text:
Bishkek and the Northwest

Bishkek and the Northwest occupy the northern and northwest parts of Kyrgyzstan, north of the Ferghana Valley and south of Kazakhstan.

Cities

 * – The capital and cosmopolitan center of the country, beautiful and interesting.

 * – A village popular with foreign tourists, has beautiful orange mountains around it and a mountain valley for hiking and yurt stay. Also gateway to the eastern regions of Kyrgyzstan.
 * – A small village in the Suusamyr Valley off the Bishkek-Osh highway.
 * – A modern far off town with the popular Manar Ordo pilgrimage complex nearby, just north of Besh-Tash National Park.
 * – Dwarfed by nearby Bishkek, but still large by Kyrgyzstani standards, Tokmok is a dull industrial center right by the ancient Burana Tower and the ruins of an ancient Silk Road capital, Ak-Beshim. 50 som by marshrutka.
 * – Dwarfed by nearby Bishkek, but still large by Kyrgyzstani standards, Tokmok is a dull industrial center right by the ancient Burana Tower and the ruins of an ancient Silk Road capital, Ak-Beshim. 50 som by marshrutka.

Understand
Bishkek and the Northwest consist of the following 3 administrative districts: Bishkek and the in the north, and the  in the northwest.

From Issyk Kul
See Naryn Region on how to travel between the western part of Kyrgyzstan and its eastern regions using the Kyzart Pass between Kochkor and Kyzyl-Oy or Suusamyr, respectively.

By plane
Bishkek's Manas International Airport

Get around
See Kyrgyzstan for all general information on how to move around in Kyrgyzstan.

By bicycle
The road between Bishkek and Osh goes over two passes of about 3,600 m above sea level. At the Too Ashuu (Тео-Ашуу) pass near Bishkek, there is a 2 km long tunnel. It may be a good idea to try to hitch a lift in a car through the tunnel. But there is also a trail over the mountain ridge. Which however is almost impossible with heavy bicycles, because the trail on the northern side of the mountain is blocked by some landslides but manageable on foot.

Note, the tunnel at the Tör-ashuu pass on the highway between Bishkek and Osh isn't at 2,500 m as it is mentioned on most maps rather is at 3,100 m.

See

Hiking

 * Hiking routes from Alamedin Gorge include:
 * Hiking routes from Alamedin Gorge include:

Eat and drink
Please see the relevant city articles for details.

Sleep
There are many yurts in the Suusamyr Valley offering overnight stays. You cannot miss them going along the highway. Also, you will find a few on the way up to Ötmök Pass.

title: Bishkek and the Northwest


text:
Bishnupur

There's more than one place called Bishnupur:

India

 * Bishnupur (Manipur) — a district in Manipur
 * Bishnupur (Rarh) — a town in the Rarh region of West Bengal
 * Bishnupur (Southeast Bengal) — a town in the southeast region of West Bengal

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

title: Bishnupur


text:
Bishnupur (Manipur)

Bishnupur is a district in the Indian state of Manipur.

See

 * Ebudhou Thangjing Temple- Every year, traditional 'Moirang Lai Haraoba' is celebrated in May. During the festival, people from all over the state gather to seek the blessing of 'Ebudhou Thangjing'. This festival continues for almost a month. During the festival, on every Sunday, a mega dance and singing program is offered to the deity.
 * Keibul Lamjao National Park is in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur in India. It is 40 km2 (15.4 sq mi) in area, the only floating park in the world, in North East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake. The national park is characterised by many floating decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis. To preserve the natural refuge of the endangered Manipur Eld's Deer or Brow-antlered Deer (Cervus eldi eldi), or Sangai also called the Dancing Deer, listed as an endangered specie by IUCN, the park which was initially declared as a Sanctuary in 1966, was subsequently declared as National Park in 1977 through a gazette notification.
 * Sendra is a small island in the center of North-East India's largest fresh water lake. The Lake is around 48 km south of Imphal. Sendra is an ideal picnic spot. One may view small islands of floating weed from the tourist bungalow located at the top of a hillock.

title: Bishnupur (Manipur)


text:
Bishnupur (Rarh)

Bishnupur (বিষ্ণুপুর Biṣṇupur), also spelt Vishnupur, is a town in the Rarh region of West Bengal, India. Although famous for terracotta temples, Bishnupur also houses several laterite stone temples. Bishnupur also houses several other ancient religious and non-religious structures. The town probably contains the highest number of historical sites of any town in West Bengal. The terracotta temples are in the tentative list of since 1998.

Understand

Bishnupur (BIHSH-noo-poor) was the citadel of the Malla dynasty. The dynasty was founded in the late 7th century by Adi Malla. Adi Malla was the abandoned son of a North Indian king. He was brought up by a Bramhim of the present-day Bishnupur region. The brahmin family provided him with the best education along with physical and warfare training. The boy not only excelled in education but also turned out to be an outstanding wrestler. Soon on the request of the local elders, he ascended the throne of the local kingdom, which was renamed as the Malla Kingdom (Malla meaning wrestling) and he is known as Adi Malla.

The Malla Kingdom flourished and after about 300 years the 10th Malla King Jagat Malla decided to shift his kingdom to Bishnupur. Over the next 800 years, Jagat Malla and his descendants built several temples and structures (both of brick and stone) turning Bishnupur into a temple town. Among the present structure, the oldest structure of Bishnupur is the Rasmancha dating back to 1600. The other structures were built in the next 150 years.

Although known for its terracotta temples Bishnupur also has its fair share of stone temples. In fact, these laterite stone temples outnumber the brick or terracotta temples. Moreover, the temples of Bishnupur follow different styles of Bengal Temple Architecture and include both chala (sloped roof) and ratna (pinnacle) temples. Apart from the temples and other religious structures a small portion of the fortification of the citadel still remains.

By plane
The nearest airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport at Durgapur, but only a few flights are present at the airport. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at Kolkata is the nearest airport to get to Bishnupur smoothly.

By car
From Kolkata travel to Dankuni, take the Durgapur Expressway (NH 19), at Ratanpur crossing turn left and take the Sheoraphuli-Tarakeswar road, go straight through to Arambagh and Bishnupur.

Get around
Many of the temples are near each other and walking is a good option. Cycle rickshaws are another option. A combination of walk and cycle rickshaw can work out very well. Auto (diesel-powered three-wheelers) and toto (battery powdered three-wheelers) are also available and are good for tourists with limited time. Cars are also available on hire and hotels can arrange for them. One day is more than enough to visit the major sites of Bishnupur. For more detailed observation minimum of two days are absolutely necessary.

See
Bishnupur being a temple town, the focus is on temples, several of them built of terracotta during the reign of the Malla kings, who ruled over the area prior to the arrival of the British. Bishnupur also hosts several laterite stone temples along with several other religious and non-religious structures. The sites of Bishnupur are clustered around the Rasmancha. They can be classified into four groups:
 * 1) Rasmancha and north of Rasmancha
 * 2) South of Rasmancha
 * 3) Further north
 * 4) North west

Rasmancha and north of Rasmancha
This area contains three of the best-known terracotta structures of Bishnupur. They are Shyamrai Temple, Kestorai Temple and the Rasmancha. This is a compact area and walking can be a good leisurely option. People who are short of time can opt for a cycle rickshaw.

South of Rasmancha
This section contains no terracotta temples but houses seven single pinnacled (ek ratna) temples made of laterite stones. Apart from the seven temples there is a reconstructed old temple. The area also contains a huge cannon. The area also contains the artificial lake and the local museum. This area is also compact lush green area and best explored on foot. People who are short of time can opt for a cycle rickshaw.

Further north
This area contains the famous Madanmohan Temple, the fourth and last major terracotta structure of Bishnupur. There are three other terracotta temples near by. All four temples are located in close vicinity to each other but far from the other areas and hotels, and are best explored on an auto or toto.

North West
These two terracotta temples are located next to each other but are quite far from the other areas or hotels. So it is best explored in an auto or toto. These temples are generally not visited by general tourists but are visited by history and terracotta enthusiasts.

Do
It is also a great centre for music - the Bishnupur gharana is well known in classical music. Look out for opportunities, check where you stay, if you are an Indian classical music fan.

Buy
The town of Bishnupur has several shops selling baluchari and swarnachuri saris, terracotta artefacts, conch shells and artefacts and Dasabatar Cards. Panchmura is a nearby terracotta artisan village which can also be visited.

Eat
Bishnupur is a small town. One can find various small eateries in and around the temples as well as near the main bus stand. However, one should try Posto-r Bora. You may also try various types of fries (telebhaja) and Sweetmeat near Sibdas Girls school prepared from pure Ghee. If you want a simple Bengali lunch with posto bora, Hotel Monalisa is the place to go.

Drink
Hard drinks are generally available in the hotels.

Go next

 * Bankura - 30 km from Bishnupur.
 * Biharinath - for a holiday in the lap of nature.
 * Jayrambati and Kamarpukur - 43 km. from Bishnupur, birthplaces of Sri Ma Sarada Devi and Sri Ramakrishna Pramahansa. Near Kamarpukur is the historic Garh Mandaran, made famous by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
 * Mukutmanipur - about 83 km from Bishnupur, by the side of the river Kangsabati. The main attraction is the dam across the river and the hilly landscape.
 * Susunia - one of the important hills in Bankura district, rising abruptly from the neighbouring plains to a height of 44 metres. Stone inscriptions of Chandravarma, a 4th-century king, have been discovered here. From Bankura on the Bankura-Purulia road, one has to alight at Chhatna on the 13th km. Susunia is 7 km. north of Chhatna.

title: Bishnupur (Rarh)


text:
Bishop

Bishop is the largest city in the Eastern Sierra region of California, offering the largest selection of accommodation and services.

Understand
Bishop and the beautiful Owens Valley have been described as "California's Hidden Treasure". Bishop is located in the middle of California, where Highways 6 and 395 intersect.

By bus
Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) offers bus service from Ridgecrest to Reno with stops in every community along the way, including Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake and others. The CREST bus service offers one-way or round-trip fares which are reasonably priced. Reservations are recommended. For current schedules, and fees, call +1 760 872-1901 or +1-800-922-1930, or visit the website.

By car
From southern California, northern California, or a major city in Nevada, you'll drive about 4 to 5 hours to reach Bishop. From any direction, the roads are well-maintained and the views are spectacular.

Highway 395 passes through Bishop as the main street.

From Los Angeles
Take Interstate 15 or Highway 14 north to Highway 395. Keep driving north through the high desert up the Owens Valley.

From Las Vegas
Take Highway 95 north, then travel west through Death Valley National Park or over Westguard Pass (Highway 168) to connect with US Highway 395, then head north a short while to Bishop.

From San Francisco
In the summer, drive eastbound through Yosemite National Park to connect U.S. Highway 395, then drive south about 60 minutes. During winter months, Tioga Pass (Highway 120) may be closed due to heavy snow, but Bishop is still accessible via Highway 50 or I-80, connecting with U.S. Highway 395 in the Carson City and Reno, Nevada area.

By plane
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines offer service to Mammoth Yosemite Airport - a 30-minute drive from Bishop.

By bus
The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) provides transit service throughout Inyo County and Mono County, and inter-city service as far north as Reno and as far south as Lancaster. For more information, call +1 760 872-1901 or +1 800-922-1930 (toll free), or visit at the website.

Car rentals

 * Enterprise Rental Cars in Bishop
 * Reno-Tahoe Airport Rental Car Agencies

On bike
The Eastside Bike Share has 20 cruiser bikes available at two stations for community members and visitors alike to check-out and ride around town on errands or for recreation. One station is located at the Toiyabe Bishop Clinic and the second station is located at the Bishop City Park.

Do

Rock climbing
Bishop is near some of the best rock climbing and bouldering areas in North America. The three bouldering areas that are near the town of Bishop, the Happy Boulders, the Sad Boulders, and The Buttermilk Country.

The Happy Boulders contains over 450 established boulder problems, ranging from VB to V10. Some of the most classic and notable problems include The Hulk, Atari, and Action Figure. The Happy Boulders are located in a narrow canyon. The climbing is done, primarily on freestanding boulders within the canyon, but there are also many amazing problems along the rim of the canyon. There are many different varieties of problems, with everything from slabs to roofs. The rock is volcanic and highly featured. The rock creates many positive holds, ranging from large flakes to small pockets and everything in between. They are approximately five miles north of the town of Bishop. The only way to access the bouldering area is by driving down chalk bluff road. There is a parking area, and then a short five to ten minute hike into the area.

The Sad Boulders area is located quite close to the Happy Boulders, and is accessed from the same road, Chalk Bluff Rd. The Sad Boulders is becoming a much more developed area, with many great problems being established.

The Buttermilks boulder area can be broken into two areas, the Pollen Grains and the Peabodys. The Pollen Grains is a collection of approximately 20 free-standing boulders. There are many high-ball problems at varying difficulties. There are over 60 problems in total, ranging from VB to V9. Some of the classic problems include Suspended in Silence, the Beekeeper's Apprentice, and Jedi Mind Tricks. The Peabodys is a much larger bouldering area, and for that reason a much higher traffic area. The area has over 300 problems, ranging from VB to V12. Some of the classics include the Iron Man Traverse, Soul Slinger, and Hero Roof. One of the most interesting, if not classic problems is an unrated problem on the womb boulder known as A Birthing Experience. You really have to see it worked to understand.

Buy
Bishop has a number of antique and retail stores.

Go next

 * Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake are to the north along US Route 395.

title: Bishop


text:
Bishop's Castle

Bishop's Castle (Welsh: Trefesgob) is a small market town in Shropshire, adjacent to the Welsh border.

Do
This is walking country. The countryside is the attraction, with rolling hills and beautiful rural scenes all around you. The Offa's Dyke Path runs north to south across the area from Knighton in Powys through to Montgomery (also in Powys) across the westerly bulge of Shropshire to the west of Craven Arms.

title: Bishop's Castle


text:
Biskupin

Biskupin is a village in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship in the Greater Poland lake district. There was a big ancient settlement from about 800 to 400 BCE a reconstruction (a part of a museum) can be visited and is the main reason for visiting. Because of large number of visitors, especially school children there are several places to sleep and eat, some of them have special attractions like live animals etc.

The village is situated approximately halfway between larger cities Bydgoszcz and Poznań.

title: Biskupin


text:
Bislama phrasebook

Bislama is a pidgin language used in Vanuatu and is now a creole in urban areas. It essentially combines a typically Melanesian grammar with a mostly English vocabulary. It is the only language that can be understood and spoken by the whole population of Vanuatu, generally as a second language.

It is a mixture of phonetic English woven in a loose French sentence structure spoken with ‘local sound' producing some comical outcomes e.g., ladies brassieres or bathing top is called "Basket blong titi"; no offense intended. An excellent Bislama dictionary is available from good book shops: 'A New Bislama Dictionary,' by the late Terry Crowley.

Basics

 * Hello. : . (Halo )
 * Hello. (informal) : . ( )
 * How are you? : afta? yu oraet? ( ?)
 * Fine, thank you. : . ( )
 * What is your name? : ? (Wanem nem blong yu?)
 * My name is ______ . :  ______ . (Mi, nem blong mi _____ .)
 * Nice to meet you. : . ( )
 * Please. : . ( plis)
 * Thank you. : . (tankui )
 * You're welcome. : . (welkam )
 * Yes. : . (yes )
 * No. : . (no )
 * Excuse me. (getting attention) : . ( )
 * Excuse me. (begging pardon) : . ( )
 * I'm sorry. : . (sori )
 * Goodbye : . (lukim yu )
 * Goodbye (informal) : . ( ale tata)
 * I can't speak Bislama [well]. : [ mi save toktok smol bislama nmo]. ( [ ])
 * Do you speak English? : ? (yu save toktok ingish ?)
 * Is there someone here who speaks English? : ? ( ?)
 * Help! : ! ( !)
 * Look out! : ! ( !)
 * Good morning. : . (Gud moning)
 * Good evening. : . (afanoon )
 * Good night. : . (Gud naet)
 * Good night (to sleep) : . ( )
 * I don't understand. : . ( mi no kasem save)
 * Where is the toilet? : wem toilet? ? ( ?)

Problems

 * Leave me alone. : . ( .)
 * Don't touch me! : ! ( !)
 * I'll call the police. : . ( .)
 * Police! : ! ( polis!)
 * Stop! Thief! : ! ! ( stop! Stilman!)
 * I need your help. : Mi needm help blong yu. ( .)
 * It's an emergency. : . ( .)
 * I'm lost. : . ( .)
 * I lost my bag. : . (Mi lusem basket blong mi.)
 * I lost my wallet. : . ( .)
 * I'm sick. : . ( mi sik.)
 * I've been injured. : . ( .)
 * I need a doctor. : mi needm wan dokta. ( .)
 * Can I use your phone? : mi save usum fone blong yu ? ( ?)

Numbers

 * 1 : ( )
 * 2 : ( )
 * 3 : ( )
 * 4 : ( )
 * 5 : ( )
 * 6 : ( )
 * 7 : ( )
 * 8 : ( )
 * 9 : ( )
 * 10 : ( )
 * 11 : ( )
 * 12 : ( )
 * 13 : ( )
 * 14 : ( )
 * 15 : ( )
 * 16 : ( )
 * 17 : ( )
 * 18 : ( )
 * 19 : ( )
 * 20 : ( )
 * 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 : ( a)
 * 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 : ( )
 * yesterday : ( )
 * tomorrow : ( )
 * this week : ( )
 * last week : ( )
 * next week : ( )

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

Months

 * January : Januware ( )
 * February : Februrari ( )
 * March : Maj ( )
 * April : Epril ( )
 * May : Mei ( )
 * June : Jun ( )
 * July : Julae ( )
 * August : Ogis ( )
 * September : Septemba ( )
 * October : Oktoba ( )
 * November : Novemba ( )
 * December : Desemba ( )

Colors

 * black : ( )
 * white : ( )
 * gray : ( )
 * red : ( )
 * blue : ( )
 * yellow : ( )
 * green : ( )
 * orange : ( )
 * purple : ( )
 * brown : ( )

Bus and train

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

Directions

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

Taxi

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

Lodging

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

Money

 * Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars? : (yu save tekm american dola? )
 * Do you accept British pounds? : ( )
 * Do you accept euros? : ( )
 * Do you accept credit cards? : ( )
 * Can you change money for me? : (yu save changem money blo mi? )
 * 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? : ( mi save luk insaed kitchen)
 * Is there a house specialty? : ( )
 * Is there a local specialty? : ( )
 * I'm a vegetarian. : ( mi no save kakai mit)
 * I don't eat pork. : ( )
 * I don't eat beef. : (mi no save kakai 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 _____. : (mi wantem )
 * I want a dish containing _____. : ( )
 * chicken : ( faoul)
 * 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 : (bia )
 * 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? : ( hao  mas lo hemia?)
 * That's too expensive. : ( )
 * Would you take _____? : ( )
 * expensive : ( )
 * cheap : ( )
 * I can't afford it. : ( )
 * I don't want it. : (mi no wantem )
 * 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. : ( )
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title: Bislama phrasebook


text:
Bismarck

Bismarck (Hidasta: mirahacii arumaaguash; Arikara: ituhtaáwe) is capital of North Dakota and the county seat of Burleigh County. Bismarck is North Dakota's second most populous city, after Fargo.

Etymology
The city was first named Edwinton, but the name was changed only a year later after Otto von Bismarck, a German statesman and politician. It was believed that the name change would attract foreign investment from Germany and encourage German immigration to the city.

Early history
Very little is known about Bismarck's history prior to the 1800s (during which time Europeans started immigrating to the United States in large numbers). It is believed that the first settlers in the area were the Mandan (a Native American tribe) and they are believed to have resided in the city for thousands of years.

The 1800s
During the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Corps of Discovery, a specially-established unit of the US Army, came into the area and stayed for a few years. The Corps of Discovery aimed to establish diplomatic relations and peace with the Native American tribes who resided in the area.

In 1872, Camp Greeley (later Camp Hancock) was established in the city to protect those working on the Northern Pacific Railway. During this time, the area continued to be flooded with immigrants and the city was officially born.

The discovery of large gold reserves in the Black Hills attracted numerous people to Bismarck, but this caused tensions with the Lakota tribe, who believed that the European immigrants had no business encroaching on territory sacred to them.

In the late 1880s, Bismarck became the capital of North Dakota.

Present day
As the capital of North Dakota, many of Bismarck's residents work for the North Dakotan government. Approximately 70,000 people live in Bismarck, making it one of the smaller cities in the United States.

Ancestry
Germans are the largest ethnic group in the city, comprising half of the total population of the city. Large numbers of Germans came from Russia during the 19th century, and they were drawn by the prospect of owning large amounts of land in the United States. Almost all German-Americans in North Dakota have Russian roots.

Climate
Bismarck's climate is characterized by cold, somewhat snowy and windy winters, and hot, humid summers. Thunderstorms occur in spring and summer, but much of the rest of the year is dry.

Tourist information

 * Bismarck Tourist Information

By train
The nearest Amtrak station is located in Minot, North Dakota, which is around 100 miles north of Bismarck on US-83. There are no Amtrak Thruway bus/shuttle connections, see below under 'By bus' as to what's available.

By car
You can get to Bismarck from the east or west via I-94, or from the north or south via US-83. Taxi 9000 does offer cab service for the area. They are usually at the airport upon arrivals. The city is spread out, so a vehicle is recommended.

Get around
The airport offers car rental services or you may use taxi services as well. The CAT (Capital Area Transit) now provides limited public transit service between the airport and Kirkwood Mall.

The city services public transportation by running several bus routes throughout the area. It is called the Capital Area Transit (CAT). Route maps and information should be available at all major bus stops and the airport.

Missouri River
The Missouri River is a favorite with locals for fishing, swimming, and other water sports. Rivers can be dangerous: young children must wear life jackets and everyone must be conscious of those around them. Water-skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding are all popular activities, as well. Be aware that it is often dangerous to do these things within the vicinity of the four bridges spanning the river, as there is often too much boat traffic. Heading one mile up or down river will help you to have a safer (and more fun!) time. State law requires two people on the boat/jet-ski in cases of pulling someone on a tube, wakeboard, etc. One person is required to sit at the back of the boat and 'spot' for the people being pulled. There are state Game & Fish patrol boats enforcing these rules.
 * The Desert is a local hangout in the summer. The Desert is on the east bank of the Missouri south of the University of Mary.  It takes about 15–20 minutes to reach by car.  There is a boat ramp (Kimball Bottoms) in the area, and continuing past the boat ramp while following the shoreline for about another mile will bring you to a large sandbar beach where you may park your car and camp.  This area is often extremely crowded during the summer, especially on holidays and weekends.  During the week, it can be much more relaxing.  A large area is located adjacent to the beach that is used by off-road vehicles, including dirt bikes and 4-wheelers. While generally North Dakotans are very respectful and generous people, when large numbers of people are at the Desert, it can be a hard place for families to enjoy time together.  There is often plenty of partying and alcohol consumption.  If you have small children, this is an area best avoided on weekends and major holidays (mainly the 4th of July), especially when the weather is good.
 * Boating is a great way to spend a long weekend or a lazy summer evening. A map showing boat ramps can be found here.  There are generally many sandbars available in the Bismarck area to dock on.  Much like the desert, sandbars near the bridges in the middle of Bismarck-Mandan often become crowded and rowdy on hot summer days.  Head away from the middle of town, to the north or south, for some seclusion and relaxation.
 * Boating is a great way to spend a long weekend or a lazy summer evening. A map showing boat ramps can be found here.  There are generally many sandbars available in the Bismarck area to dock on.  Much like the desert, sandbars near the bridges in the middle of Bismarck-Mandan often become crowded and rowdy on hot summer days.  Head away from the middle of town, to the north or south, for some seclusion and relaxation.

 * Play Cro-Shoes. This is a great river tradition. The game was invented by Vern Peterson, a local, in 1987. The game combines elements of horse shoes and other games to provide a unique sandbar game. Game sets are available at Scheel's Sports, located at Kirkwood Mall, or through the Cro-Shoes website contact page.

Ski & snowboard

 * Cross-country skiing is often possible in Bismarck. Bismarck Parks & Recreation Department grooms trails at Riverwood Golf Course if snow conditions allow. It is often possible to ski in the countryside around Bismarck, but remember that trespassing on private property is a crime!
 * Cross-country skiing is often possible in Bismarck. Bismarck Parks & Recreation Department grooms trails at Riverwood Golf Course if snow conditions allow. It is often possible to ski in the countryside around Bismarck, but remember that trespassing on private property is a crime!

Bismarck offers two movie theaters:

Learn

 * Gateway to Science, located in the former Masonic Temple. Interactive exhibits for all ages for learning about science. Open Tuesday through Saturday, from noon to 5PM. Tel: +1 701 258-1975.
 * Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park is made historically important because within its boundaries are the ruins of On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village and the Fort Abraham Lincoln cavalry and infantry post.  It was from this fort that Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and the Seventh Cavalry rode out on their ill-fated expedition against the Sioux at the Little Big Horn. It has 95 camping sites. There are special events year-round. Guided horse-back trail riding is available in the summer and offers a wide view of the Missouri basin in this area. Tel: +1-800-807-4723

Work
The average annual wage in Bismarck is about $31,000.

Buy
Bismarck offers two major shopping malls, Gateway Fashion Mall in north Bismarck, and Kirkwood Mall in south Bismarck. Kirkwood Mall is the city's largest mall. It is anchored by Target, JCPenney, Herberger's, Scheel's Sports, and I. Keating Furniture World.

Besides the mall Bismarck has Wal-Mart, Staples, Office Depot, and Menards. Bismarck had two Super Walmarts, Sams Club, Lowes, Kohls, and many other shops. The majority of the newer retail centers are in the northern part of the city.

Eat
Most national chain restaurants are off of I-94 Exit 159 (Hwy. 83/State St.), near Kirkwood Mall on the south side, and in the Pinehurst area (Exit 157, Tyler Parkway and Divide Ave.) on the west side. For a more unique dining experience, explore restaurants in the historic Downtown area. This district's Peacock Alley, in the former Patterson Hotel is a local favorite.

Many North Dakotans are meat-eaters and these restaurants do not disappoint in this area. Pasta entrees and seafood are quite popular as well, rounding out most menus. Due to ND's landlocked location, seafood must be flown in regularly, so a seared ahi tuna steak is likely to be at least 'good'. However northern pike, walleye, buffalo, and pheasant are likely to be local and fresh. These items are worth a try to capture a more authentic taste of North Dakota.

Drink
Bismarck has several local adult establishments. Popularity shifts as frequently as the weather. If you're into the nightlife, you'd be better asking the locals where most people in your age group hang out. The Elbow Room can be a veritable local high school reunion on some weekend nights.

If you like a variety of beers, try O'Briens, Sport's Page, or Peacock Alley.

The hangout for politicians when the state legislature is in session is the Peacock Alley Bar, in the historic Patterson Hotel building in downtown Bismarck. Government-types have been calling the "Peacock" their after-hours home for more than half a century. The regular crowd includes a variety ranging from 20-somethings to middle-aged downtown business folk, generally people that appreciate the atmosphere, good conversation, and variety of libations the location has provided since first opening in 1911.

Sleep
See also Mandan listings.

Stay safe
Bismarck is a relatively safe town. Your biggest danger is the winter weather.

In the winter don't forget proper clothing for harsh weathers. For 20 days in Jan-Feb 2004, the temp did not get above 0 °F. The coldest temp was in Minot, ND, at -45 °F (-75 ° windchill) while Bismarck was at a "balmy" -43 °F.

If your car has a block heater, remember to plug it into a wall outlet. Local rental cars will have block heaters installed. If you don't know what to look for, ask the rental place; they will know. Block heaters will keep the car from freezing up during sub-zero temps.

From April–October, most of the state will conduct its road construction projects. During this season, plan for occasional delays in Bismark and on the roads connecting the city to neighbouring areas.

Go next

 * Badlands
 * Medora
 * Minot
 * Canadian Prairies

title: Bismarck


text:
Bispingen

Bispingen is a small country town in Lower Saxony and a great base for exploring the Lüneburg Heath. Within its municipal boundaries lies the highest hill on the Heath, the Wilseder Berg (169 m), as well as the iconic heath village and tourist hotspot of Wilsede.

Understand
The Heath is a very popular German tourist destination and recreation area for the big cities of Hamburg, Bremen and Hanover, and Bispingen lies right at the heart of it on the sleepy little River Luhe and a good 15 km northeast of the next largest town, Soltau. Bispingen has been developed to cater for the expanding tourist market and features Snow dome, Ralf Schumacher's Go-Kart hall and a Centre Parcs village on the outskirts. But it also lies within the Lüneburg Heath Nature Park with its quaint farming villages, forests and rolling heathlands grazed by moorland sheep (Heidschnucken), all linked by a network of signposted trails and cycleways.

By plane
Bispingen is little more than a one-hour drive from the international airports of Hamburg, Bremen and Hanover

Bispingen is accessible from the airport at Hanover which is a main international airport with regular flights from all over the world with services to most European capitals and major cities. The airport is 11 km north of Hanover centre and has easy access to the autobahn. It is the ninth largest airport in Germany and is one of very few German airports which are open 24 hours a day, although there are few flights between 23:00 and 04:00.

There is also an international airport in Bremen which has many of the budget airlines operating regular flights to most European countries. The airport is close to the city centre, and there is a tram which departs every 5 to 10 minutes (on Sunday evenings up to 30 min) to Bremen city centre. The journey takes 11 minutes and costs €2.30. This airport is also close to the autobahn links but is a 116-km journey to Bispingen.

Hamburg International Airport is approximately 8 km and is the fifth busiest airport in Germany. The Hamburg S-Bahn system Line 1 connects the airport with the main Bahnhof in Hamburg city centre in about 25 min (€3, Dec 2019). The airport is 68 km away from Bispingen and will take approximately 50 minutes by car. It is still a viable alternative to Hanover and Bremen airports.

By train
The nearest mainline railway station is Soltau, which has regular bus services to Bispingen. Soltau runs Regionalbahn (RB) trains. Trains run from Soltau from roughly 05:00-22:00. It is possible to get to Soltau from Hanover, Bremen and Hamburg.

By car
Bispingen is easy to get to by road, lying 2 km off the A7 motorway from Hanover to Hamburg, at junction 43 "Bispingen".

Access from Hanover would be via the A7 exiting at junction 43 "Bispingen", the journey is 100 km and will take approximately 45 minutes.

Driving from Bremen (westerly direction) will be on the autobahn A27 which connects to the A7 to the south-east of Walsrode. Driving distance is 116 km and an average driving time is 70 minutes.

Travelling from the north (Hamburg) is also via the route A7 exiting at junction 43. Driving distance is 68 km and an average driving time is 45 minutes

By bus
Hamburg is the only large city with an airport that runs buses direct to Bispingen. There are scheduled coach services from Hamburg town centre on coach line No 6920.

Get around
The town of Bispingen is small enough to walk or cycle around, but some of the sights are a car or bus drive away.

Taxis are available from:

Rental bikes are available from:

Buildings

 * Treppenspeicher storage barn in Volkwardingen, one of the oldest of this typical Lüneburg Heath barn, built 1600, rebuilt 1702, restored 2001.
 * Treppenspeicher storage barn in Volkwardingen, one of the oldest of this typical Lüneburg Heath barn, built 1600, rebuilt 1702, restored 2001.

Places of worship or religious significance
 * Ole Kerk. 1353 church, made of boulders; used for baptisms, weddings, other services and concerts; open daily Easter to New Year's Eve
 * Bronze Age burial ground in Volkwardingen with Bronze Age tumuli

Buy
Bispingen is only a small country town with a few basic shops, but you can pick up souvenirs of the Heath and typical heathland produce at Der kleine Speicher in the high street (Haupstr. 7).

Eat
The food available in Bispingen is typical of most German towns. A selection of fast food type "Imbis" restaurants that serve the typical bratwursts and gyros dishes and a smattering of higher end restaurants that serve fixed menus.

Connect
An Internet Cafe is available in the Tourist-Information Office in Borsteler Straße 6 Bispingen, other Internet cafes are available in larger towns in the area surrounding Bispingen such as Soltau, Bergen and most hotels will offer a wifi service. Mobile coverage in the area for the main suppliers, Vodafone, O2, D1 is good.

Go next

 * Hanover is the capital of Lower Saxony, hosting many cultural events, annual commercial expositions such as the Hanover Fair and the CeBIT. Every year Hanover hosts the Schützenfest Hannover, the world's largest Marksmen's Fun Fair, and the Oktoberfest Hannover, which is the second largest Oktoberfest in the world.
 * Hamburg, Germany's second city and largest port, is around 40 minutes away on the A7/A1 motorways.
 * Bremen, Bremen, home to the world famous Town Musicians, puts itself on the map as the pulsating, multifaceted heart of North West Germany. A popular hive of heritage, science, high technology and space industry keeps up breathtakingly pacy innovations. A commercial and industrial city with a major port on the river Weser.
 * Celle town is lined with half-timbered houses, most of them built in the 16th century. There are a lot of excellent shops in the pedestrian precinct.
 * Walsrode Bird Park, in Walsrode about ½ hour away, is the largest bird park in the world and suitable for all ages.
 * Serengeti Park, not far from Walsrode, is the largest safari park in Europe and a must for families.
 * Soltau Therme: thermal baths that offer swimming in and outdoor, sauna, general wellness including cosmetics, massages and general therapy, as well a restaurant.
 * Heide Park is a theme park in Soltau, Lower Saxony. With an overall area of over 850,000 m², it is one of the largest amusement parks and the biggest in Northern Germany.
 * Timmerdorfer Strand has sandy beaches, lifestyle, culture, hotels, bars, nightlife and a multitude of events hosted throughout the year.
 * Dinosaur Park, : 130 million years ago, huge herds of dinosaurs roamed the countryside around the Steinhuder Sea. The footprints of these huge creatures can be found in the park.

title: Bispingen


text:
Bissau

Bissau is the largest city in and capital of Guinea-Bissau.

By plane
Air Senegal flies from Dakar.

Cabo Verde Airlines has four flights each week from Dakar to Bissau, returning to Dakar the same day. These flights are not an example of punctuality, and it is a good idea to check with their office in Bissau (Av. Amilcar Cabral 8B, tel. 206087) before you head to the airport.

By shared taxi
A sept-places (7-seat shared taxi) from Ziguinchor, Senegal, costs CFA 4,000. Additional CFA 1,000 for a normal sized bag. The trip takes 2½ to 3 hours, depending on border formalities.

Get around
Shared taxis are cheap and plentiful. Stop taxis and tell them where you want to go (or tell the passing taxis by pointing), and they will either accept "na bai" (I'm going), or decline "não" (no) if people, already in the taxi, are going to another part of the city. Prices are more or less fixed, and you'll normally not get cheated, except when you're an obvious foreigner and taking a taxi from the airport or Hotel Bissau Palace.

Group travel is cheaper, for example:
 * 1 person CFA 300, 2 persons CFA 300, 3 or 4 persons CFA 600.

There are also minibuses "toca-tocas" going on fixed routes, you'll pay CFA 100 a person for the ride, but the buses are often very crowded!

See

 * Bissau Velho - the old Portuguese colonial centre where some pharmacies and businesses operate out of the colonial-era buildings. Not much life there nowadays, but still a nice place to walk around. Don't miss the prison with pink flowers painted on its front (At the corner of the fort, close to the harbour).
 * Porto Pidjiguiti - walk out the little port and talk to the fishermen, watch the pelicans and see the city from a distance. The Pidjiguiti port was the site of the Pidjiguiti massacre on 3 August 1959, where police shot 50 striking dockworkers. This became the beginning of the active resistance against the Portuguese colonial power. There is a monument shaped as a gigantic black fist commemorating the massacre.
 * Mercado de Bandim - Bissau's main market.
 * Porto Pidjiguiti - walk out the little port and talk to the fishermen, watch the pelicans and see the city from a distance. The Pidjiguiti port was the site of the Pidjiguiti massacre on 3 August 1959, where police shot 50 striking dockworkers. This became the beginning of the active resistance against the Portuguese colonial power. There is a monument shaped as a gigantic black fist commemorating the massacre.
 * Mercado de Bandim - Bissau's main market.

Do

 * The French Cultural Center in the Bayana roundabout often features concerts, movies, dance classes, French classes etc. Programme on their webpage
 * The Portuguese Cultural Center (next to the Portuguese embassy, behind "Benfica") also hosts concerts, but in slightly less inviting surroundings.
 * Swim at Ceiba Hotel, Hala Hotel, Azalai Dunia Hotel or Campo Sueco (CFA 3000 - somewhat more noisy and crowded, but more African atmosphere).
 * Exercise on the running lanes or in the gym in Estadio 24 de Setembro.
 * Play tennis in the tennis club at the Bandim Harbour (close to Estadio 24 de Setembro) or in Campo Sueco.

Buy

 * Wood carvings Try the Centro Artistico Juvenil, close to "Chapa de Bissau" with fixed prices and no need to bargain - or the market in front of Pensão Central (here you'll need to bargain).
 * Hand woven textiles Good shop underneath University Bemantecs next to the cathedral selling textiles from NGO Artissal of Quinhamel - or at the Bandim Market.
 * Batik Next to the Post Office.
 * Cashew nuts
 * Bissau-Guinean CDs
 * Tiniguena in Bairro de Belém is an NGO working for sustainable community development, food and income security as well as a greater control over the natural resources on which the local population is depending. It has a little shop selling high-quality wall-calendars and postcards with Guinea Bissau motives as well as locally produced baskets, marmalade, rice, spices, palm oil etc.
 * Ponto de Encontro has a large selection of quality DVDs, that can be ordered from Portugal and picked up the following Friday.

Restaurants

 * Recidencial Coimbra has a good buffet every night at CFA 2000-7500 including starters, main courses, desserts, wine and water.
 * O Bistro - Belgian owned restaurant next to Mavegro, delicious food.
 * Le Grimaldi, inside Hotel Kalliste - an open air restaurant right on Praca Che Guevara (known as "Praca Bayana" by most cab drivers). Excellent pizza and live music most nights, though relatively expensive (CFA 4000-5000 for a small pie).
 * Papa Loca Favorite place for pizzas and shawarmas. Very fair prices!
 * Centre Culturel Franco Bissau-Guinéen open for lunch, has a nice courtyard for eating your morning croissants and espresso, or a good lunch.
 * Dom Bifanas good steak-restaurant next to the parliament, having a live gazelle and a crowned crane in the restaurant.
 * Fernandas in Santa Lucia - famous for her Bica (Carpe Rouge).
 * Campo Sueco in Alto Bandim - good for lunch and a swim in the pool, while you wait for the food.
 * Ta Mar in Bissau Velho - nice place with outdoor serving in the street in the dry season.
 * A Padeira Africana - Portuguese style food
 * Ponto de Encontro - same owner as "A Padeira Africana" - good for a beer and a snack on the sidewalk
 * A Padeira Africana - Portuguese style food
 * Ponto de Encontro - same owner as "A Padeira Africana" - good for a beer and a snack on the sidewalk

Supermarkets

 * Darling - many Spanish brands, good value. One in the center, one in Estrada de Bor and one on the Airport Road, opposite Mercado de Bandim.
 * Bodem - supermarket with a big section of shoes and clothes.
 * Mini Marché Alvalade - opposite Dragon Chinese restaurant - is the best place in Bissau to buy cheese and frozen meat.

Drink
There are quite a few discos and nightclubs, one nightclub popular with expats is X-Klub. The club has pool tables and a small dance floor.

Discos include Plack, Bambú, etc.

Sleep
Hotels in Bissau are generally overpriced. There's hope that prices will lower as new hotels are about to open.

Embassies and consulates

 * Brazilian Embassy
 * Chinese Embassy
 * Cuban Embassy
 * French Embassy
 * Portuguese embassy
 * Russian Embassy
 * Spanish Embassy
 * US Consul - 'Sitec'
 * German Consul - 'Sitec'
 * British Honorary Consul, Mavegro Int., CP100, Bissau
 * Guinean embassy normally issues visas the same day. Bring CFA 45,000 and two photos.
 * 🇷🇴 Romania

Guinea Bissaus main hospital is Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes. But if you really need to go to the hospital, probably you should try and get your insurance company to pay for you at least going to Dakar.

Pharmacies are on every street corner in Bissau, pharmacies Rama (there are three), Rina and Amilcar Cabral are usually well-stocked and the Indian owners speak English.

Connect
Orange sells SIM cards for 500 CFA. Inexpensive data packages available. In front of Spanish embassy. Bring ID.

Go next
Ilheu do Rei - a nice get-away for a picnic if you're in Bissau on a longer term. Go to Porto Canoa (behind Mavegro and the cemetery) and ask around for a canoa to take you to the island, it takes about 10 minutes and you should not pay much for the return ticket (CFA 1000?). Once there, check out the abandoned peanut oil factory, and continue through the little village down to a little "beach" (ask people where it is), from where you can turn left and walk along the coast, if you don't mind climbing a little over trees and rocks. For once there is no mangrove, so you can actually get the feeling of strolling along the coast.

Volta de Bissau Starting at the Porto Canoa, this track goes around Bissau, passing rice fields and small suburbs, the big cemetery in Antula, São Paulo etc., and eventually you'll end up at the airport road close to Hotel Bissau Palace. A nice Sunday walk, some 4 hours, not all stretches are suitable for vehicles.

Hotel Mar Azul, in Quinhamel. Makes a fine daytrip for swimming and lunch, and maybe a fishing trip. In the town of Quinhamel there's also an interesting weavery, "Artissal", producing handwoven textiles.

Praia Suro in Prabis is the Guineans favorite weekend get-away in the dry season. The beach is a bit muddy, but there's always good ambient with music, people dancing, barbecuing, playing football and swimming. Just follow Estrada de Bor out of Bissau, continue when it turns into a dirt road, and eventually you'll reach the beach (might be a two-hour drive).

Saltinho Waterfall - A pleasant little waterfall located just under the bridge where the main road to southern Guinea-Bissau crosses the Rio Corubal. There is a hotel "Pousada do Saltinho" overlooking the waterfalls, with decent rooms (CFA 20,000) and meals. Many Portuguese hunters and fishermen stay there. About three hours drive from Bissau.

Bolama - Relaxing island. You can e.g. take a pirogue directly for CFA 3500 (luggage excluded, takes 2.5 hours), or the ferry to Enxude (CFA 9000), then the truck/bus to São João, then a Pirogue to Bolama (CFA 300). (Aug 2023)

title: Bissau


text:
Bistrița

Bistrița is the capital of Bistrița-Năsăud County in northern Transylvania, Romania.

Understand
Bistriţa was founded in the early 13th century by German settlers and (due to its location on the main trading route with Moldavia) became one of Transylvania's major Medieval cities. Several interesting sites from that time survive in the city's old quarter. Some tourists are also attracted by the fact that the town was mentioned in Bram Stoker's novel Dracula.

By train
Bistriţa is on a secondary railway and gets limited service: a few local trains, several regional trains (note there are different operators) from Cluj (a three hours trip) and a night train from Bucharest (nine hours) via Brasov. Schedules can be found using the online route planner from infrastructure operator CFR.

By car
Bistriţa is located on the DN17 road linking Transylvania with Southern Bucovina.

By bus
There are frequent buses from Cluj (two hours travel time), three-four buses from Suceava (four hours and half), Târgu Mureş (three hours) and one bus from Iaşi (seven hours). Some of their schedules are available on autogari.ro.

Get around
The relatively compact old quarter can be visited on foot. The rest of the city is covered by several minibus lines operated by Transmixt.

title: Bistrița


text:
Bistrița-Năsăud County

Bistrița-Năsăud County is in Transylvania, Romania.

Cities

 * — the main city of the county has an interesting old quarter
 * — a remote mountain community
 * — best known for its mineral springs used for the treatment of various ailments

Understand
The relief is generally high and quite fragmented, in the county unfolding the peaks of Rodna, Bârga, Călimani and Țibleș mountains. Although only a part of the Rodna mountains are on the territory of the county, their beauty creates a wonderful setting.

The glaciers of the Quaternary era left traces, creating sharp ridges and glacial circuses that shelter lakes of the same origin, with clear waters of rare beauty (Lala, Buhaescu). A very picturesque landscape is also revealed by the Bârgăului Mountains, through the presence of volcanic magpies, through the forests and the particularly rich hunting background. The Călimani Mountains are characterized by massiveness and curious volcanic-karst phenomena, and the Țibleș Mountains, which cross the western part of the county, include various riches. In the western part there are also the heights of the Transylvanian Plateau, respectively the hills of Suplai, Năsăud and Bistrița, which reach up to 600 m altitude.

See
Architectural monuments in the county include the ruins of the Ciceului Citadel, Casa Argintarului and Dogarilor Tower in Bistrița, the ruins of the fortress of Rodna, and the ruins of the Roman camp in Orheiu.

You can learn about the county's history and culture at museums in Bistrița (Bistrița-Năsăud County Museum, Casa Argintarului Museum, Andrei Mureșanu Memorial House), and Sângeorz-Bai (Museum of Comparative Art).

Do
You can go spelunking in the county's caves. Izvorul Tausoarelor Cave (near Rebrisoara) is the deepest cave in Romania (478.5 m), and the underground galleries stretch for about 16.5 km. Zalion's Gutter Cave, which, due to its 242-m level difference, is the second deepest in Romania. Other caves include the Fairy Cave Cave, Magla Cave, Schneider's Bath Cave, and Cobasel Cave.

Lakes: Lala Mare Lake (below Ineu peak, glacial lake). Lala Mic Lake (below Ineu peak, glacial lake).

Nature reserves Mixed reservation "Ineu - Lala". Piatra Corbului (geological and vegetal park, located in the Calimani mountains). The salt mountain of Saratel. Zorcaiele Borcutului. The natural reserve "Cave from Izvorul Tausoarelor". Râpa Verde The Râpa cu puppet, Domnesti Valea and Bistritei gorges, start from the Calimani mountains, from an altitude of 1,562m and stretch for 65 km. The Repedea Valley forms a complex vegetal reservation and stretches for 7 km, among the volcanic formations of the Calimani mountains. Arcalia dendrological park (17km west of Bistrita, near the village of Arcalia) - covers more than 16ha and houses over 150 species of trees from various parts of the world (Japanese acacia, silver fir, Caucasian spruce, etc.).

Sângeorz-Bai resorts (56 km from Bistrita) - balneo-climatic resort located in a depression area (465 m) between Rodna, Suhard and Bârgaului mountains, on the valley of the Somesul Mare river. The mineral springs from Sângeorz-Bai have been documented since 1770. Colibita (830 m altitude) 18 km from Prundu Bârgaului. Piatra Fântânele (1,100 m, in the Tihuta pass, skiing can be practised here).

title: Bistrița-Năsăud County


text:
Bitburg

Bitburg is a small German city in Rhineland-Palatinate known for its beer, beautiful natural scenery, and annual European folk festival.

Do

 * European Festival of Folklore, 2nd weekend in July. Beer, music, costumes, beer, folklore, beer, and beer come to Bitburg in this annual event. 50 groups from 15 countries present folk music and entertainment in national dress. There are events throughout the town, and a big amusement park, too. And, of course, lots of beer.
 * European Festival of Folklore, 2nd weekend in July. Beer, music, costumes, beer, folklore, beer, and beer come to Bitburg in this annual event. 50 groups from 15 countries present folk music and entertainment in national dress. There are events throughout the town, and a big amusement park, too. And, of course, lots of beer.

Drink
Bitburger is the beer of choice in the Eifel region which can be found at any local pub or corner store. There are beer fest that happen often which normally include live bands and the best way to find out about them is through the local paper or the locals.

Go next

 * Trier

title: Bitburg


text:
Bitetto

Bitetto is a city of 12,000 people (2017) in the province of Bari (BA) in the Italian region of Apulia (Puglia), Italy. Its main attraction is the cathedral, one of the main examples of Apulian Romanesque architecture.

Climate
The climate of the area is typically Mediterranean, with cool winters, often lashed by cold Balkan winds, and hot summers, sometimes even torrid due to the action of hot Sirocco winds.

Get in
Bitetto is 17 km from the city of Bari.

By road
The city is connected to the neighbouring municipalities by Provincial Roads 67 (Bitetto-Bitritto), 87 (Bitetto-Palo del Colle), 90 (Bitetto-Sannicandro di Bari), and 184 (Bitetto-Cassano delle Murge). The municipality is also served by a ring road (SP 206), which allows traffic to be routed outside the town centre.

By train
Bitetto is served by the Bari-Taranto railway, managed by the State Railways, which allows connections, through daily trips, with the capitals Bari and Taranto and with other smaller municipalities, in particular Modugno, Grumo Appula, Acquaviva delle Fonti and Gioia del Colle.

Get around
The bus lines for connections with the neighbouring municipalities are managed by the STP Bari (Bitonto - Palo del Colle -Bitetto- Binetto - Grumo Appula - Sannicandro di Bari - Bitritto - Adelfia line) and by the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (Bari - Modugno -Bitetto- line) Palo del Colle - Binetto - Grumo Appula - Toritto - Altamura - Gravina di Puglia - Irsina - Genzano di Lucania - Matera - Potenza).

Do

 * Two fairs are traditionally held in Bitetto: one on March 25th, the feast of the Annunziata, and the other on July 22nd, the day of the Magdalene.
 * Every year, between 25 April and 1 May, a medieval re-enactment takes place in Bitetto, during which the Borgo Antico (old quarter) returns to the 15th century. A historical episode is recalled in which the Duke of Atri who had participated in the conspiracy of the barons against Ferdinand I was defeated, and took refuge in a convent. Here he met Fra' Giacomo who predicted the King's pardon for him, unlike the other conspirators who would have been beheaded. The Friar also predicted the birth of a son. Once both predictions were verified, the Duke returned to Bitetto with his family and the court to thank the Friar, building, as a sign of devotion, the straight road that connects the Franciscan Convent to the town (today via Beato Giacomo). A medieval market and historical parade are held.

Eat
Bittese cuisine includes various dishes typical of the Apulian tradition; in particular:
 * ciallédde, stale bread soaked in water and served with tomato, oil and salt;
 * folders, a Christmas dessert made up of puff pastry ribbons (prepared with flour, oil and white wine) wrapped to form a sort of rose, fried and soaked in vincotto;
 * the scarcella, an Easter dessert consisting of a dove of sweetened and glazed bread, in the centre of which a hard-boiled egg is usually placed;
 * chiacchiere, a typical carnival dessert.

Typical of the city are the percoche or percochi grapes, and in particular, the Oliva Tèrmite, a cultivar of table olive originating from the Bitetti area, where it has been cultivated at least since 1186.

title: Bitetto


text:
Bitola

Bitola (Macedonian: Битола) is a grand old town that still bears the marks of its turn-of-the-century importance as a center for diplomacy – while also exemplifying the country's time-honored cafe culture. Bitola is nicknamed “City of Consuls” and is the second largest city in North Macedonia, with a population of over 70,000 in the city proper and nearly 100,000 in the larger Bitola Municipality. Near the border with Greece, it straddles the Dragor River at the foot of Baba Mountain in Pelister National Park.

Understand
Bitola is quite nice, and it is favourite city for the Macedonians, since it has the most European atmosphere. It was a seat of consuls in the 19th century and with them they brought the European culture and influenced the local aristocracy, who started living in European fashion and building their houses in mixed neo-classical styles. Bitola is a nice place to visit since Pelister National Park is close, the ancient city of Heraklea is there, it has nice Ottoman architecture and 19th-century romantic architecture, so some good examples of everything. It can all be done in a day including enjoying coffee on Shirok Sokak, but you have to put aside a separate day for Pelister National Park.

The friendly and helpful Tourist Information Office is on Ulice Sterio Georgiev, just a few metres from the clock tower (though it has at times been closed). There is a tourist map billboard on the city square (at the river end of Shirok Sokak), but this appears to be the only tourist information in the city out-of-season (October 2011).

History
There are important metal artifacts from the ancient period, from the necropolis of Crkvishte near the village of Beranci. As Heraclea Lyncestis (Greek: Ηράκλεια Λυγκηστίς - City of Hercules upon the Land of the Lynx), it was an important settlement from the Hellenistic period till the Middle Ages. It was founded by Philip II of Macedon by the middle of the 4th century BC, and named after the Greek demigod Heracles, whom Philip considered his ancestor. As an important strategic point it became a prosperous city. The Romans conquered this part of Macedon in 148 BC and destroyed the political power of the city. The prosperity continued mainly due to the Roman Via Egnatia road which passed near the city. Several monuments from the Roman times remain in Heraclea, including a portico, thermae (baths), an amphitheater and a number of basilicas. The theatre was once capable to house around 3,000 people.

In the early Byzantine period (4th to 6th centuries AD) Heraclea was an important episcopal centre. Some of its bishops have been noted in the acts of the Church Councils as bishop Evagrius of Heraclea in the Acts of the Sardica Council from 343 AD. A Small and a Great (Large) basilica, the bishop's residence, a Funeral basilica near the necropolis are some of the remains of this period. Three naves in the Great Basilica are covered with mosaics of very rich floral and figurative iconography; these well preserved mosaics are often regarded as fine examples of the early Christian art period. Other bishops from Heraclea are known between 4th and 6th century AD. The city was sacked by Ostrogothic forces, commanded by Theodoric the Great in 472 AD and, despite a large gift to him from the city's bishop, it was sacked again in 479 AD.

It was restored in the late 5th and early 6th century. In the late 6th century the city suffered successive attacks by Slavic tribes. It was finally taken over by the Slavs and lost its importance by the end of the century.

In the 6th and 7th century the region around Monastiri experienced a demographic shift as more and more Slavic tribes settled in the area. They also built a defence fortress around the settlement. Monastiri was conquered and remained part of the First Bulgarian Empire from late 8th to early 11th century. The spreading of Christianity was assisted by St. Clement of Ohrid and Naum of Preslav in the 9th and early 10th century. Many monasteries and churches were built in the city.

In the 10th century, Monastiri was under the rule of tsar Samuil of Bulgaria. He built a castle in the town, later used by his successor Gavril Radomir of Bulgaria. The town is mentioned in several medieval sources. John Skylitzes's 11th-century chronicle mentions that Emperor Basil II burned Gavril's castles in Monastiri, when passing through and ravaging Pelagonia. The second chrysobull (1019) of Basil II mentioned that the Bishop of Monastiri depended on the Archbishopric of Ohrid. During the reign of Samuil, the city was seat of the Bitola Bishopric. In many medieval sources, especially Western, the name Pelagonia was synonymous with the Bitola Bishopric, and in some of them Monastiri was known under the name of Heraclea due to the church tradition, namely the turning of Heraclea Bishopric into Pelagonian Metropolitan's Diocese. In 1015, tsar Gavril Radomir was killed by his cousin Ivan Vladislav, who declared himself tsar and rebuilt the city fortress. To celebrate the occasion, a stone inscription written in the Cyrillic alphabet was set in the fortress where the Slavic name of the city is mentioned: Bitol. Following battles with tsar Ivan Vladislav, Byzantine emperor Basil II recaptured Monastiri in 1015. The town is mentioned as an episcopal centre in 1019, in a record by Basil II. Two important uprisings against Byzantine rule took place in the Monastiri area in 1040 and 1072. After the Bulgarian state was restored in late 11th century, Bitola was incorporated under the rule of tsar Kaloyan of Bulgaria. It was conquered again by Byzantium at the end of the 13th century, but became part of Serbia in the first half of the 14th century, after the conquests of Stefan Dušan.

As a military, political and cultural center, Monastiri played a very important role in the life of the medieval society in the region, prior to the Ottoman conquest in mid-14th century. On the eve of the Ottoman conquest, Monastiri (Manastır in Ottoman Turkish) experienced a great boom, having well-established trading links all over the Balkan Peninsula, especially with big economic centers like Constantinople, Thessalonica, Ragusa and Tarnovo. Caravans of various goods moved to and from Monastir.

During Turkish rule it developed as a trading centre and the Turkish travel writer Evlija Celebija who visited Bitola in the middle of the 17th century wrote that were 900 shops, 40 cafes, a bedesten, 70 mosques, a number of medreses (theological school) and a law school. Near the beginning of the 19th century, a large number of Vlahs from the Janina region in Greece settled in the city. During the 19th century, the city was at its peak, being the second largest city in the European part of the Ottoman Empire and an important trading centre, with over 2000 stores with goods from Vienna, Paris, Leipzig, and London. Twelve consulates were opened in the city, and the consuls brought Western influences with them. Towards the end of the 19th century, Mustafa Kemal "Ataturk", the father of the modern Turkish nation, studied in Bitola at the military academy. Abdul Pasha Kerim, governor of the city for six years (1896–1902), accomplished much during his short term. He finished the drainage system and built the docks on the Dragor river, the city park, the theatre, and the ball hall. Milton Manaki, who in 1905 brought the first camera to the Balkans and made the first movies there, also lived and worked in Bitola. After the Balkan wars in 1913, when Serbia occupied present-day North Macedonia, Bitola lost its importance to Skopje, which was named the capital of the province.

By taxi
The 30 km journey from Florina costs about €40 to €50 by taxi (2023). Greek taxi drivers are not permitted to pick up a return fare in North Macedonia. A cheaper (but riskier) option would be to get a Greek taxi to the border, then walk 800 m between the border posts, and get a Macedonian taxi from the border. A taxi from Florina train station to the border is about €20, though could be bargained down to €15 (2017). Walking across the border on foot is no problem (2017).

By train
There are a couple of trains connecting Bitola and Skopje that stop in Prilep and Veles. There is no cross-border service from Florina.

By bus
There are a dozen buses between Bitola and Skopje (3 hours) that stop in Prilep and Veles, and a couple of buses connecting Bitola and Ohrid (1.5 hours) that stop in Resen. A bus leaves Sofia at 20:00, arriving in Bitola at 03:00. Buses also leave Bitola daily at 20:00 and arrive in Sofia at 05:30.

Get around
Walking is the best way to get around Bitola as all the sites are in a line one after another: first the old bazaar, then the city square, then Shirok Sokak street, then the city park, and last the ancient city of Heraklea.

By taxi
Average cost €1-2.50.

By bus
Cheapest way to get somewhere in Bitola is by bus which costs flat rate of €0.30.

The most useful bus line is #1. Although there are two categories of buses #1, the differences are non important as they both stop at the railway station, near hospital and near the medical high school.

Other bus lines go to suburbs and nearby villages (Brusnicka, Bukovski, Dovledzik, Streliste, Dulie, Orizari, Dihovo, Nizhe Pole, Bistrica).

See
Bitola has been a major city in this region for most of its history, evidenced by ancient Macedonian and Roman ruins, a significant bazaar and other Ottoman monuments, multiple military cemeteries, a dozen consulates, and important churches. The city is known for having perhaps the most neoclassical architecture in North Macedonia, giving it a more European feel than elsewhere in the country.

Cemeteries
As a city with a great deal of history, Bitola is home to multiple cemeteries containing the final resting places of individuals from different religious communities or military groups.

Further afield
In addition to the City of Bitola, the Municipality of Bitola contains 65 villages. Malovište and Nižepole are two historic primarily Vlach villages on the slopes of Baba Mountain notable for their traditional village architecture. Kažani is another historic village and a recreational gateway to Pelister National Park. Villages to the northeast of Bitola Municipality fall into Mogila Municipality. Southeast of Bitola Municipality is Novaci Municipality, a heavily depopulated area. The country's largest thermo-electric plant is located in Novaci. The bulk of its places of interest are found in its share of the Mariovo region. The mountain peak of Kajmakčalan is also located here, as well as the Skočivar Gorge, which begins in the eponymous village and runs northwest to Tikveš.

Events

 * The International Cinematographers Film Festival "Manaki Brothers" - the festival is a member of the ECFF/European Coordination of the film festivals and has precious collaboration with it. The main part of the festival's programme belongs to “Camera 300” — Official Competition of Long Feature Films from the most recent European and world production, whose Directors of Photography contend for the Golden, Silver and Bronze Camera 300, awarded by the festival's International Jury. Held on a third week of September every year since 1979.
 * Interfest — an international festival of classical music, held 2–12 October every year since 1992. The 10-day festival gathers prominent musicians and renowned soloists from all European cultural centres.
 * BitFest — a music festival with over 100 events takes place from the 2nd half of June to the end of August.
 * Bitola Shakespeare Festival presents Shakespeare plays and adaptations played by theater troupes from different countries. Usually takes place on 19–25 July.
 * Ilinden Days — Folklore festival between 29 July—2 August with many folklore groups from home and abroad.

Buy
Wide Alley (Macedonian: Sirok Sokak) or Marshal Tito is the street where you will find any kind of clothes, books, wines, antique items and jewelry, and decorations for home.

Eat
Bitola also has a good selection of bars, pubs and restaurants with fair prices.

Drink
Try local beers: Skopsko and Zlaten dab (Golden Oak), local brandy called "rakija" (Antika, Antika 5, Bovin). Macedonia is famous for its wines, and you should never leave the country without trying or buying. There are a lot of varietal wines such as Merlot, Pinot Noar, Riesling, but you should try the local ones red wine Vranec and white ones Traminec and Temjanika.

Produced in North Macedonia, the Vranec wine T'ga za Jug is semi-dry and ruby-red in colour. It has been described as being similar in taste to the Italian or Californian Barbera. You can have it in Special selection or Limited edition.

Night clubs
Bitola has good night life and offers good parties, except for minors; people under 18 are not permitted to enter the clubs.

Learn

 * St. Clement of Ohrid University is one of four state universities in Macedonia. It is mainly in Bitola, but has other institutes in Ohrid and Prilep. It was founded on 25 April 1979, but the name St. Clement of Ohrid was not given until late 1994. It has more than 15,000 students.

Consulates

 * 🇧🇬 Bulgaria
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇸🇮 Slovenia
 * 🇹🇷 Turkey
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Go next

 * Pelister National Park
 * Brajčino
 * Prilep — about 45 km NE. Several buses a day (130 den, or €2). A taxi is about €10.
 * Florina — some taxi drivers are not willing to go from Bitola to Greece. Macedonian taxi drivers need a green card to enter Greece which they obtain for a fee. Many are not prepared to pay this fee and so cannot provide the service. (See more details under Florina).
 * Mariovo — Novaci Municipality covers a large portion of this historic region, now largely deserted.

title: Bitola


text:
Bitterfontein

Bitterfontein is in the Namakwa region of the Northern Cape of South Africa. Bitterfontein is a quiet village and ideal for winding down and just getting back to a slower pace.

Get in
Travelling from Cape Town, South Africa, on the N7 highway to Namibia, Bitterfontein is 380 kilometres north of Cape Town in the Namaqualand region.

Get around
For travelling to or from Bitterfontein, the most reliable mode of transport is the minibus taxis that run daily between Springbok and Cape Town. The fares are reasonable and they will pick you up at your doorstep and drop you at the address of your destination. To get hold of one, phone enquiries (1023) and ask for Bezuidenhout's, Van Wyk's, Lucian's, Titus or JK Taxis' number. If you want to explore the area in more detail, the best way is to arrive with your own transport, preferably a sturdy sedan car or a "bakkie" (light utility vehicle) The six surrounding villages are all within an hour's drive from Bitterfontein. The Orange River is 320 km to the north.

See
Bitterfontein is situated in the Knersvlakte, which forms part of the Succulent Karoo biome, with over a 1000 succulent species. In the smaller villages, where the lifestyle is very rural, you can still see people baking bread in outside clay ovens, driving donkey carts and herding goats in the traditional manner. Various landscapes present themselves, like the Bushmanland with its wide grassy plains and stately quiver trees. To the west there are great granite domes surrounding the picturesque Roman Catholic mission station of Rietpoort. The landscape has gently rolling hills and in spring time (August to September) is transformed with fields of Namaqualand flowers.

Just north of Bitterfontein a green-coloured granite, called charnockite, is mined. The village, as well as the surrounding villages, are provided with fresh water by means of a desalination plant, the first in the Southern Hemisphere. Nearby is Van Meerhoff's Cave, an overnight spot of one of the early governors of the Cape Colony, on his expeditions into Namaqualand — it is a National Monument.

Do
Several country roads run out of Bitterfontein and is great for walks, runs or cycling.

Alternatively, with prior arrangement, you can attend a performance of the local group performs traditional dances. You can also visit the local shop, an old–fashioned general dealer that stocks everything from guitar strings to homemade fudge or browse around Malinda's Gallery, where you can see the work of local artist, Bob Gardiner.

Buy
At the tourism centre in Bitterfontein, local arts and crafts are sold. 17 km from Bitterfontein is Nuwerus, where the Môreson Senior Citizens Club make beautiful handmade furniture and metal objects.

The most delicious mutton pies in the world are sold at the local bakery and a local delicacy "skuinskoek" can be bought at the general dealer.

Eat
Some of the most delicious traditional food can be eaten in Bitterfontein. Support the emerging tourism entrepreneurs by ordering traditional meals in advance, and maybe ask them to combine it with an evening of storytelling, music and dancing. The area's lamb is famous and very, very tasty. Traditional delicacies like "roosterbrood" (bread cooked on open coals), "afval" (sheep's head, trotters and stomach cooked in a stew), delicious traditional stews, etc. abound and is easily obtainable. All the accommodations places, except the backpackers, will do meals.

Drink
There is a local pub and a liquor store for alcoholic beverages. Try the water! It is mineral water on tap - because of the process of desalination. Traditional drinks like honey beer can also sometimes be found.

Sleep
Several accommodation places exist. Guest houses, backpackers and a hotel. A really amazing experience is making use of the homestays, where you share a home with a local family and become part of their lives for the duration of your stay. There is no better way to experience local living.

Connect
Bitterfontein is also host to a Cape Access Centre, part of a project out of the Western Cape Premier's office for special projects and the Centre for E-Innovation. Here the general public are given 45 minutes per day to access the internet, write documents, send email and receive IT training.

title: Bitterfontein


text:
Bitung

Bitung is a city and the main deep-water port of Northern Sulawesi. Located on the eastern side of the province, Bitung also provides easy access to volcanoes, parks, and diving.

By aircraft
The nearest airport is Sam Ratulangi International Airport, about 35 km to the west, north-east of Manado. Take a taxi or rent a car from the airport to get in here.

By boat

Ship route
1. KM. DOBONSOLO
 * MAKASSAR (South Sulawesi) - BAUBAU (South-East Sulawesi) - BITUNG (North Sulawesi) - SORONG (Irian Jaya) - MANOKWARI (Papua) - JAYAPURA (Papua)

2. KM. LAMBELU
 * MAKASSAR (South Sulawesi) - BAUBAU (Buton Island, S.E Sulawesi) - AMBON (Maluku) - NAMLEA (Maluku) - TERNATE N.Maluku) - BITUNG (North Sulawesi)

3. KM. DOROLONDA
 * BALIKPAPAN (East Kalimantan) - PANTOLAN (Central Sulawesi) - BITUNG (North Sulawesi) - TERNATE (North Maluku) - SORONG (Irian Jaya) - MONOKOWARI (West Papua) - NABIRE (West Papua) - SERUI (West Papua) - JAYAPURA (West Papua)

4. KM. TILONGKABILA
 * BENOA (Bali) - LEMBAR (Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara) - BIMA (West Nusa Tenggara) - LABUAN BAJO (Flores, East Nusa Tenggara - MAKASSAR (South Sulawesi) - BAUBAU (Buton Island, S.E Sulawesi) - RAHA (Muna Island, S.E Sulawesi) - BITUNG (North Sulawesi)

By bus
Public buses to Manado operate very often, at a cheap price, but they are far from convenient. Buses are not air conditioned, with many and long stops to wait for passengers. Furthermore, many local passengers smoke onboard buses, despite being illegal throughout Indonesia.

By taxi
Taxis are also easy to find in Bitung. There are usually taxis from Manado, waiting for passengers from Bitung going to Manado. A few of them will use meters for fares, but most of them will charge on negotiation basis. Depending on your negotiation or haggling skill level, the fare could vary between Rp 200,000 to Rp 500,000 for one trip to Manado. Just like bus travel, smoking is illegal in taxis, though the driver may still smoke - however, you as the passenger are free to ask the driver to stop smoking for your journey.

By car
The most convenient way is to hire (self-drive) a rental car from Bitung to Manado from your hotel. The rate is between Rp 450,000 to Rp 500,000 per day, depending on the hotel tariff.
 * Bitung Rental Car (cooperated with Manado Rental Car) cost around Rp 500,000 per day, already included driver and fuel, or self-drive approximately Rp 300,000 per day. For information, tel +62 852 4022 0620 or +62 431 892 979.

See

 * If travel to Tangkoko Nature Reserve is impossible due to time, there's a mini zoo in Bitung, only 10 minutes from Bitung's centre. This mini zoo has collection of tarsiers, birds, anoa, wild boar, crocodile, etc.  They will ask for a donation to feed the animals.  Usually it is around Rp 20,000 to Rp 50,000, depending on the numbers of the visitors in your group.
 * Lembeh Strait: 30 minutes from Bitung. It is a diving heaven for divers, but it's quite expensive, because the resort is managed by westerners.

Eat

 * Pork is common in the Christian-majority city of Bitung. You can find many many small restaurants.  If you are a Muslim, you need to ask if the restaurant is halal or not.
 * Bats, dogs, rodents, and reptiles are common meat sold in this city for human consumption. Go to some traditional markets in this city, and you can find them easily.  If you are not amenable to this kind of food, you should ask first.

A highly recommended Chinese seafood restaurant is in a small side street, directly across the road from Texas Chicken and next to Bitung's main fuel depot. It is a small family-run place, with ordinary decor, but don't be deterred, the food is terrific (and cheap, by western standards).

Drink

 * Beer is easy to find in all restaurants and even small shops.
 * Saguer is the traditional alcoholic beverage made of palm.

Budget

 * Nalendra Hotel: Address: S. Languyu Street 5A, Bitung. Phone: +62 438 31992
 * Other small hotels are easy to find but you must be very selective due to the activities of prostitutes.

Mid-range

 * Wisma Pelaut International, pakadonan, Bitung. Phone: +62 438 36078. A dormitory mainly for seafarers, but is open to public.

Splurge

 * Lembeh Resort
 * Bastianos Lembeh Diving Resort
 * Tangkoko Lodge Batu Putih

title: Bitung


text:
Bixby

Bixby is a city in the Green Country region of Oklahoma.

Understand
Bixby is Tulsa County's agricultural breadbasket. Much of the area's local produce (the most famous being Bixby corn) is grown here. Other crops include beans, greens, pumpkins, squash, and tomatoes. There are also farms that grow specialty crops such as fruit, berries and button mushrooms. Since the mid-1990s (when flood-control was first implemented), Bixby has developed into a nice bedroom community of 35,000 people.

Get in
The main road to get to Bixby is Memorial Drive, You can take other backroads to get there, but they're not as reliable. US-75 Connects Bixby and The Okmulgee Beeline to Haskell and Okmulgee

Get around
There are two options in Bixby right now, going by foot or by car. Walking works best in the older downtown areas whereas cars are the route to go most everywhere else. Mass transit isn't readily available yet, but Tulsa Transit is beginning to branch out to Bixby due to the construction of the SpiritBank Event Center.

Stay safe
Much of Bixby is low-lying. As a result, flooding does occur here on some occasions when the rains are heavy. (This, among other reasons, is why the Keystone Dam was built upstream on the Arkansas River.) Flood-control is being implemented in many parts of Bixby to solve this problem.

Traffic is an issue in some parts (specifically Memorial Drive and around SpiritBank Event Center), Tulsa Transit plans to expand into Bixby more in the coming years.

Oklahoma weather is very harsh on road conditions and road repairs are needed on an almost yearly basis here. Please be prepared to slow down or stop for road workers as fines double for accidents in work zones as specified by Oklahoma state law.

Go next

 * The Allen Ranch is in the town of Liberty, 3 miles outside of Bixby.
 * Haskell is home to nearby Stone Bluff and its acclaimed winery.
 * Okmulgee is the tribal headquarters of the Muscogee Creek Nation and the original Creek Nation Council House still stands in city center.

title: Bixby


text:
Biysk

Biysk (Бийск) is the second largest city in Altai Krai with population of 202,000 people (2018) and featured as naukograd, i.e., a science city.

Understand
Biysk is a starting point for tourists trekking to the Altay Mountains, 'the gateway to Mountainous Altai'.

Geography
Biysk is located 163 km south of Barnaul and 356 km away from Novosibirsk. The Mongolian border is farther 617 km south. The terrain around is a hilly plain. Separated by the river Biya both banks of the city are connected by three bridges. The city is situated on the Chuysky Highway, a tarmac road, which goes from Novosibirsk to Mongolia.

History
The city appeared in 1709 as a part of the 'Biyskaya krepost', fortification line built from Ust'-Kamenogorsk. Its name is derived from hydronym 'bi', a Samodian word for 'water, river'.

Climate
Continental climate. The average temperature of January is -18 °C, in July it is +18.9 °C.

Get in
There are no flights to Biysk airport because of reconstruction (as of 2011).

By train
The direct trains are coming from Novosibirsk, Moscow, Tomsk, Chita, Omsk, Surgut, Krasnoyarsk, Novokuznetsk, Kemerovo, Alma-Ata. Barnaul is the most probable place to arrive from.

By bus
Bus station is serving routes from Gorno-Altaysk (hourly), Ongudai (that one is from Ongudai to Barnaul passing Biysk), Tomsk, Belokurikha, Kemerovo, Novokuznetsk and Barnaul. Tickets are available via the internet. The bus station is within 5 min walk from the railway station.

Get around
The tram network is present with 8 routes. Public buses and taxis are numerous.

See
Historic part of the city is the most curious place to give a look to where the architecture tells about the past epoch. Go on to the right bank of the river to enjoy 19th-century houses of merchants, Passages and an Orthodox Temple, all in compact area.

 * Your collection of Lenin's statues would be incomplete if you haven't taken a picture of one from Biysk. Thanks to cold weather Lenin was put a hat on here.
 * There is a monument to the city's founder Peter the Great on the horseback.
 * If the weather permits one can see rockets being launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. At nights rockets remind of comets.
 * There is a monument to the city's founder Peter the Great on the horseback.
 * If the weather permits one can see rockets being launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. At nights rockets remind of comets.

Do

 * Visit the Drama theater.
 * Go to the Bowling club.
 * Musical theater Echo.

Buy
Trade-center 'Maria-Ra' has a small souvenir shop inside.

Sleep
Business class

Economy class

Connect
The central post-office is located at 34, Sovetskaya st.

title: Biysk


text:
Bizen

Bizen (備前市 Bizen-shi) is the eastern part of Okayama Prefecture.

Understand
Bizen — literally "before (the plain of) Bi" — is an ancient province known for precisely one thing: Bizen-yaki (備前焼), the oldest and most revered form of pottery in Japan. Unglazed and fairly simple in appearance, the pottery gets its cachet from the complex earthy reddish-brown tones that form when the clay is fired. Nearly anything — dishes, cups, vases, bowls, pots — can be made from it, and according to legend it improves the taste of anything you drink from it.

Bizen is classified as a "city" (shi), but it feels like an expanse of suburban Okayama and rice paddies.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site. Clicking on "Language" leads to a multilingual guidebook page.

By train
Two train lines run through Bizen. The JR Sanyo Line has Mitsuishi Station and Yoshinaga Station, the most convenient for accessing the Shizutani School and buses to the Hattoji area.

The JR Akō Line travels through the southern part of the city. It begins in Okayama in the west, where connections to the Shinkansen network are available, and Ako to the east. Imbe Station, where the pottery sites are located, and Hinase Station, home to the port area, are the most popular stops for travelers along this line. Trains depart about once per hour.

Get around
Bizen is a sprawling area, but the pottery sites around Imbe Station can be easily covered on foot from the train station. Within the city, there are no train connections between the Ako Line and the Sanyo Line, so traveling between the two areas by public transport requires taking a train to Aioi Station or Higashi Okayama Station to transfer to the other line. Alternatively there are infrequent buses connecting Bizen-Katakami Station (Ako Line) with Yoshinaga Station or Mitsuishi Station (Sanyo Line).

For travel to the Hattoji area, there are infrequent buses from Yoshinaga Station. While taxis are more convenient, the car ride to Hattoji is costly and takes 35 minutes.

See
Bizen's sights are mostly dedicated to its famous pottery and sword-making. In October, the Bizen-yaki Festival is held near Inbe station, drawing some 150,000 visitors.

Do
Many kilns around Imbe will let you try your hand at making your very own Bizen-yaki. A chunk of clay, firing and shipping anywhere in Japan (overseas delivery also possible) will set you back around ¥3000.

Buy

The town of Imbe seems to consist nearly entirely of Bizen-yaki shops, and the large gift shop in the Pottery Art Museum has a fairly representative array of local pieces. Prices are generally steep, with even the simplest tea cups costing several thousand yen and more complex designs going for millions.

Eat
Bizen has two famous foods; Bizen Curry and oysters. The curry has a bit more of a kick to it than typical Japanese curries. Restaurants serving this dish are scattered throughout the city. The most convenient is probably the restaurant located within Inbe Station. The oysters come from the Hinase area of the city. They're fished from the Inland Sea at Hinase Port.

Go next

 * Setouchi
 * Akaiwa
 * Okayama
 * Kurashiki
 * Tsuyama
 * Mimasaka
 * Ako
 * Himeji
 * Asakuchi

title: Bizen


text:
Bizerte

Bizerte is in Tunisia. Located on the north coast approx. 100km from Tunis.

Get in
You can take a share taxi from Tunis for under 10 DT (4.750 DT per person, December 2011). These arrive to the south of town - from there, either get a taxi or simply walk a few kilometers down the main road and over the modern suspension bridge in to Bizerte proper. It's also possible to get in by louage from the west, e.g.: Tabarka, though this may require changing a few times en route.

Additionally, SNCFT runs several trains from Tunis per day, with journeys taking around two hours. is located southwest of the city centre.

Get around
Walking is an easy way to get just about anywhere. Otherwise, you can grab a metered taxi almost anywhere within the town for 1-2 DT. Unlike Tunis, the drivers seem very friendly here.

Drink
Some of the restaurants (Phoenician Restaurant, etc.) offer wine or beer. Other venues include:

Go next

 * Ichkeul National Park - a freshwater lake and marshland which is the last remaining in a chain that once crossed North Africa. Of importance to migrating birds such as ducks, geese and pink flamingos and once included on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1996 because the salinity of the water was increasing due to up-river dams. It has since been removed due to efforts by the government to limit use of water by farmers for irrigation. To get there, either hire a car or get a louage from the westward bus station (walk west from the main bridge) to the nearby town of Tinja and start walking or hitching. The main attraction appears to be a forested hill and nearby wetlands on the south of the lake.

title: Bizerte


text:
Blaauwberg Coast

The Blaauwberg Coast is the northern coastline of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa.

Cities

 * — one of the world's top kitesurf destinations
 * — a beautiful seaside village known for its tranquility, wide white beach, and water-sports
 * — it has stunning properties, beautiful lagoon, and a links golf course
 * — suburb of Cape Town

Understand
The Blaauwberg Coast is regarded as a hub for adventure and water sports. The towns and villages dotted along the coast are renowned for their laid-back atmosphere.

Get in
From Cape Town, travel north on the R27 (the west coast road).

Metrorail trains serve the southern fringes of Milnerton via its Northern line.

See
In Milnerton, the wooden bridge to Woodbridge Island (of course) is now a national heritage site, and the Milnerton Lighthouse is also a popular landmark found on the island.

In Melkbos, you can feed the ostriches at the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, which also has goats, geese and cheetahs.

Do
The Blaauwberg Coast boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the Cape Peninsula area. Visitors can take a stroll along the promenade, relax and sunbathe on the sand, or if they're more adventurous, take up surfing and kiteboarding. You can experience the stunning views of Table Mountain from a number of beaches and vantage on the Blaauwberg Coast. Every angle has its own charm though the most panoramic of views of the mountain can be seen from the top of Blouberg Hill.

The bay on the west side of Bloubergstrand, known as 'Big Bay', has become a very popular windsurfing and kitesurfing spot due to the constant trade winds bringing a 1–3 m surf for a majority of the year.

Whale watching is good in the bay near Melkbos as the warm waters are a favourite spot for whales on their way round the Cape,

Ratanga Junction is a theme park near Milnerton.

Stay safe
The currents and waves along the Blaauwberg Coast can be quite rough. Be sure to only swim in designated areas where there are lifesavers on duty. Avoid getting deep into the water if you're not a confident swimmer.

Go next
Head towards the town of Durbanville in the hinterland, famous for its wine.

title: Blaauwberg Coast


text:
Black

There is more than one place called Black:

United States of America

 * Black (Alabama) — A town in Alabama.
 * Black (Illinois) — A town in Illinois.
 * Black (Missouri) — A town in Missouri.
 * Black (West Virginia) — A town in West Virginia.

title: Black