Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/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[Holistic Healing Practices From Around The World]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/15/holistic-healing-practices-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/15/holistic-healing-practices-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/15/holistic-healing-practices-from-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

licorice rootNowadays, it seems like there's a pill or shot to cure every illness. But do we really know how safe these unnatural remedies are? Throughout my travels and by talking with locals from other cultures, I've learned there are many natural treatments that are also effective in promoting good health. For those who've ever wondered about the holistic secrets of other cultures, here are some answers.

Turkey

In Turkey, the trick to staying healthy is mesir paste. The concoction was invented in Manisa during the Ottoman Empire, when the wife of Sultan Yavuz Sultan Selim and mother of Suleyman the Magnificent became very ill. No doctor was able to find a cure, until one created a unique spice blend that seemed to bring the woman back to life. The mixture is a blend of 41 different spices that form a thick paste, and is used as a general cure-all and tonic. Some of the paste's ingredients include black pepper, cinnamon, licorice root (shown above), coconut and orange peel. The country is so proud of their natural remedy, they celebrate a Mesir Festival in Manisa each year.

Continue reading Holistic Healing Practices From Around The World

Holistic Healing Practices From Around The World originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget travelBudgetTravelculturedrinkecotourismfoodhealthholisticholistic remediiesHolisticRemediiesnatural remediesNaturalRemediesnaturewellnessSun, 15 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming exhibition will debunk Mayan prophecy of the end of the world in 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/04/upcoming-exhibition-will-debunk-mayan-prophecy-of-the-end-of-the/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/04/upcoming-exhibition-will-debunk-mayan-prophecy-of-the-end-of-the/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/04/upcoming-exhibition-will-debunk-mayan-prophecy-of-the-end-of-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


An exhibition coming to Philadelphia will tackle this year´s hottest pseudo-archaeological topic: the Mayan prophecy that the world will end in 2012.

"Maya 2012: Lords of Time" at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology will explain the Mayan civilization's complex interlocking calendar systems through interactive displays and a rich collection of art and artifacts. These calendars developed out of an advanced knowledge of astronomy and an obsession with the cyclical nature of astronomical events such as the solar and lunar years, eclipses, and the movements of the planets.

One of these calendar systems is the so-called Long Count, which starts a new cycle every 1,872,000 days, or approximately 5,125 solar years. The current cycle ends on December 21 or 23, depending on which scholar you believe. Most scholars say the Long Count doesn't actually end on this date, it merely starts another cycle. The other Mayan calendars keep going too. No Mayan text says the world is supposed to end this year. In fact, some Mayan inscriptions actually mention dates later than 2012. They don't mention anything about cosmic vibrations, visiting UFOs, or any of the other bullshit theories being bandied about either.

Dr. Sandra Noble, executive director of the Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, said in an interview that the ancient Maya felt the end of a cycle was cause for celebration. Anthropologist and Maya specialist Dr. Judith Maxwell did what the New Agers didn't bother to do and actually asked the Maya what they thought. While the ancient civilization is gone, the Mayan culture is alive and well in Mesoamerica and Mayan shamans, called daykeepers, told Maxwell that the end is not coming.

Apparently the exhibition organizers agree there's nothing to fear. The exhibition runs from May 5, 2012 to January 13, 2013.

So the world isn't going to end in 2012.

This ranks top on my list of "unsurprising news of the week." I'm 42, and I have a hard time remembering a year that the world wasn't supposed to end. Some hack writer or religious conman is always trying to scare us into thinking the world is going to end. The sad thing is, people embrace this nonsense. The world is not ending this year. You still have to deal with the consequences of your actions and you still have to shoulder your responsibilities. Chances are you will have to do that for many years to come. Chances are you will grow old and live through many more of life's ups and downs.

That's not a bad thing.

Upcoming exhibition will debunk Mayan prophecy of the end of the world in 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012archaeologyArchaeologyNewsarcheologyArcheologyNewsend of the worldend of the world 2012EndOfTheWorldEndOfTheWorld2012MayaMayanmayan calendarmayan prophecyMayan prophecy 2012MayanCalendarMayanProphecyMayanProphecy2012museummuseum newsMuseumNewsmuseumsnew agenew age movementnew agersNewAgeNewAgeMovementNewAgerspennsylvaniaPhilidelphiaskepticskepticismUFOUFOsSun, 04 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New BBC America cooking show combines travel and adventure]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/02/new-bbc-america-cooking-show-combines-travel-and-adventure/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/02/new-bbc-america-cooking-show-combines-travel-and-adventure/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/02/new-bbc-america-cooking-show-combines-travel-and-adventure/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It was only a matter of time before all the eating of rats and scorpions on "Survivor" grew tiresome. Perhaps that's why producer Kevin Greene and "Chopped" producer Chachi Senior created a new cooking series for BBC America that combines exotic locales with dodgy outdoor adventures. There's just one little catch: there's no kitchen.

"No Kitchen Required" takes 2008 Food & Wine "Best New Chef" Michael Psilakis of New York's Fish Tag and Kefi, private executive chef Kayne Raymond (aka the resident beefcake), and former "Chopped" champ Madison Cowan, and drops them into ten remote locations to perform some serious hunting and gathering.

After being plunked down in Dominica; Belize; New Zealand; Fiji; Thailand; Hawaii; New Mexico; Louisiana, and Florida, each chef is handed a knife ("Pack your knives and go," is not a sentence you'll hear uttered on this series) and a few key ingredients. They're then left to fish, hunt, forage, and otherwise scrounge up the remaining ingredients to "create a locally-inspired meal that will be judged by the community."

Despite the gimmicky and somewhat contrived nature of the challenges, there's a lot to love about this show. It's fun, innovative, and despite my raging addiction to "Top Chef," I'm happy to see a cooking show that finally requires the use of local/seasonal ingredients (let's hope there's no blow-darting of endangered monkeys or serving of shark fin). Weaving the regional and cultural element into the concept is genius. Braised nutria, anyone?

The series premieres April 3rd.

[Photo credit: (C) Gilles Mingasson for BBC AMERICA]

New BBC America cooking show combines travel and adventure originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCchinacookbook of the dayCookbookOfTheDaycooking classesCooking-Mama-LtdCookingClassesculinary travelCulinaryTravelcultural foodsCulturalFoodsfishingflightfood showdownfood showsFoodShowdownFoodShowsforaginghawaii five-oHawaiiFive-ohuntingjunglelocal foodLocalFoodLouisiana oil spillLouisianaOilSpillNew Mexiconew tv showsNewMexicoNewTvShowsreality seriesreality show castingRealitySeriesRealityShowCastingregional foodsRegionalFoodsTop ChefTopCheftropicsFri, 02 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventure Vacation Guide 2012: Belize]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/adventure-vacation-guide-2012-belize/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/adventure-vacation-guide-2012-belize/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/adventure-vacation-guide-2012-belize/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,



Belize is the only country in Central America with English as the official language. The small country, measuring 180 miles long and 68 miles wide, is a popular vacation destination for tourists whose native language is English. But Belize is good for much more than just lounging in white sand while watching the shimmering teal waves roll in and out while drinks, ordered in English, are replenished. Behind the luxurious resorts and relaxing vacation packages, Belize is an adventure destination.

With the lowest population density in Central America and, simultaneously, the highest growth rate in the region, 2012 is the year to visit Belize--it's still spacious and remote in most places, but it doesn't appear as though this quality will serve Belize permanently. People everywhere are beginning to now catch onto what natives have always known--Belize is not only gorgeous, rich in history, and filled with Mayan cultural treasures, but the small country packs in a big punch with adventure and thrill-seekers. Inexpensive and lush, the untainted waters and landscapes await you.

Continue reading Adventure Vacation Guide 2012: Belize

Adventure Vacation Guide 2012: Belize originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure destinationadventure traveladventure-travelAdventureDestinationadventureguideAdventureGuide2012AdventureTravelbackpackingbelizebelize citybelizeanBelizeCitycaribbeancavingcentral americaCentralAmericaclimbingdivinggreat blue holeGreatBlueHolehikingKaty PerryKatyPerrymaya mountainsMayaMountainsmayanmayan cavesMayanCavesmayansscuba divingScubaDivingsky divingSkyDivingsnorkelingswimmingvisit belizeVisitBelizezip liningzipliningWed, 04 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Frommer's reveals top destinations for 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/25/frommers-reveals-top-destinations-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/25/frommers-reveals-top-destinations-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/25/frommers-reveals-top-destinations-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



What destination are you dreaming of for 2012? The staff at Frommer's have just unveiled their list of top travel destinations for the coming year. Included in the list is a little something for everyone: large metropolises, secluded beach towns, colorful riverside villas, and more.

But Frommer's didn't just rely on their expert editors and author's for this years list--they also polled readers to find out where they wanted to visit in 2012. Click through the gallery below to see Frommer's (and their reader's) picks--including one surprising midwestern city that is the only spot in the United States to make the cut.

Continue reading Frommer's reveals top destinations for 2012

Frommer's reveals top destinations for 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012bay of fundyBayOfFundybeirutbelizebest ofBestOfcanadachinachongqingcuracaodestinationsenglandfrommersfukuokaghamagironagreat britainGreatBritainguatemalajapankansas cityKansasCitylebanonlondonmexicomissourinova scotiaNovaScotiaspaintraveltravel destinationsTravelDestinationsturkeyunited kingdomunited statesUnitedKingdomUnitedStatesyucatan peninsulaYucatanPeninsulaTue, 25 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mayan Underworld: ATM cave in Belize]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/13/the-mayan-underworld-atm-cave-in-belize/http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/13/the-mayan-underworld-atm-cave-in-belize/http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/13/the-mayan-underworld-atm-cave-in-belize/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Actun Tunichil Muknal, an ancient cave buried deep within the Belizean jungle, has a serendipitous acronym: ATM. Wading through waist-deep river water, I'm not wearing non-swimwear. I've been trekking through the overgrown terrain for nearly an hour and I still have one more river to cross. The ATM cave's name is often a joking matter in Belize (Hey man, if you're going into the ATM cave, bring me back some money, eh?), but it seems as though there may be more to these acronymic parallels drawn than just a joke. The hike alone has shown me that an ATM visitor invests the time and energy into the trip in an effort to reap an enriching experience. And so here I am, depositing my time, my energy, and my muscle mass into an adventure that prefaces the cave itself: getting to the cave to begin with.

Gallery: ATM Cave in Belize

BelizeBelizeBelize RoadThe road to ATMATM Cave Hike

Continue reading The Mayan Underworld: ATM cave in Belize

The Mayan Underworld: ATM cave in Belize originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actun tunichil muknalactun tunichil muknal caveActunTunichilMuknalActunTunichilMuknalCaveancient mayan ruinsAncientMayanRuinsatmatm caveAtmCavecaves in belizecaves to see in belizecaves within belizeCavesInBelizeCavesToSeeInBelizeCavesWithinBelizecaving in belizeCavingInBelizechacamayan artifactsmayan belizemayan cavesmayan empiremayan rain godmayan ruinsmayan ruins in belizeMayanArtifactsMayanBelizeMayanCavesMayanEmpireMayanRainGodMayanRuinsMayanRuinsInBelizerain godRainGodspelunking in belizeSpelunkingInBelizeswim in cavesSwimInCavestraveling to belizeTravelingToBelizevisiting belizeVisitingBelizewater caveswater caves in belizeWaterCavesWaterCavesInBelizewhere to go caving in belizewhere to see mayan artifacts in belizeWhereToGoCavingInBelizeWhereToSeeMayanArtifactsInBelizeWed, 13 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Caribbean Tsunami test hopes to save lives]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/25/caribbean-tsunami-test-hopes-to-save-lives/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/25/caribbean-tsunami-test-hopes-to-save-lives/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/25/caribbean-tsunami-test-hopes-to-save-lives/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Caribbean Tsunami test
It was planned long before the earthquake-turned-tsunami event in Japan to test the readiness of 33 Caribbean countries in the region's first full-scale tsunami warning exercise. On Wednesday, March 23, a fictitious earthquake of 7.6 magnitude occurred off the coast of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Bulletins were issued by the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Island and by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach, Hawaii for the rest of the area and the test was underway.

The Caribbean tsunami test, named Caribe Wave 11 did not involve communities but aimed to test the effectiveness of alert, monitoring and warning systems among all the emergency management organizations throughout the region. The test was designed to determine whether Caribbean countries are ready to respond in the event of a dangerous tsunami. Results will be reported in April.

"The earthquake and tsunami that have devastated Japan have shown how essential alert systems are," said Irina Bokova, UNESCO's director general.

Continue reading Caribbean Tsunami test hopes to save lives

Caribbean Tsunami test hopes to save lives originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Caribbean Tsunami TestCaribbeanTsunamiTestNOAATsunamiTsunami warningtsunami warning systemTsunamiWarningTsunamiWarningSystemUNESCOFri, 25 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joy of the Unexpected: Embracing the Mislaid Travel Plan]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/04/the-joy-of-the-unexpected-embracing-the-mislaid-travel-plan/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/04/the-joy-of-the-unexpected-embracing-the-mislaid-travel-plan/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/04/the-joy-of-the-unexpected-embracing-the-mislaid-travel-plan/#commentsFiled under: ,

travel planLying atop the powdery sands of a brochure-worthy beach soaking up the restorative Caribbean sun; or lying inside the claustrophobic tube of an MRI scanner while being plunged into darkness when the provincial Indian hospital loses power. One is the stereotypical dream vacation, the other just a bad dream. But guess which is the experience you are never going to forget?

I once spent a perfectly delightful fortnight in Belize with my wife. We went snorkeling off the world's second largest reef, explored jungles and ruins, ate delicious freshly prepared meals, and, of course, lied out by the warm, gently lapping surf of the Caribbean Sea. It was essentially the kind of getaway one would hope for: relaxing, recharging, and a true escape. However, when we returned home, it was not like friends and family were lining up to view slideshows of sunsets and toucans or hear stories about sunbathing.

And then there was my trip to India, where I slipped on mud (at least I told myself it was mud) and smashed my knee on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, landing myself in that aforementioned, electricity-averse hospital. And where a cheap space heater short-circuited and partially burned down the wall of my equally cheap hotel room. Or where the taxi I was riding in sideswiped a bus and the cabbie jumped out to argue with the bus driver, abandoning me in the car that happened to be stopped across railway tracks, which I only discovered when a crowd of onlookers pushed the car out of the way of a rapidly approaching train. Or when, on the night of Tibetan New Year in Dharamsla, I stumbled into a drunken street fight and a shower of broken glass as someone was pushed through a store window.

Continue reading The Joy of the Unexpected: Embracing the Mislaid Travel Plan

The Joy of the Unexpected: Embracing the Mislaid Travel Plan originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BelizeIndiaFri, 04 Mar 2011 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Rappelling: how NOT to do it]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/26/video-rappelling-how-not-to-do-it/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/26/video-rappelling-how-not-to-do-it/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/26/video-rappelling-how-not-to-do-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Rappelling, by definition, is the controlled descent down a rock face using a rope. What it is not is the out of control and upside down (fascinatingly slow) descent down a rock face using a rope. I don't have a lot of rappelling experience under my belt, but as a general fan of the outdoors, I have enough experience with the activity to watch this video and wonder how, exactly, this kind of accident happens to begin with.

An upcoming caving/rappelling trip to Belize got me searching YouTube for videos. When this came up, I'll admit, I had to watch it a few times.

Have you been rappelling? Have you had an accident doing it? Do you have any tips for avoiding accidents? Tell us. Tell us everything you know in the comments.

Video: Rappelling: how NOT to do it originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad rappellingBadRappellingcavingfunny outdoor videosFunnyOutdoorVideoshow not to rappellhow to rappelHowNotToRappellHowToRappeloutdoor activitiesOutdoorActivitiesrappelrappellingrappelling accidentrappelling gone wrongrappelling videorappelling videosRappellingAccidentRappellingGoneWrongRappellingVideoRappellingVideosspelunkingthe outdoorsTheOutdoorsSat, 26 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cruise lines wage boycott on Belize]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/25/cruise-lines-wage-boycott-on-belize/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/25/cruise-lines-wage-boycott-on-belize/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/25/cruise-lines-wage-boycott-on-belize/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

cruise lines boycott belizeThe cruise port of Belize, known for some of the best scuba diving, an eclectic array of foods and wine, snorkeling or just knowing you have seen the Western hemisphere's longest barrier reef, is in trouble. Not because of environmental issues, severe tropical weather or other problems common to Caribbean ports of call. Belize is suffering from a lack of cruise passengers, a wound-like boycott some say is self-inflicted.

Recently, some major cruise lines have canceled calls to Belize because of a dispute with tender operators over price. It seems Belize tender operators, the people that run the little boats back and forth between the big cruise ships that are too large to dock shore-side, want more than the cruise lines are willing to pay.

"According to reports, the parties are working toward a resolution" said cruise expert Stewart Chiron CEO of CruiseGuy.com adding "but Belize was changed for two Carnival ships last week which were rerouted to Grand Cayman and Costa Maya and three ships will be diverted this week."

Tender operators want between $6.54 and $8.54 per passenger to take them from the cruise ships to shore and back. Cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, want to pay about $5.00 per passenger. But the dispute is not only about price.

"Carnival wants larger capacity tender boats, 150 passenger minimum, to accommodate their larger ships. Smaller tender boats are creating large back logs and delays getting passengers to/ from the ships" added Chiron, noting "Belize has many beautiful coral reefs that are being protected and require cruise ships to anchor farther out."

Eventually, the Belize government may have to choose between making it possible for cruise ships to dock shoreside or lose them altogether.







Flickr photo by anoldent

Cruise lines wage boycott on Belize originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Belizecarnival cruise linesCarnivalCruiseLinescheap cruisesCheapCruisescruisecruise vacationcruise vacationscruisesCruiseVacationCruiseVacationsroyal caribbeanRoyalCaribbeantender operatorsTenderOperatorsTue, 25 Jan 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[5 tips for people who really don't want to go on a cruise]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/14/5-tips-for-people-who-really-dont-want-to-go-on-a-cruise/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/14/5-tips-for-people-who-really-dont-want-to-go-on-a-cruise/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/14/5-tips-for-people-who-really-dont-want-to-go-on-a-cruise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

don't want to go on a cruiseMaybe hiking, biking, backpacking or pretty much any other minimizing endeavor is more what you have in mind for traveling but someone is dragging you along on a cruise. There's just no way you're getting out of it. Is there hope for you? Yes. A little. Not much. But some.

Pace yourself- Food will always be available 24 hours a day on board. You might not be used to that with your triathlon training and all so do some stomach stretching exercises prior to boarding. You will need the extra room. Stop pouting that there are no granola bars or energy drinks. There are. On cruises they are called "shots" and you find them at the bars. You'll enjoy the walk to get them and recent studies suggest those extra steps will help prevent diabetes.

No barfing- You are concerned about the possibility of becoming sea sick because the little path on your normal mountain hike doesn't really move around much. Think of it like that and yeah, you probably will be. Prepare for shooting the rapids in Colorado with somebody who doesn't know what they're doing and you'll be fine. It could be worse. You could have been invited along for a taping of Paris Hilton's new reality show.

Know where you are going- Take time before the cruise to check out a travel guide on the places you will visit. Duh. Just because you don't have any say in where the ship goes doesn't mean you can't meet fun and find interesting people. You probably won't find any of them on the ship but maybe when you go ashore.

Careful with spending- The food is included in the price of your cruise but that's about it. Beverages, both alcoholic and sodas are not included. Want a sip of water? You'll pay $23.54 for that. This is why people smuggle booze on the ship. They do have beds so leave your sleeping bag at home with your tent. Bring your flashlight though, cruise passenger are fascinated by shiny things.

Relax. That may seem like a silly tip but you would be surprised how many people try to pack so much into every day that they need a vacation after they get back from their cruise to recuperate. Know this as a fact: There are way too many things to do and you can not possibly do them all. To be more accurate, there are too many things to do that you will think are stupid so bring a telescope and memorize the sky. Maybe you can find a 14th sign of the zodiac.

Flickr photo by Robbie Howell

5 tips for people who really don't want to go on a cruise originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cruisecruise tipscruise vacationscruisesCruiseTipsCruiseVacationsi hate cruisesIHateCruisesFri, 14 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 10 things to taste in Belize]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/07/top-10-things-to-taste-in-belize/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/07/top-10-things-to-taste-in-belize/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/07/top-10-things-to-taste-in-belize/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Central American country of Belize, still identified on many maps and globes as British Honduras, will not officially turn 30 until next year. However, in less than three decades as a nation, Belize has developed a cuisine all its own based on influences from the Spanish, the Caribbean and the British.

While much of the country's food source comes from the Caribbean Sea, many native and traditional dishes have little to do with the ocean and more with abundant fruits, vegetables and seasonings of the region.

Just as Americans need their ketchup, Belizeans need their habanero sauce. A bottle of Marie Sharp's Habanero Sauce is found on every table, and a few dashes make it into every dish. Real cooks, however, make their own, but watch out. Homemade habanero sauce usually comes with a serious kick.

Next time you're touring this Central America hotspot, make sure to taste these top 10 items:

1. Rice, beans and boiled chicken are to Belize what fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob are to America. The chicken is boiled for several hours with garlic, local seasonings and recado, a root that gives the dish its red coloring. The Mayans used recado for tattoo ink, but it is more commonly used today as coloring in lipstick.

2. Cashew wine does not come from the cashew nut but instead a cashew apple, the fruit that surrounds the nut. It produces a very sweet wine, and the best advice is to sip in small doses (the hangover it produces is a doozie).

3. After recovering from that hangover, try some 1 Barrel Rum. It's a dark rum and the nation's official drink.

Continue reading Top 10 things to taste in Belize

Top 10 things to taste in Belize originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belizecentral americaCentralAmericadianalambdinmeyerfooddrinkWed, 07 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury gone wild: Top treehouse hotels around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/04/18/luxury-gone-wild-top-treehouse-hotels-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2010/04/18/luxury-gone-wild-top-treehouse-hotels-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2010/04/18/luxury-gone-wild-top-treehouse-hotels-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Who said luxury was limited only inside four walls? In the backyard of hotels and resorts we frequent around the world are miles of lush landscapes just waiting to be explored and slept in. Look up the next time you're walking through the woods and imagine a space in that tall tree, complete with all the amenities you would find at home.

Treehouses are treasures that embrace our childhood and indulge our adventurous side, and they have a lot more to offer than a bird's nest and an old carpet from your Mom's garage. Below are some of the most unique treehouse hotels around the world worth exploring... are you game?

Parrot Nest Lodge, Belize: Spend the night under a 100-foot guanacste tree in a thatched treehouse in Parrot Nest Lodge. Surrounded on three sides by the Mopan River, you'll watch fireflies swarm at eye level and make friends with a few parrots from your hammock on the porch of the tree. Make sure you have plenty of battery life in your camera - the Parrot Nest Lodge is one of the best places to play with the wildlife that inhabits the exotic gardens on the grounds. The best part? It's only $40 a night for double occupancy and children under 12 stay free. www.parrot-nest.com

Tree Houses of Hana, Maui: These tree-top rooms are pretty basic, but if you're looking for rustic romance they're worth the climb. The rooms in these trees lack electricity (read: candles set the mood) and when the sun goes down, tiki torches and candles light the way through the wooded path to your secluded treehouse. Treetops, House of the August Moon and Pavillion all provide guests with ocean views and camp-style in-tree kitchens. This cost of this adventure will cost you $120 per night. hanalani.maui.net

Continue reading Luxury gone wild: Top treehouse hotels around the world

Luxury gone wild: Top treehouse hotels around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costa ricaCostaRicaIndiaMassachusettstree houseTreeHouseweirdSun, 18 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trade Mocked]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/04/10/trade-mocked/http://www.gadling.com/2010/04/10/trade-mocked/http://www.gadling.com/2010/04/10/trade-mocked/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

You were a cheerleader, you dated a cheerleader, or you hated the cheerleaders. As I recall, that's how high school worked.

Thanks to travel PR, that same primeval paradigm lives on long after graduation. That miniskirts-shouting-slogans thing still works, whether you're a used car salesman, Miley Cyrus on VH1 or the tourist board of a small Balkan nation. When it comes to selling your destination in today's busy world of busy people, a country's name just isn't enough--just like school spirit, you need colors, a pep band, a mascot, a brand and most important--a cheer.

It's tragic but true: tourist boards don't trust their country's name to inspire appropriate thoughts in your brain. Toponyms are too open-ended and too untrustworthy--also, way too obvious. For example, what's the first thing that pops into your head when I say . . . Monte Carlo? How about Australia? The Bahamas? Kuwait? The Gambia?

Whatever you're thinking, it's not enough. Tourist boards want you to choose their destination over all others, then allocate all of your vacation days to them and then come spend your money on very specific things--like miniature golf by the sea or hot air balloon rides across the prairie. In short, they want your school spirit so much they're churning out cheers to fill up all the Swiss cheese holes in your mental map of the world.

Like a good cheer, a good destination slogan is simple and so memorable it sticks in your head like two-sided tape. Sex sells, but then so does love: "Virginia is for Lovers", Hungary offers visitors "A Love for Life", Albania promises "A New Mediterranean Love", while the highlighted "I feel Slovenia" spells out sweetly "I Feel Love". Meanwhile, Bosnia & Herzegovina call themselves "the Heart Shaped Land" and Denmark's logo is a red heart with a white cross. Colombia and Dubai have red hearts in their logo. Everybody else uses sunshine.

Continue reading Trade Mocked

Trade Mocked originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcountriesPRpublic relationsPublicRelationstourismtrademarksSat, 10 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The 20 greatest cities in the world for foodies]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/11/the-20-greatest-cities-in-the-world-for-foodies/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/11/the-20-greatest-cities-in-the-world-for-foodies/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/11/the-20-greatest-cities-in-the-world-for-foodies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Once upon a time, the world's food capitals were a mere few well-known locales like Paris, New York, and Bangkok. All the action (and the eyes, and the forks) were focused there.

Recently, though, many areas of the world have expanded and improved both their menus and their talents in the kitchen, resulting in far more places staking their claims in the classy world of quality dining. Similarly, other cities have quietly cultivated some of the most amazing farmer's markets on the globe, and their passion for fresh food has spread throughout their communities. Taken together, the following are the crème de la crème -- the Greatest Cities in the World for Foodies.

Sydney, Australia
Australia imports very little of its produce; the great majority is harvested from local fields and farms promising fresh, flavorful dishes with the very best of in-season fruits and vegetables. In addition, the open-air Sydney Fish Market showcases the best and freshest seafoods from both the local area and from around the world. The Fish Market is an excellent place to shop, to grab some of the world's finest sushi, and even to take some cooking classes in their recently renovated facility. For those soon to visit, here's a list of prizewinning eateries in the Sydney area.

Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
China's south coast is a celebration of amazing foods. If you've got a taste for Asian-fusion, or the best dim-sum on earth, this is your city. The amount and variety of dining options is stunning, and whether you're interested in street-side vendors, feasting in Yung-Kee where as many as five-thousand guests dine on their roasted goose every day (!), or meals carefully prepared by five-star chefs, Hong Kong has it on the menu.

Continue reading The 20 greatest cities in the world for foodies

The 20 greatest cities in the world for foodies originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bangkokbarcelonabolognabostonBriBuenosAiresBuenos AiresBuenosAiresCaleb RoyCalebRoycaliforniachicagoedinburghhong kongHongKongillinoiskansas cityKansasCitylondonlouisianamassachusmelbournemissourimontrealnew orleansnew yorkNewOrleansNewYorkparisrockhamptonsan franciscoSanFranciscospringfieldst petersburgstann creekstann creek districtStannCreekStannCreekDistrictStPetersburgsydneytokyotorontoveniceVictoria RossVictoriaRossThu, 11 Mar 2010 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[10 great destinations for scuba diving adventure (videos)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/26/10-great-destinations-for-scuba-diving-adventure-videos/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/26/10-great-destinations-for-scuba-diving-adventure-videos/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/26/10-great-destinations-for-scuba-diving-adventure-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Dive in and explore the underwater landscapes of some of the world's most exotic and interesting locales. Whether you're a veteran scuba diver, or someone who's always wanted to test the waters, here's your chance to visit some of the world's top dive destinations. Experience what it's like to venture into the deep in this video roundup of 10 great destinations for scuba diving.


Bali, South Pacific
Long hailed as a crown jewel amongst scuba divers for its idyllic location, warm waters, underwater diversity, and plentiful wrecks, Bali beckons with its aquatic spell.

Continue reading 10 great destinations for scuba diving adventure (videos)

10 great destinations for scuba diving adventure (videos) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebaliblue holeBlueHolecabo san lucasCaboSanLucascocoscozumeldestinationsdivinggreat barrier reefGreatBarrierReefkonared seaRedSeascubaTue, 26 Jan 2010 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadling readers compile Belize must-sees]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/19/gadling-readers-compile-belize-must-sees/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/19/gadling-readers-compile-belize-must-sees/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/19/gadling-readers-compile-belize-must-sees/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gadling would first like to congratulate Dave C., the lucky winner of our Moon Belize giveaway! Dave C. wrote: "I don\'t get the change to do as much diving as I like, but when I can, I won\'t miss it. If in Belize, I would certainly not want to miss the opportunity dive at the Blue Hole. Diving gives me a sense of peace I can't get doing anything else, and the Blue Hole just looks like a tremendously mysterious and beautiful place to dive." A copy of Moon Belize is heading to your doorstep as I type this. I hope you enjoy the Blue Hole, and thanks to everyone who participated.

I was so blown away by the fantastic Belize must-sees that I compiled some of the best giveaway comments below.

From Dennis: "Snorkeling at Mexico Rocks. Off the beaten path, beautiful and never crowded. It's like your own private garden of coral heads and sea life."

From Molly: "As newlyweds crushed under a mountain of student loan debts, we were thrilled to see the review of Moon Belize. We want our honeymoon to be there and are saving up. Definitely top of my list are the ruins and back country hiking."

From Peach: "I'd love to go manatee watching! These are some of my favorite creatures & I've seen them in captivity but thats never really quite the same as seeing something in the wild."

From Joe: "I'm starting a SCUBA program soon and I want to do my certification dive in Belize!"

Continue reading Gadling readers compile Belize must-sees

Gadling readers compile Belize must-sees originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belizeblue holeBlueHolebookgiveawaygoogle mapsGoogleMapsguidebookjoshua bermanmoonmoon belizeMoonBelizeThu, 19 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Talking Travel with Avalon travel writer, Joshua Berman]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/talking-travel-with-avalon-travel-writer-joshua-berman/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/talking-travel-with-avalon-travel-writer-joshua-berman/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/talking-travel-with-avalon-travel-writer-joshua-berman/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Avalon travel writer, Joshua Berman, whose Moon Belize guidebook (8th edition) hit book stands in October, took time from his busy book tour to answer a few questions about travel, writing, and living and breathing idyllic Central America.

Don't forget to enter the Gadling Giveaway of the latest edition HERE (you only have until tomorrow to enter!), or read my glowing review of Moon Belize HERE.

Enjoy the interview!

GAD: Not that I'm criticizing your choice here, but how did you end up in Belize? In your mind, what makes it such a special travel destination?
JB: It was a natural northerly progression, beginning in Nicaragua in 1998, where I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer; followed by Honduras as both a trip leader and guidebook researcher. Then one day my publisher asked if I would take over Moon Belize from Chicki Mallan, the book's original author, who was retiring. I said yes.

GAD: Based on your experiences living and traveling in Nicaragua and other parts of Central America, how does Belize contrast with its neighbors?
JB: Belize is less crowded, more diverse, more expensive, and just as tranquilo as Guatemala, Honduras, or Nicaragua. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America and its heritage as a British colony also makes it stand out from the rest of Central America (including Belizeans' unique affinity for dark beer and stout).

Continue reading Talking Travel with Avalon travel writer, Joshua Berman

Talking Travel with Avalon travel writer, Joshua Berman originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalonbelizegiveawayjoshua bermanmoonmoon belizetalking travelTalkingTraveltravel readTue, 17 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Moon Belize Giveaway]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/12/moon-belize-giveaway/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/12/moon-belize-giveaway/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/12/moon-belize-giveaway/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Gadling is teaming up with Avalon Travel to bring you a great giveaway! A few days ago I reviewed Moon Belize (8th edition), written by Joshua Berman, who is familiar not only with Belize but also Nicaragua and other parts of Central America. This guidebook is the real deal. It has all the information you need to make your Belize holiday one worth remembering.

Now, you can win a free copy of Berman's Moon Belize guidebook by leaving a comment in the bottom of this post by Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 5 p.m. EST. Your comment must identify the one activity/place in Belize that you would absolutely not want to pass up when you go there. Please provide a brief explanation for why you chose this activity/place. This comment shouldn't be longer than three sentences, please.

One lucky winner will be picked randomly and receive this awesome guidebook.
  • To enter, identify the one activity/place in Belize that you would absolutely not want to pass up when you go there.
  • The comment must be left before Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
  • You may enter only once.
  • One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
  • One winner will receive a copy of Moon Belize, valued at $17.95.
  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, including the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
  • Click HERE for complete Official Rules.
It's that simple!

Just so you get the idea, here's my destination of choice. But don't worry: I already have my copy. Now go and win yours.

Brenda's "entry": I'm an outdoorsy type and like to go off the beaten path. Spending a night or two at the Macal River Camp sounds really nice. I can hike, horseback ride, and relax by the river, and be inspired by my natural surroundings.

Look for a follow-up post and announcement on Gadling late next week!

Moon Belize Giveaway originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalonbelizegiveawaymoon belizemoon handbooksThu, 12 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The newest edition of Moon Belize is a gem]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/the-newest-edition-of-moon-belize-is-a-gem/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/the-newest-edition-of-moon-belize-is-a-gem/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/the-newest-edition-of-moon-belize-is-a-gem/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The first things that come to mind when I think of Belize: Mayan ruins, world-class diving, bird-watching, and hiking through nature. Sounds like a vacation in paradise, if you ask me - and I'm from Hawaii. Joshua Berman, a travel expert to both Nicaragua and Belize, recently revised the 8th edition of Moon Belize, and the result is a comprehensive, informative guide for any kind of traveler.

Seeing the best of Belize is a piece of cake, but what makes Moon Belize such a rich resource is Berman's behind-the-scenes knowledge of the country. The 24-page front section of the book offers fantastic itinerary ideas - my favorites being "The Mundo Maya" (scattered across the inland part of the country are over thirty Mayan ruins), Belize's "Best Dive Sites" (live-aboard to your heart's content, or visit one of the country's many atolls, reefs, and cays), and two off-the-beaten-path nature guides.

Continue reading The newest edition of Moon Belize is a gem

The newest edition of Moon Belize is a gem originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belizebookbook reviewBookReviewguidebookjoshua bermanJoshuaBermanmoonmoon belizemoon handbooksMoonHandbookstravel guideTravelGuideWed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST