Average customer rating:
- Any book by Gerald Durrell
- "Any normal person...would have got the zoo first and the animals next."
- inexplicably charming and quirky
- Excellent, the 4th best of his many books, in my opinion
- If you like nature, laughing, or both, read this book
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A Zoo in My Luggage
Gerald Durrell
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
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My Family and Other Animals
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The Whispering Land
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Menagerie Manor
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Marrying Off Mother: And Other Stories
ASIN: 014303524X |
Book Description
Fans of Gerald Durrell's timeless classic My Family and Other Animals will love this hilarious tale, which finds him as an adult still charmed by his beloved animals. A Zoo in My Luggage begins with an account of Durrell's third trip to the British Cameroons in West Africa, during which he and his wife capture animals to start their own zoo. Returning to England with a few additions to their familyCholmondeley the chimpanzee, Bug-eye the bush baby, and othersthey have nowhere to put them as they haven't yet secured a place for their zoo. Durrell's account of how he manages his menagerie in all sorts of places throughout England while finding a permanent home for the animals provides as much adventure as capturing them. For animal lovers of all ages, A Zoo in My Luggage is the romping true story of the boy who grew up to make a Noah's Ark of his own.
Customer Reviews:
Any book by Gerald Durrell.......2007-01-11
I could not recommend any book more wholeheartedly than I do "A Zoo in my Luggage", along with all books by Gerald Durrell. Young and old will find the information of great interest, the writing style hilarious and entertaining, and the geographic descriptions factual and vivid with local color. I have read all of his books when I was a young mother living in West Africa, and I have ordered these books now for my grandchildren to enjoy.
"Any normal person...would have got the zoo first and the animals next.".......2005-07-13
Naturalist/writer Gerald Durrell, with a writer's eye for unusual detail, a great sense of humor and absurdity, and an unquenchable enthusiasm for finding unique animals, recounts his third animal-collecting trip to the Cameroons in this classic 1960 memoir, recently reprinted. Supplying other people's zoos for many years, Durrell, on this trip, intends to collect specimens for his own zoo, one which will be open to the public and which will become a "self-supporting laboratory" with a captive breeding program to prevent the extinction of these species.
Arriving on the west coast of Cameroon, Durrell uses pidgin to converse with the Africans and refers to all animals as "beef," but he soon acquires many rare animals from the local population. A frightening canoe ride through hippo-infested waters, an attempt to capture a fifteen-foot python, a search for the blue-scalped, bald-headed Picanthartes bird, and the experience of smoking out a hollow tree keep Durrell and his staff energized and excited before they head to the highlands. There, Durrell stays with the charming Fon of Bafut, a elderly king with many wives, and he and Durrell enjoy many long evenings of talk, dance, and whisky. Soon the Fon's compound fills up with hundreds more captive reptiles, birds, and animals, including a half-grown baboon, a five-year-old chimp, and a baby chimp, all of which provide innumerable, often hilarious adventures.
Durrell provides details about the care and feeding of these animals, and he and his staff prove to be very "hands-on" caretakers, often having animals creep into their beds. The logistics of building cages and, eventually, packing them for the trip home, reveal the level of detail necessary to keep these animals healthy and calm so they can survive the trip to England. Upon his return, Durrell then begins the daunting task of trying to find a place to house these rare specimens, a task he neglected ahead of time.
A lively writer with a commitment to conservation and a tremendous sense of fun, Durrell gives the flavor of the whole trip, not just the academic details, providing realism at the same time that he reveals irrepressible humor, much of it directed at himself. His sensitivity to his surroundings, which he conveys through vibrant descriptions, makes the countryside come alive, while his anecdotes about the animals and the people he meets show his interest in expanding his knowledge while fully participating in events around him. Though there is no epilogue to bring the reader up to date on the success of Durrell's zoo or its captive breeding program, this information is readily available at: http://www.durrellwildlife.org/index.cfm?a=11 Mary Whipple
inexplicably charming and quirky.......2003-01-28
Gerald Durrell's books have touched the hearts of naturalists for decades and I admit that I have only become a fan of his in the recent years. I was introduced to his books through my local used bookstore, where I was looking for copies of James Herriot's books that were not offered at my local bookstore, and decided to pick up a few and try them out.
His stories have a incorporated a vivid energy and hilarity into his passionate memoirs of unique nature experiences that will entertain any nature-lover. While some of his scientific practices may now be considered obsolete, we are given a rare glimpse into the love and respect for all things living that has been a core aspect of any naturalist throughout the ages.
I have since bought as many of Durrell's books that I have been able to find, and treasure each and every one of them.
Excellent, the 4th best of his many books, in my opinion.......2002-09-27
Gerald Durrell spent most of his life collecting interesting animal specimens and Durrell is an interesting human specimen himself. His well chronicled life (mostly chronicled by Durrell) begins with the hilarious, and very succesfull, "My family and Other Animals". It is ably followed up with the equally hilarious "Birds, Beasts and Relatives". Both books are full of tales from the Durrell family's years on the Greek Island of Corfu, pre WWII. Little Gerry dives right into the flora and fauna of the island, including its human fauna. I own very few nonfiction books with such a plethora of memorable characters. Now, of course, we get to the volume in question. It is plenty good, and worth multiple readings over years, as is "The Overloaded Ark" and several other books detailing trips to collect animals. A word of warning, don't go nuts and buy all the zillion Durrell titles. Some of them are out of print for a reason and were most likely dashed off by Durrell to finance a collecting trip or two...
If you like nature, laughing, or both, read this book.......2001-05-10
I would seriously recommend this book to anyone on the planet. Do you like nature? Read this. Do you like animals? Read this. Do you like humour? Read this. Are you someone who appreciates a good book? Read this. You will come away knowing lots of interesting facts about obscure animals,have sniggered your head off, and with vibrant images filling your head. This is an autobiography jam-packed with laughs and description.
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A Zoo in My Luggage
Manufacturer: Penguin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IJDJW4 |
Average customer rating:
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A Zoo in My Luggage
Gerald Durrell
Manufacturer: Penguin Books Canada, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000WQ9J22 |
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A Zoo in My Luggage
Manufacturer: Berkley Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HTVH4W |
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Diseases of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Crops (Cabi Publishing)
Manufacturer: CABI
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Plant Pathology
ASIN: 0851993907 |
Book Description
Globally, tropical fruit production is increasing as demand increases in Northern temperate markets. This book offers a comprehensive review of diseases of important tropical and subtropical fruit crops. The history, distribution, importance, etiology, epidemiology and control of diseases of each host crop are covered, along with brief summaries on the taxonomy, origins and characteristics of each host. Additional information is given on the biology and pathology of the causal agents and on new advances that change or otherwise enhance our understanding of the nature and cause of these diseases.
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Postharvest Diseases of Fruits and Vegetables
R. Barkai-Golan
Manufacturer: Elsevier Science
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ASIN: 0444505849 |
Book Description
Focusing on the great variety of research being done in the field of postharvest pathology, this volume presents a collection of topics concerning the diseases of harvested fruits and vegetables.
Each chapter represents a separate unit which taken together create a better understanding of the whole subject. Topics include the causal agents of postharvest diseases of fruits and vegetables, their sources and their ways of penetration into the host; factors that may accelerate the development of the pathogen in the host - and those that suppress them; a list of the main pathogens of fruits and vegetables, their hosts and the diseases elicited by them; and a detailed description of the major diseases of selected groups of fruits and solanaceous vegetable fruits. Attack mechanisms of pathogens and defense mechanisms of the host are examined as are treatments aimed at suppressing postharvest diseases. The search for natural and safe chemical compounds and the variety of alternative physical and biological methods for use in postharvest disease control are emphasized.
Teachers and students who focus on postharvest pathology, scientists in research institutes, companies dealing with fruit and vegetable preservation technologies and for all those striving to improve the quality of harvested fruits and vegetables will find this book of great interest.
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Compendium of Bean Diseases (Disease Compendium)
Manufacturer: American Phytopathological Society
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ASIN: 0890543275 |
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Compendium of Apple and Pear Diseases (Disease Compendium Series)
A. L. Jones
Manufacturer: American Phytopathological Society
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ASIN: 0890541094 |
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Integrated Pest Management for Almonds (Publication, 3308)
Manufacturer: Agriculture & Natural Resources
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0931876737 |
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Diseases of Temperate Zone Tree Fruit and Nut Crops (Publication / University of California. Division of Agricult)
Joseph M. Ogawa , and
Harley English
Manufacturer: A N R Publications
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ASIN: 0931876974 |
Book Description
A beautifully illustrated encyclopedic work on the diseases and disorders affecting pome and stone fruits, nuts, olives, figs, and several minor fruits grown in the temperate zone areas - including most of the United States. Includes the history, symptoms, and control methods for nearly 200 diseases; 350 color photographs throughout. This book is a must for production consultants, plant pathologists, and agricultural libraries.
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Ascochyta Blight and Winter Sowing of Chickpeas (World Crops: Production, Utilization and Description)
Manufacturer: Springer
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 9024728754 |
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Chickpea Breeding and Management (Cabi Publishing)
Manufacturer: CABI
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ASIN: 1845932137 |
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The chickpea is an ancient crop that is still important in both developed and developing nations. This authoritative account by international experts covers all aspects of chickpea breeding and management, and the integrated pest management and biotechnology applications that are important to
its improvement. With topics covered including origin and taxonomy, ecology, distribution and genetics, this book combines the many and varied research issues impacting on production and utilization of the chickpea crop on its journey from paddock to plate.
Book Description
This award-winning series is jam packed with up-to-date, in depth travel information and fascinating background details, including highlights of every town and site, money-saving tips, health precautions, and anecdotes on local history, culture, and customs.
*Footprint Handbooks have been essential reading for almost 78 years, making these the world's longest-running travel series in the English language
*Features travel-tough paperback covers, color pages, and a more relaxed, user-friendly style for the traveler of the 21st century
*All authors are experts who have lived or worked in the countries they write about; these books will inspire readers to enjoy those places as much as they
Average customer rating:
- I detest this travel guide
- Worthless Travel Handbook
- Stick with Lonely Planet!!!
- Disappointing
- Best Brazil Book I have seen so far
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Footprint Brazil Handbook : The Travel Guide
Ben Box
Manufacturer: Footprint Handbooks
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1900949504 |
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Footprint's Brazil Handbook is the most up-to-date guide available and is packed with the most comprehensive, practical and illuminating information to get the visitor around this vast country. In its new travel-proof paperback format this travel guide is portable and lightweight, easy to slip into the travel bag and bound to last the trip. It includes highlights of Brazil illustrated with colour photography, comprehensive practical information from where to stay, eat and drink to how to stay healthy, useful Portuguese words and phrases and unique colour maps to help plan a trip.
Customer Reviews:
I detest this travel guide.......2004-03-14
I am currently traveling in Brazil with this book, and it frustrates me so much that I'm actually paying money at this internet cafe to prevent others from experiencing the same pain.
I bought this book because it was the most recent guidebook for Brazil, and because several people referred to Footprint as "the Bible for South America." I suppose that analogy is accurate--like the Bible, this book is awkwardly worded, cryptic and useless for day-to-day logistics. But I have several more specific complaints. Open to the very first page, and you encounter a theme for the entire book: a featureless, useless map and confusing editorial errors. Maps, if you're lucky enough to get one, rarely contain more than 2-3 recommended hotels and restaurants (even if the text refers to several), and almost no other landmarks like travel agents, banks, airlines, etc. As a result, we walked 45 minutes across Rio to a travel agent because a) the guidebook didn't show us the airline office two blocks in the other direction and b) the map left out a significant chunk of land--we thought the walk would be only 15 minutes. Then we paid for a taxi to a restaurant only 5 blocks away because neither our hotel clerk nor the cab driver knew the address given in the guidebook. Of course the restaurant wasn't labeled on the map, DESPITE that it was recommended twice in the text, and well within the map's margins. These things would never happen with a Lonely Planet.
In Praia do Forte, one of the only 14 places the guidebook recommends throughout Brazil, no map was given, and no address and phone number were listed for the only budget accommodation listed. As a result, we spent 15 minutes at the tourist office while the clerk called around town to see if anyone knew the hotel. We finally gave up and found our own (more expensive) lodging, only to learn that a nice hostel has been in business there for years. I could go on and on with examples like these.
Which leads me to another complaint: I no longer trust this book's recommendations. They are incomplete and in many cases wrong--more than a few times, places listed as excellent lodging/restaurants or good places to meet travelers are crummy, vacant spots.
I have two final complaints. One, the Language section is an absolute joke. For pronunciation, it basically tells you that letters are said differently throughout Brazil, but it doesn't guide you in any way. It also fails to list many common things you'll need to say as a traveler, including "yes." Unbelievable. And two, this book contains advertising!
I gave this review two stars because the book does have decent Directory sections. But of course there's rarely any indication where the locations in the directory can actually be found. In summary, using this guidebook means you'll need to visit the tourist office in every town for maps, hotels and restaurant listings... in which case you don't need this guidebook at all.
Worthless Travel Handbook.......2004-02-21
I purchased this guidebook because my much trusted travel store 'highly recommended' the book. I have traveled all over the world and I have never been more frustrated, and annoyed, at a guide book than I am with this one. It has been completely worthless - from a useless and incomplete language section, to poorly edited maps (or no maps given), recommended Pousadas with no address and no phone number, to sections that go on-and-on about what to do while in a town only tell you to hunt down the local paper (which is in Portguese)to find out where to go for a "do not miss" experience. A three year old Lonely Planet has been far more useful and accurate than this latest edition. My question - who writes and edits for Footprint and what are they smoking?
Stick with Lonely Planet!!!.......2003-08-14
I originally selected this guidebook because it seemed like an adequate alternative to Lonely Planet, which are great guidebooks that I have depended on for years. However, I was in search of a guidebook that's a little bit different and more detailed for my trip to Brazil. On its face, Footprint fulfilled this requirement. However, I was quick to find out that I was dead wrong. Simply put, the guidebook was a total disappointment. The writing is absolutely awful and I'm still sitting here wondering whether Footprint has an editorial staff. The guidebook literally contains sentences that are incoherent and incomplete. While it's historical and cultural description of various Brazilian cities and towns are adequate, the remaining components of the guidebook fail to meet the demands of a practical traveler. Most notably, it's departure and arrival times, and directions in getting around a specific city are impossible to understand and, in some cases, dead wrong. Thank god someone I was traveling with brought her Lonely Planet. A side-by-side comparison revealed that
my purchase of Footprint was a waste of hard-earned money.
Disappointing.......2003-04-14
Footprint makes decent guidebooks, such as Footprint Brazil, but but unfortunately, they tend to do a lot of political editorializing that makes unnececssary reading for someone seeking out a travel destination (see their blatantly Anti-Israel guide to that country for an example of this tendency) Until they change their editorial policies, socially conscious and culturally respectful consumers should spend their money elsewhere.
Best Brazil Book I have seen so far.......2001-03-06
The Brazil travel guide market has been underserved over the years. I just picked up the Footprints guide, though, and I admit that this is the most complete Brazil guide I have seen in English. Any book that gives you hotel recommendations in towns as far off the beaten path as Mossoro, Petrolina/Juazeiro, Picos, Teofilo Otoni, Tres Marias, Xique Xique, Senhor do Bonfim and Vitoria da Conquista deserves an ovation. I have passed through all of these towns for one reason or another, and most guidebooks make no mention of them. They aren't big tourist attractions, but Brazil being so big, you never know when you might need to know where to stay. For example, I was once trying to get from Natal to Canoa Quebrada and couldn't get a direct bus; I could only get as far as Mossoro. I got to Mossoro at 10 PM, and wouldn't be able to get a bus until 6 AM the next morning to Aracati (where I would have to change buses again to get to Canoa Q). At 10 PM at the Mossoro bus station needing a place to sleep, I could have used a list of hotels, phones, and prices. It would have saved me 30 minutes of searching for a clean, affordable room.
And the coverage of the Lencois Maranhenses/Parnaiba delta region is second to none. In 1993 I passed through this area without a guidebook, because none of the guidebooks on the market at the time gave enough information about the region to be of any use. In this one, you get a detailed map of the Rio Preguica, as well as needed orientation on how to get from Barreirinhas to Tutoia (both charming towns worth a visit), and then where to catch the passenger ferries to Parnaiba from Tutoia. In 1993 I met a German man who had walked from Tutoia to Barreirinhas on foot. It took him 3 days. This is the first guide book I have ever seen on the area that even suggests that this route can be walked, as well as expected walk time and what to take with you.
Aside from having extensive coverage, this book has the best advice on driving, buying cars, and how to outfit a vehicle for continent-wide travel (my next dream trip to Brazil).
But this book isn't the end-all of Brazil tour guides. There is plenty of room for improvement. There is not a lot of history or background info. This book is for the road, not for bed-time reading as you prepare your trip. It assumes sometimes that you know why you are in Brazil and exactly what you want to see and where you want to go... you just need to know where to sleep and eat when you get there. There isn't a lot of the opinionated commentary and review that makes LP guides so bulky (and at times annoying). This book could easily be 70 pages longer and wouldn't detract from the travellers' experiences lugging it around in their back packs. This is one of three essential books for when you go backpacking in Brazil... the other two being Guia 4 Rodas Brasil (a sort of AAA guidebook of towns, hotels, restaurants and reviews) and Guia 4 Rodas Guia de Praias (the most complete guide to the beaches of Brazil in any language!). Happy travels.
Book Description
Known as the sexiest place on earth, Brazil’s attractions include everything from scuba diving and gorgeous colonial architecture to monster guinea pigs and UFOs. This essential guide covers all the sights plus where to eat, drink, and party, including how to get the most out of Brazil’s wild Carnival.
Customer Reviews:
More background better listings.......2005-09-06
After Lonely Planet the dense Footprint format gets a bit of getting used to but the information within the guide is far superior; especially if you are looking to understand the country rather than just pass through. I found the listings better too - with a higher quality of hotels and restaurants, especially in the middle and upper ranges.
This is one of Footprint's better books - covering this vast continent sized country with real love and understanding. I found it a great companion on my journey in Sao Paulo, Rio, Bahia and Central Brazil - where it helped me find places in the Chapada dos Veadeiros and Pirenopolis just not listed anywhere else.
pretty, but not easily searchable.......2005-08-05
As someone who has taken a walk around the block a few times in my lifespan, I have read a few travel guides to pave my way. I bought this one as it was the most recent available as a fresh publication, and on the positive reviews this series has scored on Amazon. I prefer to have cultural sites and restaurant information listed separately.
This book jumbles everything you may see by neighbourhood in the larger cities, and one might not choose to go a location if one doesn't know what is there to see as far as museums and historical sites. Also, i like to search for restaurants by type. It is convenient for people with special diets or preferences (vegetarian, seafood, certain ethnic types).
If you have time to read the WHOLE book, including the other chapters where information on other Brazilian cultural information is hidden (football, food and drink), then you may get more out of it than I did. As for myself, I found another publisher's guide that had been printed back in 2003 more useful.
Book Description
From nights dancing the tango in Buenos Aires to gaucho riding in the grasslands of the Pampas to celebrity spotting on the ski slopes of Bariloche, Argentina offers visitors a vast array of entertainment and adventure. Footprint Argentina covers all the basics with current, critical listings of where to eat, stay, and play. Loaded with information on feasts and festivals, food, fashion, fads, and folklore, it details the history, politics, and culture of Argentina - the birthplace of the Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara, stomping ground of Madonna, and source of Evita worship. Redesigned for accessibility and easy navigation, this edition includes a double-page color highlight map, basic Spanish for visitors, a planning guide, and detailed information on Patagonia and the adventure travel scene.
Customer Reviews:
This 2007 / 4th Edition is a great guide for Argentina and an excellent guide for Patagonia. .......2007-02-27
There was a day when Rough Guide and Lonely Planet were the best guides for travelers that sought to leave the tour groups behind and explore on their own. But slowly, year by year, Footprint has improved, and now this 4th edition is one of the best guides for Argentina that you can buy. *Note that this review is for the the 4th edition, other reviews below are probably refering to the 3rd Edition.
I took five travel guides with me to explore Argentina/Patagonia, and I found myself consistently reaching for Footprint first. It is the most current (2006) and the guide consistently listed quality accommodations and good restaurants, some of which were exemplary. The city maps in the guide are excellent. All the restaurants and hotels are well marked on each map. Kudos.
Footprint Argentina's background section (history, religion, culture etc.) is well written, brief, yet informative. There is an abundance of website references throughout the text and a website listing for almost every accommodation = excellent.
I spent five weeks exploring Patagonia and found Footprint to be the best single guide to have. More than 200 pages in this Argentinean guide are devoted to this region, including a section on Chilean Patagonia. If you purchase "Time Out Patagonia" (see my review) you will have the best two guides possible for Patagonia.
On the downside Footprint uses a cumbersome letter system instead of just telling you the price for accommodations (i.e., LL=$200 plus, L=$150-$200, AL=$101-$150, A,B,C,D,E,F etc. -- putting the legend at the back of the book - a serious hassle). It also fails to tell you what is the price range for the restaurants; so at one eatery you could pay $10 for your meal, then have a $35 bill at another. Not good. The descriptions of the restaurants are insipid and verge on being meaningless: "tasty food", "cosy", "very popular", "delicious food". Whereas, other good guides (Rough Guide - also highly recommended - see my review) give you pointers: "best grilled shrimp ever" / "the steaks here are the best in town" etc.
Bottom line: this is a very good guide for Argentina and the best guide for those that are going to Patagonia. Highly recommended
Totally useless!.......2006-05-26
Everything about this book, from phone numbers to accommodation reviews, has been almost laughably wrong. I've never felt compelled to write a review on amazon before, but this book has been so inaccurate I think I should warn people. The only reason anyone should buy this book is to do the exact OPPOSITE of whatever it says. I doubt this author has even been to the places she writes about, that's how consistently wrong this book is. It is impossible to locate a copyright date, and they probably did that on purpose, considering many places have closed and info is obviously outdated. I understand that some places change over time, but I've given this book a chance in 10 different places throughout Argentina and the advice here has failed miserably.
Not bad, but...........2005-12-25
I returned from Argentina just two weeks ago, and I used this book exclusively. I usually use the "Let's Go" guides when I travel, and I didn't like this one nearly as much. Too many superlatives throughout the book - unfortunately not everything can be amazing or fantastic - so after a while there was really no way to differenciate the truly fantastic (the falls or Perito Moreno Glacier), from the just so so things. And regardless of what the book says, unless you love to eat beef and pork every meal, the food is terrible. Very mediocre pasta and pizzas everywhere, and vegetarians are highly restricted. The food was definitely the lowlight of our trip. If interested in hiking and the outdoors - plan on spending the majority of your time way down south. El Calafate, El Chalten, and Ushuaia are all truly amazing areas. And if you can fit the Falls in, they are definitely worth the trip. The prices in the book were pretty accurate, although things tended to be a bit higher. But it is still quite inexpensive. We thought the book did a poor job of letting you know just how difficult it would be to get to many of the wilderness areas without your own car or hiring an expensive guide. Another thing to remember when planning your trip is that it is much cheaper in the North, and the buses are nicer and more plentiful. Overall, I thought it was a good book, but the authors could have been a bit more honest about the shortcomings of the country.
Highly recommended -.......2004-12-03
We travelled around Argentina out of season using this guide and the Rough Guide, and found that we turned time and again to the Footprint Guide for reliable and up-to-date information. I broke my ankle in Salta, but thanks to this guide, we were booked into a fantastic hotel, and later spent a few nights luxuriating in a gorgeous and fantastic value for money estancia in Pumamarca, which went some way towards saving the holiday from disaster. If you're thinking of going to Argentina, go now, and take this guide with you!
A fantastic book.......2004-12-03
We travelled to Argentina recently and used this as our only guide. The information was accurate, well presented and current. My wife particularly enjoyed the writer's excellent and as she herself said, elegant descriptive prose. We had a marvellous time on the strength of some of her recommendations, most particularly the Lake district and Mendoza where we ate enough meat to see us both through to our pensions. Many thanks Ms Dilks!
Average customer rating:
|
Rio de Janeiro handbook (Footprint handbooks)
Mick Day
Manufacturer: In USA, published by NTC/Contemporary Pub. Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
General
| Brazil
| South America
| Latin America
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B0006RL934 |
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