Odessa to Chisinau Moldova

There are several ways of traveling to Moldova from Odessa, however many people tend to stray away from the Transnistria region of Moldova. The most common route is taking the 1100 bus from the central bus station in Odessa at a cost of 45 Ukrainian. The route it takes is a little bit longer because it goes underneath and around the Transnistria region, but generally it doesn't add that much time to the trip. Going from Odessa to Chisinau via this route takes around 6-8 hours depending on the border.

The border tends to take a long time leaving Ukraine, my bus was sitting for well over 1.5 hours waiting to be processed for exit by the Ukraine border authorities, then you move on to the Moldova side which takes roughly 45 minutes.

I've met a lot of people who have visited or transited through Transnistria and who have had some problems with the border guards ranging from bribes to being delayed far in excess of the other route. Most bribes were to the tune of 20-30 USD in the end, but after bargaining down from much larger almost amusing amounts.

From what I understand the only legitimate fee, which both the locals and tourists “should” pay is about 4 Ukrainian or 8 Moldovan, which amounts to a little under a dollar in both cases.
Visiting Transnistria can be a pretty big hassle, they won't let you visit for long term or even a few days but you can buy a transit visa for 10 hours for the above stated prices. Sometimes they will not want to sell it to you, but if you keep being persistent they will break down and give you the temporary visitor card. They do write the entry time on it and expect you to be gone within 10 hours of the stated time!

The border region is really quite a pain in the butt between Ukraine and Moldova and I suggest just going around the disputed region. It isn't unsafe, but it is a big hassle.

Tallinn Estonia International Bus Station

Naked Statue
Originally uploaded by kden604.

One of the beautiful things about Tallinn is its size. The entire city centre can be navigated easily in short order. Most Tourists stay in the "Old Town" which coincidentally is located right next to "New Town" or rather the modern city centre.

The bus station is one step further.

To get to the International bus station you walk from old town, through the city centre and then about 10 more minutes. From the edge of Old Town it takes roughly 30-35 minutes (approx 3 kilometers) to walk to the Bus Station.

The bus station is known to locals as "Tallinn Autobussijaam" and is located at Juhkentali (street name) 46-11. The station is at the corner of Tartu Mnt and Juhkentali.

The bus station has a restaurant, casino and there is a grocery store about 2 blocks away along Juhkentali for some cheap eats. There is also a currency exchanger that gives really horrible rates, nearly 2-2.5 EKK below market value. Additionally there is several ATM machines in the station too.

Please keep in mind this is the International Bus station as well as long haul domestic buses. Inner-city and suburban buses depart from the big Viru Plaza basement bus station which is just outside of Old Town.

Tallinn Estonia Arrival

Tallinn's old town
Originally uploaded by digikuva.

I arrived in Tallinn Estonia about 1 hour ago. The airport is quite small and it was a breeze passing through customs and getting the baggage. It seems they are building another terminal or expanding on the current one.

The moment you walk out the door and do the right you will see a "Bus to city" sign which takes you to down town Tallinn. The bus ride costs 15 EEK (1 Euro) and takes about 10 minutes until the last stop. It's about 5 minutes walk to enter in to the edge of "Old Town" which I found the Viru entrance.

There is a beautiful guest house I found for 19 Euro for Dorms. There are 6 people per room but they give you towels, the washrooms are clean and the entire place has antique looking wood furniture and looks extremely posh.

The address for the "Old House Hostel" is as follows:
Uus 22, Tallinn, Esti
Telephone: +372 6 411 464
Email: info@OldHouse.ee
Web: www.oldhouse.ee

I've booked in for three nights and am just about to do my first exploring of the city. There is massive amounts of beautiful women here too... wow!

Dangerous Driving Albania

Drinking and driving?
Originally uploaded by EmpressSim.

Transportation costs in Albania are really cheap. Sadly, you get what you pay for when it comes to drivers. Albania is one of the few countries which honestly scared the crap out of me when we were driving.

There are a few travel options in Albania, but the two most popular are furgons and Buses.

I'm not sure which one of them is the most dangerous, but I'm going to tell you a couple of stories which I wish I could forget.

Furgon Baby Incident

We were barreling down the highway at around 120-140km/h when suddenly another crazy driver does something unexpected. The brakes are slammed on our furgon and everyone goes flying forward. There are seat belts, but only for the 8 passengers the vehicle is designed for, not the other 6 who are actually there. A baby on it's mothers lap is held tightly, but the sudden stop causes her to slam forward in to the seat in front of her, crushing the baby.

Drinking and Driving

Alcoholism seems to be quite rampant in some parts of Albania. More than a few occasions I've met people in the early morning hours drinking their face off. I've even partaken a few times, I'm not saying they are bad people, perhaps a little irresponsible though.

I was in a furgon zooming down the highway as they normally do, when suddenly the driver offers me a plastic bottle of moonshine ratki. I declined his offer and he was a little offended. "You must drink, only women don't drink," was the basic conversation. After the driver took a few swigs I though I would partake if for no other reason to make my potential death less painful as we barrel down the highway with a drunk at the wheel.

Speedy Buses and Cliffs

Buses are a great way to travel, you will make great time, assuming you make it there alive. Buses must get paid by the run and not by the hour because the drivers really push the limits of safety. They will pass other vehicles in unsafe environments, they will go around blind corners in the opposite lane. More than a few times I swear our wheel was half hanging over the edge of a high cliff. There is no guard rails to catch you or stop you from going to close to the edge, and sadly you can see more than a few buses who didn't make it by the rusted out remains down at the bottom of the ravines.

Welcome to Albania! :)

(Despite all my talk about transportation woes in Albania I thought it was an amazing country and I suggest you visit them!)

Transportation Options in Albania

Vlora to Sarande
Originally uploaded by kden604.

Albania is a country where you can travel cheap. Though to be honest it is probably the most nerve racking place I've traveled in terms of dangerous driving.

Four common modes of transportation:

1. Taxi
2. Bus
3. Furgon
4. Train

Taxi

I would hazard to suggest that Taxi's are the safest, it's one on one with the driver and you can select the driver based on talking to him for a few moments. Obviously taxi's aren't a good option for traveling long distances, but they are ok for inner city travel.


Bus

Buses are quite clean, affordable, but the drivers travel at high-speeds and often will over take other vehicles with oncoming traffic and on blind corners. More than a few times I saw old buses down in ravines and gullies!


Furgon (Mini-Van)

Furgon travel is very inexpensive and is basically a minivan full of 10-16 people. The price can be negotiable they will try and rip you off, make sure you work out a price BEFORE you get in.


Train

Train travel in Albania is possible, however I don't suggest it. Trains are old, broken, and the locals don't even like traveling on them. It is by far the cheapest mode of transportation, but the trains are extremely late and well, just read this.

Budget Local Travel Advice

Camel Riders!
Originally uploaded by kden604.

This is probably the most interesting section in my Budget Travel archives. There are so many amusing ways to travel and it just depends where in the world you are at the moment.

Drivers can be your best friend or your worst enemy. It isn't too often I've found an honest TukTuk driver or a Cabby who didn't try and take the long way. But at the same time these people can take you to find anything you need. Sex, Drugs, Party...

A few types of travel to be discussed are as follows:

1. TukTuks and Taxis
2. Public Buses
3. Metro
4. Ferry / Boats
5. Bicycles
6. Rentals (Scooters, Camels, Donkeys, Horses)

Ken's Budget Local Transportation Advice:

1. placeholder

Budget Bus Travel

Packed Bus
Originally uploaded by kden604.

Buses really vary depending on what country you are in. They vary "A LOT." In most western countries you get comfortable seats with reclining chairs, maybe someone brings you water, sometimes a movie.

Or you might find yourself squished in a bus made for 30 people but packed with over 80. People stink, puke, fart and just make the trip generally uncomfortable. I've found myself on an overnight ride for 12 hours and never got to sit down.

Ken's Bus Travel Advice:

1. Albanian transportation options
2. Dangerous Driving in Albania
   

Budget Travel Options

Bunch of Rupees
Originally uploaded by kden604.

Traveling the world isn't as expensive as you may think. Before I left Canada I thought the world was an expensive place. Sure some long haul flights will set you back a bit... but if you are willing to travel over land you can do it pretty cheaply.

I will say a couple things about budget travel, not to discourage, but simply to warn.

1. Budget Travel can be fun, you meet interesting people from around the world. Occasionally some of them will be creepy.
2. Mass transportation in some countries is disgustingly dirty.
3. Don't Drink and Drive is only a suggestion in some countries.
4. Your personal space won't be so personal.
5. People stink in hot climates and you will too.
6. Hold on to your stuff, or make sure it's locked up.
7. Hitchhiking is illegal in some places and it can be dangerous. I for legal reasons I don't suggest you do it.

With that slight warning out of the way I have personally traveled cheaply in the following ways:

1. Budget Air Travel
2. Train Travel
3. Bus Travel (Long Haul)
4. Hitch Hiking (Thumbing)
5. Local Transport (Taxi, Bus, Camel, TukTuk)

Advice about finding hostels, hotels, and other accommodations:

1. Hostels: Myths, Advice and Suggestions

Money, Currencies, Credit Cards and ATM and more:

1. ATM, Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques
   

Adventure Bratislava Slovakia

Bratislava, Slovakia
Originally uploaded by kden604.

I arrived quite tired at the bus station in Bratislava Slovakia. As with most times I travel without a map, or I rip a crappy one out of a travel magazine. It was before noon when I arrived and the bus station was quite busy.

The money exchanger on the bottom floor of the bus terminal was closed for a break or lunch and I had to spend about 30 minutes waiting for them to return.

I walked out the front door of the bus station and had no idea which way I should be heading. I hate that first moment when you arrive in a new city and you are totally clueless. I walked across the street to the bus stop because it had a large map of the bus routes and I hoped it would shed some light on my location.

Really it just confused me more. I asked a 70 year old woman for help but she didn't speak a word of english but she did smile a lot. She recruited a younger gentleman to help me, but he didn't understand what I was talking about either. Oh well.

I decided to take a chance and walk down a street. For the record, should you ever find yourself walking out the main entrance of the Bratislava Bus Terminal, you want to turn left and look at that busy street. Walk to the street and turn right. Keep going for a while and you'll get to "down town."

Bratislava is quite a charming city and almost anyone under the age of 25 speaks reasonably good english. I had a bit of a bad feeling when I arrived in the country, I saw a guy running down the street chased by a shop keeper. I guess he ran out on a bill at a restaurant, a guy standing next to me on the sidewalk tapped me on the shoulder and said, "You know I've lived here all my life and I've never seen that before."

He seemed quite ashamed and wanted to make sure that I didn't get a bad impression of his city. He was on his way to an appointment downtown and was kind enough to go a few blocks out of his way to take me right to the tourism office. How great is that?

One thing I quite enjoyed about Bratislava is all the statues they have in the "old downtown" area. There is statues of people hiding around corners with their camera looking at you, statues leaning on park benches and realistic statues doing everyday things. There is also this really great laser beam that shoots over your head, goes around corners, and it just really neat to stare at after a few beers in the evenings.

One thing that you shouldn't be too disappointed at in Bratislava is the night scene. There are some great bars and nightclubs but and are at neat locations like an old submarine base. The party stops well after sunrise and stating there is an abundance of alcohol would be a drastic understatement.

For the day time tourist activities I found it a bit dull. My day normally started with breakfast and coffee at a local cafe, followed by a hike up to the Castle on the hill. After I got tired from walking up hills stairs it was to look around the Presidents Palace, shopping or heading across the river to where "real" people live.

I didn't check out most of the country, but I heard from other travelers that getting in to the mountains and smaller cities is really beautiful. There is several UNESCO world heritage sites worth checking out!

Selcuk, Izmir, Canakkale

I hopped a minibus from Selcuk to Izmir for 6tyl for about 75km or so. The company that sells tickts to Canakkale is Truva Turizm, Izmir to Canakkale for 27tyl. Though I gave him 40 and he gave me back 15, he didnt have correct change to give so he gave me the difference.

First big bus ride of the new year... First minibus too.

I much prefer to bus during the day, I like to see the landscape an as much of the country as possible. I think its 370 km to my destination... I'll be within a couple hundred km of Istanbul again too.

I can feel Egypt getting closer.