Old Lahaina Luau is awesome and totally worth it.

Leilani's in Whaler's Village for hapyhour is awesome and highly recommended. I would even argue that they have the best Mai Tai. The location is great as just outside the restaurant is the beautiful stretch of Ka'anapali beach looking towards Black Rock. Leilani's would be great for dinner too - not a dive but a great restaurant.

Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina is a must for a local food experience. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. You will not regret it.

Star Noodle also in Lahaina is awesome. Japanese restaurant with a menu full of variety. Get the steamed pork buns to start.

Leoda's Pie Shop and restaurant in Olowalu is another great local spot. Great for lunch. Their burgers are awesome as well as their desserts.

Duke's is a great restaurant with an exceptional view. Not a dive, but a great choice for a nice evening out at sunset. Their breakfast is insanely good too and much cheaper than dinner. I had the Kalua Pork hash skillet...so frickin' good.

The north-west side of the island past Napili and Kapalua is highly underrated. I recommend driving it all the way around the north side and back into Wailuku. Make sure to stop at this spot: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29220-d672529-Reviews-Nakalele_Blowhole-Maui_Hawaii.html. Was a highlight for my wife and I on our last trip.

Speaking of Napili Bay, definitely go check that out. Beautiful, quiet bay with excellent snorkeling, swimming, and view of Molokai. The sea house restaurant right on the bay is great too, and sitting on their patio can be one of the most relaxing experiences while staring at the beautiful view of the bay.

If you both like snorkeling, a boat excursion to Molikini is well worth it. There are plenty of boats that regularly make trips out there. Also, Black Rock is a great place to snorkel where you have a great chance of encountering Honu (Sea Turtle).

I could go on forever... Enjoy your honeymoon! Maui truly is an incredible place. Also, if you want more details of what (and what not) to do/go, pick up this book https://www.amazon.com/Maui-Revealed-Guidebook-Andrew-Doughty/dp/0996131809/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473873078&sr=1-1&keywords=maui+revealed+7th+edition.

My wife and I have camped pretty extensively across the West and a bit around the East (we’re just down from you in NE Ohio). First, I have to say that the Western US is where the natural beauty of North America is at its best, so spend as much time as you can out there!

We started camping around with a really basic and cheap Coleman Redwood tent that definitely did what we needed. We didn’t do trips as long as yours though, and we found some disadvantages for camping in the mountains and on the Great Plains. At first we used an air mattress and two cheap Coleman sleeping bags. We threw all our little stuff in plastic bins you buy at Target or Walmart, which kept rodents out of our food and random sundries like lighters, dish soap, duct tape, cooking fuel, etc. separate from our eating utensils. It makes it way easier to load/unload everything from the car onto a picnic table or wherever to use them. We cooked over our campfires using the grill on the firepit and cast iron skillets my wife found at thrift stores.

We camp mostly the same way now, but we learned a ton from our first Western road trip—most especially that it’s extremely cold to sleep on a bare air mattress, especially at high elevations in the mountains where temperatures approach freezing at night even in July. It’s also cumbersome to set up an air mattress, since you need the blower and batteries to inflate one, which is annoying when you camp in super remote places or you get to camp when everything is already closed. Therefore here is the gear I’d recommend for sleeping:

• Get a small tent—sleeping in a car is not comfortable, especially if it’s full of your gear. Small tents stay warmer at night because you have less air space to heat up with your body, and less surface area for heat to escape. We upgraded from our Coleman 4-person to an REI Half Dome 2 Plus which fits the two of us and maybe a little room for shoes/flashlights/water bottles at your feet and vestibules outside to keep stuff like boots/shoes dry. Get a footprint for it too, so you have easier setup than with a tarp, and so it doesn’t channel rain under your tent.
  
  
• Buy a blow-up camping pad—we got Therm-a-Rest NeoAir sleeping pads that are human inflatable in 1-2 minutes (no batteries needed) and are lined with Mylar, which reflects your infrared back at you to help you stay warmer. You could use an air mattress and lay a space blanket down between you and your sleeping bag, but it’s much more cumbersome. We also found these pads were more comfortable as well as easier and faster to set up. They are also super small and light, and work well for backpacking, which we eventually want to get into. Get something that suits you, but don’t feel like you have to buy it right away. You could upgrade during your trip at an outdoor equipment store after you get a couple weeks of camping experience under your belt. These things were pricey, but they were worth it!
  
  
• Buy a cheap sleeping bag, and ignore the temperature ratings. Read the reviews of each bag and see what people say about the one you’re interested in. You can get more expensive ones that pack smaller and are lighter, but they aren’t necessary for staying warm and comfortable. We haven’t upgraded from our Coleman Green Valleys, which are rated 30-50 degrees but get a tad chilly in the 30s if you’re not wearing extra layers (which you need if you have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night).
  
  
• Get a set of Mylar-lined base layers—these things are A M A Z I N G ! We stumbled into a Columbia store when we were in Portland and got a set on sale and we never leave home without them now! They are comfortable for hiking or sleeping, and keep you so much warmer than long underwear ever could.
  
  
• Wool hiking socks—but a bunch of these—because you’ll never want to wear any other socks again if you get decent ones. I found a whole bunch on clearance at Dick’s Sporting Goods one September and I wear them summer or winter, because they are über-comfortable and keep my feet dry whether it’s hot or cold. They keep your feet much warmer when you sleep too.
  
  Besides the sleeping gear, we’ve also added a little camp stove we got at Aldi. It’s super small and light, and saves us the trouble of building a fire to cook things up in our cast iron skillet. The only problem is that some places out in California don’t sell the butane cans the thing takes for fuel—so you might want to buy a cheap propane stove instead, since you’ll probably get a lot of use from it. Definitely make sure you learn the wonder of the potato! You can make them in so many ways that are awesome and they’re wonderful for energy.
  
  As far as wild animals go, learn how to camp in bear country—there are tons of vids from the National Park Service about this, and they will increase your confidence. We’ve done tons of trips with plenty of camping in developed campgrounds and have had zero problems with them. Just follow whatever local rangers tell you, and you should be fine. To abbreviate, never bring food into your tent, so the smell of food doesn’t sink in—and keep your food and eating utensils in hard-sided vehicles out of sight or in a bear box (a big cabinet at most campsites). Bears are attracted to scented items—even a stick of gum, a tube of toothpaste, or dish detergent can get them rummaging through your tent.
  
  And whatever you do, don’t rush and try to see everything in one trip! Spend a few days in the best places, and assume you will be back to see more someday. I don’t feel like I need to drill this into your head all that much compared to most people, but don’t expect to see even just the Western US in 2-3 months.
  
  As far as destinations, make sure you hit Yosemite (my personal favorite), Yellowstone/Grand Teton, Glacier, and Olympic if you’re going in summer months. If you’re going Sept/Oct or Apr/May, then definitely hit Zion, Arches, Grand Canyon, and anything else in Southern Utah, Southern Nevada, or Northern Arizona. And buy a book, Your Guide to the National Parks, as it makes researching and planning so much easier!

So many! I found our itinerary from 3 years that I'll copy from. We were incredibly lucky in that there wasn't rain for 3 weeks prior to us getting there so none of the trails were muddy but make sure you bring shoes you don't mind walking ankle deep (literally) in mud. We referenced this book to come up with our itinerary because our friends suggested it to us and I highly recommend it.

Hotel

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay

This is where we stayed and we were super happy with it. It's right next to a beach park and we got to watch the sunrise every morning on the beach listening to the waves. The hotel provided us with a straw beach blanket and a cooler and we used that throughout our trip. Also it's walking distance away from a strip mall that had a lot of good food options. We were able to walk there every evening for dinner which was nice since we didn't have to drive.

Food

Lava Lava Beach Club

The happy hour is amazing. The prices are super reasonable (don't go for dinner or lunch, the prices are absurd). You get to have the toes in the sand experience with $3 mai tai's and super yummy appetizers. I can't explain how much we loved this place. We still talk about it to this day.

Hikes

Pihea Trail

This was by far our favorite. It's basically bouldering throughout the entire hike which was awesome. Be prepared to get muddy!

Kalalau Trail

Unfortunately we didn't get to do this since it was closed for trail maintenance but apparently it's a must. We want to go back just to do this trail. Word of advice, check online to make sure it's open before driving all the way out there.

Group Activities

We booked two group activities because we didn't want to rent our own kayaks or stand up paddle boards and we wouldn't have known where to go with them. We had a blast and the guides we had were fun and I highly recommend it:

• Kauai Stand-Up Paddle Board Tours – Downwind River Adventure
  
• Wailua Waterfall Kayak
  
  There's a ton more to do and if you are interested I can share my itinerary with you, I didn't want to make this post too long (too late). There's a lot of great ideas in the guide book. Let me know if you have any questions!

I was in electrical/computer engineering, so I think I can relate. Just graduated 2 months ago.

• The workload seems intimidating, but it's really not that bad. Professors and other students alike will tell you that you guys "are in for a ride" and that you're "sacrificing for the future" - you do have more work than others but that doesn't mean it has to be your life. This kind of notion spreads because 1) it makes the program seem challenging from the outside and inside, and 2) it makes students feel like academic juggernauts. Realize that it's not that bad - tons of people do it every year.
  
  
• Parkinson's Law: "Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion." IE - don't feel bad about procrastinating. Accept it, and spend your time having fun instead of worrying. You'll quickly learn the "bare minimum time needed" to get shit done.
  
  
• Talk to girls. Lots of them. Go to the dining hall, sit down, and just chat. Freshman year is one of the best times to experiment with your social skills; everyone's re-integrating.
  
  
• Don't buy books. I didn't buy any books my last two years in college; chances are you can find an old edition of the text online or just borrow from a friend that has rich parents.
  
  
• Make friends in your classes and learn to help each other. If you realize that university is more of a business than an education, you won't feel so bad about cooperating so that you can spend your time developing as a person, and not as a slave.
  
  
• Exams test you on the basics of the material. I'm not saying you should do this, but I didn't go to many classes at all during my last two years and I did just fine. I talked to the TAs, went to the review sessions, did the homeworks, and studied with friends. Sitting down and listening to someone drone on while you scramble to record everything does nothing for your education; reading books, studying independently, and engaging in one-on-one review is way more effective, for me anyways.
  
  
• Start a business now. Something small and unrelated to your discipline is fine. My current employer didn't even look at my GPA - they saw that I started a business, was involved with extracurriculars, and started a photography club. Extra-academic initiative says way more than following the lockstep of a cookie-cutter curriculum. Worst-case scenario, you spend time developing tons of skills (well, I suppose you could always die). Best-case, you don't need a job.
  
  
  
• Get a motorcycle. It's incredibly fun, not only for you, but for the girls that you meet that have never been on one before. Getting someone else's adrenaline pumping is almost as exhilarating as getting your own pumping :). Of course, take the MSF course before you put anyone on the back.
  
  
• Don't worry about having a super high GPA. I graduated with a 3.0/4.0 yet I had multiple job offers; it's more about the personality and initiative. GPA's a re a convenient way to filter through thousands of online applications; a smile and a solid handshake will pull ahead of a GPA in any personal engagement, at least in my experience.
  
  
• Go to career fairs. Even as a freshman. I noticed that anyone who got an internship freshman year had internships every year, and job offers lined up before everyone else.
  
  
• Work out regularly. Endorphins are a hell of a drug.
  
  
• These books had a HUGE impact on me. Wish I'd read them freshman year:
  
  Don't let school get in the way of your education.
  
  Learn about human sexuality.
  
  Learn how to outsource, but be very skeptical about some of the philosophy in this book.
  
  Travel.
  
  
  
• and finally, don't do any hard drugs
  
  My 2cents. Have fun :)
  

I don't think I've been "formally" introduced to you lovely people even though I've seen some of your contests going on here before ;)

For gift one: Either [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Neff-Womens-Cupcake-Beanie-Velvet/dp/B005HSWZNK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=39B8AKCSDRT5J&coliid=I1UFRCZ07903KE&psc=1) or [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Ticket-Stub-Diary-Eric-Epstein/dp/1452114226/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1NPR8WP3XYH58&coliid=IXBG9Y68EXA72) both I've been wanting for a long time because I saw that hat on a little girl at the school I used to work for and have been obsessed but can't find it anywhere, and I collect tickets from everything I go to... so having a way to organize them would be awesome!

For gift 2: Also decently under $20 is [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Kyjen-Tail-Teaser-Dog-Refill/dp/B0042I5G2I/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2IR97ZBE8XCJR&coliid=I27I9XMHLTKH2U) which I would absolutely love because I just moved (again) and need to spend more time with my pups!

So c'mon...gimme something good! :b

(I don't know you, but I love you, you wonderful and beautiful people, you!)

Depends on what kind of travel you prefer but these are a few I've read and heartily recommend:

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

• My bible for motivation and the reasons why I travel. Lots of information about why you should prioritise travel in your life.
  
  
  A Short Ride in the Jungle by Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent
  
  
• A young british women rides the original Ho Chi Minh trail, well written with a great amount of history thrown in.
  
  
  Burma Chronicles by Guy Delisle
  
  
• Not your standard travel book, Guy draws daily life in the countries he's living with his wife. This book is all about his time in Burma (Myanmar)
  
  
  Jupiters Travels by Ted Simon
  
  
• Another motorcycle adventure book, Ted rode around the world on a Triumph back in 1973. Great example of don't fret about things outside your control.
  
   
  
  If anybody has any similar recommendations based on the above I'd love to hear them too :)
  

Can't speak to your Oahu itinerary, but I can provide my two cents on Maui.

Day 6: We did the Old Lahaina Luau and it was great, very highly rated. So if you haven't already booked Lele, I'd compare the two.

Day 8: As for Haleakala, you don't need a tour, assuming you have a rental car. Just drive up the mountain and grab a spot. Start early, though. There's usually a line of cars winding their way up in the wee hours of the morning to catch the sunrise. There's a fee to get into the National Park, but that's all. There's also some hiking you could check out up there. EDIT: I've learned from other commenters here that you do need a reservation, my apologies! More information here.

Day 9: We didn't do any whale watching but did take a snorkeling cruise to Lanai with Trilogy. I'd highly recommend the company — very professional, great service and an all-around good time. And they also have whale watching.

Day 10: We didn't use an app for Road to Hana, simply picked out what we wanted to see ahead of time and made adjustments along the way. Again, start early. If tour buses are catching up to you, things will start getting real crowded real quick.

I'd actually encourage some open days to just chill, so your whole trip is not go go go. But you could fill in part of one of your days with snorkeling at Honolua Bay or check out the Maui Ocean Center.

Day 13: Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm is cool, but we found it to be an hour's diversion at best. YMMV, of course. Mama's Fish House is dooope!

And I'd say Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook is worth a purchase.

Get this book: The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed

It is SUPER helpful. That being said our highlights from our trip were the helicopter ride, ATVing, and kayaking. I highly recommend kayaking the Wailua River to Secret Waterfall, we just rented the kayak and did it ourselves rather than do an official tour, super easy and nice to go at our own pace, prepare to get muddy lol. I also highly recommend spending at least a day to drive up Waimea Canyon and hike around, the views are jaw dropping (see my post history for my engagement pictures there). There’s also a great restaurant nearby that’s a little hole in the wall place called Da Booze Shop, great place to refuel in between hikes.

Edit: I forgot to mention if you’re a dog person and have some flexibility in your schedule you can check out a dog at the Kauai Humane Society and take them on a field trip. We did this and took him to the beach, it was a blast.

This will be your friend. I'll leave a more detailed response to others because I haven't been up here too long myself yet, but the Milepost is a wealth of info and a great guide to have for the kind of trip you're hoping for. Good luck with planning, Alaska is an amazing place!

> I'm told that good service is not to be expected. Is that true?

I think it depends on what you mean by "good service". I would say that competent and reasonably prompt service is to be expected, but if by "good service" you mean super friendly/flirtatious or otherwise especially solicitous or overly-familiar service then you will probably be disappointed.

If there are no problems with the service I will usually tip around 10% for restaurant meals (or pay the service charge, typically 12.5%, if it is already on the bill). I have occasionally left a small or no tip if the service was particularly bad. I have refused to pay the service charge on one occasion, when the waiter took each of my three courses away before I had finished eating it (despite there being a very clear cutlery-based signalling system to prevent such incidents)! I can recall no occasion when the service was extraordinary enough to merit a tip of greater than 10%, or a tip on top of an included service charge.

(By the way, speaking of table manners: fork always in the left hand, never the right, with prongs down (stabbing, not shovelling); and napkin on the lap, never tucked into your shirt. There's a lot more rules, but those two and the cutlery-together-when-finished one will be enough to get you through all but the fanciest meals without looking like an uncouth imbecile).

You don't tip the bartender at a pub, not even if buying food, but you could offer to buy them a drink (which they may accept payment for when offered but serve/consume later). This happens rarely, however, and most typically only if someone is a 'regular' at their local.

One additional bit of general advice:

I would very much recommend the Lonely Planet British Phrase Book as a basic introduction to British English for tourists/new arrivals (hint: the things you wear on your legs are trousers, not pants) as well as Kate Fox's Watching the English which is a delightful introduction to English culture from an antropological point of view (it has a whole chapter on how the English behave at the pub, including IIRC some two pages on the subtle protocol for ordering drinks at the bar) - entertaining and fascinating, even in the opinion of many of my actually-British friends.

Check out Bob Gurr's Google Talk, particularly at the 12 minute mark when he hears his interviewer use the word "Process." It's pretty funny. Watch the whole video. It's great. I'd also recommend any of the D23 panels that include the Imagineering Legends (Sklar, Gurr, Tony Baxter, Alice Davis, Rolly Crump, Joe Rohde, and others).

I was fortunate enough to hear Bob speak and meet him. Very, very nice gentleman.

In terms of books, in addition to those already mentioned:

The Imagineering Way is a fun book about the way they go about things.

The Imagineering Workout is a fun companion book.

John Hench's Designing Disney is a fun, visual look at his time with Disney.

Building a Better Mouse is a very specific story about the engineers who built The American Adventure show. This might be something you'd find interesting as an engineering student.

Project Future discusses the land acquisition in Florida. Very interesting book.

Three Years in Wonderland covers the construction and development of Disneyland in detail, more regarding the business side of things (leases, sponsors and partnerships).

*Walt and the Promise of Progress City is another fun book on the acquisition and the original EPCOT concept.

The main Walt Disney Imagineering Book is a great start, and Marty's two books are good as well.

I've also found Creativity, Inc to be inspirational. It goes back to the storytelling roots, but you'll find that most of the Imagineering books, articles, and posts are all about storytelling.

I smell a cheechako. :)

Ive been gone from Alaska for a number of years now. But even back in the 70s we drove between haines (north of Juneau) to Anchorage and back several times in a VW squareback. So it isnt quite the Lewis and Clark trek you might imagine. And RVs were very very common in the summer up there by the 80s.

But since Ive been away so long all my detailed knowledge is surely out of date. One thing we did keep handy was The Milepost.
It gave details on services available on every highway.

https://www.amazon.com/MILEPOST-2017-Kristine-Valencia/dp/1892154366

If you are budget minded, you could find a used copy thats a year or two old.

If you arent well versed in firearms use and safety, you are better off without it. You are more likely to hurt yourself or just piss the bear off. Bear Spray and adhering to bear country camping rules are probably a better bet.

Campsites are often wherever there is enough room to pull off the road

All of the parks in alaska are worth visiting. many are larger than entire states in the lower 48

Ferries - are you meaning the Alaska Marine Highway? (I cant imagine that by the route you are going) Or are you imagining a ferry to get into fairbanks? If you mean river crossings - there might be some that im not aware of. I would think that river crossing ferries are either running several times a day or...not at all

Stocking up - pretty much everything will be more expensive. But most things are available.

In general I would say: Pack patience and good humor. Be ready to adjust your plans. Be ready to improvise repairs and help yourself out (if something goes awry with your vehicle, for example) Be ready to cheerfully help others.

Newport to the southern most part of the Green Mountains worth driving that far to get to IMO (Stratton Mountain/Pond) is about three hours and 45 minutes, so similar to the White Mountains. However, to get to any of the really good stuff in the Green Mountains further north (Camel's Hump, Mansfield) you're looking at closer to four and a half hours, which is a bit longer than the drive to the White Mountains. I will say that Vermont is a lovely state, so if you can find a time to get up here for a few days, check out Burlington and Montpelier, have some good food, try some beer, and hike Mansfield I would highly recommend it.

As for the White Mountains:

The Franconia Ridge loop is commonly regarded as the essential New England hike. It really is a great hike.

I would also suggest getting up on to the Presidential Ridge, whether it's the Jackson-Pierce loop, Caps Ridge trail up Jefferson or going big with the Ammonoosuc Ravine trail up to Monroe and Washington and down the Jewell Trail.

Lonesome Lake is a really pretty spot, and you can do a loop including that and the Kinsmans.

Moosilauke is another great peak.

I would definitely recommend getting yourself a map of the White Mountains, there's this one for $10.

Hey there! Early 30s here, and have run the gamut of failures and successes, from overcoming divorce to losing 60 pounds. Here are a few keys:

• You are totally normal in your goals for where you're at in life. You're in the phase of wanting increased independence and adventure, and you have limited time to do that. That's a great place to be.
  
  
• Listen to what you said: "I secretly hate the type of personality that will be required of me to do well there." You've made an assumption that in order to make a living, you have to be a corporate lemming or a tool. There are a zillion different ways to make money, so go with your gut and avoid something that doesn't sound fulfilling. Did you know you can be get free room and board while working on a goat farm in France? Now you do. More on that below.
  
  
• When I was in my early and mid-20s, I was paralyzed by the number of things I wanted to accomplish, and ultimately did nothing about them because it was too overwhelming. It was only when I picked one thing at a time and worked toward it that things started happening. First, that was changing careers. Second, it was finally getting my health together.
  
  
• Don't take life too seriously! Have fun with this! Your goals will change over time. I guarantee you in a decade you will look back and chuckle about some of the things you want right now compared to then. That's good! That's okay!
  
  On a practical level, here's my advice:
  
  
• Go read the book Vagabonding by Rolf Potts to learn about long term travel.
  
  
• Go look at the site Nomadic Matt to learn about travel hacking. I highly recommend the community forum. Tons of people want to help you travel.
  
  
• Go look at sites like HelpX and WorkAway to learn about how you could take time to travel while also working.
  
  Bottom line: You can do whatever you want. Pick something - I suggest travel - and make it happen. Stay true to who you are, don't become a corporate stooge for the money. In 20 years you will wake up and realize you wasted your youth and freedom.
  
  Keep us posted.
  
  Sam
  

I would totally do it. Of course it will be a culture shock. But you would always wonder about how it might have been. Take it from an oldster, the stuff you didn't do haunts you a lot more than the stuff you did.

Look into the author Peter Hessler. His book River Town is a well-written description of what it is like for a Westerner who moves to Asia. Hessler still lives in Beijing. edit: Hessler is now posted in Cairo, though he does plan to return to China.

My younger son joined the Peace Corps moved to China at the beginning of the summer. He is teaching English to highly motivated young engineering students. He is not making tons of money but he likes his job, has a beautiful apartment and busy social life with Chinese friends.

Older son was making good money in Paris, but wanted to re-stimulate his creative juices. He is moving to Mexico City tomorrow with his girlfriend. They can always move back to Paris (or maybe some day he will return to the States.)

We live on a smaller planet these days, and the experiences we have can enrich our lives and broaden our careers.

I've been on vacation to Kauai, Maui, and Oahu many times and Maui is by far the best to be a tourist on if you want to do more than just sit on the same beach for the entire time you are there. Oahu has way too many people on the beaches. Kauai is really beautiful but there are barely any people if you want to do something during the night. If your parents are retired they will love Kauai (As long as they can still move around easily) but I would recommend going to Maui for vacation.
P.S: get a guidebook for Maui and Kauai since there are a ton of small beaches that are truly amazing

Read read read read read. After studying for six months like you, I've set a goal this year to read one book a week. I'm starting book #7 now and it's changed everything for me.

The the best way to master grammar is reading. The best way to learn new vocabulary is reading. There's dozens of extremely common words in German that you might think you know that you actually don't, such as immer, doch, schon, etc., etc.. The only way to learn words like these is to see them in context hundreds of times.

Start with the easiest books you can understand. I guarantee that you are ready to start the book series Cafe in Berlin. That link contains the compilation of the first four books in the series. Go read the reviews and download the sample now. Do it.

Bonus tips:

1. You don't need a kindle to read kindle books. Just use the phone app or web app.
   
2. Try to understand the words and grammar in context before turning to a translation tool
   
3. The app (as well as the google translate app) include a highlight-to-translate if you get stuck.

Never eat English food. Just stick to Indian/Chinese etc. and you'll do just fine.

Try to see Fatboy Slim live at some festival or other; go clubbing in general. The UK scene is great!

Being self-deprecating (especially when joking) will go a long way towards making British people accept you.

Finally, read this book before you go. Godspeed you good Redditor!

EDIT: lol I had no idea that English food would inspire such... passions. All hail the mighty shepherd's pie then!

More to tell? Um...In my experience, British people won't automatically be dicks to Americans (or anyone, really). But there's definitely a period I've had with my British acquaintances where they were clearly reserving judgement until they've determined whether or not I was a walking stereotype. At one point I won someone's respect but picking up on sarcasm and responding in kind.

Watching the English was something I read not long after getting serious with my partner. It helped put many cultural differences in context, especially class-related stuff. It's not that Americans don't have a class system, but rules signalling class is primarily based on income, where in the UK it has much more to do with education and social mores.

Romanians are generally pretty cool with Americans and Brits, in my year of experience. However, there are some class differences - people who are reasonably well educated and young have zero problems with Brits/Americans, where as older, working class people tend to be harder to win over (but they're rarely openly antagonistic or resentful). Not being a dick (e.g. not treating taxi drivers or store clerks like robots) and learning some Romanian goes a long way.

People celebrate 1-week anniversaries with vacations now? :)

It's really going to depend on what type of people your parents are. If they want a resort experience right on a nice beach, they should do that! If they want central base with a kitchen to "save money"^1, they should do that. If they want less structured experience, a BnB is perfect for that.

You've got a few months, so you should probably buy them Maui Revealed for Christmas. Flip through it with them and get a feel for what kind of Hawai'i trip they want.

I've had friends and family of all sorts, and people get really unhappy when they want one thing but get the other. Heck, on this sub, people who like the whitewashed and manicured resorts of Wailea have described Kihei as ghetto!

With what you've said, I'd get a hotel or condo (AirBnb, VRBO, Homeaway) in Kihei so they are central to all the islands opportunities. Lahaina is popular and drier, but requires more driving to get to things like Haleakala, Hana, Makena, etc.

Something to be aware of: The I'ao Valley area is currently closed for an indefinite amount of time. Also, Haleakala is going to start requiring permits to view the sunrise.

Search some through this sub and you'll find some fairly exhaustive eating recommendations.

^1 I'm a firm believer that most people that do this don't actually save money. They end up eating out and eating leftovers mostly and buying too much food from Costco

You can buy “Ticket Stub Journals” that might be a cute idea to give her full of the movies you’ve seen at the cinema. There’s more options, that’s just the first one I found after Googling!

Or you could put together a “date night” kit that contains some movies, snacks, drinks, some comfy socks or something for her or a blanket etc.

Or if there is a special movie you both love, you could look and see if there are any special edition packs or anything.

Or if your local cinema has any special paid membership where you get cheap tickets all year or something, you could look into that.

Anyway, good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/White-Mountains-Trail-Map-Hampshire/dp/1890060232 I would check out this map, this is what my friends and use, it also lists all the 4000 footers if your into that. The presidentials are worth checkin out. The Moriah/Carter ridge is also cool IMO and it looks like you could put together a good loop in the Wild River Wilderness. The cool thing with the whits is there are so many trails you can put together an loop to fit any time frame with a little bit of planning. We always do point to point since we always have 2 cars so nothing specifically comes to mind. Good luck!

There was a programme on recently called Posh & Posher about this, but I didn't think much of it: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00y37gk

To be honest, the best analysis of that kind of thing that I've come across is this book, which I highly recommend even for British people, it's fascinating. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302431227&sr=8-1

> We have spoken to the heads of several large charitable organizations that are doing more for the world than your cynical mind could ever fathom.

Exactly my point. Have you talked to anyone that lives in Kenya? How about South Africa? Morocco? People in charities need charitable contributions so they can maintain their jobs. That's like asking George Bush or Obama if Government is necessary: of course they're going to say yes.

> We have heard stories, first hand from people who would not be alive today if it weren't for organizations and the good people who work for them.

Have you stopped to ask why they're starving over there? I'll give you a hint: it's because of terrible governments, brutal dictators, civil wars (due to government), and charities that make their situation worse.

Also, what you haven't heard about is the millions of people that die from starvation because donated food put them out of business. That's what I mean when I say unintended consequences. You're only looking at one side of the coin. Have you ever heard of the broken-window fallacy?

> You care about manipulating economies toward future financial improvements.

I care about the government stopping the manipulation so that VOLUNTARY economies can flourish. It's call the Free Market.

> We care about giving water to a thirsty child.

I care about teaching that child skills so that she can get a job and quench her own thirst.

> and for you to say that giving medical aid to the sick is wrong, or that advocating for justice for a young girl living in sexual slavery is wrong - or that anything we will be doing is wrong - just because some professor wrote an article in the Wall Street Journal whining about the money that is given not working fast enough?

You can't just cherry-pick which sources you respond to. Taken collectively, there's overwhelming support for most charities to stop donating money.

> I dropped out of college because I was tired of hearing people like that professor and you hiding behind statistics when I can see with my own two eyes what is really going on. You keep feeding people lies. We will work to spread the truth.

You can start spreading the truth by acknowledging that paternalistic/maternalistic is the worst kind there is. Again, I've agreed with you that Short, Specific, and Goal Oriented charity is Preferable. If you agree with that, then that's great!

Here's another book you should check out: Dark Star Safari.

Lastly, stop taking everything so personally. I'm just trying to inform you about which types of charities are more beneficial than others, the problem with unintended consequences, the economics of aid, etc.

I didn't really want to argue about this, and again I apologize if I came off too negative. But if you have any other questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Before I leave, here's a few final videos that I think are important to watch: Here's an excellent video series by Milton Friedman. Here's a video by John Stossel about having the 'Freedom to Prosper.' Another video about Freed Trade and the Poor. [Taking care of the Poor in a Free Society.] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azDiUln3WU4) Here's another good one.

If you want to start changing the world, start be abolishing governments. That's a charitable message I can get behind.

Have fun! Definitely don't turn around before you get to Atigun pass (if you aren't going all the way), it's only a few hours past Coldfoot. There is something awe inspiring about the land once you get past the trees, you can literally park your car and walk hundreds or thousands of miles in any direction before you see a person. On our way up we saw a moose, prints from about six different bears, more caribou than we could count, bald eagles, and met a wolf in the middle of the road who chased us for half a mile. The drive up to Deadhorse and back is the reason I'm planning a move out to Alaska in May. If you do end up going all the way, be aware that if you want to swim in the Arctic ocean (you do) you need to sign up 24 hours in advance and provide information for a background check (you have to go through the oil fields). You can also go on a wildlife tour, rumor has it you can occasionally see a polar bear.


A few other things: you can get gas at the Yukon camp, in Coldfoot, and in Deadhorse. Definitely bring at least 5 gallons with you and have at least one spare tire for each vehicle and a patch kit. Most people will tell you to bring two full spare tires. If you don't feel like buying one for a rental car we were able to talk American Tire & Auto into renting us a tire for a grand total of $15. Bring plenty of food and ammo, and buy some swag at the Yukon Camp and Coldfoot. Breakfast in Coldfoot is amazing as well.



Also, this can't be said enough, get the milepost!

Paul Theroux wrote about his Cairo to Cape Town adventure in Dark Star Safari.

It's an excellent read. I would highly recommend it.

According to the book, the trip was difficult and at times extremely dangerous. He mentions being stuck in Egypt for quite some time (several months, I think) because he wasn't able to get the necessary paperwork to enter Sudan. Nowadays, with the state of Sudan, it might very well be worse.

Theroux mentioned specifically the difficulty of crossing the border of Ethiopia and Kenya, reporting that his vehicle had been shot at from close range. Somewhere later in the book, after a series of near death experiences in Matatus, dalla-dallas, and other forms of public transport, he swore them off.

I have deep respect for Theroux, who spend a great deal of time in Sub-Saharan Africa working as a Peace Corps volunteer in Malawi, then teaching at Makerere University in Kampala. So I understand that his concerns don't just stem from the normal white-tourist-goes-to-Africa reaction. This isn't his first rodeo and when he says things are bad, they probably are.

That having been said, I do know people who have traveled throughout Africa, including a guy who biked around West and Central Africa. Most of the continent is safe, as long as you avoid trouble areas. People will definitely let you know if the place you are going to is dangerous. There are obvious areas that you should probably avoid unless you are running around with a UN escort (Southern Sudan, Eastern Somalia, Eastern DRC, Northern Nigeria, a few others). Also, I have no idea what state Egypt and other North Africa countries are in right now as far as travel is concerned.

Here are some resources that might help:

Irish guy bicycling around Africa

I have a journalist friend who traveled around West Africa. She had a blog called Inkslinging in Africa, but I can't seem to find it now. She is writing a book about her adventures, so maybe that's why. Hmm

Here's a blog from some Polish folks who drove from Poland to Cape Town. They have a blog in polish, but Google will translate it into readable english.

A quick google search on traveling through africa seemed to net a mix of useful tips and Africa overland tour packages. Oh well.

Good luck!

Im not sure on euro vehicles (maybe the large ford transit with bike carrier?), but there are a few good newbie guides out there. Bob Wells has a pretty good ebook that covers the basics
https://www.amazon.com/Live-RV-Debt-Travel-Freedom-ebook/dp/B008S129XY
His website cheaprvliving is a good resource too, if you dig through his articles and blogs you can basically glean all the info from the book too.

I recommend getting:

New trails guide

Older Trails guide

As /u/UnbridledHedonism said hungry valley is ok. Lots of motorcycles. I prefer Rohwer Trail off Boquet Canyon in Santa Clarita and Drink water off San Franquito Canyon in Sant Clarita. Big Bear has Cleghorn and John Bull which are fun. All of the trails are very challenging technically and require high clearance.

If you want real beauty head north on 395, Last Chance Canyon in Mojave, Lorel Lake in Mammoth, and Kavanaugh Ridge outside of Lee Vinning.

Nothing on the west side my friend.

Spanish: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073Z2YJFT

French: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HDZP3L

Italian: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C1692CG

German: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JKG2S5J

Portuguese: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

Russian: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MRM7NLM

English: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

____

In these 7 books, you will not find your traditional phrasebooks, grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, nor compilations of short stories. Frankly, there's already an overabundance of these types of books in stores and online.

Instead, you will find an analysis into HOW and WHY some people can get so good at foreign languages and why others seemingly cannot. People are quick to point out that some are built to learn languages and others are not. This is not true at all, however. We have all come to learn and speak our native language fluently, yes?

The issue at heart boils down to studying and reviewing vs. reading and listening in the long term. Of course, when we begin learning a new language, a good amount of studying is required to build a basic foundation of grammar and vocabulary in the new language. Acquiring this foundation turns out to be easy for most people, and it can be done through whatever means you like i.e. coursebooks, Duolingo, or classes.

After the basics have been acquired, it is here that we find the biggest mistake in language learning. As beginning language learners, we relied on studying and reviewing to get us through the early beginning stages, and we use this as a crutch to hobble through the rest of the journey.

Unfortunately, studying and reviewing will not get you very far into the intermediate and advanced stages. You may be able to study and retain a conversational-level of vocabulary (3,000-5,000 words), but you won't be to understand native speakers who are using 25,000+ words to communicate with other native speakers. Many push themselves to study 3 or more hours a day to catch up with native speakers, but this is the inevitable path to burnout. This is why even the most hardcore language learners quit.

Reading and listening (especially to native materials) is the way to go. It can be quite frustrating at first because how little you understand, so that is why this series of books exists. They were designed to give you the tools and strategies to make the learning process much more fun and effective. These techniques are inspired by polyglots who have used these ideas for years to not just learn one foreign language but multiple!

I strongly recommend this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Your-Guide-National-Parks-Complete/dp/1621280675/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1486072088&sr=8-6

I have the first edition, and it is absolutely wonderful. Great maps, provides itineraries for 1-3 days in each park, and gives a concise "don't miss this" highlight list. I think it would help the scope of your planning with trying to visit 10 parks.

One thing that comes to mind with your plan is the winter season conditions don't clear up until June really (Trail Ridge Road at RMNP and some stuff in Yellowstone come to mind) in some parks. Definitely something to plan for!

I'd say that I occasionally got paranoid about leaving my van for extended periods of time. I got used to it, though.
I totally suggest taking an extended trip living in a car. It's an awesome experience.

If you're up to it, here's a list of books that you might find useful on the subject. :)

How to Live in a Car, Van or RV

The VanDweller's Guide

Van Living: The Freedom of the Road

The Tiniest Mansion

Live In a Van, Truck, Trailer, or Motorhome

Living in a Van Down By The River

My House Has Wheels

The Simple RV Life

So, You Want to Be an RVer?

Retire To an RV


Here's one just for fun, though you may glean something from it.
Walden On Wheels

I also suggest /r/gorving and /r/vagabond.

While the popular opinion on this sub is to get a more experienced traveler to teach you, if you really do your research about it, I mean really be invested to reading up on the subject, as long as you're careful you can do it. I would suggest the book Freight Hopping in North America by Duffy LittleJohn. That book will teach you everything you need to know. I don't know how much time you have before you need to leave, but I would take some time to read that book and other things online if you aren't able to find someone to go with you. Either way, good luck on your travels, freight hopping is a beautiful thing!

edit: [book link] (https://www.amazon.com/Hopping-Freight-Trains-America-Littlejohn/dp/094462734X)

No problem! I also forgot to mention, there's an amazing guide book that I had with me on my 5 month road trip Your Guide to the National Parks. Read the reviews, but if you plan to hit parks and want some guidance there's no better resource - it has all the info on fees, campgrounds, best hikes, best places to stay in and around parks, other sites nearby, etc.

Copied from U/whatisthesun:

"For anybody living outside of the States:

Spanish:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073Z2YJFT

DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B073Z2YJFT

FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B073Z2YJFT

ES: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B073Z2YJFT

IT: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B073Z2YJFT

NL: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B073Z2YJFT

JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B073Z2YJFT

BR: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B073Z2YJFT

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B073Z2YJFT

MX: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B073Z2YJFT

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B073Z2YJFT

IN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B073Z2YJFT

French:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074HDZP3L

DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B074HDZP3L

FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B074HDZP3L

ES: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B074HDZP3L

IT: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B074HDZP3L

NL: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B074HDZP3L

JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B074HDZP3L

BR: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B074HDZP3L

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B074HDZP3L

MX: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B074HDZP3L

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B074HDZP3L

IN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B074HDZP3L

Italian:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07C1692CG

DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07C1692CG

FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B07C1692CG

ES: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B07C1692CG

IT: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B07C1692CG

NL: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B07C1692CG

JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07C1692CG

BR: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B07C1692CG

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07C1692CG

MX: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B07C1692CG

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07C1692CG

IN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07C1692CG

German:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JKG2S5J

DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07JKG2S5J

FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B07JKG2S5J

ES: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B07JKG2S5J

IT: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B07JKG2S5J

NL: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B07JKG2S5J

JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07JKG2S5J

BR: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B07JKG2S5J

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07JKG2S5J

MX: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B07JKG2S5J

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07JKG2S5J

IN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07JKG2S5J

Portuguese:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

ES: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

IT: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

NL: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

BR: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

MX: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

IN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07MGNXN3Y

Russian:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MRM7NLM

DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07MRM7NLM

FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B07MRM7NLM

ES: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B07MRM7NLM

IT: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B07MRM7NLM

NL: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B07MRM7NLM

JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07MRM7NLM

BR: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B07MRM7NLM

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07MRM7NLM

MX: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B07MRM7NLM

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07MRM7NLM

IN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07MRM7NLM

English:

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

ES: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

IT: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

NL: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

BR: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

MX: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07MJ88SDZ

IN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07MJ88SDZ. "

Actually, according to this brilliant book it's a class thing.. Some upper middle class people decided that napkin sounded too much like nappy and it would make them seem lower class, so they started using serviette instead. Now, the funny thing is that the proper posh people didn't give a fuck, and kept saying napkin. It is now a fairly accurate way of spotting middle class people with upwards ambition.

The same goes for the word "pardon" btw. Upper and working class find saying "What?" perfectly acceptable if they need someone to repeat themselves, the middle classes find it crude and have adopted the use of pardon instead.

I'm a Swede living in the UK, and my English boyfriend gave me that book. It's hilarious and incredibly accurate. Class is still very much an issue over here. At least a lot more than what I'm used to.

I did the drive in late winter (March) from Connecticut in 2004. The hotels were very inexpensive since it was off-season. Went to portage Glacier and I was the only person there. Got stuck in Anchorage during a snow storm and went to the zoo and I was just about the only person there too. Fun trip.

Buy the current Milepost guide off Amazon and spend some time flipping through it.

The Alaska Highway is all paved except any short sections they are working on. You don't need a second spare tire or anything like that. I'd recommend a tire patch kit and a small 12v compressor. Also bring a spare headlamp bulb if you have halogens, some wiper fluid, and maybe a spare set of wiper blades in the trunk. Towing for breakdowns is super expensive so amp-up your roadside assistance plan and make sure it works in Canada. The distance from the last dealerships in Dawson Creek to the next ones in Whitehorse is ~900 miles.

The road is good with wide margins all the way to Whitehorse. Expect to see a lot of wildlife. If you're traveling alone bring some sort of tripod so you can take an occasional self-portrait with the timer function on your camera.

A big second for Adventure Motorcycling Handbook. I'd also recommend California Coastal Byways, California Desert Byways, and California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails if you're going to be in Cali—or the equivalent for the states you'll be in if they exist.

I highly recommend joining ADVRider, they have lots of useful info.

Finally, get a book on ultralight camping, many of the principals are useful for motocamping as well.

Asia's quite a big place, where abouts are you from?

It looks like other commenters have kept you informed about most of your questions, but, as a student here for quite a while, I'd say most people walk everywhere!
The weather's been really rather mild this year, and the summer, if it matches last year, will be absolutely lovely. You shouldn't have to worry about anything but a rain coat/umbrella if you're coming over during the summer.

If you're curious about British customs, a lot of my friends from overseas have waxed rhapsodic about this book which gives a bit of an insight into British (particularly English) culture. The biggest shock for most is the necessity of verbal politeness and queuing. We queue for everything.

Terrain isnt bad at all, couple slightly steep spots, think I only needed to even use 4wd twice. Pretty much any stock 4x4 with decent ground clearance should be fine, you just might have to be careful about your lines.

I didnt even take my gps when I went, get a paper map if you can. The forest service map is better than the delorme for this area. And
this book lists the trail as well, would recommend getting it if you dont have it already.

http://www.amazon.com/Guide-California-Backroads-4-Wheel-Trails/dp/1934838071/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464888447&sr=8-1&keywords=guide+to+california+backroads+%26+4-wheel+drive+trails

Always good to keep your eyes peeled. A good guide book, aside from experience around trains, is Hopping Freight Trains in America by Duffy Littlejohn. It has a wealth of knowledge regarding trains and train yards. A good read worth checking out. http://www.amazon.com/Hopping-Freight-Trains-America-Littlejohn/dp/094462734X

I haven't purchased these yet since I've been busy with other things, but another poster recommended them and it looked like a very good supplement to pair with duolingo and memrise.

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-German-Stories-Berlin-Beginners-ebook/dp/B00F33E3C0?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc

He has about 8 beginner German books and a few intermediate to advance ones. You can use click the "look inside" button to see an example of the text. I think I may pick up the audible one as well, because he reads through it very slowly and pronounces everything accurately.

He also bundles the first 4 beginner books here:

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-German-Stories-Collectors-Beginners-ebook/dp/B00W9L9F9A/ref=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=

Then i would highly recommend the book "Atlas of Remote Islands - Fifty Islands I Have Not Visited and Never Will" by Judith Schalansky. The book itself is a really crafty and great looking object, and the maps are beautifully.

Each map is accompanied with a story about the island, with what i suspect is varying grade of truth.

Get it on amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Atlas-Remote-Islands-Fifty-Visited/dp/1846143489

Kind of tough to pick just one, as China is vast and there are so many differect aspects of the society worthy of being explored.

I really enjoyed Up to the Mountains and Down to the Countryside, which was a pretty solid caricature of just about every type of foreigner you meet in China, and a well written story as well, a bit like a more modern, more dynamic River Town.

I think the two most common answers to this question are River Town, by Peter Hessler, and Factory Girls by his wife Leslie Chang. Both are excellent but tackle very different parts of contemporary Chiense culture.

A touch of sin was already mentioned, and it's a very, very good movie. So I'm mentioning it again. If you haven't seen it, go watch it.

If you want a whole book on these kind of differences, I'd recommend Watching the English: by Kate Fox It's a great book which is a easy-to-read explanation of some of the linchpins of English culture, and will help you understand how people act differently in the UK compared to the US (one short thing the book explains in alot more detail: it is never the wrong moment to make a joke about something)

I read a really great book by Peter Hessler called River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze that had a great bit about his students funny english names. Give it a read if you haven't already.

I recommend the bike trip down Haleakela. The views are breathtaking.

I also HIGHLY recommend this book. If you do Road to Hana make sure to stop at some of the points of interest in the book!

Bob Wells' How to Live in a Car, Van or RV. Good overview and only $3.

For boondocking I liked:
Sunny Skye's RV Boondocking Basics: Living Well on the Road Less Graveled and pretty much anything by Difley.

The real problem with finding a mentor is finding one who is sufficiently knowledgeable and mature. There are a lot of people hopping trains, but many of them are not very knowledgeable about what's going on.

Start by buying and reading Duffy Littlejohn's book, Hopping Freight Trains in America, about four or five times. You can get it on Amazon for $13.85. Littlejohn sugar-coats trainhopping too much, IMHO, but the information in that book is extremely valuable. He's trying to sell books. Take that into account.

I met Littlejohn once, at the National Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa. He is an attorney, but he is also a very experienced and accomplished train hopper. He knows what he's talking about.

https://www.amazon.com/Hopping-Freight-Trains-America-Littlejohn/dp/094462734X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506345308&sr=8-1&keywords=hopping+freight+trains+in+america

I think Mr. Bald is a Soviet apologist and has some sort of link to the region. He speaks fluent Russian and has spent a great deal of time there. It has even been rumored that 'Mrs. Bald' is of Belarusian descent. He actually wrote this book under a pseudonym about his travels through Belarus. He had nothing but shining accolades for post-war governments in the region and praised them for being hard on progressive issues like immigration and equal rights for LGBTQ communities. In his Russia vlogs has gone into some detail about his admiration of Putin and his hard stance on organized crime that plagued Russia in the early 90s. I am willing to bet Bald isn't critical of Trump, given Trump's close ties to Putin and Russia, the lifting of sanctions on Russia, and Trump attempting to normalize Russian relations with the west.

I am no fan of Trump, Russia, or Putin, so it was kind of a shocker. It makes me feel conflicted about giving B&B views. He is also pretty close with travel vlogger Harald Baldr, who is a big libertarian and shares a lot of semi-questionable material that encroaches on European Nationalism and white pride. Some of the comments he makes on social media bemoan. the "Islamification" or "Africanization" of Europe. It is very hard to tell if they are being sarcastic or if they are serious.

This vlog really rubbed me the wrong way because of that shit. Right after pretending to step on a picture of President Obama, he went on about how people need to branch out of their home countries and see the big picture. How can a guy who thinks that way support a world leader that preaches for closed borders and isolationism?

I would recommend Bob Wells' "How to Live in a Car, Van or RV". It has the basic, nuts-and-bolts info you need to get out there.

Remember you don't need a sweet craftsman conversion to travel, save money and have adventure. That's just the (expensive) icing on the cake. Starting simply is far better than not starting at all, and lets you add what you really need and nothing you don't.

https://www.amazon.com/Live-RV-Debt-Travel-Freedom-ebook/dp/B008S129XY

I went there for 2 weeks in June. Spent about $800 total, housing included. But the number will vastly depend on your needs. Will be renting a car? Rental rates are very cheap on the island as there is fierce competition. I paid around $250 for a week even as a younger driver. Hitchhiking is also very prominent, and there is a very affordable shuttle bus along the main highway during certain hours (ends around 9pm). Food is plentiful and honestly not insanely expensive if you are able to find the places locals eat. Highly recommend [this] (https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Kauai-Guidebook-Revealed/dp/0996131841?keywords=kauai+revealed&qid=1536774895&sr=8-1&ref=mp_s_a_1_1book) for an extremely thorough look at pricing specifics. Enjoy your trip though! I'm having a nasty craving for chicken in a barrel at the moment.

That's an interesting interest! There's definitely something a bit magical about islands; I go kayaking sometimes, and even just finding a patch of mud or a rock to sit on feels kinda special when it's surrounded by water.


I'd really like to visit some of the Hebridean islands. A friend went to St Kilda after getting a bit obsessed with Dear Esther, and from his photos, it looks absolutely haunting.


Oh, there's a good chance you've already read it, but here's book recommendation on the off-chance you've not come across it...

Disney Security don't have jurisdiction. I've seen a few people tazed and held, but county sheriff come in. Fire is run under RCID because Florida would not put up funds for fiberglass fire training if I remember right. A fun (well, actually really dry) read on the whole thing for developing the Reedy Creek Improvement District and how the land was secretly acquired is Project Future.
It goes into detail the divisions and agreements the State of Florida and Disney came to in order to manage and where certain things begin and end legally.

http://www.amazon.com/Project-Future-Inside-Behind-Creation/dp/0615347770

Class is sort of hard to define over here, because it's more of an innate knowledge of what's high class/low class rather than anything that actually affects your life. It's more about the papers you read, the school you went to, and the way you talk than anything else. Oh, and probably the way you vote. I'd argue that it some sense it's still tied to occupation for the lower classes, but once you get to middle/upper middle the lines are blurred a lot more.

A really good book to read that might help you get a better idea of how we work would be Kate Fox's Watching The English.

I get that we have a shared history. But we have a shared European history. We have a shared history with the commonwealth. We have a shared world history. The built environment is very different across different parts of the country and even within cities the contrast can be stark.

I would probably have more things in common with someone who lives in Paris, Warsaw, or even Istanbul of a similar class than I would with someone who lives in rural England.

My life would not compare to say someone on benefits or to a millionaire.

Specific English-ness does not really bind us together. I read Watching the English by Kate Fox not too long ago. She spent,I believe, a year basically researching our culture. The main points I remember is that we say sorry regardless of fault when she intentionally bumped into them. And that we queue instinctively. I don't remember reading that much else which we all shared.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867

I learned everything I know about the riding the rails on my own, through research and some help from member of STP. You'll learn as you go, especially through your "mistakes" along the way. You might be able to find a road dog to teach you the ropes once you're on the road but you'll probably never find one online. With that said, always keep people at arms length.

A decent starting point is Hopping Freight Trains in America by Duffy Littlejohn. It helped me quite a bit but take it with a grain of salt. Railroad maps are easy to read and are invaluable on the road. A CCG is nice to have too if you can find one.

Do you know the Dino lernt Deutsch series by Andre Klein? It is a series of six books meant for beginners of German and the e-book versions are only 3-4 USD per book. There is even an omnibus covering books 1-4 for 10 USD.

http://www.amazon.com/Learn-German-Stories-Collectors-Beginners-ebook/dp/B00W9L9F9A/ref=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00PPH1TLM/kindle/ref=sr_bookseries_null_B00PPH1TLM

Alternatively this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XJ07X94/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

This one is only 1.16 USD: http://www.amazon.com/Kandis-Zucker-kurze-Erz%C3%A4hlungen-German-ebook/dp/B007XSFTJ4/

I really wish I had a credit card so that I could gift one of those books to your daughter, but maybe another Santa is willing to help out?

Then this is the perfect book for you:
Atlas of remote islands

Great book!

Yeah, people make jokes when they're uncomfortable. I read a book by an anthropologist who was investigating British social codes and norms, and in the chapter about sex, she wrote with amused exasperation about how every time she mentioned that particular subtopic of her research to anyone, they always made a joke, and always the same joke: something about "helping her with the practical research".

I live in Anchorage and have only been here a year, so it's difficult for me to give advice about the rest of Alaska. I can second what the poster above said about checking out Seward and the Sealife Center, and I highly recommend you pick up a copy of The Milepost for your trip. Look around in /r/Anchorage if you plan to be in the area, there have been lots of similar questions asked there with a lot of good info in the replies! :)

Here are all the local Amazon links I could find:


amazon.co.uk

amazon.ca

amazon.com.au

amazon.in

amazon.com.mx

amazon.de

amazon.it

amazon.es

amazon.com.br

amazon.nl

amazon.co.jp

amazon.fr

Beep bloop. I'm a bot to convert Amazon ebook links to local Amazon sites.
I currently look here: amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.com.au, amazon.in, amazon.com.mx, amazon.de, amazon.it, amazon.es, amazon.com.br, amazon.nl, amazon.co.jp, amazon.fr, if you would like your local version of Amazon adding please contact my creator.

I moved here 8 months ago from Australia, and work for a tech company in the city - nothing related to your area of study I'm afraid.

After you get here I'd be happy to introduce you to one of our many excellent drinking establishments and natter about how everything's different to back home.

I can even lend you a copy of Watching The English http://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867 which I was given by a french coworker after I arrived.

This is absolutely brilliant :)

​

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867

I got this book and it was been super helpful for planning my trip this upcoming August.

If you want to understand English (not all British) mentality, read this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867.

It's a pop-science book written by an anthropologist who studies the English. If foreign, it'll explain a lot of wierd/mysterious stuff: queueing, how queues work in pubs, why English people don't tell you their name, why saying goodbye can drag on for ages, and more... Foreigners living in London have told me it's been the most useful book they've read and they wish they'd read it as soon as they arrived. As an English person it's eye-opening/shocking/depressing how much of our behaviour is determined by our culture.

I concur with the others. Save the other island for another trip. Maui is probably better for most honeymooners, but unless you really hate nature you're going to love Kauai for the 6 full days. Get the The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed and choose your activities. I recommend the Smith's Kauai Luau.

After reading Watching the English I became very aware of class, where before I was pretty much oblivious. Because class is such an obvious and daily thing in England I thought about it some more, initially out of intellectual curiosity, and now my levels of class awareness are pretty high, and chronic. My life is worse for it.

There is a good book about the process called "Project Future."

It sounds more like a CIA operation than a theme park build. In fact, I believe Disney hired some former CIA operatives to facilitate the purchases. Worth a read.

Project Future on Amazon

There's a good book about exactly that. UK and Japan have both developed similar societies independently. Both value privacy, are well mannered, highly structured and lots more. The author claims that it could be because we are both island nations with high populations..It may be called watching the English..It was quite a while ago that I read it

Everyone should give Project Future a read. Great insight on the politics behind the creation of Walt Disney World.

Watching the English is a fantastic read.
Its written like an anthropologist would study cannibals from the jungles of Borneo except it focuses on headhunters from Epsom.

I did the vanlife thing for about a year after I ETS'd. I converted a 2001 Dodge Ram conversion van and traveled around out west. Was fun but can't imagine doing that while still active. Anyway here's some resources I used.

https://www.amazon.com/Live-RV-Debt-Travel-Freedom-ebook/dp/B008S129XY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538577349&sr=8-1&keywords=robert+wells+book

​

freecampsites.net

​

https://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/index.php

​

r/vandwellers

If you liked this, you'll also like "Watching the English" by Kate Fox - same author and sort of inspired by the pub study (and a similar one commissioned by the horse racing people).

Quite a short read but a really enjoyable one!

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/BURNING-EDGE-TRAVELS-THROUGH-IRRADIATED/dp/1980787514/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=burning+edge+travels&qid=1563665656&s=gateway&sr=8-1

He wrote it under a pseudonym.

Well said. For more info, check out 'Dark Star Safari', which is a great read about travelling overland from Cairo to Cape Town. It has numerous stories about how foreign aid has proven ineffective for decades:

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Star-Safari-Overland-Capetown/dp/0618446877

I've saved most of my tickets since 2003 using this book. I'm at a point where I'm going the need another one lol

I’ve been to several national parks with my dog and while it is true national parks are often not dog friendly, not all are against hiking with your pup. One off the top of my head is Petrified Forest.

I cannot recommend this book enough. It has a section for ever national park on where you can take your dog, if it’s not entirely limited to paved trails and roads. Your Guide to the National Parks: The Complete Guide to all 59 National Parks (Second edition) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1621280675/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_egiSAbTXMY30A

Good luck!

Kate Fox's book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867

It gets better reviews on amazon.com - she understands us, and helps non-English people understand our wacky ways.

This is the White Mountain map I use, along with the AMC White Mountain Guide.
There is also this map of just the Presidential Range.
I don't think any "serious" maps will have interesting information besides trail names and distances. If you want to read thorough descriptions of the trails they I seriously recommend the AMC White Mountain Guide.

"The Burning Edge". It's a book he wrote under a pseudonym - haven't read it but people seem to think it's good.

Some of my personal favorites (amazon links):
A Fortune Teller Told Me: Earthbound Travels in the Far East, mainly Southeast Asia.
The Geography of Bliss, RTW.

Food-related:
Ant Egg Soup: The Adventures of a Food Tourist in Laos
Shark's Fin and Sichuan Pepper: A Sweet-Sour Memoir of Eating in China

Peter Hessler in China:
River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze
Country Driving

And Peter Mayle's series on Provence.

River Town Not Chinese history per de, but puts the daily lives of modern day Chinese people in an understandable context. It’s also a good read.

Try reading Watching the English by Kate Fox. It’s a brilliant book, and it sheds a lot of light on our culture and traditions.

This is the must get book I mentioned. It’s WELL worth it.

The MILEPOST 2018: Alaska Travel Planner https://www.amazon.com/dp/1892154374/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_GUTXBbHX016PP

Not sure if this really counts for "Modern China", but Red Dust: A Path Through China takes place in the 1980's. I haven't read it personally but it's gotten good reviews and is also on my list of books to read. Same with River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze, which is set in the late 1990's.

Sounds like Project Future: The Inside Story Behind the Creation of Disney World might interest you. It gets into land acquisition, Florida real estate law, water rights, and other troubles they ran into. Not so much about construction and opening though.

Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux. A fantastic read.
http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Star-Safari-Overland-Capetown/dp/0618446877

This is the book for you...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FBFMKM/

You don't need to be rich to travel. A lot of places can be cheaper than where you're from.

I bought this map, and it seems to be quite good (and on waterproof paper too!)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890060232/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We bought this guide which has been really handy. I especially liked having a physical map when out in the rural areas where these trails are.

2. Detergent is detergent. The extras are packaging, including which stores it's stocked in, and perfume.
   
   
3. Staples is your best option, although branches tend to be in retail parks. For town centres, look for Rymans and, perhaps, WH Smith.
   
   
4. No idea. Ask a doctor. It may be that one or more of those are not available "over the counter", i.e. without prescription, here.
   
   
5. http://www.sirc.org/publik/pub.html and https://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867
   
   
6. Depends, both on whether it's a chain or an independent place, and on what you're ordering.
   
   If it's a chain, then tell them what you need, and let them figure out what they can do without their bosses being arseholes.
   
   If it's independent, then tell them what you're after, and see what happens!

This one doesn't necessarily have THE most detailed maps, but I've used it dozens of times per year for a number of years now, and I can't recommend it enough. It's like my Bible while I'm on the road:

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Guide-National-Parks-Complete/dp/1621280675/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

In case someone hasn't linked this already, you may like a ticket stub diary.

I feel less guilty about keeping all this stuff when it's contained and it's kinda fun to look through later.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1452114226/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_OqXLwb7N09ETQ

>https://www.amazon.co.uk/BURNING-EDGE-TRAVELS-THROUGH-IRRADIATED/dp/1980787514

Um, according to what I see his book is dedicated to a dude named Igor.

I'm a little late to this party, but I did read a book called Watching The English by Kate Fox. She explains how to determine which 'class' somebody is by the words they use for things, and Settee is one example:
>Settee
Or you could ask your hosts what they call their furniture. If an upholstered seat for two or more people is called
a settee or a couch, they are no higher than middle-middle.
If it is a sofa, they are upper-middle or above. There
are occasional exceptions to this rule, which is not quite as accurate a class indicator as ‘pardon’. Some younger
upper-middles, influenced by American films and television programmes, might say ‘couch’ – although they are
unlikely to say ‘settee’, except as a joke or to annoy their class-anxious parents.
If you like, you can amuse
yourself by making predictions based on correlations with other class indicators such as those covered later in
the chapter on Home Rules. For example: if the item in question is part of a brand-new matching three-piece
suite, which also matches the curtains, its owners are likely to call it a settee.

Watching the English by Kate Fox, a social anthropologist and entertaining writer.

Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0340818867/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-nLCCbATQEJ9B might be worth be worth.

Definitely get ths one: Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour

Contents: http://i.imgur.com/Rxxxo.png

The guy who runs the CheapRVLiving YouTube channel has a pretty short book about full timing which you can find here. In it he talks a lot about the dangers that come with the lifestyle, the fear, and how in the end, if you wanna pursue full timing you have to face it. I can't recommend the book enough, Bob is fantastic and reading it helped me clear my head about full timing quite a bit. Can't wait to start full timing myself but I can't pretend I'm not a little scared still.

You might like this book as much as I:

Atlas of Remote Islands: Fifty Island I Have Not Visited and Never Will

Project Future: The Inside Story Behind the Creation of Disney World

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615347770/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It was a pre-online maps pastime as well. Check out Atlas of Remote Islands: 50 Islands I Have Never Visited And Never Will.

Passports make the boarder crossings easier.
No guns in the vehicle transiting thru CAN.

A current issue of Milepost will tell you what businesses are still open and when. They drive the AlCan every year and call out just about every culvert and crick.
https://www.amazon.com/MILEPOST-2018-Alaska-Travel-Planner/dp/1892154374/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520835866&sr=8-1&keywords=milepost+alaska+2018

Shop for Jade in Cache Creek.
http://jadeshop.ca/
Darn, looks like the teepee camping is no longer available.
https://www.historichatcreek.ca/

Make sure you set aside a couple of hours to stop at Laird hot springs for a soak in the woods.
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/liard_rv_hs/

Aquire your hometowns' city signs and nail 'em up at the Sign Post Forest at Watson Lake, Yukon Territory

Parks Canada reservations system for your camping nights:
https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/ParksCanada

The book Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails is a great beginner book. You will want to get a GPS and input the coordinates from their website. It has Anza Borrego, Death Valley, the Mojave Road and tons of others. It organizes by location and difficulty. I have a modestly upgraded FJ cruiser and my brother has a stock Xterra both with 4low and rear lockers with smart driving can do anything but difficult rock crawling.

Once you get good at route finding you must do the Mojave Road it the the quintessential socal overland trip and can be done in a stock Jeep.

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-California-Backroads-4-Wheel-Trails/dp/1934838071/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867
http://www.amazon.co.uk/English-Portrait-People-Jeremy-Paxman/dp/0140267239/ref=cm_lmf_tit_1

They may both help. Or confuse further.

This book would interest you. 'What' is used by upper and lower/lower-middle classes, the latter with a glottal stop. 'Pardon' is used by the class conscious middle. 'Sorry' by upper-middles.

Today actually. A BBC podcast by David Mitchell touches on it a little and Kate Fox's book Watching the English does as well neither are serious but they sing to the same tune about this.

Shopping at Waitrose.
Painting your house in Farrow and Ball paints.
Having a large gun dog rather than a small fluffy one in a bag.
Old Volvo rather than brand new BMW

Watching the English is good on this class thing. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867

I recommend this book to you. I'm reading it for the first time and, as someone English, it's making me realise that a lot of the stuff we do and the way we think is really really weird.

A generalisation, not an assumption - based on the findings of social anthropology ( this is a good read if you're interested). Again, this isn't a dig at Americans or saying that they are incapable of using sarcasm, but that Brits and Americans (and indeed every other culture) have different normal modes of communication. Brits rely on understanding implicit meanings a lot in day to day conversation, while Americans tend to be more "straight talking". It's not that Brits are "better" at sarcasm, just that they're more used to it.

If you haven't already read them I'd suggest reading the books by Peter Hessler.

River Town, two years on the Yangtze

Country Driving: A Chinese road trip

Oracle Bones



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hessler

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867

Watching The English is the book you are looking for.

I read Watching the English . There are so many times I "got it" because of that book.

Read Watching The English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour by Kate Fox. It is unerringly accurate.

Edit: Really? Minus one`d for a book suggestion? Gosh.

Not by an American, but could it be Watching the English?

Dark Star Safari, A travelogue I was unable to put down.

I have a copy of this book signed by the author.

Have you read Duffy Littlejohn's book? If so, can you say whether or not it's accurate?

Too many things to list, check out: https://www.amazon.com/Maui-Revealed-Guidebook-Andrew-Doughty/dp/0996131809/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468352288&sr=8-1&keywords=maui+guidebook

I believe this is the book for you!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BURNING-EDGE-TRAVELS-THROUGH-IRRADIATED/dp/1980787514/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.com/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel-ebook/dp/B000FBFMKM

Read this book, imo.

Read this

I know, it's a camaraderie thing, and a whole bunch more besides. It can sure feel hostile if your not used to it - the Brits are a complex lot.

https://www.amazon.com/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867

Side note. I've read other books dedicated to riding freight trains, this guy has good info. His general warning of how dangerous it is should not be taken lightly. Here's a few resources if you're stupid enough to try:
https://expertvagabond.com/hitchhiking-america-part-2/
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/094462734X/

Kate Fox did precisely this as part of her social experiments. She said queue jumping was the most painful experience of her life. "Watching The English" is her book about English social norms:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867

He was paying about $180 per acre. Once the news it was Walt Disney buying the prices shot up as high as $80,000 per acre.

Here's a book about it:

https://www.amazon.com/Project-Future-Inside-Behind-Creation/dp/0615347770/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&keywords=project+future+the+inside+story+behind+the+creation+of+disney+world&qid=1443465788&sr=8-1

Disney later on lobbied for the show cops to never be filmed in Orlando to prevent a negative image about the city.

> I guess I'm just trying to hold these people to higher standards. They're really falling into the constitutional monarchy trap where since they have no power they don't take themselves very seriously.

No English person takes themselves seriously though. It is the secret of Englishness. This book was recommended to me by an English person, and it explains it:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Watching-English-Hidden-Rules-Behaviour/dp/0340818867

Edit: And the higher up the social ladder you are, the less seriously you have to take yourself.

Edit 2: Glad you like the song though!

I'm in CO and not familiar with CA wheeling outside of the Rubicon and the trails there.

I have the CO and UT versions of this:

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-California-Backroads-4-Wheel-Trails/dp/1934838071/

But sometimes it's frustrating because they only have a 3 level rating system: easy, moderate, difficult.

For example in the Moab edition they list Finns & Things as difficult. And they also list Prittchet Canyon as difficult.

But there is a wold of difference in difficulty between those.

In other trail rating systems Finns & things is rated as a 4/10 and Prittchet a 9/10.

So it can be hard finding trails that match your level with only an easy/moderate/difficult rating system.

But the books can be good to give you a general idea of where the trails are and if they are suitable. You can augment with google searches to get a more precise idea of difficulty.