Eat good and go outside!

Welcome to Rantepao! On of the City in Tana Toraja. Generally, if you are coming from Makassar and Pare-Pare, you will arrive in Rantepao Market as well as the final stopping place for buses serving routes across the city of Makassar - Toraja. Rantepao Market is located right in the middle of town, so you do not need to bother anymore to take a small ride public transportation that will take you to the city center, like other big cities.

Your first arrival will be greeted by a Tongkonan located in the middle of the road. Tongkonan which stands on the foundation of this round indicates that you've officially arrived in Tana Toraja. You are going to through this the main street of this city. Others road branching are not as wide as the  main street. This main road connects with Palopo and Enrekang. This morning, Rantepao still foggy. Weather is more than just cool. I'm shivering in the foggy morning. I'm happy!

As a tourist, you will definitely feel at home when you at this place. Almost all tourism facilities that you need is available here. Do not imagine Rantepao as a very village as I imagine before seeing Tana Toraja with my own eyes . I imagine Rantepao like the village where the passing vehicle is very rare and indigenous communities are still very strong in everyday life. I am completely wrong. Rantepao town turned out to have entered the category. Rantepao is not a big city with buildings of skyscrapers. But here lies the wisdom, Rantepao moving in a nice rhythm, perfect for your vacation, including me. Rantepao has a number of auto bus companies, banks, atm, internet cafe, the hotel began for backpacker class to five star class, church, souvenir shops, restaurants and travel agents who sell tickets and renting services of tour guides. Complete anyway? You do not need to bother to organize your itinerary from afar. All available here.

Rantepao itself to me is almost feels like village of Caucasians. Lots of foreigners are scattered around the road, down to the corners of the road to the hotel and homestay. These kind of atmosphere like this once I get in Legian Kuta Bali. Various Caucasians, both young people themselves, in pairs, in groups, until a pair of grandparents, romantic, can be found in corners of the attractions in Tana Toraja. Rantepao own citizens have unique boned and accent.

But do not imagine Rantepao like Bali who live 24 hours. Toward evening, although festivities remain readily available in the market, but the excitement is just located in restaurants, markets and souvenir markets only. If Kuta has a club, Rantepao not. Here, spend the night should be done by relaxing in the hotel, talk or walk to the market to see the merchandise.

Well, because the tourism object around Tana Toraja has no light lamp lighting and will close just after 6 o'clock at night or before day in dark, so you should return to Rantepao at night. Not good visiting graves at night. To get around Rantepao area, you can ride 'pete-pete', small bus, or hire vehicles ranging from cars to motorcycles are generally provided by the hotel. It's fun too to try going around Tana Toraja by ride a motorcycle if you were in small group (1-2 people).

We have compiled a great deal of packing tips after years of travelling and together with some members suggestions, we thought we should share them with other travellers setting out.
1. Security and Keeping Details Safe

Scan your passport, passport photos and paper tickets (if not the e type) in. Store this (in an email for e.g.) in your web based email account. You can also store the details of your emergency 'lost card' telephone numbers in your web based email account so you know who to contact if your credit card or ATM card is lost or stolen. This way, even if you lose everything, you have immediate access your all important information. You can even email the details page of your passport to the embassy or consulate when applying for a new one. (Tip from a member)

Also consider writing your home and destination address (and mobile number if you have one) on a self-adhesive sticky label to stick INSIDE your luggage in a visible place. If your luggage is lost and the baggage label has come off, at least the airline can still figure out whose luggage it is. (Tip from a member)
2. Split up your valuables

Split up your bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!).
3. Nalgene/Small Bottles

Use nalgene/small bottles to pack toiletries and other small items. There are several sturdy and (very nearly) waterproof ones, with clear/see through ones being preferable (easier for security purposes post August 2006). You can also use small bottles to repack shampoo or lotions so that you don't have to always carry a big bottle with you. This is especially useful if you normally take these items in your carry-on luggage, which as of early 2007 is much more restricted than before.
4. Backpack Tips

When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack. If you are still trying to decide on the right backpack, have a look at Choosing the right Backpack on our Travel Unravelled blog.
5. Plastic Bags

It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.
6. Pack in Plastic

Pack everything in clear plastic bags (preferably zip lock), divided into items e.g. underwear, t-shirts, shorts etc. before packing in your suitcase or backpack. One plastic bag for each type of clothing. This is extremely useful in various ways. When you unpack your bag you just take out a series of bags and you can see immediately what you want. So an overnight stay somewhere just means taking 1 item out of a bag - no rummaging!! In addition, if you have to unpack at customs etc, instead of having to disgorge all your clothing etc out in front of everybody, you can calmly take maybe 5/6 bags out, the contents of which can be clearly seen by the officials. To repack then is also dead easy. Just be sure not to leave your plastic bags lying around if you are travelling in nature! (Tip from a member)
7. Clothes

Pack only what you know you will use and if you are travelling for more than three weeks, plan to wash on the road. You can cut back on the number of clothes items by packing multi-purpose clothing, for example items that can both be worn during the day and as sleepwear.
8. Split up clothes when travelling with others

When you are flying somewhere and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases/backpacks/bags etc. If one persons luggage doesn't arrive at the destination, they'll still have clean clothes available. Airlines generally don't compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you. (Tip from a member)
9. Separate Beach Bag

When packing to head to the beach consider pre-packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beachbag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if travelling with kids, this will prove a timesaver!
10. Suitcase lovers

For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily.
11. Gifts

While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you while travelling, pre-wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened. (Tip from a member)
12. Flashlights or Torches

When packing a flashlight or torch (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't empty the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.
13. Diaper Bag

If you are travelling with babies, then the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. This most likely will not be the first thing to be stolen. It's also a great to use as a waste bag (even when not travelling with a child!), especially at places that do not allow you to flush toilet paper. (Tip from a member)
14. Shoes

If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock).
15. Carry-On

Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, LA or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don't want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days.
16. Roll Technique

Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled.
17. Travelling to warm destinations?

If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a six-pack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your 'toiletry bag' guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote.
18. Local Tourism Offices

The best source of information is usually local. Check out Tourism Offices to find unbiased feedback on the best accommodation to suit your needs. Excercise caution in countries where you feel the information might not be so unbiased!
19. Minimize on toiletries

Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and crush it so the middle is folded.
20. Take solid shampoo bars and tooth powder

Solid shampoo bars and tooth powder (instead of tooth paste) can be easily located on the internet and make carry-on travel in this age of liquid restriction possible. Places like Beijing now bar all liquids in carry-on bags, and you'll still be able to breeze through without checking. (Tip from a member)
21. Planning on carrying a lot of luggage?

While carrying a lot of luggage is not recommendable, sometimes it is necessary in the case of relocations and so on. If you have the possibility, fly via the US as airlines will allow you 64kg (two 32kg bags) instead of the 20kg in the rest of the world. Even if it is just a stopover in the US, you will be allowed to carry the extra weight. Check with your local travel agent for the details.
22. Packing List and Trip Planning

Source: travellerspoint

Over the past few years, I've written about various milk alternatives - almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk. Today I thought it was time to give regular milk a fair shake and talk about some of its benefits.

Milk is a good source of Vitamin D which millions of people are surprisingly deficient in. Even in warm weather, many people stay indoors or use sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun. Many doctors believe that maintaining sufficient levels of Vitamin D is  key to good health, as well as in cancer prevention. Milk also contains appreciable amounts of protein and calcium which are good for our bones and muscles.

All this has led to a resurgence of interest in raw milk. If you do not have a supplier of raw milk in your area or if you just prefer not to buy it raw, look for *organic* DHA-enhanced milk. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid which is needed by the brain and the retina. It is a crucial element for optimum learning ability, mental development and good vision. Apparently Americans are quite deficient in DHA which is why many food manufacturers are adding it as a supplement.

You probably don't have too much trouble finding ways to include milk in your diet. It is a great smoothie base, goes with cereal, hot or cold, makes a great base for hot chocolate and as a great midnight snack

Source: Milk

Introduction