Category: travel


I have been searching high and low for the perfect camera bag. I need two, really. One is for my daily commute. This is the kind of bag that can accommodate my notebook computer and associated accessories, maybe a book or two, my lunch, and so on. It’s the kind of bag that can also accommodate my camera, and provide easy access to it. It doesn’t have to be able to fit all my camera gear – just the essentials: Body, one or two lenses, flash, extra battery maybe. This bag, I have found. It’s the Lowepro Fastpack 250. This bag does all the above, and can take for more photo gear than I expected. It’s compact, fairly discreet, goes through airport security without any problems, and after six months of daily use, show no signs of wear.
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Of course, I’m not referring to the Waldorf Astoria, or any other top dollar luxury hotel. I’m talking about your average low to mid range hotel, i.e. 2-3 star establishments. Of all the cities I’ve visited, New York’s hotels are definitely the worst. On this occasion, I had a toilet in my room (no door in-between), but no provision for washing my hands after using it. No trash can in the room. No glass for water, or reading lamp, on the bed-side table. No bed-side table.

I don’t expect wonders from a two star hotel, but basic sanitary considerations should be a top priority in any hotel or hostel. I invite all New York 2 and 3 star hotel owners to visit Paris, London, Johannesburg, or even closer to home – Boston or Washington D.C. – to see how it’s done.