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Gimhae

Gimhae (김해시, 金海市, formally romanized as Kimhae) is a city west of Busan in the south-eastern province of South Gyeongsang, South Korea. Often overlooked as just the location of Busan's airport, Gimhae has plenty of historical sights. It was a significant city in the ancient Gaya confederacy (AD 42 to AD 562).

Understand
It was the capital of Geumgwan Gaya, founded by King Suro, the founder of Gaya, and emphasizes that it was the capital of Gaya for 500 years at the city level.

It is bordered by Busan to the east, Changwon to the west, and Miryang and Yangsan to the north, but commutation between Busan and Changwon are mainly active.

Gimhae was by the sea for a long time, but all the coastal areas were taken away by Busan. It is one of Busan's satellite cities, but it is hard to say it is a simple commuter town. Many factories moved to Gimhae in the past due to cheaper land prices than Busan, so more people go to work from Busan to Gimhae in the morning and Busan in the evening.

Jangyu, a district in the southwest of the city, is considered a separate town closer to Changwon City because they mainly commute to Changwon. The Changwon Tunnel, which connects Jangyu and Changwon, is heavily congested in the morning in the Changwon direction and the evening in the Jangyu direction.

By plane
Gimhae is home to Busan's airport, Gimhae International Airport. The light rail station will quickly connect you from outside the airport to the town itself.

By light rail
The Busan Gimhae Light Rail line meets up with both the brown and green Metro lines. The light rail provides a convenient way to get to Gimhae town. The light rail ticketing is not integrated with the Busan Metro, and therefore a separate ticket is required to change between them.

By train
Gimhae has two Korail stations: Hallimjeong Station (한림정역) and Jinyeong Station (진영역). The nearest high-speed KTX station is Gupo, in West Busan.

Get around
Central Gimhae is fairly easy to walk, but there are also plentiful bus and taxi services. The primary method of transportation among locals is by car. There is a light rail line along the west and south perimeters of the central Gimhae area, but it is better suited for travel to and from nearby Busan.

See

Eat
As with much of Korea, there are many good places to eat — especially in the central district.

Sports
It is the seat of the semi-professional Gimhae City Hall soccer team that participates in the K3 League, the third-division Korean football league. In 2020, it is a strong team that won both first place in the regular league in the K3 League and the K3 League Championship, and the home game will be held at Gimhae Stadium, and there is also a barren derby against the Changwon City Hall soccer team. It is also the location of Gimhae Jamies FC, which participates in the K5 League in the fifth division of Korea, which is an amateur level, and is famous for being a considerable power in the region. He won the K5 League Championship in the 2022 season.

Sangdong Baseball Stadium, a home stadium for the second and third divisions of the Lotte Giants and a training ground for the club, is located in Daegam-ri, Sangdong-myeon, Gimhae. There is Gimhae High School, one of the local farms of NC Dinos. Before the founding of the NC Dinos, it was a local farm for the Lotte Giants. Miryang, an upper neighbour, is also adjacent to Cheongdo in the last part of Gyeongsangbuk-do, so there are many Samsung Lions fandom, but this is definitely adjacent to Busan and Changwon, so it is mainly Lotte and NC fandom. Surprisingly, it is one of the areas where little baseball is very well played. The name is Gimhae Angels.

It is considered to be the hockey capital of South Korea. Gimhae High School's hockey team was the number one team in the country. Busan Gyeongnam Horse Racing Park was jointly built to obtain taxes across Gangseo-gu and Gimhae-si, but its recognition is low because the entrance is in Gangseo-gu, Busan. It succeeded in hosting the National Sports Festival in 2023. Various sports facilities and foundations will be laid in the future.

title: Gimhae


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Gimli

Gimli is a community of 2,250 people (2016) in the Interlake Region of Manitoba. It is part of the larger Rural Municipality of Gimli, which has 6,100 people. It is known best for being the home of Crown Royal whiskey, and for having more Icelandic immigrants than any other area of Canada.

History
The first European settlers in Gimli were Canadian Icelanders, moving west from Ontario to the region they called "New Iceland".

Volcanic eruptions in Iceland soon spurred additional immigration. In 1875 300 people left Iceland, arrived in Ontario and took a ship to Duluth, from there they made their way to Grand Forks, North Dakota, and took a steamer up to the mouth of the Assinboine. 75-100 people stayed in the Winnipeg area while the rest made their way to Lake Winnipeg and onto boats; they landed south of Gimli at Willow Island and then walked the rest of the way. A second group of approximately 800 would follow in their footsteps the next year. The Canadian Pacific Railway reached Gimli in 1906 and soon the town and surrounding region became a tourist and vacation destination for people from Winnipeg. By the 1930s the south shore area of Gimli began to see cottages replacing farmland. With 68 km (42 mi) of shoreline on Lake Winnipeg, Gimli is a popular fishing destination in summer.

During World War II an area west of the community was appropriated by the Royal Canadian Air Force to construct a training facility. RCAF Station Gimli was opened in 1943 and remained in operation until 1945. The Station was reactivated in 1950 and was closed again in 1971.

By car
Gimli is approximately:
 * 1 hour north of Winnipeg. Take the North Perimeter to Highway 8, or Main Street to Highway 9.
 * 3½ hours north of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Take Interstate 29 to the border then Highway 75 to the South Perimeter.

By bus
There is no intercity bus service to Gimli (Nov 2019).

Get around
As Gimli is such a small town you can walk anywhere. The closer you get to the beach the harder parking is to find on hot weekends.

Do
The public beachfront is lovely for barefoot sunset walks on the water.

Buy
Gimli is home to a number of small shops along Main Street and First Avenue targeted toward visitors. Handmade jewellery, unique artwork, and other interesting items can be purchased in a range of prices.

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

title: Gimli


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Gimmelwald

Gimmelwald is a picturesque hamlet in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland. It's perched on a cliff edge looking down into the Weisse Lütschine valley towards Lauterbrunnen, and in 2020 had a population of 130. There's no road access so you get here by cable-car. Gimmelwald has chalet accommodation but no shops or other facilities - find these 3 km further up the mountain in the larger resort of Mürren.

Get in
For inter-city routes, travel via Interlaken, which has trains every 30 min from Bern. Change at Interlaken Ost for the BOB train - the Berner Oberland-Bahn. Don't get off at Interlaken West, which is town centre.

You need to be in the front portion of the BOB train. This runs every 30 min and takes 20 min via Wilderswil and Zweilütschinen (where the rear portion divides for Grindelwald) to Lauterbrunnen. From here you take the bright yellow Postbus to Stechelberg. This is the foot of the Schilthornbahn cable-car, which ascends to Gimmelwald, Mürren, Birg and the Schilthorn summit. The last connection from Interlaken leaves at 23:00; it's often a "bustitution". Eurail passes get you a 25% discount on the BOB trains but are not in themselves valid for travel beyond Interlaken. A Swiss Travel Pass is valid to Lauterbrunnen, Gimmelwald and Mürren. See Lauterbrunnen for the WAB trains to Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch, and connections to Grindelwald.

cable-car station can be reached by public road. Park here, as there's no vehicle access up the mountain.

You can also take the cable-car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, where a train takes you to Mürren. Walk through the village to the Schilthornbahn station and ride the cable-car down one stop to Gimmelwald.

cable-car station is at the foot of the village. A new cable-car is under construction, bypassing Gimmelwald, and due to open in 2025.

Hiking to Gimmelwald is an easy 30 min descent from Mürren, but a stiff 90 min climb from Stechelberg.

Get around
Gimmelwald is tiny, just walk. The lane up to Mürren is suitable for push-chairs, and used by tractors and occasional service vehicles. Steeper paths short-cut across its zigzags.

cable-car station is your likely access to facilities in that village. It's at the south end of Mürren, with the railway station at the north end.

See and Do

 * Gimmelwald itself is picture-perfect. The great cliff face across the valley is the Schwarzmönch, the Black Monk.
 * Mürren is worth exploring, though it may feel like a seething metropolis after Gimmelwald. If the 30-min walk up hasn't sated you, continue a short way to Allmendhubel or to Winteregg; you can ride back from either.
 * Via Ferrata: see Mürren, as it descends from there to Gimmelwald.
 * Hike: dozens of trails start from Gimmelwald.
 * Schilthorn is strenous but is the signature ascent from Gimmelwald. It's 9.2 km each way, with a vertical gain of 1574 m, allow 5 hours to ascend and be prepared for snow and bad weather any time of year. Slog straight up northwest from the village to Gimmeln (1795 m), which has a restaurant, and the trail from Mürren joins. The gradient slackens going west up the mountain shoulder to Schiltalp (1950 m). A gentle ascent west leads to a brutal climb onto the ridge at Seelifuhre (2600 m), where a side trail links Birg cable-car station. Follow the S-bend of the ridge to Schilthorn at 2973 m. You'll probably be glad to fork out Fr. 50 or so to ride the cable-car back down.
 * Tanzbödeli, meaning the dance-floor, is a glacial cirque, a little plateau overlooking the south end of the valley. Ascend the steep ridge from Gimmelwald then descend more gradually along the shoulder of the mountain to Stechelberg. Or vice versa, 6 km each way.
 * Oberhornsee is approached initially by the same trail from Stechelberg, but bear left / east onto the steep ascent. It's a picturesque little lake set in Alpine meadows, 8.3 km each way.

 * Skiing is higher up the mountain, see Mürren for description of the Mürren-Schilthorn ski area. A pass for this area includes the cable-cars, trains and buses as far down as Lauterbrunnen. The far side of the valley is covered by the Wengen-Grindelwald pass. The Jungfrau pass covers both, and is valid on the BOB trains down to Interlaken Ost.

Buy
You can buy fresh dairy and other farm produce from the locals.

The nearest grocery store, sports and souvenir shops are in Mürren.

Eat

 * Pension Gimmelwald and Mountain Hostel restaurants are open to non-residents, but you need to book.
 * Local specialties are alpine yoghurt and Alpkäse. The cheese is made only in summer, when the cattle graze on high alpine meadows. It's semi-hard like Emmental, grows stronger as it matures, and has tiny holes known as teardrops.

Drink

 * There are no free-standing bars in this tiny place. Mountain Hostel bar is open to non-residents, otherwise head up to Mürren.
 * Fresh mountain water can be freely obtained from the ever-trickling public troughs in the village.

Connect
As of Feb 2022, Gimmelwald has 4G from all Swiss carriers. 5G has not yet come this far up the valley.

Go next

 * Lauterbrunnen nowadays is just the place you change trains, but it has a dramatic setting beneath the cliffs and roaring waterfalls. Staubbach Falls are south edge of the village. Trümmelbach Falls are within the mountain, 2 km north of Stechelberg and 3 km south of Lauterbrunnen on the Postbus route.
 * WAB trains ascend from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg then burrow through the Eiger and Jungfrau to the top station of Jungfraujoch. Brilliant summit and glacier views on a fine day, pointless if it's gloomy.

title: Gimmelwald


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Gingoog

Gingoog is a city in Northern Mindanao. Gingoog is known as the vacation city of Misamis Oriental, not only because of the beautiful places to visit but because of the beautiful and hospitable people who resides therein.

Get in

 * You can get to Gingoog from Laguindingan Airport west of Cagayan de Oro or Bancasi Airport in Butuan.
 * From Cagayan de Oro it is about a 3-hour bus ride, and from Butuan it is about a 2-hour bus ride. The bus line that goes to Gingoog is Bachelor Express
 * After a long trip you may wish to spend the night and relax before boarding a bus. Butuan has some interesting sights, and you must travel through Cagayan when leaving the airport so just grab a taxi at the airport and ask for a hotel near the Divisoria, safe pleasant and nice night time walking.

See

 * Tiklas Falls in Barangay Libon which is about 20 minutes away from the city.

Buy

 * Gingoog Branded Overruns — F Dugenio St, Brgy 22-A, Gingoog City, +63 9666606831> Dealer of branded apparel
 * Gingoog Branded Overruns — F Dugenio St, Brgy 22-A, Gingoog City, +63 9666606831> Dealer of branded apparel

Go next

 * Butuan
 * Camiguin
 * Cagayan de Oro

title: Gingoog


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Giovinazzo

Giovinazzo is a small town in Apulia located on the south eastern coast of the Italian peninsula. It is located 18 km from Bari and 3.5 km from Molfetta. Giovinazzo has a warm, mild climate with dry summers and rainy winters. Snow falls very rarely (once every five or six years) and when it does snow, no more than 3" ever accumulate..

Molfetta is a city of the province of Bari, in Apulia, southern Italy, on the Adriatic Sea; its origin is unknown, but many objects of the neolithic, bronze, and the Mycenæan epoch have been found at a place called Pulo, which shows that the site of Molfetta was inhabited in prehistoric times. The town has a beautiful cathedral, and beyond its limits is the sanctuary of the Virgin of the Martyrs containing an image brought to it by some Crusaders in 1188. The first bishop of this city of whom there is any record was John, whose incumbency is referred to the year 1136. The see was at first suffragan of Bari, but in 1484 it became immediately dependent upon Rome. In 1818, it was enlarged with the territory of the suppressed sees of Giovinazzo and Terlizzi, which were re-established in 1835, remaining united, œque principaliter. In the opinion of some people, Giovinazzo is the ancient Egnatia; it has been an episcopal see since 1071. Terlizzi was a city in the Diocese of Giovinazzo, and in 1731, to put an end to certain questions of its independence, it was declared an episcopal see, but united with Giovinazzo. The city was a fortress of the Hohenstaufens and of the Aragonese.

The Diocese of Molfetta contains 4 parishes; 80 secular and 6 regular priests; 42,000 Catholics. Terlizzi contains 3 parishes; 40 secular and 6 regular priests; 24,100 Catholics. Giovinazzo contains 2 parishes; 37 secular and 3 regular priests; 12,150 Catholics. In the united dioceses there are 6 convents for women, 4 for men, 2 schools for boys, and 4 for girls.

Understand
By virtue of its location, the inhabitants of Giovinazzo enjoy a long tradition of fishing, a line of work done by small, local businesses with the intent of local consumption. Fresh fish (caught within a few hours) is a staple of Giovinazzo cuisine; each morning one can go to the fish market and see the freshest catch.

In addition to the fishing industry, agriculture has always been a primary activity for the residents of Giovinazzo. Farming in the region consists of an assortment of vegetables and fruit trees, but the one crop for which Giovinazzo is best known is olives. Olives from this region produce one of the best oils in Italy.

Another regional crop that is nearly as famous as Giovinazzo's olives is almonds. The sweet almonds of the area are used to make some of the most delicious sweets for holidays such as Christmas or Easter.

Besides fishing and agriculture, industry once existed in Giovinazzo. A very active steel mill, which is now closed as a result of world-wide steel price decline, was once a large employer for the area. White stone (a resource found throughout the Apulia Region) is very prevalent around this city.

Get in
If you are in Bari trying to get to Giovannazzo, the trip is relatively quick and very cheap by public transport (as opposed to a taxi, which may cost as much as €30). I'm not sure of the most efficient way to get there, but here's one way:

From Bari Centrale (Bari Central Station), take the train one stop east (I forget the name of the station) and walk north for a few blocks until you enter a piazza with blue buses lined up along one of the streets. This should be the main hub (and Eastern end of the line) for the STP bus company. Find a shop somewhere in the piazza that sells tickets (noted by "biglietti," "biglietto," "biglietteria" or something of the sort). Purchase a ticket to Giovannazzo, which should cost roughly €2 per person per way. Pick a bus that's lined up on the street, and confirm with the bus driver that the bus is going to Giovinazzo. The ride should take 20-30 minutes and although there may be stops on the outskirts of the city, if you're patient there is a stop right in the center of town (you'll recognize it because it will be in a large open piazza with a fountain, etc.

title: Giovinazzo


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Gippsland

Gippsland (pronounced with a hard G) is the south-eastern region of Victoria, Australia. It includes the southernmost point of the Australian mainland at Wilsons Promontory. It is bordered to the west by Western Port Bay, to the south by Bass Strait, to the north by the Great Dividing Range and to the east by the New South Wales border.

Cities and towns

 * in East Gippsland — gateway to the Gippsland Lakes
 * in East Gippsland — mouth of the Gippsland Lakes and popular coastal destination
 * in South Gippsland — centre of the local region
 * in East Gippsland — local regional centre in Snowy River country
 * in Central Gippsland — commercial centre of the Central Gippsland region
 * in Central Gippsland — small town on the Avon River with many parks and cafes to see, as well as a yearly Shakespeare festival
 * in Central Gippsland — Latrobe Valley city with coal heritage
 * in West Gippsland — service centre of the West Gippsland area
 * on the Bass Coast — coal mining town and local commercial centre
 * in East Gippsland — gateway to the Gippsland Lakes
 * in East Gippsland — small town on the Tambo River
 * in East Gippsland — small hamlet famed for its caves
 * in East Gippsland — convenient stopping point at the junction between the Princes and Monaro Highway
 * in North Gippsland — small mountain town with gold mining heritage
 * in South Gippsland — eclectic artisanal destination and a great stopping point towards Wilsons Promontory
 * in South Gippsland — a base for exploring Wilsons Promontory
 * on the Bass Coast — stopping point on the way to Phillip Island
 * on the Bass Coast — beachside town with surfing opportunities and rock pools
 * in East Gippsland — mouth of the Gippsland Lakes and popular coastal destination
 * in South Gippsland — centre of the local region
 * in Central Gippsland — small town with a rich local history
 * in East Gippsland — small coastal town in Gippsland's far east
 * in Central Gippsland — scenic small town on the road to Mount Baw Baw
 * in Central Gippsland — town at the foothills of Mount Baw Baw
 * in East Gippsland — local regional centre in Snowy River country
 * in East Gippsland — boating resort on the Gippsland Lakes
 * in Central Gippsland — Latrobe Valley city with coal heritage
 * in Central Gippsland — commercial centre of the Central Gippsland region
 * in Central Gippsland — small coastal town on the Ninety Mile Beach
 * in Central Gippsland — small town on the Avon River with many parks and cafes to see, as well as a yearly Shakespeare festival
 * in West Gippsland — service centre of the West Gippsland area
 * on the Bass Coast — coal mining town and local commercial centre
 * in Central Gippsland — tourist village with a number of stores and cafes

Other destinations

 * - hiking, riding, camping, water birds, koalas
 * – Penguins south of Melbourne
 * – Central Gippsland's best-preserved temperate rainforest.
 * – hiking, bush camping, diving
 * – hiking, bush camping, diving

Understand
Gippsland is a rural region of Victoria, which stretches from the Bass Coast to the border with New South Wales. The temperature in Gippsland is generally temperate, though it does vary by region — East Gippsland may be hit with snowfall in the winter months, while Central Gippsland is more prone to rain. In early Australian history, gold rushes struck across Gippsland, however there wasn't much to be found, although some of these gold rush settlements are still there today. What Gippsland is rich in, however, is brown coal, having the world's largest brown coal deposits. The Latrobe Valley is the centre of Victoria's energy industry, however, as the fossil fuel industry becomes less profitable, power stations such as Hazelwood have closed down.

Gippsland is also very fire prone. A particular 2014 fire which started in the Hazelwood mine was particularly devastating to the Latrobe Valley, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and leading to deaths. The mine operators were ultimately fined for occupational health and safety breaches leading to the fire. More internationally famous are the Black Summer bushfires, which hit East Gippsland hard and lead to the evacuation of over 1000 people from Mallacoota.

By train
V/Line regional train services operate across Gippsland. Trains are available from Melbourne's Southern Cross station along the Bairnsdale line. For any trains that go past Traralgon, you will need to purchase a paper ticket either online or at a staffed train station. Otherwise, you will use a Myki card. The V-Line train stops at, among others-
 * Warragul
 * Yarragon
 * Moe
 * Traralgon
 * Sale (paper ticket required)
 * Stratford (paper ticket required)
 * Bairnsdale (paper ticket required)

Timetables for services to Traralgon are available here. Timetables for services past Traralgon are available here.

By coach
Coach/bus services are operated by V/Line. Paper tickets are required on coach services, and can be purchased online or at a staffed train station. Coaches operate to a variety of destinations across Gippsland, including to Phillip Island, Wonthaggi, Fish Creek, Leongatha, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Orbost and Cann River. A full list of timetables is available here.

By car
Melbourne is the best jumping-off point for exploring Gippsland via car. The M1/A1 route will take you into Gippsland, and car hire is very easy.

Get around
Cars can be hired in major towns. The M1/A1 route takes you through many of Gippsland's largest towns, including Traralgon, Sale and Bairnsdale. The M420 highway, which forks off from the M1 at Dandenong, is the route to take to see South Gippsland. The larger A440 highway forks off from the M420 outside Lang Lang, and passes through Leongatha, Foster and Yarram. The A440 meets the A1 highway in Sale. Detours can easily be taken from the A440 to see the Ninety Mile Beach. Meanwhile, at the end of the M420, you can take the B420 to see Phillip Island.

See
Gippsland has a variety of natural destinations to see. The Ninety Mile Beach, on the Central Gippsland coast, is a long stretch of untamed coastline dotted with small coastal towns. Wilsons Promontory is a national park and the southernmost point of Australia, and a good destination for hiking enthusiasts. Mount Baw Baw, located in the famous Great Dividing Range, is home to a ski resort which has a number of beginner to intermediate ski runs, as well as cross country trails across the Baw Baw plateau. In summer, it's a popular walking destination.

Tarra-Bulga is a national park consisting of thousands of acres of indigenous eucalypt forest, with diverse flora and fauna and walking tracks. Morwell National Park is smaller, but still contains rainforest remnants. Expect to see koalas, wallabies and possibly lyrebirds. Wombats may make an appearance at dusk. Mount Tassie is the highest peak in the Strzelecki Ranges, and boasts 360 degree panoramic views.

The old gold mining township of Walhalla in the mountains has history, good bushwalks, a good tour through the Long Tunnel Extended Mine, and several nice funky cafes. The Walhalla Goldfields Railway operates on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, over a route through the wild and atmospheric Stringers Creek gorge.

Itineraries

 * The East Gippsland Rail Trail is a bike and walking path starting in Bairnsdale down the path of the former Orbost railway line.
 * The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail is a bike and walking path starting in Traralgon and ending in Stratford down the former Maffra railway line. It's mainly on flat gravel through the heart of Gippsland.

Do
The Gippsland Lakes are a network of lakes, fed by various rivers across Gippsland such as the Avon, Latrobe and Tambo rivers. The largest lake town is Lakes Entrance, and it's easy to discover the water by renting a boat or going on a cruise from one of the maritime towns. Fishing is also an option, as most of the towns have jetties. Companies such as Farout Charters, which is based in Lakes Entrance, offer boats and equipment for fishing.

There are a number of former rail lines in Gippsland that have now been converted into "rail trails" for cycling. These range from shorter journeys, such as the Grand Ridge Rail Trail from Mirboo North to Boolarra, to longer journeys that could make a trip by themselves, such as the East Gippsland Rail Trail, which is  long, and only accessible by mountain bikes in some sections.

Hiking is a popular activity in Gippsland. The Grand Strzelecki Track connects Morwell and Tarra-Bulga national parks for, taking approximately 3 to 4 days through Gippsland's Strzelecki Ranges. Camping stops are available across the track. Hikes are also available through national parks in Gippsland, such as the Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit Walk, which is a walk through remote rainforest and coastal beaches that takes 3 days.

Gippsland's natural beauty and untouched wilderness also offers plenty of options for four wheel driving. Tracks such as the Wonnagatta Drive near Dargo go through hamlets and small towns, and take days to complete. Shorter tracks like the Coopracambra Link drive near Cann River only take a day, taking you through the wilderness and waterfalls.

Eat
Gippsland's cuisine is largely similar to that of Australia as a whole. A frequent feature of small towns in Gippsland is the pub or hotel. These are establishments that are usually split into bar and bistro sections, although sometimes there might just be one area where the two are mixed. The bar section is for drinking, and beers such as Carlton and VB will probably be available, as well as some local specialties. The bistro is a dining area, and serves what's known as "pub food", which can include steak, burgers, parmigiana, potato wedges, and other similar foods. Don't expect anything too special, though every pub is different. In many towns, they may be the only option for dining out.

Cafes are also common, though not as much so as the pub. These will often only be open for breakfast and lunch, with a focus on coffee and other hot drinks. While most cafes won't just serve hot drinks, how much more exactly they serve may vary. Smaller cafes might just have a few select items — say, pastries or hot chips, to give a few examples - while others may offer breakfast and lunch menus. Additionally, no discussion of Gippsland cuisine would be complete without the fish and chips shop. It's not universal, but it's a popular option nationwide, and apart from the obvious fish and chips (which, depending on where you're staying, could be locally caught), potato cakes, dim sims, and hamburgers may also be on the menu.

In larger towns, the cuisine is predictably more broad. There's usually a broader palate of options — for example, it's likely a town of a few thousand might have a Chinese restaurant, multiple cafes, etc. In the regional centres, while the pickings aren't as broad as Melbourne, they're the largest you'll have available in Gippsland. There's likely to be multiple restaurants, a couple of pubs, and what is there is likely to be more specialised — there might be a steakhouse, there might be a chicken shop, there might be a pizza restaurant.

Fast food is on offer in some places as well. Here's a helpful table to show what's available where. A tick signifies that the franchise has a store in the location, while a cross signifies that they're not available in that location.

Drink
The abundance of pubs in Gippsland means you shouldn't ever starve for liquor in the region. Many supermarkets will also have a dedicated liquor section. But in terms of actual nightlife, unlike Melbourne, it's basically nonexistent. Some towns may have occasional festivals or entertainment events, but that's about it. However, wineries are common across the region. Examples include Nicholson River Winery in East Gippsland and Lucinda Estate in South Gippsland.

Stay safe
There is always a potential fire hazard during the summer months, so watch out for fire warning signs on the roads.

The coast is long and mostly not patrolled, so be careful of swimming.

Go next

 * Melbourne
 * The Sapphire Coast or the Snowy Mountains in southeastern New South Wales

title: Gippsland


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Girón

Girón is a city in the Santander department of Eastern Andino. It is 10 km from Bucaramanga, and is famous for its colonial downtown.

Get in
By bus

Bucaramanga's bus terminal is located between Bucaramanga and Girón. Buses coming from Medellín can stop on the main road a few blocks from the town's main plaza.

Get around
By bus

Bucaramanga's local buses cover Girón. Buses to Bucaramanga can be hailed along Calle 28 in the old quarter. They go to various locations in the City. Most will pass near the bus terminal on the way. For the terminal ask the driver to let you at the steps leading to the bridge just west of the terminal.

Coming from Bucaramanga, buses to Girón can be hailed from many places around town (Carreras 15, 22, 33, etc...). Look for the red "Trans Giron" buses. Fares are COP$2,400 (Jan 2024).

Eat

 * Hormigas Culonas
 * Arepa Santandereana
 * Carne Oreada
 * Carne Seca
 * Cabro
 * Mute
 * Changua
 * Yuca

title: Girón


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Girdwood

Girdwood is a community in the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska, about 30 miles (48 km) south of Anchorage town center along the Seward Highway. It is home to Alaska's largest ski area, the Alyeska Resort, which was home to the 2007 US Alpine Ski Championships.

Get in
The main access to Girdwood is along the Seward Highway, it is a very scenic drive but can be slow during peak summer travel times.

There is a train from Anchorage to Girdwood

Girdwood does have a small landing strip/airport in town but it is primarily used as a base of operations for local heli-skiing guide companies and given the length of the runway it is suitable for only small prop planes; thus ruling out air travel as a method for getting to town. This means almost everyone who comes to Girdwood including Alaskan locals come in by car or shuttle. For those originating farther a field the closest major airport is the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage. The airport is served by most major airlines and can be reached on non-stop flights from such major US cities as Denver, Seattle, and San Francisco. If not renting a car, prior to arrival one should arrange shuttle travel to Girdwood and have them meet you at the airport.

By bus Girdwood is 40 miles or 1 hours ride from Anchorage, it is served by the Seward bus line.

Get around
The Alyeska Resort Hotel provides a shuttle from the hotel to the Seward Highway. Given this situation, the tiny nature of the town and that a shuttle is an easy option from Anchorage there is no desperate need for a rental car.

Do
Girdwood and its accompanying ski area Alyeska resort comprise a four-season full-service resort, with the following activities available:

Buy
There is not much really in the way of shopping in Girdwood, although the town does offer a few restaurants that sell local art work as well as the following:

Eat
Girdwood is a surprisingly good place to eat with a lot of genuine, well done, and well priced food.

Stay safe
Crime is not much of a concern in Girdwood and the surrounding area; however, as is the case in all of Alaska, mother nature is less amiable. Threats include: bears, floods, and weather. Snowstorms blow in quickly and can cause power outages that may last days depending on the remoteness of your location, as well as block off roads with several feet of snow that may fall in a single night. Bring extra food, just in case, and always carry chains in your car as the road restrictions can come up quickly.

Do not feed the bears. Do not leave food or food wrappers in your car.

Go next
Prince William Sound is a 30-minute drive from Girdwood. Sea kayaking is a great way for energetic people to explore the coves and bays of this pristine environment.

title: Girdwood


text:
Giresun

Giresun is a city on the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey.

Understand
The name of "cherry" in many languages (including English) derives from Giresun's ancient name (Kerasous in Ancient Greek, Latinised to Cerasus) as this was where cherries were purportedly first exported to Europe, during the Roman Empire. However, it has been far better associated with the cultivation of hazelnuts; up to one-tenth of all hazelnut production in the world comes from Giresun Province (Giresun may be more famous for its local hazelnut variety, but nevertheless neighbouring Ordu tops the list with a whopping one-fifth or even more of the total world production).

Historic records reveal that the city was dominated by the Miletians, Persians, their subsidiary Kingdom of Pontus, Romans, Byzantines and the Byzantine-offshoot Empire of Trebizond. The older parts of the city are on a peninsula crowned by a ruined Byzantine fortress, sheltering the small natural harbour. Nearby is Giresun Island, in ancient times called Aretias, the only major Black Sea island in Turkish territory. According to legend, the island was sacred to the Amazons, who had dedicated a temple to the war god Ares here. Even today, fertility rites are performed there every May, usually involving the famed boulder named the Hamza Stone on the east side of the island, now shrouded as a popular practice but in reality a 4,000-year-old celebration.

Giresun has a population of about 140,000 as of the early 2020s, and has a relatively liberal culture compared with its neighbours in Eastern Karadeniz.

By car
Giresun lies on the coastal highway D010, between Ordu (48 km west) and Trabzon, the regional capital (130 km east).

By plane
The closest commercial airport is Ordu-Giresun, also abbreviated to Or-gi, 32 km west. It is nominally international but receives flights only from Istanbul (both airports, multiple times daily) and Ankara (once daily).

Trabzon Airport, 137 km east, serves flights from a much wider array of domestic, European, and Middle Eastern destinations.

Buy
Hazelnut butter,Best roasted hazelnuts.

Drink
With plenty of bars, Giresun has a relatively lively nightlife, and the destination of weekend trips for many regional visitors from nearby cities of Ordu and Trabzon.

Connect
Telephone code of Giresun is (+90) 454.

title: Giresun


text:
Gir Forest National Park

Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan-Gir, is a wildlife sanctuary and protected forest area in Gujarat, India. It is considered one of the most important protected natural areas in Asia due to the rare animals living here, particularly the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica).

The scientific classification of the various types of lion has changed: Asiatic lions are now viewed as an isolated population of a subspecies that includes lions in Central and West Africa, plus the regionally extinct North African lion. Lions of East and Southern Africa are classified into another subspecies.

Understand
The park has a total area of 1412 km², from which 258 km² are in the fully protected national park and the remaining 1153 km² make up the sanctuary.

History
The Gir forest area and the Asiatic lions were first "protected" by the Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh at the start of the 20th century, which saved the lion population from being wiped out by trophy hunters. In 1965 the national park was established.

In 2005 there were only 52 Asiatic lions in the wild, but conservation efforts have resulted in a major population increase, with over 500 Asiatic lions now living.

Climate
Between April to June it can be very hot. From November to early February, the weather is pretty cool, and this is the most pleasant season to visit. It can be chilly enough at the end of December to require winter clothing.

From 16 June to 15 October, the park is closed due to the summer monsoon.

Get in
It seems most accepted to spend the night at a hotel in Junagadh and take a bus or taxi to Gir early in the morning.

By plane
The closest airport with commercial service is in Rajkot, which has regular flights from Mumbai and Delhi. From Rajkot it is about 160 km to Gir.

By train
There are regular trains to Junagadh (65 km from Gir) and Veraval (45 km from Gir) from other parts of India, notably Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

There is reportedly a once-daily train from Junagadh direct to Gir, which however misses the times for the lion safari in the park.

By bus
There are buses from Ahmedabad.

Fees and permits
See the Gir National Park Website to book a jeep safari for Gir National Park. This website is frequently not working. Beware private tour companies that claim to represent the national park.

This is not the official website for Gir

See

 * Among the many species living here, the Asiatic lion is surely the most treasured of all, as the Gir Forest National Park is the only place in the world where these rare lions have survived. A breeding programme was set up and so far succeeded in bringing forward some 180 lions. In 2015 the population here was 523.
 * Other fauna is diverse and plentiful and includes at least 38 mammals and some 300 species of birds. Some 37 different species of reptiles have been documented too. Among the most spectacular possible sightings are Indian Leopards, jungle cats, striped hyenas, sloth bears and Indian cobras. There are golden jackals, Indian mongoose, Ratels and Indian Palm Civets as well as chital deer, nilgai, four-horned Antelopes, wild boars and many other animals.
 * Flora in the area is also of high value, with over 500 plant species documented.

Photography
Photography is the best way to capture the beauty of Gir National Park. You can take photos of wildlife and nature, as well as pictures of beautiful scenery, sunrise, and sunset, as well as night sky photography.

Jungle safari
If you want to see Gir National Park in its entirety, a safari is the best way. You can do it on foot or in jeeps - you just need a vehicle and time to enjoy it thoroughly. The park offers different types of safaris throughout the year, so if you're interested in seeing more animals than just elephants then choose one with longer hours (or even two days).

Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a popular activity in Gir National Park. The park has many bird species, including migratory birds. Some of these birds include:

 * Painted stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)
 * Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
 * White-naped crane (Grus vipio)

Eat
Snacks like potato chips are available. There are small food stalls with average quality of food are present. Prices are nominal.

Sleep
There are a few lodges in and near the park. You can also stay further away, for example in Junagadh.

title: Gir Forest National Park


text:
Giridih

Giridih,  is a mining town in northern Jharkhand, India.

Get in

 * By rail - 38 km from Madhupur on the Howrah-Delhi main line. Madhupur is 294 km from Kolkata. There is a branch line from Madhupur to Giridih. There is single passenger train which run 5 times during the day and it takes about an hour to reach Giridih. Parasnath railway station, on the Howrah-Delhi grand chord line, is 48 km from Giridih. The adjacent town is called Isri, it is on Grand Trunk Road.
 * By bus - regular buses connect it with Ranchi, Munger, Dhanbad (65 km from Giridih), Bhagalpur, Koderma and other places. Dumri on Grand Trunk Road (NH 2) is about 45 km from Giridih.

See

Do

 * Enjoy scenic beauty of Khandoli dam,Watch classic movies in Orbit miniplex or savera theater, have good food at Madhuban vegis, hotel Vrindavan, hotel Ashoka International, hotel Orbit retreat or gally Hotel.
 * If you are old and retired, Giridih is a nice place to spend the rest of your life in peace and harmony.
 * Parasnath is one of the famous holy place for Jain people.
 * A guided trip to the jungle
 * Climb Christian hill
 * Go to Beniadih coal mines.
 * A guided trek from Bengabaad to Pachamba or from Maheshmunda to Sugga Pahari through the forest

Buy
Kheerkadam from the shops named Tripti, Natraj.

Sleep

Go next

 * Parasnath Hills – about 40 km from Giridh, it is a Jain pilgrimage centre.
 * Deoghar – 112 km, it is Hindu pilgrimage centre.

title: Giridih


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Girona

Girona is the chief city of Província de Girona in Catalonia, northeast Spain. In Castilian Spanish it's called Gerona, but this page uses Catalan spellings. In 2023 the city had a population of 104,320, with about another 50,000 in the adjoining town of Salt.

The city is astride trade and pilgrimage routes from France into Spain, and pilgrimage traffic is as strong as ever: "But we're nowhere near Barcelona!" is the plaintive cry of sun-seekers who boarded a flight to a place that Ryanair called Barcelona-Girona. It's actually less than 100 km, the transfer bus will be along any minute, and for beach resorts along the Costa Brava, Girona is the closest airport. But it would be a mistake to rush away to those places and fail to explore this fascinating ancient city, with its cathedral, walls and higgledy-piggledy medieval streets ranged upon the hillside.

Understand
Girona is at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants and Güell rivers, so transport routes across Catalonia are focussed here. It was the Roman city of Gerunda, astride their cross-country road to Cádiz. It was captured by the Moors in 715 AD but reconquered by the Holy Roman Empire in 785, though it suffered a century of destructive further attacks. So like other northern towns, Girona doesn't have the Moorish heritage seen in Andalucia, which they held for another 700 years. It did however acquire a large Jewish population, until they were expelled from Spain in 1492. From the 17th to 19th centuries it was repeatedly assaulted from France, but this ended with the defeat of Napoleon. Its city walls were then taken down on the west side, but have been retained on the east side around Old Town (Barri Vell) and the university.

Town centre is along the Onyar river, with Old Town on the east bank; the Onyar then joins the larger Ter, swinging north towards the coast. C de Calderers is the main thoroughfare on this bank. New Town is west and south, a 19th-century grid with the majority of shops, hotels and restaurants, plus the railway and bus stations.

Girona is an all-year destination but in winter can suffer cold winds from the mountains, with temperatures sometimes below −5 °C (23 °F), and frequent rain. In summer temperatures often soar to 30–40 °C (86–104 °F), and citizens escape to the coast whenever they can.

By plane
To town: Sagalés Bus 607 runs at irregular hours to meet the flights, taking 30 min to the bus station. Bus 602 from Barcelona Airport/Barcelona/Aeroport de Girona/Girona/Figures also stops here. It's the same ticket for either (€2.60 in 2024), buy from the kiosk by the bus stops.

By train
Four high speed international trains per day run from Barcelona Sants (one starting from Madrid via Zaragoza), taking 40 min non-stop to Girona. They continue north to Figueres, Perpignan and Narbonne, then fan out to Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Reservations are compulsory.

AVE fast domestic trains run every 30 min from Barcelona Sants, taking 40 min non-stop to Girona and continuing to Figueres.

Rodalies are the regional trains. runs hourly from Barcelona Sants taking 90 min, then continues north via Figueres and multiple other stops to Portbou and Cerbère across the border. Until the high speed line opened in 2010 this was the railway route from France (Salvador Dalí painted a typically surreal impression of the journey) and you can still come this way.

By bus
The bus station is underground within the high-speed part of the railway station. One overnight Flixbus runs from Barcelona to Girona, and continues to Béziers, Montpellier, Nîmes and Lyon - change there for Paris. Their buses from Madrid and further south don't stop in Girona.

Blablacar is a ride-share system from other cities.

Sagalés is the main bus line within Catalonia. Bus 602 runs three times a day from Barcelona El Prat Airport T1 and T2 to Barcelona bus station, Girona Airport and town (2 hr 30 min) and continues to Figueres.

Bus 601 runs from Blanes every hour or two, taking 70 minutes.

Bus e4 663 runs from Lloret de Mar every 30 min, taking 40 minutes.

By road
From France follow A9 / E15 south past Narbonne, Perpignan and Figueres.

From Barcelona follow E15 north.

Car hire is available at the airport and by the railway station.

By foot
Walk both Old Town and New Town west of the river are compact and mostly pedestrianized. In Old Town, expect gradients, lumpy cobblestones and steep stairs.

Don't take a car into the old streets, you'll need a tin opener to get it out again.

By bus
Buses have nine local lines:
 * L1 is north–south from Montjuïc to Devesa Park, railway & bus station, Migdia and Avellaneda.
 * L2 is north–south from Josep Trueta Hospital to Devesa Park then as L1.
 * L5 is north–south from Germans-Sabat to Devesa Park, Salt and Aiguaviva.
 * L7 is east–west from Torre Gironella to Hospital Santa Caterina.
 * L8 is from the railway & bus station, and L9 from Salt, and L11 from Güell, all heading south to the university Centre and Montilivi campuses.
 * L10 is south from the railway & bus station to Fornells.
 * L12 loops town from Josep Trueta Hospital to Av Ramon Folch and the cathedral to Sant Daniel.

By bicycle
There are many well-signed bicycle trails in and around the city. See "Buy" for the bike shop near Plaza de Catalunya.

Girocleta is the bike-share service, based at the bus station.

See

 * is an exhibition space at C dels Ciutadans 19.
 * is referred to a "castle", but it's simply a watchtower at the highest point of the city walls, with a good view of town and gardens below.
 * is an exhibition space at C dels Ciutadans 19.
 * is referred to a "castle", but it's simply a watchtower at the highest point of the city walls, with a good view of town and gardens below.
 * is an exhibition space at C dels Ciutadans 19.
 * is referred to a "castle", but it's simply a watchtower at the highest point of the city walls, with a good view of town and gardens below.
 * is an exhibition space at C dels Ciutadans 19.
 * is referred to a "castle", but it's simply a watchtower at the highest point of the city walls, with a good view of town and gardens below.
 * is an exhibition space at C dels Ciutadans 19.
 * is referred to a "castle", but it's simply a watchtower at the highest point of the city walls, with a good view of town and gardens below.
 * City walls sweep round in an arc from the Faculty of Law to the south, Torre Gironella and Torre de Sant Domènec midway, and Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants to the north. You can walk along them.
 * spans the Onyar River, a metal lattice pedestrian bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. It gives a good view of the houses huddled along it. In summer the river dries to a smelly trickle.
 * is the focal point of New Town west of the river, lined by restaurants and bars.
 * Santa Susanna del Mercadal is a parish church on C de l'Obra opposite the Cinema Museum. It's Gothic from around 1600, but almost completely rebuilt in 1940.
 * near the river confluence is wooded and crossed by cycle and walking paths.
 * near the river confluence is wooded and crossed by cycle and walking paths.

Further out

 * is the crumbling remnants of a fortress, built from 1653 to keep the French at bay but no match for Napoleon, and abandoned after 1814. As in Barcelona, "Montjuïc" means "Hill of the Jews" and was their cemetery; their homes and businesses were on "The Call", C de la Força near the cathedral. After they were expelled in 1492 most of the tombstones were pilfered for masonry but several survive in museums. The cemetery was forgotten until the railway drilled through in 1862 and there's nothing to see of it now. The hill was declared a "green zone" in 1955 but became a squatters' shanty town, until 1971 when the squatters also were expelled and the area turned into residential suburbs. You'd only come up here for the view, take Bus L1.
 * is a sturdy well-preserved fortress with two distinctive towers, mostly built from 1495. It's now a private mansion and you can't even see the exterior, as it's screened from the street by other buildings and woodland.
 * is a ruined bastion in the hills 5 km east of town, a pleasant hike.
 * is a broad eastern area of protected hill country, dotted with other ruins.
 * in Púbol was the quirky residence of Salvador Dalí and his wife Gala, a converted castle that's now a museum.

Do

 * Football:
 * Golf: there are 3 pitch & putts around town. The nearest full courses are at Sant Feliu de Guíxols on the coast, as Golf Girona has closed down.
 * Long distance bicycle routes crossing the city are the Pirinexus, Ruta del Carrilet d'Olot and Via Augusta.
 * Catalan Way of St. James is one of several pilgrimage routes converging on Santiago de Compostela. The local sections are from Bàscara via Orriols, Viladasens, Cervià de Ter, Medinyà and Sarrià de Ter to Girona (33 km, 8 hours), then onward to Bescanó, St Julià Llor i Bonmatí, Anglès, La Cellera de Ter, El Pasteral and Amer (27 km, 8 hours).
 * Semana Santa, Holy Week, is between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. There are many religious processions and ceremonies, and the city is booked up while it's on.

Buy

 * Supermarkets are south of Old Town, where there's more chance of delivery vans getting in and out. Spar is at Ciutadans 15 near the Jewish Museum (open daily), and Novavende is at Hortes 18 near the Cinema Museum (M-Sa).
 * Flea Market is on Saturday on the riverbank north side of Devesa Park.

Eat

 * Plaça Independencia and Rambla de la Lliberitat by the cathedral are touristy, with bland overpriced food.

Mid-range

 * Taj Bangla is next door at Cort-Reial 6, open 12:00-16:00, 19:00-00:00.
 * Taj Bangla is next door at Cort-Reial 6, open 12:00-16:00, 19:00-00:00.
 * Taj Bangla is next door at Cort-Reial 6, open 12:00-16:00, 19:00-00:00.
 * Taj Bangla is next door at Cort-Reial 6, open 12:00-16:00, 19:00-00:00.

Drink

 * Wine: Girona is within Empordà DO (Denominación de Origen), which is subdivided into upper (Alt Empordà towards the French border) and lower (Baix Empordà towards the coast). Some two dozen grape varieties are cultivated, and the region also produces cava.
 * Wine: Girona is within Empordà DO (Denominación de Origen), which is subdivided into upper (Alt Empordà towards the French border) and lower (Baix Empordà towards the coast). Some two dozen grape varieties are cultivated, and the region also produces cava.
 * Wine: Girona is within Empordà DO (Denominación de Origen), which is subdivided into upper (Alt Empordà towards the French border) and lower (Baix Empordà towards the coast). Some two dozen grape varieties are cultivated, and the region also produces cava.
 * Wine: Girona is within Empordà DO (Denominación de Origen), which is subdivided into upper (Alt Empordà towards the French border) and lower (Baix Empordà towards the coast). Some two dozen grape varieties are cultivated, and the region also produces cava.
 * Wine: Girona is within Empordà DO (Denominación de Origen), which is subdivided into upper (Alt Empordà towards the French border) and lower (Baix Empordà towards the coast). Some two dozen grape varieties are cultivated, and the region also produces cava.
 * Wine: Girona is within Empordà DO (Denominación de Origen), which is subdivided into upper (Alt Empordà towards the French border) and lower (Baix Empordà towards the coast). Some two dozen grape varieties are cultivated, and the region also produces cava.

Stay safe
Take usual caution over traffic, care of valuables, and avoiding rowdy drunks.

Connect
As of Jan 2024, Girona and its approach highways have 5G from all Spanish carriers.

Go next

 * Barcelona – An hour to the south by train and the capital of Catalonia with an endless list of things to see and do.
 * Costa Brava – Rocky cliffs and a mix of pebble beaches and sandy beaches at Blanes, Cadaqués, and Tossa de Mar. Sant Feliu de Guíxols and L'Estartit are particularly easy to get to/from via bus from Girona's main bus station (under the train station).
 * Girona Pyrenees – Monumental mountain towns, skiing resorts and la Garrotxa volcanoes.

title: Girona


text:
Girona (province)

Girona is a province in Catalonia, Spain.

Regions
Girona province is usually divided into 3 tourist regions:

Cities

 * — nice old town with an impressive Jewish quarter
 * — a very old town to the west of Figueres that has a historic bridge
 * — southernmost resort with two botanical gardens
 * — a nice seaside town that also houses one of Dalí's homes
 * — a compact mountain town with two wineries and some good restaurants
 * — further west than Besalú, but worth the trip as it's a striking town perched along a narrow sliver of rock jutting out in to a canyon
 * — home to the Dalí museum
 * — a beach resort with a reputation for its nightlife
 * — medieval town close to Girona
 * — a pleasant old town that was once the capital of the Empúries kingdom. Now it sits at the base of a mountain that goes up to a castle. A good day hike for those inclined

Other destinations

 * — made a Dark Sky Place

Get in
Girona province regional transport hub is Girona city with Girona/Costa Brava international airport and high speed train connection to Barcelona and Paris in France.

See Girona for more detailed information.

See

 * The old city and walls of Girona
 * Beaches, coves and traditional fishing villages on the Costa Brava coast.
 * Botanical gardens in Blanes.
 * The Dali Museum in Figueres.
 * Old towns on the Girona Pyrenees
 * La Fageda d'en Jordà Fagus sylvatica forest natural park and Santa Margarida volcano near Olot

Eat
There are many restaurants in Girona, including El Celler de Can Roca, which has 3 Michelin stars and is considered by many the best restaurant in the world. Two other important restaurants in Girona province are Les cols in Olot and Miramar in Llançà, both of which have 2 Michelin stars.

The Costa Brava region also has some renowned restaurants, including Miramar in Llançà with 2 Michelin stars, and la Llar in Empuriabrava and Els Brancs in Roses, with one star each. You can also find plenty of touristic restaurants with seafood and paella and traditional restaurants with Catalan cuisine in all the towns and cities.

Girona Pyrenees region has some Michelin-starred restaurants such as les Cols (2 stars) and Ca l'Enric (1 star) in Olot and Fonda Xesc (1 star) in Combrèn. Most restaurants in this touristic region serve traditional Catalan cuisine.

title: Girona (province)


text:
Gironde

Gironde is a department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwest France.

Towns

 * is the attractive capital, a for its fine architecture.
 * is a beach resort.
 * is another beach resort.
 * is the main town of a wine-producing area.

Other destinations

 * village is a nudist / naturist resort.

Get in

 * Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport

See

 * Château de Langoiran is a castle founded in the 13th century.
 * Château de Langoiran is a castle founded in the 13th century.
 * Château de Langoiran is a castle founded in the 13th century.

Do

 * For vineyard tours and wine tasting, see Bordeaux.

Eat
-Noisettines du Medoc: A confectionery made in Medoc since 1981 in the north of Aquitaine. It is based on high quality hazelnuts, gauged and unshelled. http://www.noisettines.fr

title: Gironde


text:
Girvan

Girvan is a seaside town in Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland. With a population of 6330 in 2020, it has a long, sandy beach and expanded as a resort when the railway arrived in Victorian times. But being the furthest out of the "Costa Clyde" resorts, and too far to become a commuter town for Glasgow, it's retained more of its original character as a fishing village.

Get in
By train from Glasgow Central take the train to Ayr, which runs via Paisley Gilmour St, Kilbirnie, Kilwinning, Irvine, Troon and Prestwick Airport and town. Change at Ayr for the onward train to Girvan, which is from Kilmarnock to Stranraer. The service is hourly, taking just under 90 min from Glasgow, with the last departure at 9:30PM.

is half a mile north of town centre. It has a staffed ticket office (open M-Sa 6:30AM-1:30PM, Su 11AM-6:30PM) but no machines, so if you start from here out of hours, pay on board. The waiting room and toilets are open same hours as the ticket office. There is step-free access only to platform 1. In practice, this is the only one used.

By bus from Glasgow likewise means changing in Ayr. Start by taking the X77 from Glasgow Buchanan station, which runs every 30 min and takes 80 min to Ayr. From there take Stagecoach Bus 58 / 60, which runs every 30 min either along the coast past Turnberry or meandering inland, taking 80 min to Girvan. Bus 358 / 360 takes the same route then continues south from Girvan to the Cairnryan ferry terminals and Stranraer. The main bus stop in Girvan is by the railway station.

Bus 359 runs from Newton Stewart every two hours M-Sa, taking 70 min via Glen Trool.

By car from Glasgow follow A77, 90 min to Girvan; the highway continues to Cairnryan and Stranraer, another 45 min.

Get around
Girvan is small enough to walk around. Buses 58 / 60 make many stops along the main road, see above.

Taxi firms in town are Joe's (+44 1465 713737), McCartney's (+44 1465 712085), Paddy's (+44 1465 710000), Four Fours (+44 1465 714444), and DD Cabs (+44 1465 715282).

See

 * Girvan Community Garden is in the block just west of Dalrymple St.
 * is a ruined 15th century tower house above the village of Lendalfoot 6 miles south of Girvan along A77.
 * Turnberry Castle is a scrappy ruin on a headland next to Turnberry Golf Course north of Girvan, you come for the sea view and the walk to the lighthouse. The castle is the likely birthplace of Robert the Bruce (1274-1329). Under his reign Scotland asserted its independence in the Declaration of Arbroath, and this was accepted by England in a treaty of 1328.
 * is a small village a few miles north of Turnberry, where rocks create a natural harbour. The rock stacks are the original "maidens".
 * Culzean Castle is 3 miles north of Maidens, see Ayr.
 * 3 miles northeast of Girvan is a 16th-century tower house restored as a luxury mansion. No tours, but you can rent the lot for a very upmarket wedding or holiday, sleeps 44.
 * further east near Dailly village had similar ambitions but is derelict. The old castle was a 16th century tower house abandoned in 1790: its ruin stands 300 yards from the new castle. The latter was a mansion built by Robert Adam, too expensive to maintain, and its roof was removed in 1967 to avoid taxation as a dwelling. There were grandiose plans to rebuild it as a golf resort in 2019, nicely in time to be sunk by the covid travel slump.
 * , the lonely pyramid west out to sea, is an uninhabited wildlife reserve, see below for boat trips.
 * , the lonely pyramid west out to sea, is an uninhabited wildlife reserve, see below for boat trips.

Do

 * Beaches are sandy south side of town. Kite surfers and windsurfers enjoy relatively calm seas yet a stiff breeze.
 * Fishing: try the end of the pier, or off some of the rocky outcrops a couple of miles south of the town.
 * Golf: the famous one is Turnberry, next to Trump Turnberry Hotel, see Sleep. Their courses are the Ailsa (£375 pp), the King Robert the Bruce (£120), and the Arran (9 holes, regarded as a practice course).
 * Open Links of Ayrshire is a combi-package with Turnberry, Prestwick Old Course and Royal Troon. Reckon £2000 for a couple playing all three, plus accommodation and meals at Turnberry. You can't book this online, call +44 1655 333 991 or email reservations@trumpturnberry.com.
 * There are two golf courses at the north edge of Girvan itself.
 * There are two golf courses at the north edge of Girvan itself.

 * Hill-walking: Waymarked trails start at the south of the town. One leads over the hills to Barr; the trails are very quiet and you are unlikely to come across other hikers. The markers are poorly spaced and the surfaces are slithery after rain. Take a map and sturdy footwear.
 * The Quay Zone by the harbour is a leisure centre with gym, fitness classes and swimming pool.
 * Girvan Folk Festival is held in early May.
 * Carrick Lowland Gathering is similar to Highland Games and Clan Gatherings. It's held on Victory Park Girvan, in early June.

Buy

 * Asda supermarket is by the railway station, open M-Sa 7AM-11PM, Su 8AM-10PM.

Eat

 * In early summer, get a bag of new Ayrshire potatoes. Perfect when boiled up in salty water and served with plenty of butter.
 * Main drag for cheap and cheerful eats in Girvan is Dalrymple Street, spilling into Bridge St and Hamilton St.
 * Auld Acquaintance at 9 Dalrymple St is quirky and creative fusion food. It remains closed in 2022.
 * Eat local travellers according to the implausible legend of Sawney Bean. He supposedly lived in the sea caves south of Ballantrae in the 16th and 17th century. If he really did, then he devoured all witnesses and documentary evidence of these deeds as thoroughly as he ate his dinners.
 * Eat local travellers according to the implausible legend of Sawney Bean. He supposedly lived in the sea caves south of Ballantrae in the 16th and 17th century. If he really did, then he devoured all witnesses and documentary evidence of these deeds as thoroughly as he ate his dinners.
 * Eat local travellers according to the implausible legend of Sawney Bean. He supposedly lived in the sea caves south of Ballantrae in the 16th and 17th century. If he really did, then he devoured all witnesses and documentary evidence of these deeds as thoroughly as he ate his dinners.

Drink

 * Town centre choices are Harbour Bar and Flix Theme Bar (F-Su 10PM-2AM). Athletic Tavern is south down Dalrymple St.
 * Grant's Distillery a couple of miles north of town make grain Scotch whisky for blending into Grant's various brands, plus a new malt whisky line, and Hendrick's Gin. They don't do tours.

Sleep

 * Caravan pitches are available at Strathavon just north of the centre, and Byne Hill on A714 two miles south.
 * Glenapp Castle: see Stranraer for this swish affair in Ballantrae 10 miles south of Girvan off A77. You're unlikely to mistake it for Ardstinchar Castle a mile north, of which only one forlorn wall remains.
 * Glenapp Castle: see Stranraer for this swish affair in Ballantrae 10 miles south of Girvan off A77. You're unlikely to mistake it for Ardstinchar Castle a mile north, of which only one forlorn wall remains.
 * Glenapp Castle: see Stranraer for this swish affair in Ballantrae 10 miles south of Girvan off A77. You're unlikely to mistake it for Ardstinchar Castle a mile north, of which only one forlorn wall remains.
 * Glenapp Castle: see Stranraer for this swish affair in Ballantrae 10 miles south of Girvan off A77. You're unlikely to mistake it for Ardstinchar Castle a mile north, of which only one forlorn wall remains.
 * Glenapp Castle: see Stranraer for this swish affair in Ballantrae 10 miles south of Girvan off A77. You're unlikely to mistake it for Ardstinchar Castle a mile north, of which only one forlorn wall remains.

Connect
As of April 2022, Girvan has 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three.

Go next

 * Galloway Forest Park is the best area to get totally muddy on a mountain bike. Follow A714 towards Glen Trool and Newton Stewart.
 * Stranraer is a grubby industrial port, but a good base for exploring the scenic Mull of Galloway.
 * Ayr is a pleasant town on the coast, where the big attraction is Robert Burns' birthplace and memorial park.

title: Girvan


text:
Gisborne

Gisborne is a small sunny beachside city on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It's a popular holiday spot, especially in summer, as it has a warm, dry and sunny climate, swimming and surf beaches, wineries, and a more relaxed pace of life than larger cities. Due to its proximity to the international date line, it's the first city in the world to see the sun rise, which makes it a good place to spend New Year's Eve if you're looking for a party.

By car
Gisborne is three hours drive from Napier, the nearest city. It is a half day's drive from Rotorua, and a good day's drive from Auckland or Wellington, perhaps longer depending on the route you take.

By plane
There are frequent flights from Auckland and Wellington (both 1 hour) on Air New Zealand. It can be quite expensive compared to flying between Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch, but you can find good deals on Air New Zealand's Grabaseat site if you're lucky. Sunair has some flights from smaller cities. The airport is right on the western edge of the city.

By bus

 * InterCity Coachlines offer low cost bus services between Gisborne and many other North Island towns.

Get around
GizzyBus is the local bus service and operates M–F 7:10am–5:40pm, not on public holidays or weekends.

There is a taxi service and several rental car firms. A car is handy, especially if going out of town, say to Wainui Beach (7 km north of the central business district), Rere Falls, or the outlying wineries.

The CBD is small enough to be walked easily. It's an easy 10-15 min walk from the CBD to Waikanae Beach.

Do
Gisborne is a great summertime destination. Waikanae Beach is a nice beach right near the middle of town and continues into Midway Beach. If you have a car, it's worth venturing a little further out to Wainui, Makarori or any of the bays that you find if you drive north up the coast. Surfing, swimming and fishing are all big parts of local culture, so give these a go.

Eat
Dining in Gisborne is fairly casual. Daytime cafes and evening takeaways, including fish and chips, dominate, and a local speciality is the "all sauces," or a scoop of chips with tomato sauce, mayo, and garlic butter.

Many restaurants mark their hours as "til late," meaning when their last customer of the night has finished. Eating out after about 21:00 can limit your options.

Go next

 * Go south to Morere (hot pools), Wairoa and Napier.
 * Go north-west on State Highway 2 to the inland settlement of Matawai, on the Waioeka Gorge route to Opotiki.
 * Head north-east to East Cape and round to Opotiki on coastal State Highway 35. This trip will take a full day and features spectacular coastal views and contains some of the most remote settlements in New Zealand.

title: Gisborne


text:
Gisenyi

Gisenyi is a city in Rubavu district in Rwanda.

Understand
Gisenyi is a town on the north shore of Lake Kivu on the border with DR Congo (Goma) Gisenyi is coterminous with Goma, the city across the border in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Get in
Buses run two times a hour between Kigali and Gisenyi 3 hours. and at least once a day between Kibuye and Gisenyi.

Kampala Coach has a bus to Kampala Uganda. 14 hours.

By ferry
There is a ferry going from Gisenyi to Cyangugu via Kibuye every Wednesday and Sunday at 7am. The one way fare from Gisenyi to Kibuye is Rwf 2,500. and to Cyangugu Rwf 6,000. The ferry has been working since March 2014.

Get around
Gisenyi is a small town and can easily be gotten around on foot, alternatively there are hundreds of Motorbike Taxis around.

Do
Situated on the north of Lake Kivu, it also offers many opportunities for water sports or for excursions on the lake.

Gisenyi town features a resort on the shores of Lake Kivu, with best hotels and biggest sandy beaches. The area is also known for water sports. The northern shore of the lake on which Goma and Gisenyi lie is a flat plain featuring lava formations from the eruptions of nearby Nyiragongo Volcano.

Volunteer, Walking & Trekking, Kayaking & Boat trip, Community based Tours, Sightseeing Tours.
 * Wildlife Tours, Gorilla Trekking, Historical & Cultural, Village visits,

Go next
Gisenyi is right on the border with DR Congo and you can easily walk there, most nationalities can get an 8 day Congolese visa at the border for $35. Plane trips can be made from here to view the Nyiragongo volcano craters.

title: Gisenyi


text:
Giurgiu

Giurgiu is a city in Muntenia, on the northern bank of the Danube river. It's a major crossing point between Romania and Bulgaria.

By bus
There are frequent buses from Bucharest (at least one per hour), trip takes about slightly over one hour. There are also a few buses per day to/from Ruse, the Bulgarian city across the river (coming and heading to Bucharest), but note they practically pass on the outskirts of Giurgiu.

By train
There are several direct trains daily to/from Bucharest (international trains linking the Romanian capital with Sofia, Istanbul, Thessaloniki); they're rather slow (at least 2½ hours to get to Bucharest).

By foot
To cross from Bulgaria into Romania it is possible to walk the bridge connecting the two and not have to pay the border tax. ID is required to pass but there is no charge. Taxi or hitching will get you to and from the end of the bridge but avoid the price spike, which crossing by train, taxi and bus incur. The walk takes 15 minutes approx.

Get around
The city has a small public transport network (four bus lines).

Go next

 * Ruse

title: Giurgiu


text:
Givat Shmuel

Givat Shmuel (Samuel Hill) is a small city of nearly 30,000 in Israel. It is in the Center District, which also includes Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, and Petah Tikva.

Understand
Givat Shmuel is named after Romanian Zionist Samuel Pineles. It was declared a city in 2007.

By public transportation
Egged, Dan, Kavim and Afikim providing the bus service from other cities to Givat Shmuel. The transfers can be tricky, so check here to plan your trip. All fares are as of March 2016.

Urban service
The urban service is provided by Egged, Dan, Kavim and Afikim. The price of a trip is ₪5.90. On weekend nights (not including Friday nights), take bus 463. The bus is operated by Dan.
 * From Tel Aviv, take buses 45/69/169. Bus 45 is operated by Dan and bypasses Tel Aviv Center railway station at Al Parashat Drachim street, This bus stops only at Jabotinsky street and Bar Ilan University inside Givat Shmuel. Bus 69 starts at Tel Aviv Center railway station and stops at most bus stops in Givat Shmuel. Bus 169 starts at Tel Aviv CBS and does a similar route to 69, This bus has only 5 trips each day to each direction. Both routes 69 and 169 are operated by Kavim.
 * From Petah Tikva, take Egged bus 145 at Beilinson Hospital. Another bus from Petah Tikva is the Afikim bus 47 that stops at more parts of the city than bus 145. Yet Another bus from Petah Tikva to Givat Shmuel is the Dan bus 292 from southern Petah Tikva, This bus stops only at Jabotinsky street inside Givat Shmuel.

Intercity service from other locations in Israel
The intercity service in Givat Shmuel stop on highway 4 only at Givat Shmuel Interchange and Yoseftal Neighborhood bridge (except Metropoline bus 358 that enters the city itself). You will be needed to transfer to one of the local routes to enter Givat Shmuel itself.
 * From Haifa, take the train from one of the railway station to Tel Aviv Center railway station. Transfer to buses 45/69/169 to Givat Shmuel. The train from Haifa to Tel Aviv costs ₪28.5.
 * From Jerusalem, take bus 400. ₪16.

By car
These directions are very basic. Use Google maps for more detail.
 * From Haifa, take Route 2 south to Route 4.
 * From Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, take Route 4 North.

By bicycle
Like most of Israel, it is easy to navigate the city by bicycle. Always watch for cars.

By bus
There is no specific internal bus line whitin Givat Shmuel. Urban service buses that run thru the city like 17, 18, 69 and more can be used for intracity service whithin Givat Shmuel. Look at the bus stop nearest you (it shouldn't be too far) or ask a local for help.

Buses that run through the city

 * 7: Atidim (Tel Aviv) - Tel HaShomer (Ramat Gan) via Bnei Brak. Runs thru Jabotinsky street. Operated by Metropoline.
 * 8/8א: Schneider Medical Center (Petah Tikva) - Tel HaShomer (Ramat Gan) via Kiryat Ono and Gnei Tikva. Runs thru HaGiva Mall and Ramon Park. Operated by Metropoline.
 * 17: Atidim (Tel Aviv) - HaRav Shlomo Goren st.(Givat Shmuel) via Bnei Brak. Runs thru most parts of the city. Operated by Dan.
 * 18: Concord Tower (Bnei Brak) - Or Yehuda Terminal (Or Yehuda). Runs thru most parts of the city. Operated by Metropoline.
 * 28: Tel Aviv Center Railway Station (Tel Aviv) - Kiryat Ono via Bnei Brak. Runs thru Jabotinsky street. Operated by Metropoline.
 * 32: Atidim (Tel Aviv) - HaRav Shlomo Goren st.(Givat Shmuel). Runs thru HaGiva Mall and Ramon Park. Operated by Dan.
 * 47/47א: Bar Illan University (Givat Shmuel) - Petah Tikva CBS (Petah Tikva). Runs thru most parts of the city. operated by Afikim.
 * 69: Tel Aviv Savidor Railway Station (Tel Aviv) - Tel HaShomer (Ramat Gan). Runs thru most parts of the city. Operated by Metropoline.
 * 79: Kiryat Arye Railway Station (Petah Tikva) - Tel HaShomer (Ramat Gan). Runs thru HaGiva Mall and Ramon Park. Operated by Metropoline.
 * 145: Wolfson Hospital (Holon) - Kiryat Arye Railway Station (Petah Tikva) via Highway 4 and Givat Shmuel. Runs thru Bar Ilan university, HaGiva Mall and Ramon Park. Operated by Egged.
 * 160: HaRav Shlomo Goren st. (Givat SHmuel) - Tel Aviv Central Bus Station (Tel Aviv) via Bnei Brak and Givatayim. Runs most parts of the city. Operated by Dan.
 * 292: Hadar Ganim (Petah Tikva) - Ayalon Mall (Ramat Gan) via Bnei Brak. Run thru Jabotinsky street. Operated by Dan.
 * 463: Night bus that operated on weekends only. HaGiva Mall (Givat Shmuel) - Reading Terminal (Tel Aviv) via Ramat Gan and Givatayim. Runs thru most parts of the city. Operated by Dan.

By car
Givat Shmuel is welcome to cars, but there are many narrow and one way roads. Also, be prepared for roundabouts/traffic circles.

By foot
Givat Shmuel is very walkable. Watch when crossing streets and be ready to switch sidewalks several times on the same road due to cars parked on the sidewalk or because the sidewalk ends. Be sure to map out very carefully where you are going if you have a destination in mind. It is easy to get lost. Google Maps can sometimes be inaccurate.

Do
Givat Shmuel has several parks and playgrounds, including one with colorful exercise equipment for those 14 and up.

Go next

 * Bnei Brak to the west. Walkable.
 * Petah Tikva to the north and east.

title: Givat Shmuel


text:
Giverny

Giverny is a small French village 80 km to the north-west of the capital city Paris, within the valley of the river Seine and the northern region of Upper Normandy. The village is best known as the rural retreat of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Most attractions are closed for winter (November-March).

Understand
Monet moved to Giverny in 1883 with his family, including his second wife and 8 children, living and painting here until his death in 1926. The village surroundings and the gardens of his house formed a great part of the inspiration and subject matter for his paintings. It was after the move to Giverny that Monet began his famous Séries of paintings, repeatedly rendering haystacks, cathedrals and waterlilies from his garden pond in his own unique Impressionist style.

By car
Take the A13 from Paris to Bonnières, where you turn onto the D201 which takes you across the river Seine, through Bennecourt and about 4 km of countryside until you reach Giverny. Look for signs.

By train
Take the train from Paris Gare St-Lazare to Vernon (45 min; see SNCF): then take a taxi, bus, or bicycle ( return ticket) to the village. The bus service is timed to link with the train and a combined ticket can be obtained at Gare St-Lazare. When traveling alone, the combined train and bus tickets are the easiest choice.

The bicycle can be rented from a cafe right outside the train station and is indicated by a sign. The rental fee is around and the bike ride is about  with a map provided by the cafe.

By bus
Bus and minibus trips run from Paris to Giverny as a half-day tour and to Giverny and Versailles as a full-day tour every day except Monday.

See
It is always best to arrive early in Giverny in order to avoid the throngs of bus-driven tourists who arrive later in the morning and keep coming all day.

Do
It is recommended that you take a guided tour to make the most of your visit to Claude Monet's house and garden at Giverny.

If you are coming from Paris, you might wish to take a bus or minibus tour which provides a tour-guide.

If you are coming on your own, you can book a guided tour in English, French or German, offered every day, by appointment only.

If you are feeling energetic, try hiking one of the nature trails that wind through the hills above Giverny. The panoramic views of the village, the Seine valley, and the neighboring town of Vernon are quite stunning to see unfold beneath you. Two of the area's trails start at a signboard behind the city hall, found just up Rue Blanche Hoschedé-Monet. Make sure you're wearing sturdy shoes or boots and are in relatively good shape, as some sections of the trails on the forested hillsides can be very challenging. Carrying water and insect repellent might also be a good idea, depending on the weather. Information on other scenic hiking trails can be found at the Tourist Bureau in neighboring Vernon. There is also a Tourist Office in Giverny, close to Monet's House.

The nearby Forêt de Bizy is also a lovely place for a picnic or nature walk, and is a good way to get away from the crowds which sometime descend on Giverny.

Eat
There is a small restaurant attached to Monet's House (beware tourist trap prices and overcrowding) and a few reasonable options in the village. A wider choice can be found in the surroundings. On a fine day, bringing a picnic lunch with you might be a better option - walk up out of the village along some of the small lanes for a change from the crowds. "La Musardière" is the only restaurant open in the village even during winter (2012-2013).

Sleep
There are a number of bed & breakfasts and hotels in the village and surrounding area. There is probably not enough in Giverny, however, to warrant a night over. This village - or many others along the Seine valley nearby - could provide an ideal base for further exploration in Upper Normandy.

In Giverny area there are also 4-, 3- and 2-star hotels].

If you are just stopping at Giverny on your way, a map of Giverny area Hotels and one of Giverny area B&B may help you find the perfect location for your stop.

Go next
In order to complete the Monet experience, travellers might like to visit the neighbouring town of Vernon, (castle, medieval streets, museum with paintings by Giverny artists, including Claude Monet, 17th-19th c. mansion) or journey on / back to Paris, or to Rouen and the Seine Valley, where they can see further examples of his work at various venues.

title: Giverny


text:
Giyani

Giyani is a city of 26,000 people (2011) in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Giyani is surrounded by a number of villages, which are rich in Tsonga cultural activities.

Understand
The central business district of Giyani is called "Benstore" by the residents of the city.

Giyani is in the heart of Limpopo Bushveld, on the northern bank of the Klein (Little) Letaba River west of Kruger National Park.

Most residents of Giyani speak Xitsonga as their first language. The Tsonga women perform the xibelani dance, and called the dance Xigaza, the men enjoy mpuluto and makhwaya. The Tsonga people also engage in a custom dance called mchongolo. Xibelani is an African skirt designed to make the wearer's hips look bigger so that the hip movement during the xibelani dance can be more apparent. The Tsonga people have their own distinct music when the xibelani dance is performed.

Giyani's economy is predominately rural. Cattle ranching and producing maize, peanuts, tomatoes, potatoes, mangoes and bananas forms the backbone of farming.

Climate
Giyani can be very hot in summer, reaching 41 °C, and 25 °C maximum during winter. Winters are mild during the day and cold during the nights. Rainfall season is between September and March, while the winter season is from April to August.

Get in
Giyani sits at the intersection between R578 road and R81.

Giyani lies 470 km north east of Johannesburg by road, 104 km from Tzaneen, 105 km from the Phalaborwa Gate of the Kruger National Park, and 35 km from Malamulele.

Do
Mangombe Nature Reserve features inexpensive safari tours and beautiful mountains 6 km east of Giyani.

Giyani also borders Kruger National Park on the western side of the Northern Region. Giyani has no entry-point to the Kruger National Park as of May 2021. A plan to open a new gate at Giyani has been approved. Shangoni Gate would be opened at Muyexe Village, 30 km north-east of Giyani town.

Giyani Stadium is the home of National First Division club Dynamos F.C.

Buy
There are several places to purchase traditional goods and the brightly coloured beaded clothing of the area. There is also a modern mall.

Giyani has become a major retail and entertainment centre for the local population. Modern shopping centres, with all the well-known chain stores presented, have vastly uplifted the local trade.

Eat
Fast food chains.

title: Giyani


text:
Gjøvik

Gjøvik is a city in Oppland. Gjøvik sits on the western of the great Mjøsa lake, Norway's widest and second deepest lake, across from Hamar.

By plane
Oslo Airport

By train
11 daily deparures from Oslo.

By car
Route 4 from Oslo or Lillehammer. Route 33 from Valdres.

title: Gjøvik


text:
Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër is a town and a UNESCO world heritage site in Southeastern Albania.

By bus

From here you can catch northbound buses to Tirana, Vlorë, Fier, Berat, Tepelene, Korçë, Permet, and southbound buses to Sarandë.

Buses and minibuses are going to Tirana (1,000 leke) every hour from around 07:00 until 13:00, then there is a bus at 14:30 and a night bus leaving at 00:00 (it arrives in Tirane at 05:45 near Skanderbeg Square).

A shuttle to the Kakavie border crossing with Greece runs several times a day. Buses depart every day on the route Sarandë-Gjirokastër (300 leke) stopping hourly at the bottom of the hill until the early afternoon.

International buses direct to Ioannina (€5, 07:00 departure) and Athens (€20, 20:30 departure) in Greece are available from the private bus agency offices found around the junction.

Transportation and other tourism information is available from the employees of the Tourism Information Center (TIC), located in the old town, on the left side of the road leading towards the castle.

Get around
Gjirokastër can be divided into roughly two halves, the old town up on the hill, and the new town in the valley below. You can walk just about anywhere if you're able to handle the steep cobbled streets. Taxis are cheap and there is a public bus circuit that connects the old town and the new town for about 30 leke. From the roundabout at the center of town to the bus station on the National Road is a fairly flat, easy, 10-minute walk along the main boulevard. Taxis will make this trip for around 200 leke.

See

 * Ethnographic Museum of Gjirokaster 03.jpg

Buy

 * Take a look at the Artisans' Center near the Information Center featuring many souvenirs and traditional crafts.

Eat
Gjirokastër is known for its Qifqi (baked dish made of rice, egg, and seasonings). The city is also well known for its dairy products, especially its white cheese.

There are also well established restaurants in Gjirokastër catering to travellers and the local crowd.

Old town
 * Fantazia – specializes in pizza and salad, but offers traditional Albanian fare, good views of the city.
 * Kujtim's – serves a wide variety of Gjirokastrian specialties.
 * The newly renovated Çajupi Hotel's Terrace Restaurant,
 * The Byrek Shop
 * Muço's Suflaç & Restaurant – Good omelets in the morning
 * Hajri's Coffee Bar
 * Sopoti Cafe

New town
 * Kufoi's, Pizza Erai
 * Antigone Fast Food Suflgreat place off the beaten tourist trackaç,
 * Suflaç at the Hotel One Restaurant
 * Modus Cafe – for coffee
 * Modus Cafe – for coffee

Drink
Raki Mani (aka Mulberry Raki) is supposed to be a local speciality, but it is hard to find. You will have the best chances in June or July.

Sleep

 * price is 1200 lek per person. If you ask for wifi internet (which doesn't seem to happen very often) you will be given the password for a nearby cafe, but it is too far away so it can only work between 03:00 and 06:00 when nobody else uses it. still a good choice for a single traveller as it is cheaper than a dorm bed in one of the towns hostels
 * price is 1200 lek per person. If you ask for wifi internet (which doesn't seem to happen very often) you will be given the password for a nearby cafe, but it is too far away so it can only work between 03:00 and 06:00 when nobody else uses it. still a good choice for a single traveller as it is cheaper than a dorm bed in one of the towns hostels
 * price is 1200 lek per person. If you ask for wifi internet (which doesn't seem to happen very often) you will be given the password for a nearby cafe, but it is too far away so it can only work between 03:00 and 06:00 when nobody else uses it. still a good choice for a single traveller as it is cheaper than a dorm bed in one of the towns hostels
 * price is 1200 lek per person. If you ask for wifi internet (which doesn't seem to happen very often) you will be given the password for a nearby cafe, but it is too far away so it can only work between 03:00 and 06:00 when nobody else uses it. still a good choice for a single traveller as it is cheaper than a dorm bed in one of the towns hostels

Internet
There are internet cafes in Gjirokastër which usually charge between 50 and 100 lek per hour.
 * Internet Kafe (Opposite the mosque)
 * Google Internet Kafe

There are also a few cafes which provide free wireless:
 * Hotel Cajupi (on the roof top terrace/cafe)
 * Restaurant Kuka
 * Bar Karamel
 * Bar Grand
 * Gulf fuel station on the road to Saranda. A coffee is 100 lek, doubtful if you may find a cheaper option

Consulates

 * 🇬🇷 Greece

Go next

 * Fier
 * Fier

title: Gjirokastër


text:
Glacial Lakes

The Glacial Lakes region comprises the northeast corner of South Dakota in the United States of America.

title: Glacial Lakes