Actually it's already the fourth, but I didn't count the summer edition. So, how was everybody's summer? Some of you have to wait again for their next vacation and some might already have another trip planned :) The upcoming time of the year is great for city trips, because it's still nice weather in the South part of Europe or what about the beautiful Indian Summer in New England? Find out more in this issue!

I've been working hard since I got back from my summer vacation to report my trip in my Travel Journal: you can read about my trip to Philly, my visit to the Amish people,...

Some new additions to my website: Travel Phrases to help you with your first words in a foreign country, so it's easier to communicate with the locals. And they really appreciate you for making an effort to speak their language! Another cool addition is the possibility to compare hotel prices. You just fill out the city and dates you want and the search engine compares several travel sites at once and gives you the best prices. Definitely worth to check out!

The topics of this edition are:

• Things to Do: Destinations to visit in the month of SEPTEMBER
• Things to See: Description of a destination: San Francisco
• Things to Make: Something sweet: Apple folds
• Things to Know: Travel Updates: TSA
• Fun Facts
• Tip of the Month
• Quote of the Month

• MUNICH

  September is a great month to visit Munich, Germany and that's because of the famous Oktoberfest. The weather is still nice, dry and sunny with an average temperature of 18 degrees Celsius (64 Fahrenheit). So, what's this Oktoberfest?
  
  It is one of the most famous events in Germany and the world's largest fair, with millions of people attending every year. The original "Oktoberfest" occurred in Munich, on October 18, 1810, for the commemoration of their marriage, Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen organized a great horse race.
  
  In 1819, the founding citizens of Munich assumed responsibility over festival management. It was agreed that the Oktoberfest would be celebrated each and every year without exception. Later, it was lengthened and the date pushed forward, the reason being that the end of September in Bavaria often has very good weather.
  
  In 1887, the Entry of the Oktoberfest Staff and Breweries took place for the first time. This event showcases the splendidly decorated horse teams of the breweries and the bands that play in the festival tents.
  Source: Wikipedia
  
  Now, it's one of the biggest beer festivities in the world with beer, sausages and parties.
  
  The 176 Oktoberfest from Munich is from September 19th to October 4th 2009. The entry to the Oktoberfest is free! More info.

• NEW ENGLAND

  At the end of September, the beautiful coloring of the leaves in New England begins. I can know, because last year I went to see the Indian Summer. And it has to be said, it is gorgeous! I visited Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. I saw Cadillac Mountain in the park and I even went Whale watching. You can see pictures here.
  
  After that I went to the White Mountains, to have a scenic drive on the Kancamagus Highway. As well as driving on the Mt. Washington Auto Road to reach the top of New England's highest peak, Mount Washington.

San Francisco! Everybody knows the most famous landmark of this city is the Golden Gate Bridge. Visiting this famous bridge is an experience for everyone, you can cross it by car, bike or walk from one side to the other! Or just have a look from every angle. That is if you're lucky of course, because there is always a chance of fog hanging over the bridge.

Other sights are Alcatraz, Lombard Street (world crookedest street), the Victorian Houses on Alamo Square, Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf! I put together a slideshow of pictures to show you all of these nice places.


Things to Make

Apple folds

I thought it was time for something sweet, so I want to give you this recipe of a treat you can serve with coffee or tea!

Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS
250 g pastry, a jar of applesauce (or you can make it from scratch: 2 apples and sugar) egg yolk to brush on the pastry, sugar to finish off

DIRECTIONS
Roll out the pastry. Cut out circles (12cm/5in), put on one half of the circle the applesauce. Brush beaten egg yolk on the entire edge of the circle and fold together. Then brush beaten egg yolk on top of the apple folds. Put some sugar on top to finish off.
Put in a hot oven (225 Celsius/425 Fahrenheit) for +/- 15 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool off and enjoy!!!

Variations on this recipe: you can add a tea spoon of cinnamon, add raisons or make it with apricots, cherries,... instead of apples.


Things to Know: Travel Updates

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it is further bolstering existing explosives detection capabilities by deploying additional tools to screen powdered substances at checkpoints.

Passengers should know that while common powders are not prohibited, a small percentage may require additional screening. Typical security checkpoint procedures will remain the same. The vast majority of commonly carried powders, like most medication, infant formula and makeup, are unlikely to need further screening.

Officers will use X-ray technology to determine which substances may require additional screening with a powder test kit. If the substance does require additional screening, officers will use a powder test kit to collect a small sample and apply a solution to it to test for traces of potential explosives. If a particular powder is determined to be a potential threat, it will not be permitted into the secure area or checked baggage.

Why is TSA testing powders? TSA knows that chemical powders may be used to create improvised explosive devices. By further bolstering explosives detection capabilities, TSA is strengthening layers of security to help mitigate risk and keep the traveling public safe. Source: TSA gov

Fun Facts

More Flemish phrases > In case of emergency!

Help! Help! (help)
Stop! Stop! (stop)
Call a doctor! Haal een dokter! (Haal uhn dok-tur)
Call the police! Roep de politie! (Roop duh poe-leet-see)
Call the fire brigade! Roep de brandweer! (Roop duh brahnt-vheer)
Where is the nearest telephone? Waar is de dichtsbijzijnde telefoon? (Vhaar iss duh dikst-baiy-zaiyn-duh tay-luh-foan)
Where is the nearest hospital Waar is het dichtstbijzijnde ziekenhuis? (Vhaar iss het dikst-baiy-zaiyn-duh zee-kuh-hows?)

Hopefully you won't need this! But better to go prepared ;-)

Tip of the Month

I read somewhere a good tip that I thought was very nice. I think it was in one of my Budget Travel magazine editions (great travel magazine, by the way!). This person always bought some extra postcards of the place she visited. When she came back from a trip and gave the gifts she bought, she used the postcards as gift tags. So, people would know where the gift came from. I thought that was smart and fun for the receiver!


It’s been a pleasure writing this newsletter and I hope to see you all soon on my website for more new information! If you enjoyed reading this newsletter, spread the word to your friends! And if you want to be informed about the latest additions to my website, you can subscribe to my RSS or follow me on Twitter! @IsabellesTravel

Keep your eye out for the next edition next month. And I always end with the Quote of the month:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Mark Twain

Before I forget: For travelers around the world who want to express themselves by sharing a travel story, please feel free to send it to me through my contact page and maybe you'll end up in the next edition or on my website!


HAPPY TRAVELS,

Isabelle from Isabelle’s Travel Guide