Gadling Take FIVE -- March 14-March 20

Happy first day of spring! This week we're having a book give-a-way. Pico Iyer's book The Open Road: Global Travels of the 14th Dalai Lama can be yours. All you have to do is leave a comment about a place that captured your attention at the end Iyer's Talking Travel interview. Two winners will be picked in a random drawing.

Mike just came back from his awesome trip to New Zealand and Australia. He's promised to give us the highlights of his travels. Here's his first missive. Then there's Kent who is racing about Europe with his wife. They're in the Competitours Race competition, an Amazing Race style contest that is keeping them hopping and us entertained.

Here are five other posts on subjects that range from eats to hikes and worldwide events.

• Did you know that tomorrow is World Water Day? Brenda's post gives the scoop about the occasion and a link to events.
• Karen's post on the top 20 list of the most bizarre holiday grievances includes something having to do with the size of an elephant.
• Annie is continuing to taste test jerky. This week she dove into buffalo jerky and presented her take in a flavorful post.
• Because we have friends who are moving to El Salvador, Tom's post on green travel in El Salvador caught my eye.
• This week, one of Kraig's posts gave the rundown on ten great unknown treks.

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Learning, El Salvador