Need to Get Something Notarized? DO NOT Go to the Embassy

According to Wikipedia, there are about 4.5 million notary publics in the States vs. approx. 740 in England and Wales and 1,250 in Australia and New Zealand. In the US, you can find a notary on every corner, and at least in NC, it costs about 5 bucks for a stamp. I was recently sent… Continue reading Need to Get Something Notarized? DO NOT Go to the Embassy

I’ve Been Kicked Out of the UK

I really wish I had a cool story to go along with this. Maybe I should make one up. Sadly, it’s a simple case of another immigration officer being a twat. I went to Munich last week to visit a good friend. Had a great time, check out the Munich, Germany article. When I first… Continue reading I’ve Been Kicked Out of the UK

The Definitive Guide to Not Going Broke in London

photo credit: ~lauren

This city is disastrously expensive, and doesn’t help that the exchange rate is awful. As a point of reference, a regular pint of lager (something like Kronenberg or Amstel, nothing fancy) from a tap at a typical (non-touristy) bar is about £4 – that’s around $6.50. Expect closer to £5 for anything special. A small… Continue reading The Definitive Guide to Not Going Broke in London

HostelWorld vs. HostelBookers

For a while there, HostelWorld.com had a real monopoly on the hostel booking business. After all, they hold the license to the BackpackOnline booking software used by nearly all of the hostels I’ve been to, not to mention their customer interface (the HostelWorld.com website) is friendly, attractive, and easy to use. But one main competitor… Continue reading HostelWorld vs. HostelBookers

Poznan to Berlin to London – 17 Straight Hours of Travel

April 19, 2012 When on the road, some days are just like this. It sucks, but you have to just suck it up and chalk it up to the experience, or whatever makes you feel better. I really liked my time in Poland – the women are gorgeous, the food is cheap, I spent time… Continue reading Poznan to Berlin to London – 17 Straight Hours of Travel

Black & White Hostel Review

Black & White Hostel Inside

I’ll admit, my first impression of this place wasn’t so great. It was late at night, I couldn’t find it, and the only identifier that you’re in the right place is a small sign on the intercom, which you have to call to get in each time. The hostel itself is all of about one hallway with four dorms and two bathrooms, no common room or kitchen, no lockers, and is often noisy at night.