Crichton Travel

You are going to find that book to be quite a surprise. In between descriptions of his interesting trips, he talks about experiences with the paranormal: spoon-bending parties, reading auras, etc. I found those chapters annoying to say the least--so if you are interested in conserving weight, you might try to find the travel half of the book . . . unless you want to read about a sci-fi writer (with an MD, mind you) try to have conversations with a cactus during a desert retreat.

Your planned trip through Congo would probably exceed Crichton travel, so I'm not sure if the term will last . . .

Just a word of warning on Crichton's book. While his travel stories are exciting, they are intermixed with stories of his experiences with the paranormal--spoon-bending, aura reading, and conversations with a cactus. That sort of thing. I found those parts of the book pretty annoying. The rest was a good read. So if you are trying to limit your weight, this may not be the book to take.

And I think Congo may be more intense than any of his travels . . . most likely. I recently heard of a book about 80 places you should never visit. When I get a copy, I'll let you know, and you can be sure to go to those places (that's my plan anyway).

Very much looking forward to your posts from Africa. I'm the main author of the Rough Guide to West Africa and we are currently researching a new edition, with a number of researchers in the region. So you might bump into Nana in Ghana or Kate in Togo. Having said that the edition you've got is now more than three years old, so I hope it's still useful.

You also mention maps, and with the exception of a few good country maps, the best overall cartography for Africa is Michelin, acknowledged leaders in regional African mapping for decades. You'll need the Michelin 953 for West Africa and Michelin 956 for Central Africa.

Bon voyage!

Richard Trillo

Spoon Bending...?
Ok, I will read the book, I like Michaels style of writing.

80 places not to visit, sounds like a good list of places to go.

I am excited about the the Congo and Africa, my big worry is my desire to blog daily.

I will fly to Ghana or maybe Togo on about the 25th of February 2007.

Andy in Kathmandu Nepal - Feb 2007

Rough Guides,
Thanks, it will be interesting to use a different company than Lonely Planet. I started with LP and know their style.

I was in Ghana and Togo last year. I am maybe going to Ghana only because the flights are about 250 US cheaper when flying from Delhi. However, I need a Visa, and if India is too complicated for a Ghana Visa then maybe to Togo.

Michelin Maps - I got on Amazon and they say 1-6 weeks, they are making me nervous as I only have 2 weeks before I am in the USA, then only one week in country.

I remember LP recommeding the Michelin and do see this as a possible choice. Back again to spending a lot of money is needed just on hope.

All the maps put the Congo on the outer edge. I am not sure.

I ended up last time using my Encarta Computer Program Encyclopedia Maps as my best source.

Last time in Africa, I almost completely gave up on the Hotel recommendations by the Lonely Planet as I need a car to use the guide.

My technique was in the end, to ask the Moto Taxi to take me to an internet cafe. Then ask for a rooms in the Internet Cafe, get their advice, then snag another motocycle taxi and get his opinion.

French, the problems is my speaking of French. I need to do better before the Congo.

Three Years Old Rough Guide, I was using and Old LP last time because I need to buy one in Bangkok, and it had been on the shelf for years, and the only one I could find.

I am trying to get my one friend Craig to come and help me find hotels. I think I could bring the average price down closer to the 8 dollar per room price needed to encourage backpackers to travel in Africa. I see the NGO's as the present buyers of guides.

I am going slower this time, speak better French, and will work to find Hobo Cheap or Barefoot Travel priced Hotels. I find the shoestring is maybe too high for the average Backpacker in Africa, or at least the present standard or price of Hotels recommended.

Oh well, not that important, I will find the path.