Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Sunset over Bruges]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/photo-of-the-day-sunset-over-bruges/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/photo-of-the-day-sunset-over-bruges/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/photo-of-the-day-sunset-over-bruges/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Belgian city of Bruges is famous for its stunning medieval architecture - it's a fact made all the more apparent by today's photo, taken by Flickr user clee130. Taken at sunset, the city's gothic cathedral spires (that's the Church of Our Lady on the left, and St. Salvator's Cathedral on the right) and angular roofs are bathed by the warm glow of an ethereal, golden light.

Taken any great photos during your travels? Why not add them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Sunset over Bruges originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturebrugescathedralflemishflying butressFlyingButressgothicmedievalsunsetvillageSun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gorgeous time lapse of Australia's "Southern Lights"]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/gorgeous-time-lapse-of-australias-southern-lights/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/gorgeous-time-lapse-of-australias-southern-lights/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/gorgeous-time-lapse-of-australias-southern-lights/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's been a lifelong dream of mine to see the Northern Lights, that glorious display of eerie green "smoke" that appears to float above the nighttime sky of some of the furthest northern reaches of our globe. But now I have another sight to add to that list: the Southern Lights. Also know as "Aurora Australis", it's the southern hemisphere equivalent of the auroras that occur up north, captured in stunning time-lapse fashion near Melbourne, Australia by photographer Alex Cherney. Give the video above a click and watch as the Milky Way gracefully dances across the southern sky, punctuated by the mesmerizing warm pulses of pink, yellow and orange.

Gorgeous time lapse of Australia's "Southern Lights" originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaskaauroraaurora australisaurora borealisAuroraAustralisAuroraBorealiscelestiallight showLightShowmelbournenorthern lightsNorthernLightssouthern lightsSouthernLightsstargazingtelescopetromsoFri, 10 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: swimming in Thailand]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/05/photo-of-the-day-swimming-in-thailand/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/05/photo-of-the-day-swimming-in-thailand/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/05/photo-of-the-day-swimming-in-thailand/#commentsFiled under: , ,



WAHOO! Doesn't today's photo, by Flickr user halvora, make you want to take a running start and just jump in the water? Taken at a waterfall called Pala-U near the Thai resort town of Hua Hin, I love the image's sense of movement and playfulness, the boy caught mid-leap, and its serene setting at a refreshing waterfall pool.

Taken any great photos during your own travels? Why not add them to the Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: swimming in Thailand originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hua hinHuaHinpala-uplayingrefreshingsummerswimswimming holeSwimmingHolewaterfallSun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A video tour of 1950's London's swingin' coffee bars]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/a-video-tour-of-1950s-londons-swingin-coffee-bars/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/a-video-tour-of-1950s-londons-swingin-coffee-bars/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/a-video-tour-of-1950s-londons-swingin-coffee-bars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Contrary to popular belief, tea is not the only popular beverage served in London. In fact, ever since the first Italian espresso machine crash landed in England in 1952, London has had a swinging coffee culture. Now thanks to the vintage documentary reel above, you can take your own tour back in time to the beginnings of London's fledgling coffee shop scene.

Hit play and enter a time when coffee was the king of cool, inside a smoky, bohemian coffee bar, packed to the rafters with young Londoners gleefully puffing on cigarettes as a lively soundtrack of jazz wafts above them. It's as much a tour of the city's coffee bars as it is an intriguing artifact of a London that has moved on to trendier pursuits and hangouts. This morning, go grab yourself another cup off the pot and settle in for an intriguing cross-section of life in 1950's London.

A video tour of 1950's London's swingin' coffee bars originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americanocappuccinocoffeecup of coffeecup of joeCupOfCoffeeCupOfJoedouble shotDoubleShotespressofrench pressFrenchPressjavajoelattelondonlook at lifeLookAtLifesohostarbucksstumptownFri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: raining in Tel Aviv]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/22/photo-of-the-day-raining-in-tel-aviv/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/22/photo-of-the-day-raining-in-tel-aviv/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/22/photo-of-the-day-raining-in-tel-aviv/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The rainy day colors and textures of Flickr user Better Nothing Than Almost's photo caught my eye today. Taken near Tel Aviv, Israel, the blurry drops of water that cling to the window create an impressionist-like effect on the image. I love the hushed color palette, darkening skies and bursts of warm light. It feels eerie yet warm at the same time.

Taken any great travel photos of your own? Why not add them to the Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: raining in Tel Aviv originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blurryeerieimpressionismimpressionistinstagramiphone photoiphoneographyIphonePhotomonetmoodnightrainseuratstreettel avivTelAvivSun, 22 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This is Melbourne...Wow! (confusing video edition)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/19/this-is-melbourne-wow-confusing-video-edition/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/19/this-is-melbourne-wow-confusing-video-edition/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/19/this-is-melbourne-wow-confusing-video-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ever wanted to visit Melbourne? Well dear traveler, today's your (un)lucky day! We're going to take you on a video tour of Australia's second largest city like you've never seen it before - down streets lined with "fanciful emporiums!" Inside a place where restaurants serve meals chock full of "extrinsic flavors!" and past public spaces adorned with the work of "young genius." Wait...huh?

If you're feeling confused (or even a little deceived) not to worry. We are too. Apparently the above production, crafted by the geniuses at Powervision (Asia Pacific), is a tourist DVD intended to wow visitors with Melbourne's show-stopping beauty, mouth-watering cuisine and buzzing nightlife. We're not so sure it's working. Then again, who wouldn't jump at the chance to visit the "Big Spine"? Give it a watch and decide for yourself.

This is Melbourne...Wow! (confusing video edition) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad actingBadActingdvdextrinsic flavorsExtrinsicFlavorshilarioushorriblemarketingmelbournescrew upScrewUpthis is melbourneThisIsMelbournetouristtourist campaignTouristCampaignviral videoViralVideoyoung geniusYoungGeniusThu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Teahupo'o: the world's 'heaviest' surfing wave]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/teahupoo-the-worlds-heaviest-surfing-wave/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/teahupoo-the-worlds-heaviest-surfing-wave/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/teahupoo-the-worlds-heaviest-surfing-wave/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Teahupo'o, site of a legendary surfer break on the French Polynesian island of Tahiti, has developed quite the reputation among big-wave surfers. Due to a shallow coral reef just off shore, waves here tend break as massive, chunky walls of water, a phenomenon that has earned Teahupo'o the distinction as the "heaviest" wave in the world.

The video above, filmed at Teahupo'o, offers a first-hand view from the ocean of what it's like to ride the massive swells of this epic surf spot. Set to an ethereal soundtrack, the video follows surfers as they brave one of the biggest surfing days at Teahupo'o in recent memory, riding crushing "fists" of ocean that grow and collapse, threatening to swallow them whole at any minute. Sit back, click the play button, and let yourself be mesmerized by these awesome feats of athleticism.

Teahupo'o: the world's 'heaviest' surfing wave originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelbarrelbillabongboardbreakcoral reefCoralReefhang tenHangTenkelly slaterKellySlaterlaird hamiltonLairdHamiltonoceanpipelinesouth pacificSouthPacificsurfboardswelltahitiTeahupoowavesMon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Workers on a bench]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/15/photo-of-the-day-workers-on-a-bench/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/15/photo-of-the-day-workers-on-a-bench/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/15/photo-of-the-day-workers-on-a-bench/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The best photography captures candid moments - those split seconds between fantasy and reality when our subjects' guard comes down and we get a glimpse into their true nature. That's why I liked today's photo by Flickr user t3mujin - his shot of workers relaxing on a bench in the Burmese city of Yangon feels like one of those candid moments. I love how each man's body language is slightly unique yet quite similar - the two on the ends with their knees up act almost like "bookends" to the men in the middle with both their legs down.

Have any great photos from your own travels? Why not add them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Workers on a bench originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benchburmacandidrangoonrelaxedworkersyangonSun, 15 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Browse historic photos of San Francisco with Old S.F.]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/browse-historic-photos-of-san-francisco-with-old-s-f/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/browse-historic-photos-of-san-francisco-with-old-s-f/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/browse-historic-photos-of-san-francisco-with-old-s-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A photographer could spend weeks wandering around San Francisco - between the city's dramatic natural setting, bright murals and colorful rows of Victorian homes, there's a lot to see (and shoot).

As Gadling blogger Jessica pointed out recently, it's also a city rich with history. In fact, photographers have been documenting this City by the Bay ever since the very first days the camera was invented. Now a website called Old S.F. lets you blend these two pursuits, displaying the city's pleasing photography and rich history via an interactive map.

The story behind Old S.F. begins when resident Dan Vanderkam was looking at historic photos at the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection and came upon an image of his block that was identified with the wrong cross streets. The inaccuracy inspired him to start a searchable database, layered onto a Google Map of San Francisco to help others find them more easily. The rest, as they like to say, is history.

To start using Old S.F., just pull the sliders along the top to adjust the date the photos were taken (starting at 1850 and ending at 2000) and then click on one of the red dots to see images from that location. It's a fascinating journey through some of San Francisco's most famous (as well as its most intimate) landmarks - witness the chaos and destruction that followed the 1906 earthquake, or watch the elegant Golden Gate Bridge as its construction slowly creeps across the Bay. It's your own personal time machine to San Francisco - and you're holding the controls.

[Photo courtesy of army.arch]

Browse historic photos of San Francisco with Old S.F. originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1906 earthquake1906Earthquakecity by the bayCityByTheBaygoogle mapsGoogleMapshistoryold s.f.OldS.f.san franciscoSanFranciscoSFWed, 11 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh Ranger! ParkFinder guides you to public parkland]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/09/oh-ranger-parkfinder-guides-you-to-public-parkland/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/09/oh-ranger-parkfinder-guides-you-to-public-parkland/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/09/oh-ranger-parkfinder-guides-you-to-public-parkland/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I often forget the amazing wealth of national parks, hiking trails and historic sites within easy access of my home. For instance, did you know there's 260 sites within 100 miles of Brooklyn, NY? In fact, iPhone users can now find out for themselves just how many great outdoor sites are near their hometown using a great smartphone app called Oh Ranger! ParkFinder.

The American Park Network, a publishing company that creates visitor guides for national parks, is behind Oh Ranger, a searchable database of outdoor activities ranging from cycling to historical sites to camping to bird watching. In addition to their free web database, they've released Oh Ranger! ParkFinder for iPhone and iPad Touch, a fantastically useful mobile extension that makes it easy to track down your favorite activity at a park near you. Once you've downloaded the app, you can easily search for parks based on favorite activities, search for a specific park, or use your iPhone's location to find sites nearby.

Whether you're a die-hard outdoor lover or simply looking for some great weekend or daytrip getaways, Oh Ranger! Parkfinder is a nifty, convenient way to find it. You give it a try for free by downloading from the iTunes app store. Although there's not yet an Android version of the app, the Oh Ranger website utilizes the same park database.

Oh Ranger! ParkFinder guides you to public parkland originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelbird watchingBirdWatchinggeo dataGeoDataiphone appIphoneAppipod touchIpodTouchLBSlocation dataLocationDatamapsmobile appsMobileAppsnational parksNationalParksoh rangerOhRangerparkfindersmartphonestate parksStateParksMon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Paragliding in France]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/08/photo-of-the-day-paragliding-in-france/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/08/photo-of-the-day-paragliding-in-france/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/08/photo-of-the-day-paragliding-in-france/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Today's positively ethereal image comes to us from Flickr user AdamJamesWilson, who captured this sky-high shot of a paraglider over Lake Serre-Poncon in Southeastern France. I love the image's "vintage" muted colors, wisps of cloud and silhouetted figure all set against a glistening sun.

Taken any great photos during your travels? Why not add them to the Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Paragliding in France originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure sportsAdventureSportscloudsextreme sportsExtremeSportslake serre-ponconLakeSerre-ponconparachuteparaglidingparapontingretroskydivingvintageSun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enterprising New Yorkers help ease Chinese visa woes]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/06/enterprising-new-yorkers-help-ease-chinese-visa-woes/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/06/enterprising-new-yorkers-help-ease-chinese-visa-woes/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/06/enterprising-new-yorkers-help-ease-chinese-visa-woes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Had a problem getting a Chinese tourist visa in New York City? Apparently you're not alone. Travelers around the web have reported consistent frustration with the Big Apple's PRC Consulate, with issues ranging from rude employees, to inconsistent approval policies, to prolonged waits.

Travel visa bureaucracy may be nothing new, but the city's entrepreneurial reaction to it has been intriguing. As NPR reports, some enterprising New Yorkers have managed to create a surprisingly successful business, operated out of a mobile van, to help travelers deal with the hassle.

Adam Humphreys and Steven Nelson, owners of Lucky Dragon Mobile Visa Consultants, have become a beacon of hope for travelers turned away by the consulate's downright baffling policies. For a flat rate of just $20, they've set up a mobile van that operates across the street from the consulate, offering printers, helpful advice, updated application forms and fluent Mandarin speakers to assist with travelers problems. According to the report, the business has been wildly successful - the pair are reportedly clearing upwards of $500 a day.

Have you experienced problems getting a Chinese visa? How did you handle it? Leave us a note in the comments.

[Flickr photo by Zach Klein]

Enterprising New Yorkers help ease Chinese visa woes originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam humphreysAdamHumphreysbureaucracyconsulateheadachelucky dragon mobile visaLuckyDragonMobileVisanew york cityNewYorkCitynprPRCproblemsvisaFri, 06 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Budget Vacation Guide 2012: Bogota, Colombia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/budget-vacation-guide-2012-bogota-colombia/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/budget-vacation-guide-2012-bogota-colombia/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/budget-vacation-guide-2012-bogota-colombia/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Everything about Bogota, Colombia's capital of culture, cuisine and Cumbia, begs for further exploration. From the rough-around-the-edges street art of colonial-tinged 'hood Candelaria, to the fabulous golden Pre-Columbian artifacts at the Museo del Oro, to the buzzing coffee bars of Zona G, there's a little something for every type of traveler in this rapidly rising mecca of South American tourism. Best of all, there's never been a better (or cheaper) time to investigate this symbol of Colombia's continued tourist resurgence.

Simply put, Bogota offers one of the continent's most affordable blends of culture and cost. Thanks to a healthy exchange rate of around 1,900 Colombian pesos to the dollar, Bogota visitors can expect to experience the city's first-rate amenities at positively rock bottom prices. A taxi ride to most attractions within the city costs less than $10, while a hearty plate of Bandeja Paisa, a gut-bursting sampler of Colombia's culinary staples, will set you back less than $5. Bogota's array of budget-friendly guesthouses offer private rooms starting for as little as $15-30/night.

And at just a six hour non-stop flight from New York City and three and a half hours from Miami, Bogota is surprisingly easy to get to. Move over Buenos Aires - Bogota is about to give South American travelers in search of a great value a run for their money.

Budget Vacation Guide 2012: Bogota, Colombia originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelbandeja paisaBandejaPaisabogotabudget-travelBudgetGuide2012candelariacumbiamuseo del oroMuseoDelOromuseum of goldMuseumOfGoldWed, 04 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day - Sicilian man]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/01/photo-of-the-day-sicilian-man/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/01/photo-of-the-day-sicilian-man/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/01/photo-of-the-day-sicilian-man/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This elegant gentleman was captured in Sicily by Flickr user TravelSeminar. The weathered creases that line his face, the pulled back curtains and shy grin all suggest a moment of welcome and openness. It's the perfect visual accompaniment to a brand new year - take it as an invitation to get your own travel plans off to a great start. Here's wishing you all the best in 2012!

Have any great travel shots of your own? Why not add them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day - Sicilian man originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agedcreasedelderlyelegantgangihatitalianmanmustacheportraitsiciliansicilywrinklesSun, 01 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day - Colorful clothing in Khartoum]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/photo-of-the-day-colorful-clothing-in-khartoum/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/photo-of-the-day-colorful-clothing-in-khartoum/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/18/photo-of-the-day-colorful-clothing-in-khartoum/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Color. It surrounds us so completely that it's easy to take it for granted, becoming a sort of visual white noise, unobserved and innocuous. Yet the strategic use of color in a travel photo can really draw in the viewer's attention. Take the emerald green scarf in the photo above - it's exactly what caught my eye in Flickr user Mark Fischer's photo from Sudan. It literally shouts at your eyes against the muted white background of the characters in back. The man's weathered face, faint smile and white wisps of facial hair further add to the intrigue of this mysterious character.

Taken any great travel photos of your own? Why not add them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day - Colorful clothing in Khartoum originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colordashikidervishgreekhartoumSun, 18 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day - Aquarium visitors]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/11/photo-of-the-day-aquarium-visitors/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/11/photo-of-the-day-aquarium-visitors/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/11/photo-of-the-day-aquarium-visitors/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Aquariums rock. Anytime you put humans in front of a giant tank of water filled with marine life, the effect is typically the same: profound amazement. Children (and even adults) will stop and stare, jaws will drop and heartbeats will calm. The best aquarium photos, like this one by Flickr user halvora at the Bangkok Aquarium, are able to capture those little moments of epiphany and calm that occur as we gaze into these alien worlds of color and movement.

Taken any great travel photos you'd like to share with the world? Why not add them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day - Aquarium visitors originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activityaquariumbangkokchildrenfishfunmarine lifeMarineLifeshadowsilhouetteSun, 11 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a musical trip to Colombia with The Original Sound of Cumbia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/07/take-a-musical-trip-to-colombia-with-the-original-sound-of-cumbi/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/07/take-a-musical-trip-to-colombia-with-the-original-sound-of-cumbi/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/07/take-a-musical-trip-to-colombia-with-the-original-sound-of-cumbi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I made my first visit to Colombia this past February and was immediately fascinated with the place. Everything from the rough-around-the-edges charm of Bogota, to the exotic tropical fruit juices, to the vibrant nightlife left me craving more. Today on Spotify I found an album that brought all of those Colombian travel experiences rushing back - a just-released compilation called "The Original Sound of Cumbia."

What's Cumbia, you say? Well, it's a musical style uniquely typical of Colombia, an infectious blend of trumpets, drums and accordions that combines the influence of indigenous tribes, Spanish colonists and rhythms brought from Africa by slaves. Basically it's the type of music that will have you dancing around your desk and shaking your hips to the pulsing, catchy tunes. Sound interesting? Well The Original Sound of Colombia is exactly what you need to get started. Created by the musical experts at Soundway Records, the 2-disc album collects some of the genre's greatest hits from all the way back in 1948 all the way up to 1979. The meticulously selected songs chart the rise of this elegant, catchy, fun and joyous sound as it evolved from peasant party music to the official soundtrack of Colombia.

Many music-lovers are guilty of banishing non-American and non-European bands to a catch-all genre called World Music. Before you write off The Original Sound of Cumbia as just another collection of music from some strange South American country, give it a listen on Spotify or buy the CD from Soundway. Even if you've never been to Colombia, we promise it will have you dancing circles around your laptop while you book the next flight down to Bogota.

Take a musical trip to Colombia with The Original Sound of Cumbia originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albumbogotacumbiaLPmusicsoundwaySoundway RecordsSoundwayRecordsspotifythe original sound of cumbiaTheOriginalSoundOfCumbiaWed, 07 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day - Holiday lights]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/04/photo-of-the-day-holiday-lights/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/04/photo-of-the-day-holiday-lights/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/04/photo-of-the-day-holiday-lights/#commentsFiled under: , ,



With the holidays fast approaching, trees, houses and fences across the world are beginning to glow with decorative lights of all shapes and sizes. Whatever your religion or beliefs, these festive displays add a burst of warmth and color to the dark days of December. Flickr user herb.g does a great job of capturing this holiday spirit in today's shot from Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania - the flickering colors and soft-focus blur of the lights create an eye-catching work of abstract art.

Taken any great photos during your recent travels? Why not add them to the Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day - Holiday lights originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abstractbokehbotanical gardenBotanicalGardenchristmaschristmas lightschristmas treeChristmasLightsChristmasTreecolorsholidayslightslongwood gardensLongwoodGardenspennsylvaniatreeSun, 04 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day - Route 66 Signage]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/30/photo-of-the-day-route-66-signage/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/30/photo-of-the-day-route-66-signage/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/30/photo-of-the-day-route-66-signage/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Route 66, the legendary roadway of American lore, may be no more, but ghostly vestiges of its existence still remain. Take the lovely stretch of retro hotel signs in Albuquerque New Mexico - part of the old Route 66 route. Just off the University of New Mexico campus, you'll find a scattered collection of these aging neon beauties, sprouting like weeds among discount furniture stores, flophouses and trendy coffee shops. Today's gorgeous example is brought to us by Flickr user Christian Carollo Photography. Pop quiz - can any of our Gadling readers name the TV show this exact sign recently appeared in?

Have any great travel photos you'd like to share with the world? Why not add them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day - Route 66 Signage originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Albuquerquecar cultureCarCulturehighwayretro signsRetroSignsroadside attractionsRoadsideAttractionsRoadTriproute 66Route66university of new mexicoUniversityOfNewMexicovintagevintage signsVintageSignszia motor lodgeZiaMotorLodgeSun, 30 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day - Lightning storm]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/23/photo-of-the-day-lightning-storm/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/23/photo-of-the-day-lightning-storm/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/23/photo-of-the-day-lightning-storm/#commentsFiled under:



There's something powerful and strangely eerie about today's lightning photo by Flickr user fdean55. The spindly tendrils of light, glowing clouds and ominous sky suggest a scene of foreboding and, at the same time, natural beauty. Like many of the best travel shots, it's a photo of a beautiful fleeting moment captured by the fortuitous click of a camera shutter. Be ready - you never know when inspiration may hit!

Have any great serendipitous travel shots you'd like to share? Why not add them to our Gadling group on Flickr? We might just pick one of yours as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day - Lightning storm originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lakelight showlightningLightShowpurpleSun, 23 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST