WORLDWIDE FIESTAS
Vivienne Mackie, Fiesta Editor lists holiday, carnivals and parties all over the world. Visit http://justsaygo.com/fiesta/fiesta.html for Vivienne's favorites.

TALK TRAVEL
The JSG crew recently had an E-scussion on our listserve. It started innocently enough. Someone mentioned a "spork." Naeem Randhawa explained that it was part spoon and part fork — hence "spork." Then he added that it was used for camping. That was enough to start me on a rant. More

Have a camping comment? Maybe, like my friend, you have had some great experiences. Then again, maybe not. Write to denise@justsaygo.com about your most amazing camping experiences. We'll post them next month. Send a picture too.

TRAVEL EASE — Plugging in While on the Road

This month Marina Farrell and Keith Kellett both offered the same advice: Invest in an international converter and transformer if you have plans to visit overseas. Although most laptops are adjustable to voltage, check the label on the plug before using any socket. If it says 110-220V, that means it will handle a range of voltages; 110V is standard for the United States while 220V is for the European nations. Selecting the appropriate converter is simple. If you need help ask at any hardware or electronics store. With the correct converter you can start typing — or recharging anywhere. Other devices need a transformer as well and a good kit will include a variety of converters and a transformer, allowing you to run most of your electrical equipment without blowing out hotel fuses. Plugs should be labeled to assist; for example the large 3-prong pieces fit in United Kingdom outlets. Thin round pin plugs work in Northern European countries including Germany and France. Italy is sometimes dicey and takes two different kinds of plugs. Outlets are being updated in most of the newer hotels. Vilnius, Lithuania is now using the thin round plugs more than the large round-pinned Soviet plugs. Most likely the remaining former Soviet countries are doing likewise. For more information read these articles online: Unplugged at Reid's Guides and Travel Oasis World Electricity Solutions.

Pictured, the Seven Star International Travel Adapter Plus

Is there something you'd like reviewed? Let us know before buying a new travel item. We'll let you know if it meets JSG's standards.

TRAVEL TIP
These days, travelers are advised not to lock suitcases. However, if anything is lost or stolen from an unlocked case, an insurance company may not cover the cost of missing contents. Having said that, if security wants to search and the suitcase is locked, it will be broken (most of us already know this firsthand already). Later, when security finishes unfolding all those neatly packed clothes they refasten securely with a generic tag. Keith Kellett suggests cable ties or duct tape instead of a lock. They deter sticky-fingers and if security needs to take a peek all that's lost is a bit of tape. But be sure to pack a knife or scissors in an outside pocket so that you can eventually open your own suitcase.

PHANTASTIC PHOTOS

Portland through a Porthole by Denise Dube

Fiery Fine Ford by Naeem Randhawa

Windows of the World by Naeem Rhandhawa

Do you have a photo that deserves a spot on this page? Send it to denise@justsaygo.com. We'll post it here and send you a JustSayGo.Com TraveLetter prize.

TRAVEL BOOKS: BerlitzKids 1000 French Words
Reviewed by Lia Sorgen and “Tante Carol” Sorgen, Berlitz Publishing, www.berlitzpublishing.com

Lia Sorgen, 9 years old, says:
I think that 1000 French Words will help kids, and grownups of all ages, learn French easily; 1000 French Words has the most common words that people would use to talk to French people. Also, the illustrated pictures help younger children understand how to memorize French in the most fun way.

Tante Carol Sorgen (older than 9 – but we won't get into that) says:
As one who speaks French, and has been teaching Lia un peu de francais ever since she was old enough to talk, I think this colorful, kid-friendly French vocabulary book is a great find—and as Lia said, not just for kids.

One thousand everyday words are presented in 27 engagingly illustrated and colorful scenes, from “La famille” (the family), to “A la plage” (at the beach), to “Le voyage” (travel)… with much more in between. At the end of the 64-page paperback book, there is a list of “plus de mots” or more words, including common adjectives, nouns, numbers, days, months, elements of time, and “mots utiles” or useful words. For children, the colorful illustrations, paired with the French and English words, gives students a real head start in learning another language. I highly recommend this book and the others in the series—Spanish, German, Italian, and English for Spanish speakers. Even those who speak French—unless you’re a native-born speaker or have spent time in virtually any situation you can think of—are bound to pick up some new words. Who knew that a roller coaster is called “les montagnes russes?” Pas moi! Of course, I’ve never yet had to use the phrase in conversation, but should Lia and I wind up at EuroDisney in Paris it might be helpful for me to know how to say something other than, “Non, tu ne peut pas monter les montagnes russes!” (No, you can’t ride the roller coaster!)… peut-etre au lieu de cela “la maison hantee?” (Perhaps instead the haunted house?) 1000 French Words est un livre tres utile! For those who haven't read the book, that's 1000 French Words is a very useful book!

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