Lonely Planet Peru (Lonely Planet Peru)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 March, 2000)
list price: $17.95
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Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

Lonely Planet Peru is a good practical guide for independent travelers, whether they plan to explore Peru by dugout canoe, train, bus, or foot. Highlights include 64 maps of regions, towns, and historical sites; extensive background on archaeological sites; advice on food and accommodations for every budget; a useful history section ranging from pre-Inca cultures to modern; helpful hints on outdoor activities; and a traveler's Spanish section. Intriguing sidebars provide details on topics such as Inca Trail tours, fiestas, and folklore about Lake Titicaca, human sacrifice in the Andes, archaeology around Paracas, a week on the Amazon, and the Shipibo Indians, as well as their handicrafts. --Kathryn True ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Sets the standard for Guides on Peru
If you are going to explore Peru, and may go "off the tourist track," then by all means buy this guide.I have used this guide for towns and places that other guides don't even list.Each time the information was accurate and trustworthy.If you are staying on the "tourist track" then Frommer's Peru description of sights to see is more informative and descriptive, and its restaurant recommendations are better selections.The city maps are good, and plentiful.

Rachowiecki and Beech have done a superb job on collecting, organizing and explaining both the essential information and the unique aspects about this alluring culture. Rachowiecki is an avid bird watcher and inveterate traveler who has covered this country top to bottom.

Do read their "snapshot" section (pg. 23) which will give you an update on the social situation in Peru.Rachowiecki and Beech's critique of the pathetic performance of this government is "spot on." President Toledo has achieved the infamous notoriety of havinglowest approval rating in Andean history - 9%! Because of the impotent government, and the frustration among the people, there is a likelihood that you will encounter strikes and protest.For the past two years strikes have been common. That said, donot be afraid to travel here, tourism is the sacred llama of Peru, and tourists are, by-and-large, safe, but, do check the State Department web site for travel warnings.Note that the traveler's information section is buried at the back of the book.

All most all accommodations have an email address, but strangely no webpage address.None of the restaurants have a webpage listing, though, in 2005, many of the top restaurants have excellent web pages explaining their menu and prices, along with maps and enticing photos. The cost for each accommodation and restaurant is listed in dollars, instead of the insipid icons that other guides use. Kudos!!!Because of the fall of the dollar against the `Sol', you will need to add at least 10% to the quoted price for hotels.

Also, consider these three travelogues that will enhance your time in Peru: "Aguirre" by Stephen Minta, "White Rock" by Hugh Thomson and "Chasing Che" by Patrick Symmes.Lonely Planet guides are known for their no-nonsense, off the beaten path advise, this guide is no exception. Highly recommended. 5 stars.

Excellent guide, but ...
I have used several Lonely Planet guidebooks in the past and I have found them all to be very useful.Unfortunately, my copy of this book (5th edition) came missing pages 101-108 - the section dealing with Nazca.The rest of the book is good, but how can a publisher let an error like this make it onto the bookshelf or into Amazon's warehouse?

Practical advice, cultural perspectives, good maps
I never visit a country with just one guidebook. For Peru, with its diversity of places and wildlife I got several. However if I really had to pick my favorite for Peru, I would chose Lonely Planet. The city maps are fairly good for the larger, more visited areas. The sections on history and culture are interesting and insightful without being too lengthy.

I particularly liked the section on health issues. This guidebook did a better job with altitude sickness, and some of the jungle diseases than any of the other guidebooks I have read. To my chagrim, I read that the two most commonly used medications for altitude sickness were contraindicated for me. I found out that I would have to plan well before my trip so that I could get all of the the proper immunizations for the jungle part of our trip. Based on the book, I decided to get a travel medicine consult--a very good move that probably saved me a lot of potential problems.

The sections on social customs and conveniences were helpful. You wouldn't buy a guidebook just because it has a section explaining Peruvain toilets and toilet paper, but things like this are really really useful if you are traveling with kids.

The climate charts for different sections of Peru only occupy a page or two, but are actually quite helpful in planning vacation dates.

I would have liked for the guide to include more information on the beautiful and remote Manu National Park. I had to buy another book and go on the Internet to get much information on that area. ... Read more

Isbn: 0864427107
Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Peru    3. South America    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign   

The Rough Guide to Afro Peru
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 May, 2002)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $14.98
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Reviews (1)

too bad 5 stars is the maximum...
my friend victoria and i agree that this is one of the very very best rough guide compilations.rich vocals with dreamy summer sun music.there isn't anything quite like this, it's bluesy rather than jazzy, if one compares it to afro-cuban.if this genre interests you at all, you won't be disappointed.this music reminds me of the deep oil color of a freshly roasted coffee bean, or of chocolate melting on your hands.delicious. ... Read more

Asin: B000062X8F
Sales Rank: 116154
Subjects:  1. Afro Peruvian    2. Afro-Pop    3. Int'l & World Music    4. Peru    5. Pop   

The Soul of Black Peru
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 March, 2000)
list price: $16.98
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Reviews (6)

Wonderful CD
Devotees of Afro-Peruvian music may lament that this is a "soft" introduction to the genre, but I think it's a rapturously wonderful compilation.The music is so raw, joyous, bursting with energy, soul and rhythm. I've listened to "Son de los diablos" over and over (I mean in one sitting!) and still can't get enough of it's infectious, playful groove. If I met some of these singers, I would cry like a 60's beetles fan.And I'm a guy...

This is an unbelievable CD
The voices, the sounds and the rythms will transform you to a different world, full of magic, colour, spirit and humanity.

While familiar with Venezuelan and music from that region, I've never heard this kind of hybrid before.

It is completely mind blowing. Wonderful stuff.

The only disappointing track is track 14 (David Byrne-Maria Lando).This reminds me of Ry Cooder and Charlie Musslewhite perfoming with heavy-weight Cuban artists. "Chalk and cheese" I would say.Never-the-less, only one track out of 15 is a very minor pertubation.

Buy this CD and it will definitely become one of your favorites.

Could be a LOT better
I was introduced to Afro-Peruvian music by a rather large bunch of Peruvian classmates in college about five years ago. I've heard the albums they've brought in and I've heard this compilation... and the compilation, to me, evokes thoughts of "Afro-Peruvian, sanitized for your protection." I've heard gutsier drum jams elsewhere, and when it comes to the soulful singing of Susana Baca or even the mother of Peruvian folk singing, Chabuca Granda, I've heard better cuts from both elsewhere. It makes for a nice starter, though: if you haven' t been exposed to Afro-Peruvian, this may be a gentle introduction. I expected this to be more "Préndeme La Vela" than "Una Larga Noche", although the mandatory "Samba Malato" is here (go look for Nicomedes Santa Cruz's other stuff, that smokes!), as well as "Toro Mata" (would be better to look for Carlos Soto de La Colina' s original version... some people might think Celia Cruz's was the original). And when I see that famous, quote-unquote, world music scalp collector, David Byrne (salsa band leader Willie Colón's words, not mine) joining in, I have to cringe, although I do realize he's the person behind these compilations and that, without him, you wouldn't be reading this review. I'd rather have you listen directly to albums from the artists in the compilation (particularly Susaa Baca and Nicomedes Santa Cruz, who is an institution in Peruvian music), or from Eva Ayllón, Maria del Carmen Dongo or Peru Negro. However, I do warn you that all the truly gutsy stuff is way too difficult to get a hold of through the normal channels... ... Read more

Asin: B00004RD0B
Sales Rank: 134221
Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Afro Peruvian    3. Afro-Brazilian    4. Ethnic Fusion    5. Fado    6. Int'l & World Music    7. Morna    8. Peru    9. Pop    10. Portugal    11. Worldbeat   

Peru: A Musical Journey
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 March, 1999)
list price: $15.99 -- our price: $15.99
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Reviews (2)

Haunting_Beauty
Andean Music is, to the American Apple-Pie rock-N-roll ear, an awakening.Much of it is played on what seems to be a guitar with a special sound--except that it is the Charango---and the Charanguista(s) on this album are highly talented. Our familiarity with guitar solos draws us to this alternative "guitar"--and opens us up to a whole new musical world.

No Andean music is complete without the Zamponia and the Kena---pan-pipe and end-blown flute respectively--and there is some superb playing on this album.These istruments, in my opinion, when well played, rival the expression of the best wooden flutes of Europe.

And a bonus is the fiddle playing and singing--so that while not a comprehensive anthology of traditional Andean sound, it is a cross-section which, at the bargain CD price, makes it an absolute must-have.

Modern Meets Ancient
 Not a true representation of Peru's many musical styles, perhaps; but a beautiful recording by a very talented group of musicians, with touches of the modern meeting the ancient - especially noticeable in the lovely song 'Mi Cambio' composed by Cesar Villalobos. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IKO0
Sales Rank: 192255
Subjects:  1. Int'l & World Music    2. Peru    3. Peruvian Folk    4. Pop    5. South America / Cape Verde   

Lonely Planet Philippines (Lonely Planet Philippines)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 June, 2003)
list price: $24.99 -- our price: $16.49
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Reviews (12)

rewrite this thing
I was recently in Indonesia for several months for work, and I could not thank Lonely Planet enough for a wonderful job that is the Indonesia guidebook, which we referred to as The Bible in the course of our travel. When I came back home, I bought the Philippines guidebook because I was curious how they did it. I was so disappointed! The inaccuracies and omissions were horrible. One appalling omission: arguably the Philippines biggest and most colorful festival, the annual Sinulog in Cebu, is nowhere mentioned in the book. (I'm telling you guys planning to go the Philippines, this book could have been a lot thicker). And the worst part of reading this guidebook, you get the sense that as if the writers hacked their way through the archipelago to write this. Unlike in the Indonesia book wherein the writers sound like they truly loved the places they covered and have in fact spent some time in the places to be able to write about them accurately, in the Philippines guidebook it seemed that they finished it just to get over it, without passion and care. (Although I have to admit, Manila was amply covered). I suggest you still get this book for some practical tips, but for the attractions themselves, you could visit the website of the Philippine Department of Tourism (www.tourism.gov.ph) to complement what's written in this book.

Disappointing and Full of Innacurate Information
While it would be difficult to rate this edition as completely useless, it certainly is quite a disappointment from previous editions. The last two editions of Lonely Planet's Philippine Guide Book have been an mish-mash of out-dated and incomplete information. There is just too much information that is not accurate to list them here. But for instance, the Centrepoint Hotel which has been shut down since 2000, is listed as still open for business as of 2004! The information regarding hotels and restaurants in Baguio City is both incomplete and biased. And La Trinidad is not even mentioned any more! Also, the information about resorts on Panglao island are just wrong and incomplete. How can the publisher's at Lonely Planet call this information current or up-to-date? Did the contributors visit recently the places they wrote about? I literally walk through places in the Philippines with the book in hand noting any discrepencies as I go. I have my pages filled with notes!

Also, this edition has many instances of a strong social or political bias in the writing regarding several places in the Philippines. I don't want a political diatribe, I'm interested in accurate information about getting around the Philippines!

Good value but sometimes inaccurate
Unlike some other reviewers, I don't think the travel warnings should be suppressed. Yes these things happen rarely, but better safe than sorry! The Philippines are a very friendly country but let's not forget there are rebels in Mindanao and guerillas (even though almost inactive) on Luzon, not to mention the high crime rates in the big cities, especially Manila - and Lonely Planet as usually does excellent job warning about all of these. The locals I was talking to confirmed all the information.

It looks though like except for the travel warnings this guide is not updated frequently. A small example: it claims that the voltage in Baguio City is 110V while it looks like they switched to the countrywide standard when the US military has left, 15 years ago. ... Read more

Isbn: 1740592107
Sales Rank: 113178
Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast    2. Special Interest - Adventure    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign   

Traditional Music from the Philippines
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 February, 1999)
list price: $14.98
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Reviews (4)

A blast from the past
The whole family enjoys listening to this heartfelt music.It took awhile to receive it, but the wait was well worth it.

Gives you common knowlege for casual conversation
These are the songs and instruments I grew up with - - ALL Filipina grew-up listening, singing and dancing.It is much fun to listen and when you visit my country give topic for casual conversation . . . can not talk about weather al time ;-)

For those with an interest in Philippine or World Music
This album presents an impeccable recording and beautiful instrumentation and some very pleasant vocals. Like the country itself, the music represents a mix of the hispanic, asian and malayo-polynesian sensibilities.For those who have a deeper interest in Philippine culture, this is a must-get.But also for those who love authentic musics of the world, check this out.You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Asin: B00000HYW1
Sales Rank: 116689
Subjects:  1. Ethnic    2. Int'l & World Music    3. Pacific Islands    4. Philippines    5. Pop    6. Traditional   

Berlitz Polish Phrase Book (Berlitz Phrase Books)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 August, 1999)
list price: $8.95 -- our price: $8.95
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Reviews (1)

THE Polish Survival Guide
The Berlitz Polish Phrase Book gives the reader what he/she needs.In a variety of situations, Berlitz provides phrases and vocabulary to help tourists survive and thrive in Poland.For those going for an extendedstay these phrases and vocabulary provide a great starting point forbeginning to master the language.Also provides tips on verb conjugationand other grammar problems.Some sections can even be read for humor.Theguide is so thorough you will never need to use many of the phrasesinvolving dating or customs confrontations.However it is good to haveinformation about how to summon an ambulance or the police in an emergency. Whole-heartedly recommended. ... Read more

Isbn: 2831571979
Sales Rank: 41816
Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. Dictionaries    3. Dictionaries - General    4. English    5. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    6. Foreign Language Study    7. Language    8. Polish    9. Polish language    10. Slavic Languages    11. Small Business - General    12. Travel    13. Poland   

Polish Polkas & Other Favorites
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 January, 1994)
list price: $7.98 -- our price: $7.98
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Reviews (1)

A grab bag of old stuff
This is one of those "various artists" CDs formed by stringing snatches of old recordings together.One track, supposedly a medley, seems to have been created by splicing two Frankie Yankovic tapes from the 1950s.I remember that track from a... vinyl LP, by unidentified artists, from about 1970.It's not all that bad, though.At least the recording qualityis decent.And "Little Green Men Polka" has some funny lyricsand a catchy tune. ... Read more

Asin: B000002NRS
Sales Rank: 90952
Subjects:  1. Europe    2. Poland    3. Polka    4. Pop   

40 Favorite Polish Melodies
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 February, 1998)
list price: $6.98 -- our price: $6.98
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Reviews (1)

Forty Favorite Polish Melodies
The music is great, but all 40 songs are on ONE track -- there is no way you can skip from one song to another!All you can do is go back to the beginning!So while the music is great, it would not be useful to a PolishDancing group who need a specific song.Also be aware that it's allinstrumental -- no vocals. ... Read more

Asin: B000003Y5X
Sales Rank: 57625
Subjects:  1. Int'l & World Music    2. Poland    3. Pop   

Historic Recordings of Polish Village Music
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 June, 1995)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Reviews (4)

very traditional folk music
This sound track is very authentic from an ethnographic and
anthropoligic angle; this is true Polish folk music played on traditional, handmade instrumentation. I am using this CD for my Polish folk dance ensemble. This is music one would hear at a traditional Polish village wedding or celebration in times gone by.

Great vintage polkas by the barrelful!
Fascinating vintage polka 78s beautifully restored, with much variety in style to offset the inherent monotony of the simple and repetitious (but fun and lively!) strains.There is incredible historical background in the liner notes, along with unintentionally hilarious text translations, such as: "So, because of this opportunity, I saw those garters.It's nothing strange; They're made of elastic ribbon."Hopefully, in Polish such lyrics sound more lyrical.To be sure, these recordings are not for those whose idea of "folk" is Bob Dylan.In particular, the "highlander" style of track 4 (Last Evening in Podhale) is a jolt to most ears, courtesy of strange rhythmic figures and a stranger mode that features the perfect fourth AND tritone of the scale, with much emphasis on the former.Ouch!The pieces are 2/4 polkas and 3/4 "obereks," and they are recognizable in the modern-polka sense by a predominance of simple arpeggios, scale-runs, and mostly three-chord harmonies--not to mention lyrics about vodka, women, and dancing.The main difference resides in performance styles, which are generally as remote from Myron Floren as can be.This package is a joy, its only flaw consisting of inaccurate musical analysis.The notes promise modulation "between several keys, and between the major and minor."In fact, none of the tracks feature more than two key changes--usually, very traditional shifts to the keys of IV and or V (or IV only).Most of the tracks feature Major-mode melodic strains.Only three tracks (5, 9, and 24) feature minor mode, and only the last, "Devil in Jail," moves from major to minor, or vice-versa.Certainly, this music is exotic enough to begin with, without the assigning of harmonic and modal features that aren't present.

Music and voices not fit to be presented in a CD
I was apalled at the primitive quality of performances in this CD. In fact I feel cheated for having paid money to listen to it. The music in monotonously the same throughout, mostly uninspiring, and the voices arereally bad. They do not even sound Polish. I do not recommend this CD. ... Read more

Asin: B0000023U2
Sales Rank: 145745
Subjects:  1. Int'l & World Music    2. Pop   

Lonely Planet Spain (Lonely Planet Spain)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 March, 2003)
list price: $24.99
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Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nervesof first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the mostjaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.While still givinginsights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations anditineraries for those with less time than money.

Here is an imagination-fueling guide on how to experience the best Spain has to offer.With lively features on Spanish history; coverage of Spanish Catalan, Basque, and Galician languages; more than 145 maps, including metro maps for Madrid and Barcelona; details on outdoor activities, including national parks; chapters on Madrid and Barcelona; plus hundreds of options for food and accommodations no matter what your budget, you'll be hard-pressed to limit your stay. --Kathryn True ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Overweight, stale, out of date
I have used the Lonely Planet guides in Asia, the Middle East, and in Europe. Lately, they seem to have lost their way. Originally, the LP guides were for people who had travelled at least a little bit before and needed some pointers to an area. The guides usually had some sort of walking tours in the cities they indicated. Their guides have become filled with useless colour photos of generic scenes, The quirky, fresh information has largely disappeared -- In the summer of 2004, I used the LP guides for both Portugal and Spain. I travelled for about three months. I had been in both places before and had used a LP guide. The most recent guides are stale and minimally updated. They are also occassionally misleading; especially concerning food. Sadly, the LP guide to Spain is not worth the weight that goes along with carrying it.

A telling thing is that I saw several tourists with back packs hanging on both their back and front clutching their LP guides while staggering and sight-seeing through Spanish cities in the afternoon. This is telling for two reasons: (one) In the afternoon, in Spain, there is little to do other than siesta, eat, or drink; it is not the time to sight-see (two) Carrying two packs is carrying one pack too many; the prior generation of LP users were experienced travellers (not tourists) and would find two packs foolish. Anyhow, somehow, LP has lost focus and now better serves the Lets Go crowd instead of more experienced travellers.

My advice: If this is your first trip to Europe, consider buying Lets Go. If you already know how to get your bags off of the airplane, search for an alternative by looking at country specific guides; do not buy a LP guide just because you had happily used one before.

If you buy one travel book on spain this must be it.
When you arrive in Barcelona at 11pm and don't have a hotel this is the ONLY travel book that will solve your fears of sleeping on the street.This wonderful edition includes beautiful, detailed colored maps of Madrid, Barcelona and many black and white maps of other cities.The maps for the Madrid and Barcelona subways can be easily torn out for easy conspicuous use around town.

Separate chapters detail every aspect of Spanish life, culture and customs, including histories of the essential Franco and post Franco periods.Separate chapters detail every inch of Spanish territory, from Linea De La Concepcion to Santiago to Bilboa and of course Ibiza.A wonderful book for anyone traveling, those looking for hostels and those looking for 3 star hotels will both be satisfied, whether you're a hippie or a business man or just looking for the parties in Seville and Cordoba you will be very pleased.

Seth J. Frantzman 2003

Dividing Information... A new chapter in LP books!
I travel a lot, and have found Lonely Planet guides to be a big help... I still do... granted, some of the info is inaccurate (particularly with prices), but every guidebook provides a caveat at its beginning to warn readers of unstable prices... generally the inaccuracies never amount to more a pitance.

I found the LP Spain book to be more useful than the Let's Go! Spain guidebook as the LP book had more background information, more listings for places to stay and more maps with better detail... unfortunately, as one of the other reviewers mentioned, this book and many of their other guide books are starting to refer you to other LP mini guides... they used to throw everything you needed between those covers, but these days you almost have to carry a small library around with you to get what a early 90s LP book would give you. Still better than Let's Go!, but for how long?... ... Read more

Isbn: 1740593375
Subjects:  1. Europe - Spain & Portugal    2. Guidebooks    3. Spain    4. Spain.    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign   

Portugal: The Story of Fado
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 July, 1997)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (6)

Well worth buying
I bought this cd on the spur of the moment because it was cheap.All I can say now is that it's the best cd purchase I've made this year!When I first listened to it, I was a bit bothered by the tinny guitar accompaniment, but after repeated listens I grew accustomed to it, and I now love this music.
I had never even heard of fado before buying this cd.It's truly beautiful music.If you also have never heard of fado before, I will try to describe it.This is not a form of rock music.It sounds a bit like the songs of some female American jazz singers, for example, Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holliday.The packaging says it is Portuguese blues, but it is definitely not as raw as the blues singers I'm familiar with(ie. Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and B. B. King.) Most of the songs sound sad, but not sentimental.There is a slightly rough quality to many of the singers' voices that is very attractive.The songs were recorded at various times over the last forty years, so the sound quality varies, but it is acceptable.Even though each track is sung by a different singer, the cd still holds together and feels like a unit.The cd packaging does not include the lyrics, unfortunately, but if you understand Portuguese the words are clear enough to figure out.
Given that it introduced me to a new type of music that I now love, I would definitely recommend this cd to others.

awsome
I foud this CD to be absolutely awesome. It is truly a classic and Yes, thats what you call "Blues"

Portugal's Soul for your Listening Pleasure
Great CD--A great selection of male and female fadistas... Berta Cardoso, Max, Amalia Rodrigues, and Antonio M...truly wonderful. Pure enjoyment. ... Read more

Asin: B000005H8V
Sales Rank: 44230
Subjects:  1. Fado    2. Int'l & World Music    3. Pop    4. Portugal    5. V/a Compilations   

Lonely Planet Bahrain, Kuwait & Qatar (Lonely Planet Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 June, 2000)
list price: $15.99
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Reviews (4)

Qatar section terribly out of date
I bought this book to prepare for my relocation to Qatar (from Australia).

The book is so out of date it is downright useless. For example, even basic information such as visa requirements is wrong (you *can* get a tourist visa when you turn up at Doha airport). And recommendations about what's on, what's good, what's bad are meaningless - many of the things described don't exist any more or have been superceded.

I was seriously considering sending my book to Lonely Planet and asking for my money back, but it's easier to hop onto the web and complain instead. More useful too!

Having said that, I don't know of any other guides to buy instead. My suggestions are:

If you're planning on moving to Qatar, do. Quality of life here is fantastic, except that outdoor activites are curtailed by the heat most of the year. Recommend you get in contact with someone who lives here for tips.

If you're planning on a holiday to Qatar, don't. There is almost nothing here for tourists, except for 4WD'ing on the dunes which is unique and fun (go for Arabian Adventures, they're the best operator). I would recommend instead Oman (for the scenery and Arabic culture) and Dubai (shopping, astonishing real estate developments)

Back to the book: Completely out of date, and you can pick up the history bits off the net. And I'm just talking about the Qatar section here, no comment on the other two countries (but I would *really* question why you would want to go to them)

Great tips for Kuwait & Bahrain
I purchaed this book as was traveling extensively between Bahraina and Kuwait - and it was perfect for this. I found the information contained within to be very accurate, and useful in planning my trip.

Bahrain information was spot on - and we managed to follow the complex directions contained to find the Burial grounds, Fort, and basket weavers without hassle. The information on arrival and departure tax into Bahrain was very useful - without this information prior to our travel we might have been refused entry!

I haven't used this book to travel to Qatar, but for Kuwait and Bahrain the information was very useful, and a definite must read before you travel for etiquette and language tips.

Useful, but way out of date...
I bought this book for a recent business trip to Qatar, and was dissapointed to find quite a number of things that were very out of date.The phone system has been updated since publishing, and now all numbers are 7 instead of 6 digits.you can fix most by adding a 4 at the beginning of most listed numbers, or a 5 for cell phones.Also, some crucial info, like the address to the US Embassy, was wrong.The Embassy moved several years ago.I found most of the societal and historical info to be very handy in preparing for the trip, however, so it was worth it for that. ... Read more

Isbn: 1864501324
Sales Rank: 374573
Subjects:  1. Middle East - General    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign