) and will cost approximately US$80 by taxi or car.

Get around
Except for a small area in the city center, you must have a car to get very far, or a lot of time to bike or walk.

See
There isn't a great deal to see in the town itself, just a few spots to look at.
 * Statue of Davit Bek, a local hero
 * Small fortress of Halidzor on top of a hill on the western edge of town.

Do
There is a small amusement park in the center of town, with cheap rides, and lots of locals out enjoying themselves.

Being slightly off the main tourist destinations, Kapan is a tranquil and quiet city.

Buy
The shuka and nearby supermarkets are the best places to load up on supplies before travel in the area.

Eat
There are a few places to eat in town, including the Darist Hotel.

Go next

 * Goris — the last major town in Armenia for travellers continuing to Karabakh and also entering point to Tatev Monastery.
 * Jermuk — spa town where much of the country's mineral water comes from.
 * Meghri — the crossing point into Iran
 * Sisian — good base for visiting Ughtasar mountain and thousands of petroglyphs on top of it.
 * Yeghegnadzor — small town close to spectacular canyon and monastery in Noravank, the impressive Smbatabert Fortress/Tsakhats Kar Monastery area and the old silk road caravanserai of Selim.

title: Kapan


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Kapas

Kapas Island (Malay: Pulau Kapas) is an island off Marang in Terengganu, Malaysia. Pulau Kapas means Cotton Island, a name given to it by locals, due to its soft white beaches. Surrounded by crystal clear water, Pulau Kapas is a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Though this island remains relatively unheard of in the tourist circuit, it is well worth an extended visit if you need time to get away from the chaos that can come with being a backpacker or staying too long on the mainland. Ideal for couples but also great for anyone looking to meet people in a close-knit environment.

Get in
Ferries to Kapas leave from Marang, which is about 45 minutes by car from Kuala Terengganu. Boatride takes 10-30 minutes, depending on the waves. You can ask for price quotes from local dealers (there are some agents for Pulau Kapas resort in Kuala Terengganu) or simply go to Marang and talk to the ferrymen. Groups may be able to get discounts off the individual rates for resort accommodations on the island.

Get around
Everything is accessible by foot. It takes about fifteen minutes to cover all the ground on the island, with the exception of the jungle trek.

See
Go scuba diving and see marine life on the seabed.

Do
There is one diving company offering open water and advanced certifications as well as fun dives around Kapas. For snorkeling, you can hire a boat to take you to different locations, but most of the best spots can be found within 100m of most of the beaches. Kapas is known for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful beaches, so bring a good book and don't expect much partying or loud music.

Eat
On the main beach there is Ombak Café, serving great local food and some Western food, and KBC Restaurant, owned by a Dutch guy (see KBC listing in "Sleep").

Otherwise, there is Kampung Koko on the long beach, really good food but it takes a long time there. Make sure to bring your friends, a book or get in touch with some locals there while you wait for your food. It's worth it.

Many guesthouses also offer breakfast and dinner for their guests.

Drink
Bring your own alcohol if you plan to drink here. The only alcoholic drinks available are at KBC, but you can spend half your daily budget in one night if you're not careful. Liquor can be bought in Chinatown in Kuala Terengganu.

Sleep
Captain's Longhouse, placed at the end of long beach, between jungle and ocean. Traditional wooden architecture from Sarawak, hammocks and a nice bistro with a lonely wide beach.

KBC (Kapas Beach Chalets) consists of two places with the same name next to each other. Both offer accommodation, but if you want to enjoy your stay there choose the one without the restaurant (from the beach the left one). Friendly staff and they offer great food for their house guests.

Go next
Marang has a good little outdoor market near the ferry landing.

title: Kapas


text:
Kapilvastu

Kapilvastu is a modern-day district in Western Nepal. Its district headquarters is Taulihawa (est. population 30,000).

Understand
Kapilvastu is also the name of an ancient Kingdom of the Shakyas the royal family of Lord Buddha. There are many ancient archaeological sites situated in a 10 kilometer circle around Taulihawa, the modern district center of Kapilbastu District. Far fewer tourist visit the sites in Kapilvastu which can make a visit even more appealing. Below are some of these noteworthy sites.

By plane
Via Kathmandu to Bhairahawa Airport, about 40 km east of Taulihawa. It takes 45 minutes, and costs about $200 for foreigners and $115 for nationals. Carriers include Buddha Air, Yeti Air, 160 NRs airport tax applies for all domestic flights.

By bus
Via Delhi, Gorakpur, Sunauli, India/Belahiya, Nepal. 24 - 30 hours.

Via Kathmandu, Narayangarh/Bharatpur (var. Narayanghat), Butwal, Bhairahawa, Taulihawa. 8-10 hours.

Via Pokhara, Palpa/Tanzan, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Taulihawa (potholed, windy road, but beautiful views) 6 - 8 hours. Also Pokhara, Narayangarh/Bharatpur/Butwal, Bhairahawa (better road conditions). 6-8 hours.

By train
Via Delhi - Gorakpur. Transfer to narrow gauge track to Nautanwa. Transfer to taxi/bus/rickshaw to Sunauli, India (about 5 kilometers). Cross border to Belahiya and Nepal's Immigration. Transfer to bus/taxi rickshaw for 3 kilometers to Bhairahawa. Transfer to bus or taxi to Taulihawa. Total time approximately 14 - 20 hours. Another way: Gorakhpur to Shohrath Garh by train, Shohrat garh to Khunuwa to Toulihawa by bus or taxi.

Via Kolkata, Patna, Gorakpur. Transfer to narrow gauge track to Nautanwa. Transfer to taxi/bus/rickshaw to Sunauli, India (approximately 5 kilometers). Cross border to Belahiya, and Nepal's Immigration. Transfer to bus/taxi rickshaw for 3 kilometers to Bhairahawa. Transfer to bus / taxi to Taulihawa. Total time approximately 12 - 14 hours.

Get around
Rickshaws, local buses and taxis are available.

Tilaurakot Complex
Tilaurakot Fort Approximately 25 km east of Lumbini and about 4 km north of Taulihawa, the modern district center of Kapilbastu District (approx. 30,000 inhabitants), are the archaeological remains of Tilaurakot. Thought to have been the citadel complex of the larger surrounding Kapilvastu Kingdom, founded by Lord Buddha's father Śuddhodana, the chief of the Shakya nation. Excavations have revealed a considerable walled fortress, approximately 300 m long and 200 m wide, and containing exposed foundations of several building complexes. Historically, is said that Prince Siddhartha grew up and spent his early life inside Tilaurakot to the age of 29, oblivious of worldly miseries outside. He was married to Yashodhara and had a son named Rahula. Upon confronting worldly miseries such as disease, aging and death, outside Tilaurakot's gates, he escaped Tilaurakot Fort one night from its eastern gate, and rode eastward towards the jungles on his steed Kantaka, in search of enlightenment and in quest of answers to his questions about such miseries, pain and sufferings.

Tilaurakot Museum Some 150 m before Tilaurakot's western gate (the modern main entrance) lies a small, neglected, but quaint museum housing jewellery and other ornaments, coins, painted grey ware and northern black polished ware pottery, and toys excavated from the site dating between the 7th century BC and 4th century AD.

Kapilvastu Kingdom Complex
Gotihawa lies 5 km southwest of Taulihawa town and is considered the natal town of Krakuchanda Buddha. The place has ruins of ancient habitation, stupas and monasteries. The place was visited by Ashoka, as evidenced by a pillar with inscriptions. The pillar is broken with the upper part missing.

Araurakot lies about 9 km northeast of Tilaurakot. P.C. Mukheiji (1899) identified it as the natal town of Kanakmuni Buddha. It is a rectangular fortified area that contains a moat with heaps of ancient ruins.

Kundan is 2 km southwest of Taulihawa on way to Gotihawa. It is a beautiful protected garden area with large structural ruins of monasteries and stupas and with a tank nearby. This is considered the historical sight where Lord Buddha, returning after many years preached, and where his father, Śuddhodana, was converted to Buddhism.

Niglihawa 7 km northwest of Tilaurakot, was another site visited by Ashoka and marked with a pillar. The pillar is broken into two pieces. The standing base pillar has Ashokan inscription in Brahmi script and the upper pillar has Devanagari inscription marking Ripu Mai's visit in 1312 AD. There are ruins of monasteries, stupas and habitation. It is identified as ancient town of Sobhawati, birthplace of Kanakmuni Buddha.

Sagarhawa lies 3.5 km north of Tilaurakot and west of Banganga river. It is a rectangular depression. Excavations done in 1896 traced seventeen stupas and large monuments made from well-burnt bricks. Findings of casket and other rare antiquities indicate them to be votive stupas of the war dead. However, these stupas remain no more as they were excavated to their foundation without restoration.

Lumbini Garden and Lumbini Crane Sanctuary
Approximately 22 km east from Taulihawa is the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. The garden stretches one kilometer east west and 4 kilometers north south and besides having abundant bird and even some wild life, has an amazing collection over 20 nation's monasteries.

Village Tours
Several tour guide companies are offering village tours especially around Kapilvastu and Lumbini.

Birding/Bird Watching
In winter, the farmland in this area of the Terai is a mosaic of different crops and stubbles, with lowlands, small irrigation channels, streams, ponds and, away from towns, only scattered small villages, which often have very large, old trees used by roosting vultures and large water birds. The entire area is good for birds. But ask for wetland grassland area north of Lumbini called Khadara Phanta, which is particularly good for seeing the endangered Sarus Crane. Also, Jagdishpur Reservoir and Bird Sanctuary, at Niglihawa is considered nationally to be an important bird area in Kapilvastu District, about 7 km northwest of Kaplivastu (and nearly 30 km west from Lumbini).

Terai Trekking
A flat-landers version of mountain trekking. First performed in 1991 by two Peace Corps volunteers who walked from Bhairawaha, to Trivenighat, and on to Chitwan, some 70 km in three days via existing back roads, farm lands, forests and footpaths. It was their way of attempting to walk part of the path taken by Siddhartha (a 99–km Buddhist Via Dolorosa) who, after renouncing his princely life, escaped the fortress compound at Tilaurakot and rode his steed Kantaka east into the vast Eastern jungles beyond, after his Mother's Koliya Kingdom at Tribenighat. Other versions could be simply day walks from Bhairahawa to Lumbini and catching the bus back.

Palpali Brass
Search the bazaar in Taulihawa for good deals on famous Palpali brass wear such as kuruwa's diwas, and statuary still produced in Palpa in the hills north of Taulihawa.

Dhakiya
Small round baskets woven from rice straw by the women of this area. Beautiful colors and designs are found. Most village women don't think to sell it, as there are no local market, but if you ask they will sell, usually cheap if it is their first time selling.

Eat
Dukuti, Tharu special, local chicken and fish are all common meals.

Sleep
In Taulihawa:

 * Hotel Shankar, on the road to Tilaurakot, has really basic rooms for Rs 1000/1500.
 * Lumbini Hotel, on the road to Tilaurakot, has really basic rooms for Rs 200/300.
 * New Siddhartha Guest House, just north of Taulihawa on the road to Tilaurakot.

Go next

 * Lumbini – the birthplace of the Buddha is approximately east

title: Kapilvastu


text:
Kapiri Mposhi

Kapiri Mposhi (also known as Komperi Mposhi) is a small town in Central Zambia.

Understand
Because of its location as a crossroads for automobile roads and railways Kapiri Mposhi has grown substantially.

Talk
Lamba is spoken in Kapiri Mposhi.

Get in
Kapiri Mposhi is at the junction of Great North Road and the road to the Northern Province and Tanzania. It is also a railway junction of the north-south line between Livingstone and the Copperbelt, and the TAZARA line to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

By bus
Arriving from Lusaka takes 3 hours.

By train
Arriving from Lusaka takes 8 hours. The TAZARA line from Dar es Salaam takes 50 hours assuming no breakdown.

Get around
As a result of the town being so small, public transport is not necessary. However there are a number of taxis in the area, which will stop if notified.

See
There is very little to see in the way of touristic sights. Be aware of this when you are planning your journey. There is a small market near the train station that would warrant thirty minutes of your time.

Do
There is little to do apart from exploring the area.

Buy
As of 2023 there are 2 supermarkets in town. Both feature a bakery and a takeaway section. Most items are also cheaper than in the smaller shops upcountry. Stock up here on essential items before continuing your journey.

Sleep
There are a number of seedy looking hotels in the centre of town, just across the road from the bus station. These cannot be recommended.

There are a few decent guest houses about 4km North of town near the T2/T3 road junction.

Go next
As a result of the town being located on a major crossroads, there are a number of transportation options available.

These include frequent bus connections to the capital Lusaka.

There is the famed TAZARA train station of which Kapiri Mposhi is at one end. The station is about 2km out of town. This distance could be walked, but can also reached by taxi at very reasonable cost.

title: Kapiri Mposhi


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Kapit

Kapit is a town at the upper Rejang River, Sarawak, Malaysia. It can be reached by boat from Sibu or Belaga.

As of Jan 2011, there are no speedboats heading north to Belaga due to a new dam up the river. Alternate routes include heading back to Sibu and taking a bus, or trying to arrange smaller boats and 4WD vehicles (though this could be costly).

As of Jan 2012 it's possible to take speedboats to Belaga, since the dam is completed. You need to apply for a free of charge permit at the Residents office in Kapit near the airport. Therefore, you need to stay overnight in Kapit before heading to Belaga. It's possible to take a 4WD from Belaga down to the main road at the coast.

There are some longhouses close to Kapit. But be cautious with guides in Kapit, as you'll just be overcharged for transport/housing that you can find on your own at the local wet market. Be cautious about a friendly Mr. Joshua Muda Guna, who is wrongly mentioned in some guide books as reliable and knowledgeable. His tours are expensive and you don't get what he promises.

Get in
From Sibu there are regular AC express boats to Kapit (3½ hr, costs 20RM per person). The last boat leaves at 2:30PM and arrives in Kapit anywhere between 5:40PM and 6:30PM depending on river levels. Boats can get a little chilly so consider bringing a jumper.

Get around
There are minibusses close to the wharf.

Do
Visit a longhouse, like the over 100-year-old Rumah Bundong (formerly known as Rumah Seligi after the late chief). For a few hour tour during the day, just head to the wet market (big outdoor square selling fish and other assortments) and talk to one of the yellow cab drivers. William Taba (+60 138000112) will provide transport at a fair price (half price of any 'tour guide'). A minbus may run 60RM per person, and then add another 25RM pp. to the chief of the longhouse - a modest fee and some of that has to go to the state.

Longhouse overnight stays are best to be invited, the best way to do this is to ask around to learn more about the long houses: strangers on the street, neighbors at the hawker stalls, or your hotel staff should be able to help.

Walk around the city centre on the weekends - this is the busiest time when nearby locals come to visit, you'll see the city dry up around 3pm on Sunday when everybody takes the last boat out.

Eat
When in Kapit you must try some of the excellent local cuisine such as wild boar (babi hutan). There are great hawker stalls that open at the Open Air Night Market one street behind the public square.

Budget

 * Unnamed Chinese Stall at the Open Air Night Market next to the Methodist Church (side closest to the Rajang River on the "upstream" end). Probably the best food at the night market. Try the "Nasi + Ayam + Sayur + Sup" (delicious made-to-order rice combo) or the "Nasi Kampur" (slow-cooked chicken with rice). They also seem to have the only Ice Kacang (recommended) and ABC in Kapit after dark. Very clean kitchen. Open from 5:30PM to around 10PM.
 * Malindo Cafe in the narrow "Harmony Mall" Chinese street of shops. One of the only restaurants in town with relatively spicy food (Muslim). Their selection of pre-cooked dishes is above average (ask for some spicy chili sauce also called "sambal"). Open for breakfast and lunch.

title: Kapit


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Kapiti Coast

Kapiti Coast is a region of the southern North Island of New Zealand that boasts unspoilt beaches, rivers, villages, friendly people and natural open spaces stretching from Paekakariki to Otaki. Nestled between mountains and the sea, it's an affordable, self-drive, family destination. The west coast location means the town has front-row seats as the sun sets into the Tasman each evening, and the fish and chips on the beach under a red hot sunset taste better than do anywhere else in the world – enjoy.

Towns

 * and neighbouring Raumati
 * and neighbouring Raumati
 * and neighbouring Raumati

Get in
A 40-90 minute drive or 60 minute train trip from the nearest cities of Palmerston North and Wellington. The nearest airports are Palmerston North, Wellington and Paraparaumu. Air Chathams and Sounds Air service Paraparaumu (Kapiti Coast Airport ) to and from Auckland. InterCity operates several daily scheduled bus services through the region and most backpacker buses stop here.

Get around
Local bus service runs between Paraparaumu, Paraparaumu Beach, Waikanae and Waikanae Beach. A bus service runs between Otaki, Te Horo, Peka Peka and Waikanae. The train service runs between Paekakariki and Waikanae stopping at Paraparaumu.

The local Paraparaumu Taxi service is another option.

Nature areas
There are many protected nature or conservation areas including the iconic Kapiti Island, forest and regional parks, estuaries and wetlands.

Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve is home to over 60 species of birds and is adjacent to the Waikanae River. The resrve borders Otaihanga Domain in Paraparaumu which is a pleasant place to picnic and let the kids enjoy a safe river swim. It is also an ideal starting point to walk either the north or south sides of the river where tracks are suitable for baby buggies, biking and walking.

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand's most significant nature reserves, located in a marine reserve. You can stay overnight and go kiwi spotting, or just go for the day and take a guided walk. There are different walk options for varying levels of fitness. The 15 minute ferry ride from Paraparaumu Beach Boating Club departs daily at 9am. Visitors need to purchase a Department of Conservation permit to visit the island as well as a local permit to visit Waiorua Bay at the north end. Bookings are essential through Kapiti Island Nature Tours or the Paraparaumu i-SITE.

Queen Elizabeth Park is Wellington's most popular Regional Park with entrances at Paekakariki, Mackays Crossing (off the State Highway One between Paekakariki and Raumati) and an entrance from Raumati South. The park has many different inland and coastal cycling routes for every level of fitness. There are many other activities in the park including horse riding, visiting the Wellington Tramway Museum or taking a ride on a heritage tram. There are many picnic spots and you can hire BBQ sites.

Beaches
Our beaches range from remote stretches of coast to popular busy, family beaches where picnics, swimming, fishing, kayaking, surfing and sailing are all in a days fun. Otaki Beach is great for walks and fishing and has great views of the Tararua Ranges. Te Horo is remote and has plenty of driftwood for creative inspiration and sculptures. Waikanae has a wonderful scientific reserve and migratory birds. Paraparaumu Beach you will find boats being launched off the sand. Raumati is good for surfcasting and swimming and Paekakariki offers surfing and great coastal walks in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Walks and tramping
At almost every turn is a short walk or cycle track. Otaki Forks is a main entrance to Tararua Forest Park. From here you can enjoy day walks or some of New Zealand's best hiking on overnight or longer tramps. Hemi Matenga in Waikanae offers a steep walk with a stunning view to Kapiti Island and has good mountain biking and walking tracks. This track offers a range of options so you can walk for either 30 minutes or you can be up to 3-4 hours depending on your walking speed.

Buy
A wide variety of shopping experiences are available in the region. Otaki is famous for it outlet stores including major outdoor clothing and fashion brands. Te Horo has a foodies kitchen shop with coffee, and a lavender farm with shop, both in beautiful rural locations. Coastlands Shopping Town in Paraparaumu has more than 100 stores and is a convenient place for food, fashion, beauty, gifts and other purchases. Paraparamumu Beach has a mix of craft, clothing and gift shops and offers a Saturday morning market for fresh fruit and vegetables and local produce. Raumati Beach is popular for fashion and homewares; and Paekakariki has eclectic art shop, second hand shops and funky design store, which also serves coffee.

Eat
The Kapiti Coast is home to several cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes and cultures. All the beachside communities have their fair share of dining experiences serving excellent food.

Go next

 * Wellington
 * Hutt Valley
 * Porirua
 * Wairarapa

title: Kapiti Coast


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Kapolei

Kapolei is a relatively new and extremely fast-growing town on the Leeward Coast of the island of Oahu.

Get in
You can in by the following roads. Interstate H1 If this town is where Interstate H1 ends in the west, then it's the first major town when you enter on Interstate H1 east or west. There is another route you can take

Route 7110, If you want to stick up with another route than Interstate H1 in Waipahu. You can take this route to get there. It's part of the segment of Farrington Highway (Route 93), also Route 93 is the only access to get to Kapolei from Waianae. So take this route.

If you are near Ewa you can take the former Route 764 road, Geiger Road, which later turns out into Roosevelt Ave, when you leave Ewa.

Get around
It's a pretty neat town but it's also its first town when you use Interstate H1. It's located at the Leeward Coast of Oahu. So why you should enjoy walking around here. If you take Fort Barrete Road from Kalaeloa Airport, that's a nice easy access to enter there. Also, you can find good houses on estate websites, a house finder. Even, there is a good way to get into town!

Buy
Kapolei is almost like a whole shopping town, there are lots of restaurants both in the town center and further down past Costco, there on the roads of Farrington Highway but go on Fort Barrete Road, to get some shrimp and stuff near the intersection of Enterprise Road/Fort Barette Road/Roosevelt Ave. There are food stalls near it. Also, there are some restaurants like Chili's and Kapolei's Chinese Restaurant.

Go next
There are 4 ways to get out of Kapolei by the following roads: Interstate H1, this is where Interstate H1 western terminus is at. But if you do want to go west, that heads for Waianae, but if your heading east, you're going to Pearl City, Aiea, and Honolulu till the end at Kahala.

Route 7110, It is a short route from Kapolei but this route will head for Route 76 and also the city of Waipahu.

Former Route 764, You actually need to get on Fort Barette Road and then it is Roosevelt Road when you are leaving Kapolei but later changes into Geiger Road when you are almost entering Ewa.

Route 93, When Interstate H1 reaches its western terminus, later it changes into Route 93 which heads for Waianae, but there is 1 interchange on the route that heads for entering Ko Olina. And also it heads till its end in Waimea.

title: Kapolei


text:
Kappad

Kappad, or Kappakadavu locally, is famous as the beach near Calicut, India, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed on May 20, 1498. A small stone monument there commemorates the landing with the inscription, "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498." It is one of the most important tourist places in Kerala, with a wide and beautiful beach.

Get in
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 16 km.

Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town.

Private transport vehicles are available to reach destinations from Calicut Municipal Bus Stand.

Get around
Taxis and auto-rickshaws.

See
The wide beautiful beach.

Do
Spent some time lying on the beach.

Buy
Nothing much to buy. Shopping can be made at Calicut.

Eat
A few eateries are available but it is best advised to carry some packed food.

Drink
Toddy at the local toddy shop.

Sleep
The place can be visited within a day and major accommodation is available in Calicut.

Go next
Buses to Calicut ply on a regular basis. Taxis can be hired to take you back to Calicut.

title: Kappad


text:
Kapparis

Kapparis is a the village close to Paralimni on the coast of Cyprus. The beaches, some of the best in the country, consist mainly of small beautiful bays each offering something different.

Do
Kappariswaterfun is located at Kapparis below Malama Holiday Village on the island of Cyprus.They propose many activities such as parasailing, jetski, water ski, speedboat, banana boat, ringo, Crazy Sofa, Supermable....

Sleep
When planning your holidays in Kapparis you have to take in consideration not only the location, but also the best accommodation that will provide you and your party with value for money according to your requirements.

If you are looking to get away from it all and relax with your family in privacy, than a holiday villa could be a good choice for you. By renting a private villa you will have your own kitchen, living/dining room, bedroom and in many cases your own private swimming pool. Renting a villa provides you with more space and privacy and is also a more economical option rather than staying at a small hotel room.

A villa can usually accommodate a minimum of 4 people, and the rental price is charged per week making it more cost-effective than staying at a hotel.

title: Kapparis


text:
Kappil

Kappil is a town in Kerala, India. It is on the border between Thiruvananthapuram District and Kollam Districts, and five kilometers from the famous Varkala beach.

Get in
Passenger/local trains stop at Kappil Railway Station. Trains timings and trains to Trivandrum side (South), Quilon and Kottayam (north)can be confirmed at Kappil Railway station, Long-distance express trains available from varkala. Regular bus services from Kappil to Varkala, Paravur, Quilon, Kottiyam, Kundra etc. {6AM-9PM}

Bus to Varkala, Paravur, Quilon (Kollam), Trivandrum, Attingal etc.

Trivandrum International Airport is 60 km away.

Get around
Taxis, Autorickshaw.

See
Scenic lagoon, sea and backwaters (a road dividing the two), visit Varkala 5km away.

Do
Boat rides or watersports.

Buy
Sea food, fish, local fresh toddy.

Eat
Snacks tea or coffee at tea stalls, and sea food at the small Kiosks around railway station.

Drink
Drink bottled or boiled water and tender coconut water

Sleep
Local accommodation are few. Boarding and lodging available at many hotels in Paravur and Varkala.

 * Camping ground. Toilet, hot water and other facilities for putting up pets, vans, cars, motorcycles etc. available near Varkala beach, a reputed Ayurvedic massage center nearby camping site.  Contact Mr KG Nair on 09446663147.

title: Kappil


text:
Kaprun

Kaprun is a town in the Zell am See district of Salzburg, Austria.

Kaprun is best known internationally for its remarkable mountain railways. One of them is Glacial Aerial Tramway Kaprun III, the third section of the aerial tramway up to. It runs over a 113.6-m-tall support pillar, the tallest support pillar of any aerial tramway in the world.

Understand
Kaprun's cutting-edge mountain transportation technology has been overshadowed by the Kaprun Disaster since 2000, when a funicular train caught fire inside the Kitzsteinhorn in the middle of the 3.3-km-long tunnel. 155 skiers and staff perished in the flames and smoke, and the tunnel has remained closed ever since. There is a at the former base station of the funicular.

History
A settlement named Chataprunnin, derived from the Celtic word for whitewater (referring to Kaprun's many white water streams), was first mentioned by the Duchy of Bavaria in 931. Since the 20th century, Kaprun became a popular ski resort, with thousands of skiers flocking to the town every winter to challenge the slopes of the Kitzsteinhorn.

Climate
Kaprun has an Alpine climate with cold winters and wet summers. In winter, most of the precipitation falls as snow, giving the town a picturesque white cover.

Connect
Tourist office hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00-18:00, Saturday: 09:00-12:00.

Go next

 * Zell am See
 * Hohe Tauern National Park with the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
 * Heiligenblut

title: Kaprun


text:
Kapurthala

Kapurthala is a small town in the state of Punjab in India.

Understand
The town is famous for Rail Coach Factory, which is a rail coach manufacturing unit of Indian Railway. It produces 1500 coaches every year.

Get in
There are frequent buses between Kapurthala and Jalandhar. Buses and taxis are also available from Amritsar, about 75km from Kapurthala, where the nearest airport is located.

Kapurthala is in the Jalandhar-Firozpur section of the Indian railway network.

Go next
Sultanpur Lodhi - An old city with historical shrines.

title: Kapurthala


text:
Kapuskasing

Kapuskasing, also known as "Kap", is a town of 8300 people (2016) in Northern Ontario. It is mostly a company town; the main industry is an enormous paper mill.

Understand
Kapuskasing (pronounced ka-pus-KAY-sing) gets its name from the Kapuskasing River, which was named long before the existence of the town. Kapuskasing is a word of Cree origin, and the meaning is unknown.

Kapuskasing lies in the heart of the Great Clay Belt. The topography of the region is very flat, dotted with numerous small lakes and muskeg bogs. Also in the heart of Canada's boreal forest, the region is drained by rivers running north to James Bay. The district is heavily forested, mostly by thick stands of black spruce that have commercial value as pulpwood.

Wildlife is abundant. Species such as moose, black bear, lynx and red fox are commonly seen in the area. Lakes and rivers are well populated with walleye, northern pike and yellow perch. Fishing and hunting are very popular recreational activities locally.

GreenFirst, owner of the pulp and paper mill is the town's major employer.(The former owners were Spruce Falls Power and Paper, Tembec and Rayonier Advanced Materials)

History
Near the western edge of the Clay Belt of "New Ontario", the town was founded in the early 20th century after the National Transcontinental Railway, forerunner of the Canadian National Railway, was built through the area in 1911.

The town was known as MacPherson until 1917, when the name was changed due to a conflict with another railway town located in Manitoba.

An internment camp was set up at Bunk Houses in Kapuskasing from December 1914 to February 1920.

A scheme to settle veterans of the First World War in this vicinity was unsuccessful. It was not until the start of pulp and paper milling operations in the 1920s that Kapuskasing began to develop as an organized community.

Where the Canadian Northern Railway crossed the Kapuskasing River in 1910 there was an island in the centre of the river. Power and storage dams were built there in 1923.

In 1926, the Spruce Falls Power and Paper Company was incorporated under joint ownership of Kimberly-Clark and The New York Times, with rights to harvest timber over an area of 11,830 km², an area larger than Jamaica. It built a paper mill at Kapuskasing, a hydro-electric generating station at Smoky Falls and an 80-km railway and power line connecting the two. Since 1928, The New York Times has been printed entirely on Spruce Falls paper.

Internment Camp
During World War I, the town was the site of one of the largest internment camps in Canada. The camp held over 1,300 German, Austrian, and Turkish prisoners, though the majority were Canadian residents of Ukrainian descent who had emigrated from the provinces of Bukovina and Galicia, in the first wave of Ukrainian emigration to Canada prior to 1914. Prisoners were employed in the construction of buildings and clearing of land for a government experimental farm on the west side of the Kapuskasing River. Isolation provided ideal security for the minimum security camp, as the railway was the only access to the remote location. Prisoners who attempted to escape into the bush were turned back by endless muskeg and clouds of mosquitoes or minus-40 °C/F temperatures in winter. In 1917, most were paroled to help relieve labour shortages. Afterwards, the camp was used briefly for prisoners of war and political radicals until its closure in 1920. The area was developed to be an agricultural research farm established by the federal government in 1916. The "Experimental Farm" operated until 2012. The property encompassed more than 850 acres of land for animal production; a 5,000-square-foot business incubator equipped with a boardroom, offices, a laboratory and equipment; and land available for crop trials and research. A small cemetery is all that remains of the internment camp near the Kapuskasing Airport where victims of the 1918 influenza epidemic (Spanish flu) were laid to rest.

General Motors Cold Weather Development Centre
The GM Cold Weather Development Center is a full-scale permanent cold weather test facility established in 1973.

 * Facility size: 272 acres
 * Facilities:
 * Two vehicle testing lines
 * 2.5-mile test track
 * 13-vehicle garage
 * 30 cold cells capable of recreating weather conditions reaching -45C

Operating 2 Vehicle Testing Lines

The Cold Weather Vehicle line focuses on early Cold Weather Vehicle Development tests, testing anywhere from 200 to 300 vehicles annually.

Cold Weather Exposure Line runs the GMW 15016 Cold Weather Exposure test, testing about 30 vehicles annually.annually

Lower Mattagami River Project
The Lower Mattagami River Project is an investment into clean, renewable energy. It was the largest hydroelectric power generation initiative in nearly 40 years in Northern Ontario. Ontario Power Generation selected Kiewit-Alarie Partnership to design and build the project.

This project retired the old 52-megawatt Smoky Falls Generating Station and constructed a new 271-megawatt station immediately adjacent to the existing plant. In addition, a new generating unit was added to three other power generating stations along the Mattagami River: Little Long, Kipling and Harmon.

The project required the excavation of 650,000 cubic meters of overburden and over 700,000 cubic meters of rock, as well as the placement of over 190,000 cubic meters of concrete over five years.

Foundations work included a 5,050-square-foot cut-off wall to support construction to repair and replace four hydroelectric generating stations.

The project increased Ontario’s energy generation capacity by over 440 megawatts, enough electricity to power up to 440,000 additional homes.

Cargill Phosphate Mine
The mine at Kapuskasing was located some 40 km southwest of Kapuskasing, Ontario. It had been developed to supply high-quality, low-cost phosphate rock to the company's Redwater, Alberta facility, where it was an ingredient in ammonium phosphate fertilizer production. The Kapuskasing mine was the only phosphate mine in Canada and ranked as one of the highest-grade phosphate mines in the world. Apatite is the principal ore mineral mined at the Kapuskasing Phosphate Operations. A southern Ontario based mining company is looking at redeveloping the former phosphate mine west of Kapuskasing. Avalon Advanced Materials wants to pick-up where Agrium, now Nutrien left off when the mine was closed in 2013.

Climate
The area has long, very cold winters. The summer growing season is short and often punctuated by killing frosts. Visitors often comment on the deep blue of the sky during clear weather.

Get in
Kapuskasing has Highway 11 (Trans-Canada Highway) passing through it. The town reachable from Timmins and North Bay to the east or Thunder Bay far to the west.

If you own (or charter) a small aircraft, the  can accommodate you, but it does not have scheduled service.

By bus

 * Operates a route several days per week between Hearst and Sudbury including stops in Kapuskasing, Cochrane and Timmins. Travel time to Kapuskasing from Timmins is 2.75 hours.

Buy

 * Circle Area (Downtown): shops set around a picturesque cobblestone seating area.

title: Kapuskasing


text:
Kara

Kara is a city in Togo.

Get in
Buses run daily between Lome and Kara (about 7 hours). Contact Rakieta. Buses leave at 7am from each site daily.

See
The Tatas in Koutammakou. About two hours north of Kara is a small village, Nadoba. Here villagers have constructed unique houses made of clay and straw. Built to fend off slave traders, the houses now serve as home to farm animals and various materials. Villagers still kill chickens on sacrificial altars outside of the houses and fill the first room with a range of fetishes. Check out the Chief Canton's Tata, but be prepared to pay a mille or two for the privilege. This is Togo's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and its best tourist attraction - though don't expect any amenities. The easiest way to get there is by rented taxi or shared taxi to Kante and then bike 25km to Nadoba.

Do

 * Parc Sarakawa Wildlife resort with animals that have been almost wiped out in Togo. A guided tour on a pickup will cost you CFA 5000, no elephants, but crocodiles, antelopes, zebras and a big turtle.

Eat
At Maroc's. Owned by a German expat, the restaurant serves European and Togolese dishes at reasonable prices (~$5 per meal with a beer).

Chez Navide is also recommended if you are interested in trying the local food. Located opposite the market, dishes are served for approximately $1 per meal. Check out the degue ladies opposite the taxi station if you want to try cold yogurt with couscous.

title: Kara


text:
Karachay-Balkar phrasebook

Karachay-Balkar (Къарачай-Малкъар /Qarachay-Malqar) is a Turkic language, spoken in Karachay-Cherkessia, a republic in Russia.

Vowels

 * a ah : like father
 * e eh : like energy
 * ё oe : pronounced like ö in German
 * ю ue: pronounced like ü in German

Basics

 * Hello. :Кюнюгюз ашхы болсун. (kue-nue-guez-ash-huh-bohl-sun )
 * Hello. :Салам алейкум. (salam-aley-kum)
 * Hello. (informal) : . ( )
 * How are you? : Къалайса? (qah-lai-sah ?)
 * Fine, thank you. : . ( )
 * What is your name? :Атынг къалайды сени? (at-uhng-kahl-ai-duh-seh-nee ?)
 * My name is ______ . :  ______ . (  _____ .)
 * Nice to meet you. : . ( )
 * Please. : . ( )
 * Thank you. : сау бол. (sao-bohl)
 * You're welcome. : . ( )
 * Yes. : . ( )
 * No. : . ( )
 * Excuse me. (getting attention) : . ( )
 * Excuse me. (begging pardon) : . ( )
 * I'm sorry. :Кечериксиз. (kech-ereek-seez )
 * Goodbye : . ( )
 * Goodbye (informal) : . ( )
 * I can't speak Karachay-Balkar [well]. : [ ]. ( [ ])
 * Do you speak English? : ? ( ?)
 * 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? : ? ( ?)

Problems

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

Numbers

 * 1 :бир (beer )
 * 2 :эки (eh-kee )
 * 3 :юч (ooch )
 * 4 :тёрт (tort )
 * 5 :беш (besh )
 * 6 :алты (al-tuh )
 * 7 :джети (jeh-tee )
 * 8 : сегиз  (seg-eez )
 * 9 :тогьуз (toh-gooz )
 * 10 : он  (on )
 * 11 : онбир (on-beer)
 * 12 : онеки (on-ee-kee)
 * 13 : онюч (on-ooch)
 * 14 : онтёрт (on-tort)
 * 15 : онбеш (on-besh)
 * 16 : оналты (on-al-tuh)
 * 17 : онжети (on-jeh-tee)
 * 18 : онсегиз (on-seg-eez)
 * 19 : онтогьуз (on-toh-gooz)
 * 20 : жыйырма (zuhy-uhr-mah)
 * 21 : ( )
 * 22 : ( )
 * 23 : ( )
 * 30 : ( )
 * 40 : ( )
 * 50 : ( )
 * 60 : ( )
 * 70 : ( )
 * 80 : ( )
 * 90 : ( )
 * 100 : ( )
 * 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 : ( )
 * later : ( )
 * before : ( )
 * morning : ( )
 * afternoon : ( )
 * evening : ( )
 * night : ( )

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 :Бюгюн (bue-guen)
 * yesterday :Тюнене (tue-neh-neh)
 * tomorrow :Тамбла (tam-blah)
 * this week : ( )
 * last week : ( )
 * next week : ( )

 * Sunday : Ыйых кюн  (uhy-uhkh-kuen)
 * Monday : Баш кюн (bash-kuen)
 * Tuesday :Гюрге кюн  (guergeh-kuen)
 * Wednesday : Барас кюн  (baras-kuen)
 * Thursday : Орта кюн (orta-kuen)
 * Friday : Байрым кюн (bay-ruhm-kuen)
 * Saturday : Шабат кюн (shah-baht-kuen)

Months

 * January : ( )
 * February : ( )
 * March : ( )
 * April : ( )
 * May : ( )
 * June : ( )
 * July : ( )
 * August : ( )
 * September : ( )
 * October : ( )
 * November : ( )
 * December : ( )

Colors

 * black :къара (qa-rah)
 * white :акъ (ahq)
 * gray :( )
 * red :къызыл (quh-zhul)
 * blue :кёк (kohk)
 * yellow :( )
 * green :джашил (ja-shil)
 * orange :( ))
 * purple :( )
 * pink :( )
 * 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: Karachay-Balkar phrasebook


text:
Karachay-Cherkessia

Karachay-Cherkessia is a region in the Russian Caucasus bordering Krasnodar Krai to the west, Stavropol Krai to the north, Kabardino-Balkaria to the east, and Georgia to the south.

Cities

 * – this small city is region's capital and largest city, located in the northern lowlands.
 * – a small resort town in the southwest surrounded by high peaks, high alpine lakes, and contains an old Alanian church.
 * – a small ski resort town en route to Dombai.
 * – second largest town.

Other destinations

 * – the North Caucasus' principal mountain resort. In summer, keep the following in mind: As a foreigner you need to have a permit to go just about anywhere in Dombai. You have to file for a permit about two months in advance at the head office of the reserve in Cherkessk. Without a permit you can visit the funicular and go to the mountain top to take photos and to the devil's mill waterfall which is about 2 kilometers walk from the village. 3-4 hours is enough to do that. Everything else is off limits. So if you are a foreigner and don't have a permit, you are better advised to take a day excursion. Skiing is possible without a permit.

Understand
Karachay-Cherkessia is named for the Karachay, a Turkic people, and the Cherkess, the group from which "Circassians" get their name.

The region was absorbed by an expanding Russian Empire in the first half of the 19th century. In the 20th, the divide-and-rule tactics of the Stalin era involved weakening resistance by splitting related groups and joining unrelated ones in shared administrative units. As part of this pattern, the Karachay-Cherkessia Autonomous Region was first created in 1922. Several further administrative adjustments and readjustments followed. In 1943 the Karachay people were deported to Central Asia for alleged collaboration with the Nazis. They were allowed back in 1957 and the Karachay-Cherkess autonomous region recreated. Although it has not experienced the levels of violence seen elsewhere in the North Caucasus, the republic lives in the shadow of the troubles which have plagued the region. Russian forces have mounted numerous security operations and reported foiling intended attacks by Islamist militants. Since then, a succession of kleptocratic governments have followed, leaving the precious earnings of its natural resources in the hands of only a few people. Today, Karachay-Cherkessia remains poor, especially in Cherkessk, where there has hardly been any economic development in the past few years. Poverty is widespread, and it is more severe than any other region in Russia.

Talk
The Karachay speak Karachay-Balkar, a Turkic language; the Cherkess speak Cherkess, a dialect of Kabardian. Visitors may count their blessings that all are fluent in Russian.

Stay safe
Karachay-Cherkessia is the safest of the republics of the North Caucasus, being most remote from the conflict epicenters. It is still not as safe as the nearby Sochi region in Krasnodar Krai, however; travelers should be vigilant especially against harassment from officials.

title: Karachay-Cherkessia