Emma R

Looking for any advice on travelling on a budget from Morocco to UAE. Any low cost carriers, any long train\bus options, any must-see diversions en route.

Just starting the plans for the trip, will have a total of 12 days to see Morocco and UAE, wish it was longer but quite restricted!

Any ideas or comments at all greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I've been living in Osaka for four months, and am starting to plan what I'll do during Golden Week. I have read that it is a CRAZY time to travel, and am aware that I should book reserved seats on trains and book required accommodation ASAP...

I am considering three main options at this stage, and just want people's personal opinions/ideas/suggestions:

1) do the bicycle route from Okayama through to Shikoku Island, and explore whatever Shikoku has to offer. The 88-temple pilgrimage doesn't interest me, but i'd see a couple temples and visit the old onsen there and the vine bridge

2) travel to Kyushu island, visit onsen in Beppu area and see the active volcanoes...

3) (RELUCTANT option) - if it appears all too hard to even try to travel within Japan during this time, maybe I'll head to South Korea?! either fly or ferry.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be most appreciated :) I'm determined not to stay in Kansai area!

I have a little Japanese language ability...

Tried a few web searches, found an Anglican church and sent them an email two weeks ago but no reply.

Is anyone aware of any churches in Kyoto offering English language services on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day? I can see from web searches there are many churches there, but few seem to offer English services.

Would appreciate any help or advice!

I'm living in Osaka and want to find a t-shirt featuring a Japanese beer brand, eg Asahi, Yebisu, Sapporo, Suntory etc. A good friend of mine back in Aus collects beer t-shirts from around the world and I'd like to find one and send it home. I don't want to order it off the internet, I want to visit the place and buy it.

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions for me? Kirin brewery/gallery/cafe on Dotomobori is now closed. Been to America-mura, no luck. Considering going to Asahi brewery in Suita and checking out their free tours.

Thanks!

I have heard about the natural whirlpools and taking a ferry ride from Osaka to Awajishima, seeing the water and then also looking on the island.

Just wondering if anyone here has been there, has any recommendations? Is it ok to go there in December or is it not recommended in winter? Should I allow a full day trip?

Would prefer personal opinions and stories rather than links to commercial sites or info.

Am eager for advice on shopping in Osaka, for female clothing (mid 20s, so fashionable stuff - but am a western figure, ie boobs and hips) and awesome stylish souvenirs from Japan. Not interested in tacky souvenir shops, I'm thinking more of some unique piece from a flea market.

So any recycling boutiques, flea markets, sales coming up, any info would be most appreciated!

I have the DVDs here of GA seasons 1-3, but my disc has scratched and has stuffed up half way through episode 8 of season 1! So I want to find eps 8 onwards of season 1. I'm happy to either watch online or download.

I have limewire, tried downloading one but all I got was audio.

I have searched abc.com and they only have full episodes from the last 3-4 eps as far as i can see, so season 3

I have looked on youtube, veoh and all these other sites but can't seem to find the full episodes. I have searched through previous questions about watching/downloading TV and i have tried so many links but with no help.

So if any can help with this specific request I'd be very grateful! Please don't just post random links to video sites unless you know they have the full episodes of Greys available.

Thanks sooooo much!

What are my options for travelling from Osaka to Hakuba via TRAIN?

I am aware there is an overnight bus, but my family do not wish to take this option.

We may or may not have JR rail pass. So interested both in most direct option and also cheaper options. Any suggestions appreciated.

I have my family coming to visit me in Japan in December and am looking for accommodation. They're here for three weeks, but doing a few other trips so do not erquire Osaka accomm the whole time. They need a 2 night stay, then 1 night, then 3 nights, then 5 nights. Will be either 2 or 3 adults (my bro might stay at my place)

A friend here mentioned the possibility that a monthly mansion (or weekly one) rented for 3 weeks might be a cheaper option than hotels, and they can leave their stuff there whilst doing other short trips.

I'm after any advice, suggestions or links for either reasonable priced accommodation for the shorter stays, or for a good place to rent the whole time.

I'm in Sakai-ku, Sakai City so would prefer either near here, Namba or Tennoji.

They wont stay in a backpackers lodge though...

Thanks!!