Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Exclusive video: inside Virgin America's "Stay Golden" launch]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/exclusive-video-inside-virgin-americas-stay-golden-launch/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/exclusive-video-inside-virgin-americas-stay-golden-launch/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/exclusive-video-inside-virgin-americas-stay-golden-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



See what it's like to be on the inside of a Virgin America launch event. Full interview with Branson after the break.

Continue reading Exclusive video: inside Virgin America's "Stay Golden" launch

Exclusive video: inside Virgin America's "Stay Golden" launch originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FLLFloridafort lauderdaleFortLauderdalelaunchRichard BransonRichardBransonSFOStay GoldenStayGoldenStephen GreenwoodStephenGreenwoodVideoVirgin AmericaVirginAmericaw hotelWHotelFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Inside Virgin America's "Stay Golden" launch event (photos)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/inside-virgin-americas-stay-golden-launch-event-photos/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/inside-virgin-americas-stay-golden-launch-event-photos/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/inside-virgin-americas-stay-golden-launch-event-photos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


I looked around and tried to absorb what was unfolding before me.

VIP's and Virgin employees mingled on the patio of the beachfront W Fort Lauderdale. Nearby, a reality TV crew set up a shot for a new series about the lives of Virgin America flight attendants. Lights and loud music infiltrated the senses. It was a perfect backdrop for television, even though it didn't quite feel like reality.

And in a sense, it wasn't reality; but merely a splash of Richard Branson's reality.

Then, somewhere between the gold-suited synchronized swimmers, the beverages sprinkled with gold, and the musical performance from Santigold, it hit me: Virgin America is dedicated to (and very good at) one thing. They design brilliant experiences... and in their world, there's no such thing as overindulgence.

Continue reading Inside Virgin America's "Stay Golden" launch event (photos)

Inside Virgin America's "Stay Golden" launch event (photos) originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BransonFLLFort LauderdaleFortLauderdaleLaunch PartyLaunchPartyLAXLos AngelesLosAngelesPartyRichard BransonRichardBransonSan FranciscoSanFranciscoSFOVirginVirgin AmericaVirginAmericaW HotelWHotelFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin America launches SFO/LAX to Ft. Lauderdale!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/18/virgin-america-launches-sfo-lax-to-ft-lauderdale/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/18/virgin-america-launches-sfo-lax-to-ft-lauderdale/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/18/virgin-america-launches-sfo-lax-to-ft-lauderdale/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Greetings from 35,000 ft! Right now, we're onboard Virgin America's inaugural flight from San Francisco to Ft Lauderdale, which touches down in the Sunshine State at 3:30 PM.

Today's expansion marks the tenth destination for Virgin America and the first connection from the Golden State to the Gold Coast. In celebration, Virgin America has brought along a handful of winners from their "Stay Golden America" competition, and will be donating $1 to budding entrepreneurs for every tweet containing the tag #HelpVirginUnite.

Gallery: Virgin America - SFO to FLL inaugural flight


This afternoon, there will be a tarmac reception from Richard Branson and CEO of Virgin America, David Cush. The event will conclude with a launch party hosted at the W Ft. Lauderdale - where Gadling will be posting full event coverage and getting the down-low on Virgin America's expansion plans.

Be sure to track our feed for updates, photos, exclusive interviews, and reviews of the entire Virgin America experience.

Virgin America launches SFO/LAX to Ft. Lauderdale! originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaliforniaDavid CushDavidCushFLLfloridaft lauderdaleFtLauderdalelaunchRichard BransonRichardBransonSan FranciscoSanFranciscoSFOVirginvirgin americaVirginAmericaWed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (11.10.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/photo-of-the-day-11-10-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/photo-of-the-day-11-10-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/10/photo-of-the-day-11-10-09/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While I usually prefer photographs that feature subjects at close distance in great detail, I'm fascinated by the aesthetic quality of this photo by Michael Goldstein. Bright winter light and dramatic shadows frame the worn inscriptions well, with the composition anchored by the battered blue door in the center. It's a unique take on a monument that's been photographed many times.

The photo was taken at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe was designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806, and finished in 1810 as an honor to the Napoleonic Wars. (Additional fun fact: The Arc is so big, that Charles Godefroy flew his Nieuport biplane through it in 1919, as part of a parade to commemorate the end of World War I)

If you have some great travel shots you'd like to share, be sure to upload them to the Gadling pool on Flickr. We might just pick one as our Photo of the Day!

Photo of the Day (11.10.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arc de TriompheArcDeTriompheMichael GoldsteinMichaelGoldsteinMike GoldsteinMikeGoldsteinParisPhoto of the DayPhotoOfTheDayTue, 10 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dim Sum Dialogues: Kowloon Walled City]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/dim-sum-dialogues-kowloon-walled-city/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/dim-sum-dialogues-kowloon-walled-city/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/dim-sum-dialogues-kowloon-walled-city/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Today, it's one of the most peaceful locations in the city. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and connected by long, low archways that are remnant of the Qing Dynasty's architecture. There are ponds, waterfalls, dragonflies; everything you might associate with traditional Chinese gardens.

But just less than two decades ago, the same soil was the foundation to a very different environment; a lawless territory that was born out of Hong Kong's identity crisis and foreign occupation. A 6.5 acre plot of land that was home to nearly 33,000 people and a collection of brothels, opium dens, casinos, cocaine parlors, and secret factories. Kowloon Walled City, or Hak Nam...the City of Darkness.

Continue reading Dim Sum Dialogues: Kowloon Walled City

Dim Sum Dialogues: Kowloon Walled City originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City of DarknessCityOfDarknessdim sum dialoguesDimSumDialoguesHak NamHakNamhistoryHong KongHongKongKai TakKaiTakKowloon Walled CityKowloonWalledCityphotosWed, 04 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (11.3.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/photo-of-the-day-11-3-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/photo-of-the-day-11-3-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/photo-of-the-day-11-3-09/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


"Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity" - Charles Mingus
There's a certain beauty in simplicity, even in regard to photography. I find this photo by lecercle to be a great example of taking simple subject matter and making it interesting and beautiful through composition & contrast.

The photo was taken in Kashid, which is a beach town on the shores of the Northern region of Maharashtra, India. The ocean that the subjects are looking out over is the Arabian Sea. There are a few of small hotels in Kashid, and the rest is privately owned, but it's quickly becoming a surfer's paradise.

Want to have your travel photo considered for Gadling's Photo of the Day? Submit your best shots here.

Photo of the Day (11.3.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (10.27.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/27/photo-of-the-day-10-27-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/27/photo-of-the-day-10-27-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/27/photo-of-the-day-10-27-09/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Today's Photo of the Day comes from longtime contributor Alpha Tango Bravo (aka Adam Baker). I consider great portrait photos to be ones that share the personality and character of the subject - even if they happen to be complete strangers in a foreign land.

Baker writes in the photo's caption that he approached this woman, and asked to take her photo "as a souvenir" - to which she promptly replied "go to the souvenir stand." before finally agreeing. Asking locals for permission to take their picture is no easy task, but one that is often well worth the risk...

The photo was captured in Suzdal, Russia - a town of under 12,000 people situated northeast of Moscow. The town is home to the Open Russian Festival of Animated Film every March.

Are you a Flickr user who'd like to share a travel related picture or two for our consideration? Submit it to Gadling's Flickr group right now! We just might use it for our Photo of the Day!

Photo of the Day (10.27.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (10.20.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/photo-of-the-day-10-20-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/photo-of-the-day-10-20-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/photo-of-the-day-10-20-09/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Today's beautiful Photo of the Day comes from Flickr user jrodmanjr. It's an interesting composition - the lush green hills in contrast against icy cliffs and sky, separated by a thin formation of low clouds. Having never been to Switzerland, this is exactly the scene that I visualize when I imagine the stereotypical beauty of the country.

The shot was taken in Grindelwald, Switzerland (pop. 3,760) - which is a popular destination for winter sports and summer hiking. A starting point for ascents of the Eiger (featured in the photo) and Wetterhorn mountains, the town has an elevation of 1,034m. Another reason you might recognize it? It was used as the basis for the view of Alderaan in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

Are you a Flickr user who'd like to share a travel related picture or two for our consideration? Submit it to Gadling's Flickr group right now! We just might use it for our Photo of the Day!

Photo of the Day (10.20.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alpsgrindelwaldjrodmanjrphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayphotosstar warsStarWarsSwitzerlandTue, 20 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (10.13.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/13/photo-of-the-day-10-13-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/13/photo-of-the-day-10-13-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/13/photo-of-the-day-10-13-09/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Today's photo of the day comes from contributor ultraclay! For me, this photo brings a great deal of warmth as a reminder that not all rainy days have to be gloomy. With autumn settling into full swing for many of you out there, heavier rain is coming - so try grabbing an umbrella and a friend, and head a local market or a cozy coffee shop to pass the afternoon.

The photo was taken in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York - an area known for its cultural institutions, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Music School, The Paul Robeson Theater, The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts.

Do you have great travel photos you'd like to share? 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 (10.13.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fort GreeneFortGreenephoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayultraclayTue, 13 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Communist China celebrates 60th anniversary]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/01/communist-china-celebrates-60th-anniversary/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/01/communist-china-celebrates-60th-anniversary/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/01/communist-china-celebrates-60th-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Today, October 1st, marks the 60th anniversary of communist rule in China - an era that has been defined with great success and development for the country.

Leaders in Beijing and 30,000 specially invited guests observed the day with an epic celebration that was reported to be larger in scale than the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Visitors and residents of Beijing had limited access to the city's biggest tourist attractions, and Beijing Capital International Airport was closed for over 3 hours.

The event featured a parade of singers, dancers, and soldiers, a fireworks display, and a military procession that flaunted the country's latest surface and missile technology.

President Hu Jintao gave a speech from the same spot that Mao Zedong stood 60 years ago to declare the foundation of the People's Republic of China. "Today a socialist China that faces the future is standing tall and firm in the East," he stated. "The development and progress of the new China over the past 60 years fully proved that only socialism can save China, and only reform and opening up can ensure the development of China,".

No expense was spared for the celebration. Massive cloud-seeding efforts made yesterday proved successful, and Beijing enjoyed clear, blue skies for the day.

For pictures and an impressive video of the event, head over to the BBC for more coverage.

Communist China celebrates 60th anniversary originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60th Anniversary60thAnniversaryBeijingCelebrationChinaCommunismHu JintaoHuJintaoOctober 1stOctober1stParadePeoples Republic of ChinaPeoplesRepublicOfChinaPRCTourismThu, 01 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: The sounds of Siam]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/30/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-sounds-of-siam/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/30/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-sounds-of-siam/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/30/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-sounds-of-siam/#commentsFiled under: , , ,





Monks chant at Wat Chana Songkhram, near Khao San Road.

It's my last day in Bangkok and I'm not ready to leave Thailand. If I had another two weeks, I would have opted to stop at Ko Phi Phi and then cut north to trek through Chiang Mai, but my time is up. In my preparation to leave, I get the feeling that I'll be back soon enough - there's too much that I love about this place to not come back.

A couple memories stand out above the others.The utter serenity of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, right after a mid-afternoon rain shower. The polite, genuine smiles of school children and street vendors. The new friends from the Khao San, and Diow. The breeze through the open window on the train to Surat Thani. The feeling of freedom at the Full Moon Party. The dangerous scooter maneuvers. The flavors of the food. The upbeat greeting from Thai women "Sawadee kaaaaa".

One of my favorite ways to remember a place when I'm traveling is to record audio. Then, thousands of miles away from the point of capture, to sit with headphones on and let my mind recreate in the rest. So, to end this series, I though that I'd share that experience with you. Below you'll find pictures and their accompanying ambient sounds, with a brief description for context. If you have headphones, please use them to get the full experience.

For those that have been, I hope it brings back the same good memories. For those that have yet to go, I hope the open road is calling your name...

Continue reading Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: The sounds of Siam

Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: The sounds of Siam originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambientaudiobangkokboatdim sum dialoguesDimSumDialoguesfull moon partyFullMoonPartyko pha nganKoPhaNganrecordingsoundtemplethailandtrainwat phoWatPhoWed, 30 Sep 2009 17:00:00 ESTThai BandStephen Greenwood1:10<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (9.29.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/29/photo-of-the-day-9-9-29/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/29/photo-of-the-day-9-9-29/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/29/photo-of-the-day-9-9-29/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Today's Photo of the Day comes from Milan-based photographer, il lele. This photo was taken in the city of Fatehpur Sikri, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It's a great moment captured - and it's easy to appreciate the simplicity & contrast of the image. Il lele has alot of great portraits and environment shots on Flickr, so take the time to check them out.

Fatehpur Sikri was constructed in 1570, and served as the capital of the Mughal empire until 1585. That year, it abandoned for unknown reasons - but is now regarded as a center of architectural inspiration. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring several important religious and secular buildings.

Do you have great travel photos you'd like to share? 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 (9.29.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AgraFatehpur SikriFatehpurSikriindiamilanmonkeyphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayphotosTue, 29 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Ko Samui]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/29/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-ko-samui/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/29/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-ko-samui/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/29/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-ko-samui/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


My ears are still ringing from the stacks of speakers that exhilarated Haad Rin all night. The lack of sleep is making my eyes heavy, but the lurching of the ferry refuses to let my body sleep.

I'm departing Ko Pha Ngan and am en route to Ko Samui - the largest island in the Surat Thani province, and the third largest island in Thailand. It's a forty minute ride from the beaches of Haad Rin, and when we arrive, there is another entourage of taxi drivers and hotel workers with signs and suggestions for lodging.

The island was first inhabited by Malay and Chinese settlers, the name is thought to have come from a degeneracy of the Chinese word Saboey, which translates in English as "safe haven". A welcome thought for those looking to escape the aftermath of a full moon party.

Continue reading Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Ko Samui

Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Ko Samui originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Baan ChawengBaanChawengdim sum dialoguesDimSumDialoguesislandko samuiKoSamuiPha NganPhaNganresortSamuisoutheast asiaSoutheastAsiathailandtourismtourism and travelTourismAndTraveltouristvacationTue, 29 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Full Moon Party]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/25/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-full-moon-party/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/25/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-full-moon-party/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/25/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-full-moon-party/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The big night has finally arrived - a fact made tangible by the surreal moon strung up in the sky by wispy clouds.

Legend has it that the first party was held in 1985 for a crowd of 25-30 backpackers. Word of mouth spread and caused the gathering to escalate with every new month and every new full moon.

Tonight, anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 people of the world will converge on sands of Haad Rin in a few hours. For the second night in a row, the streets are teeming with young backpackers.

Continue reading Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Full Moon Party

Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Full Moon Party originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-11dietrich mateschitzDietrichMateschitzdim sum dialoguesDimSumDialoguesenergy drinksEnergyDrinksFire DancingFireDancingfull moon partyFullMoonPartyhaad rinHaadRinko pha nganKoPhaNganKrating DaengKratingDaengm150NunchakuPoired bullRedBullThailandFri, 25 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Ko Pha Ngan]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/19/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-ko-pha-ngan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/19/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-ko-pha-ngan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/19/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-ko-pha-ngan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


After what feels like hours, the ferry disembarks on a small dock that ends where a group of Thai people in hats and sunglasses are standing. They're holding signs for connecting rides to hotels or offering cheap bus fares to various beaches on the island.

I suppose one of the pitfalls of not booking anything ahead of time is suddenly realizing that you have no idea what your next move should be. Haad Rin? Haad Yao? Haad Khuat? Haad Salat? Names of beaches barraged my eyes and ears.

With one full day before the full moon party, all hostels were rumored to be fully booked, so it didn't matter where I started the search. I only knew that it would be better to stay close to Haad Rin since it's the center of activity, and staying there would mean avoiding late night taxis or buses when it was time to go home. A couple of tourists waiting to leave the island point to a woman that they recommend for a taxi bus, and I take their suggestion.

Continue reading Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Ko Pha Ngan

Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Ko Pha Ngan originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeachBeachesDim Sum DialoguesDimSumDialoguesFull Moon PartyFullMoonPartyHaad RinHaad SaladHaad YaoHaadRinHaadSaladHaadYaoIslandKo Pha NganKoPhaNganPhotosSurat ThaniSuratThaniThailandSat, 19 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: The road (+ rail + ferry) to Ko Pha Ngan]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/17/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-road-rail-ferry-to-ko-p/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/17/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-road-rail-ferry-to-ko-p/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/17/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-road-rail-ferry-to-ko-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The neon pink taxi screeches to a halt. "You must be the best taxi driver in Bangkok." I declare to the driver, and I mean it.

Moments ago we were at a complete standstill for nearly twenty minutes, in the center of a jammed four-lane road. An everyday occurrence in Bangkok. I had already started considering alternate travel plans, since I was sure that I'd be missing the southbound train.

Could I still make it to Ko Pha Ngan for the full moon party? Were there night buses? How could I have been so foolish as to not account for traffic on the way to the station? And of course, how much would the miscalculation end up costing me?

Continue reading Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: The road (+ rail + ferry) to Ko Pha Ngan

Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: The road (+ rail + ferry) to Ko Pha Ngan originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BangkokBusDim Sum DialoguesDimSumDialoguesFerryFull Moon PartyFullMoonPartyKaraokeKo Phan NganKo SamuiKoPhanNganKoSamuiSurat ThaniSuratThaniThailandTrainTransportTravelThu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:00 ESTThai KaraokeStephen Greenwood1:07<![CDATA[China covers suicide bridge in "butter," safety margarinally improved]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/16/china-covers-suicide-bridge-in-butter-safety-margarinally-imp/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/16/china-covers-suicide-bridge-in-butter-safety-margarinally-imp/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/16/china-covers-suicide-bridge-in-butter-safety-margarinally-imp/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Does anyone know when April Fool's Day is celebrated in China? Because if this article isn't a result of some media hoax, then I've got a lot of unanswered questions...

According to China Daily & the UK's Metro Newspaper, Government officials in Guangzhou have ordered a 1,000ft long steel bridge to be covered in greasy fat, to prevent people from climbing on the structure. The bridge has a history of attracting jumpers that often attempt to gain media coverage or draw attention to personal problems.

Government spokesman Shiu Liang said that they've tried employing guards at both ends of the bridge, and went as far as installing special fences with notices asking people not to commit suicide. And every new attempt, successful or not, means several hours of backed up traffic and a wave of complaints from local residents.

The butter however, has seen positive results. Bridge guard Wong Man stated, "Since we put up the butter there have been no problems with these attention seekers."

No word yet on if Nintendo intends to sue for breach of intellectual property.

So, travelers, bridge climbers, and citizens of China - please be careful out there. And if anyone knows if this is actually true, please drop us a line.

Continue reading China covers suicide bridge in "butter," safety margarinally improved

China covers suicide bridge in "butter," safety margarinally improved originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BridgeButterChinaChina DailyChinaDailyGuangzhouNewsOffbeatWed, 16 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Bangkok]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/15/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-bangkok/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/15/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-bangkok/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/15/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-bangkok/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The city of Bangkok is a dichotomy between peaceful Buddhist temples & sordid red light districts. Beautiful national monuments & shoddy patches of low-income housing. Large, upscale shopping malls & equally large, rickety floating markets. Bright pink taxis or loud tuk tuks that jam the streets & a convenient but limited elevated metro line. Gleaming skyscrapers & lowly guest houses. The list goes on.

For the Americans out there, imagine a metropolitan area with a spread just about double that of Los Angeles, containing one million less people but three times the spice.

Continue reading Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Bangkok

Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Bangkok originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BahtBangkokDim Sum DialoguesDimSumDialoguesEmerald BuddhaEmeraldBuddhaFloating MarketFloatingMarketGrand PalaceGrandPalaceMBKNational StadiumNationalStadiumShoppingSkytrainTaling ChanTalingChanTempleThailandTourismTouristTuk TukTukTukWat PhoWatPhoTue, 15 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Street music]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/12/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-street-music/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/12/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-street-music/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/12/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-street-music/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's 3 o'clock in the morning and most of the rowdy backpackers have deserted Bangkok's Khao San Road. A large rat scurries down the gutter of the street, stopping only to inspect trash and empty plastic buckets that have been strewn about the pavement. A few dispersed food vendors finish packing their stalls for the day and roll them towards wherever home may be.

Compared to the energy of the road during the daytime, it feels eerily silent and motionless. I begin the walk toward my $8 USD-per-night hostel when the reverberation of a guitar slowly starts to fill the void of the early morning. The sound grows louder and I see a small crowd of maybe ten people sitting and standing around a guitarist on the sidewalk.

Continue reading Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Street music

Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: Street music originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BackpackersBangkokDiowGuitarKhao San RoadKhaoSanRoadMusicStreet PerformerStreetPerformerThailandSat, 12 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: The Khao San]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/10/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-khao-san/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/10/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-khao-san/http://www.gadling.com/2009/09/10/dim-sum-dialogues-in-thailand-the-khao-san/#commentsFiled under: , ,

All this month, Dim Sum Dialogues will be bringing you stories from the road. The first destination: Thailand - from Bangkok to Ko Phan Ngan...to discover the hype behind the legendary Full Moon Parties.



It's approaching midnight fast, and the immigration lines in Suvarnabhumi Airport are long. Walking through the modern, sprawling airport, I remind myself not to touch anything in the Duty Free stores, thanks to a Gadling article that I read a few weeks prior to my trip.

The immigration official examines my passport. "First time to Thailand?" he asks. I nod my head. He points a small, futuristic Logitech camera in my direction, presses a key on his keyboard and waves me through. I skip baggage claim. All I've brought is a backpack, a camera, and a sense of adventure - my ideal vacation.

Continue reading Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: The Khao San

Dim Sum Dialogues in Thailand: The Khao San originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BackpackBackpackingBangkokBanglamphuCheapDim Sum DialoguesDimSumDialoguesGatewayGuest HousesGuestHousesHostelKhao San RoadKhaoSanRoadpad thaiPadThaiping pongPingPongSoutheast AsiaSoutheastAsiaSuvarnabhumiThailandThu, 10 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST